I listen for any new sounds, the mirror still raised in a defensive gesture. There's a beep from the door icon and I raise the mirror up a little higher, preparing to hit with maximum force. The door icon opens up, and I spot movement. I swing.
"Oh my god please don't hit me with that!" Her hands fly in front of her, signing. The girl stands there in an outfit similar to the one I arrived in, except it's for a diamond. I lower the mirror slowly, giving her a once over. I almost laugh at the fact that I was actually concerned for my well being. This girl doesn't look like she could hurt a fly. She visably relaxes, and gives me a tentative smile. I reluctantly give her a smile, or at least that's what I'm aiming for, but it probably ends up looking more like a grimace. She takes a shy step forward and I toss the mirror over onto the bed behind me in order to sign a sentance to her.
"Who are you and where am I?" She furrows her eyebrows, a confused look passing across her face before she starts signing back to me.
"Didn't your parents tell you what happens when you get your Diamond assigned?" I shake my head.
"Why would they ever do that? They wouldn't know."
"Weren't your parents Sapphires?"
"No. They weren't."
"Oh."
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Who are you and where am I? Why am I here? Why are you here? What is this place? Why did I have to fall like fifty stories to get here?" She winces and I feel a bit bad. It's obvious I've overwhelmed her with all my questions and I open my mouth to apologize, but she beat me to it.
"Sorry, I'm Crystal. I know it's ironic before you say anything. I'm your Diamond, and you're in Aitmil, in your new suite. Mine is connected to yours since we're assigned. I figured they'd assign me someone who knew sign language since I'm mute, but since you're not origonally a Sapphire, how do you know it? You weren't required to learn another form of communication."
"My Aunt was deaf. Diamonds and Sapphires came and taught her immediate family Sign language when it happened since she worked for them so long. It was a personal favor." I look down, shifting from foot to foot.
"Oh. I'm sorry." I shrug.
"So-"
"All Diamond and Sapphires please report to the New Assignments Orientation immediately." Crytal makes a face and I snort.
"What was that?"I ask.
"The intercom." I deadpan, quickly signing back.
"No I meant The New Assignments Orientation."
"Oh. The NOA? Ya that's this stupid thing they make everyone go to every time a new Diamond and Sapphire are assigned."
"Seriously? We're gonna have to go to that every single time someone new rolls in?"
"Ya. I know, it's stupid."
"You could say that again."
"We should probaby get moving." I nod
"Wait. So do you want me to talk out loud, sign, what would you prefer?" I say.
"I don't really care, but if you're gonna say something like a joke or a secret, it's probably best to sign." I give her a grin.
"What kind of secrets?" I wiggle my eyebrows.
"You'll figure it out."
ns 15.158.61.19da2
