Thank you for reading!

joulo ↭ paula

PAULA's POV

I tried to open my eyes to a bright light. Am I in heaven? Am I dead? The smell seems familiar. Why am I in the hospital? Is grandma here with me?

Moments later as I scanned the room, I saw the doctor who stood in front of my aunt and uncle. They spoke quietly, discussing my condition.

I tried listening closely when my aunt's harsh words broke the silence, and my heart sank the way her tone sounded. ❝ She's mute? ❞ 

My uncle who was beside my aunt spoke up for me, reminding her that I am part of their family. For that, I was truly grateful.

I suddenly felt dizzy trying to listen to their conversation. Was my cancer really the reason for why she hesitated to accept me? The nurse then must have realized and assisted me with my intravenous and wrote me a reminder of my follow-up appointment.

I noticed my aunt scowl at me as she left the room followed by her husband. Here I was - alone again.

My thoughts turned to my grandmother and the letter she had left behind. I knew one thing for sure: I needed to stay strong and take care of myself so I can be by her side again.

❃ ❃ ❃

Paula had changed into her casual wear and her uncle was kind enough to assist her all the way to the car. Soon after they were heading back to her new home.

Upon arrival, her uncle led her into her new room that was far more comfortable than the room she had in the village.

❝ From now on, this will be your room. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. My name is Ryle, your uncle, ❞ he said, a warm smile on his lips.

Paula smiled warmly in return as she felt grateful for his kindness. 

Unexpectedly, her uncle's next words caught her off guard. ❝ You're very beautiful, the same as Argeline,❞ he said smiling for ear to ear before closing the door.

Paula couldn't help but feel confused. Did Paula look like her mother for him to say that?

↝ Argeline is Paula's mother ↜

Her gaze fell once again on the envelope on her hand.

As she reopened it, her eyes welled up with tears as she remember her grandmother. She hugged the letter close to her chest and looked at the watch that Joulo, had given her. Examining the engraved letters on the back of the watch, it reads 'PADALECKI'.

❃ ❃ ❃

Paula awoke to the sound of a high pitched voice, ❝ What?! Why the hell do I have to live with a mute?! What will Joulo think of me now! ❞

Paula felt a sharp pain on her chest - she was well aware of her disability but she never caused any troubles because of it.

Thankfully, Ryle quickly replied. ❝ Marielle, mind your voice! She's sleeping! ❞ he reprimaned.

It did not scare off Marielle. ❝ Who cares if she's sleeping! I don't want to be seen with her! ❞ she retorted.

Ryle's patience was wearing thin. ❝ Don't talk back to me young lady! ❞ he angrily said. But Marielle refused to back down.❝ Daddy! I am the president of Joulo's fan club! How can you do this to me!? ❞ she pleaded.

Ryle was angry. ❝ She's your damn cousin! Are you even human?! You know what?! You're grounded! ❞ he stated.

Gebaloxxa, Ryle's wife, sensed the tension in the air.❝ Ryle, dear it's not Marielle's fault, it is embarrassing for her to be with a mute ❞ she said.

Paula felt another stabbing pain on her chest - she didn't want to be a burden on her family, but it seems like her presence was causing more harm than good.

When Paula opened her door and decided to go downstairs, she was confronted by Marielle in the hallway. Marielle's annoyed expression was obvious. However, Paula couldn't help but notice Marielle's unique beauty - with her greyish lavender hair and brown eyes, she was remarkably pretty. Marielle stared at Paula as if she had done something wrong. Paula felt uneasy and unsure of how to behave in front of her cousin.

Marielle then said ❝ What the hell are you looking at, mute? And don't even think about coming to my school tomorrow, you're not going anywhere near my friends or Joulo. You're nothing but a freak and an embarrassment to our family.❞ With that, Marielle walked off and slammed the door of her room, leaving Paula feeling depressed and unwanted.

Tomorrow will be Paula's first day at school. She knew now that she has to avoid her cousin at all cost. But at the same time she is excited and nervous about how she would fit in and make new friends, because she had never been to a school before.

She wondered if she her classmates would accept her.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

The photos, drawings / fanarts and gifs used in this story aren't mine. Full credits to the owners.