Pride and Denial : Serial Killers

Frances spoke alright. She could even hear a little and lipread some. With this, it was determined that she should be mainstreamed all the way through high school. She was an average student that made good marks on tests yet was always behind in her school work. Her social life was uneventful and limited because she could never really keep up with the chatter of the Gossiping Girly Gals and, of course, the Blue Balls Boys only seemed to like her because she was a young lady with a nice body and a pretty face. What friends she did have, only seemed to come around when their other friends we're busy or away and had no other choice.

You see, for Frances, high school sucked really bad. So bad that she contemplated suicide often. She would cut and scratch her arms and fingers, punch herself in the face, and she would pull her hair out in a fit of rage. She would cry and moan her way to sleep in the cold corner of her room while the door was locked.

"Mama, I'm not happy. I hurt inside. I don't feel right at school and all the other kids make me feel stupid. They don't understand that I can't hear the way they hear. Sometimes I wish I didn't even exist because it hurts so bad when they make you feel like you don't exist."

"Baby, I understand. They just don't understand. You're better than they are because you can do so much and you don't hear like they do! Just forget about it and remember. Daddy and I love you so much and we are proud of you."

"But Mama,..."

"Shhhh...don't worry about them. You're doing just fine and before you know it, high school with be over. (long pause) So...have you done your homework and decided which colleges you're going to apply for next year?"

"Daddy, Will you hate me if I want to drop out of school?"

"Now Frances, don't be silly and start getting these wild ideas. You've got one year and a half left of school. You've always been strong young lady and you're almost on your way to college. Keep your chin up and remember, you can't afford the 'luxury of a negative thought'. Have you decided where you want to go to college?"

"Well...Yes,..I've thought about going to University and State as well but lately I've been reading good things about Gallaudet University. Did you know that it is the only liberal arts school for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the world? They use American Sign Language there and there are a whole bunch of other deaf people like me. They even have a class called Deaf Studies!"

"Frances, dear, I'm not sure that is a good idea. Your father and I did not work hard with you and your education only to have you go to a college for the deaf. You need to concentrate on your opportunities out there."

"Your Mom is right. You speak really well and you've scored higher than your classmates on your SAT. It would be several steps backwards for you if you were to attend Gallaudet. I strongly feel Gallaudet is not the place for you. I'm surprised you've even considered it."

"Ugh! You guys always tell me what to do and you never take into account how I feel and what I seek. You have always told me what was best for me according to YOU and YOUR ideals. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I NEED! Get the fuck out of my LIFE!"

*BOOM*