I’ve had an OK week. In fact, it’s been better than OK. I’m starting to feel settled. Erica and Keisha are loading books into their bags for weekend homework. I do the same. ‘What are you doing now?’ Erica asks. ‘Why don’t you come with us?’ Keisha adds. I heave my laden school bag onto my back so I can sign. ‘Come where?’ I ask. ‘We’re going to have a Coke and a look around – ’ ‘I wish I had money,’ Erica interrupts. ‘I can’t buy anything. You’re lucky, Chatter.’ ‘I’m not lucky,’ Keisha argues, rolling her eyes. ‘I earn my money by working. You know that.’ I wonder what Keisha’s job might be. What job could a deaf teenage girl get? But it’s hard to get a word, or a sign, in.Finally I manage to ask. ‘I work in a cafe,’ Keisha signs. ‘I love it.’ ‘How do you do it?’ I ask. ‘I mean, how do you know you’ll get the customer’s orders right? Or explain things to them?’ Keisha mimes handwriting. ‘It works fine,’ she signs.‘Everyone in town knows I’m deaf, so they’re used to it.’ I realise I’m staring at Keisha.
