Page 51 of Walk the Line

“Widen your vocabulary, man. I’ve literally played a tree and even the tree had more to say than you.”

“Are you a Stage Performer?” Kaylah asks.

“Musical Theatre. I’m not dramatic for no reason.”

“Wow, that’s…really cool.” An impressed expression crosses her features as she finishes with a nod.

“That sounded sarcastic as fuck,” Dee laughs, and I shoot him a warning glare.

“No, I think it’s really cool. I’m actually…a fan of Musical Theatre.” There’s strength in her words when she starts her sentence, but her last few syllables and coated in shyness.

“I can’t tell whether you’re being serious or not,” Dee continues.

I know she’s being serious, and it’s times like these it hits me just how misunderstood she is.

When someone doesn’t overact the delivery of their words, it must mean something other than what they’ve said. And when someone’s facial expression remains the same for varied scenarios, they either must not feel anything or they’re angry all the time. I’m sure it’s part of the reason why the team struggled to take Kaylah in, especially with her being reserved as well. But maybe people should finally start understanding that just because a person isn’t like them, it doesn’t mean they don’t belong.

If only they would take the time to study her as thoroughly as I have, they would know that when she scratches her temple, like she’s doing now, that means she’s nervous. Or when her voice dips at some point in her sentence, it’s because she’s feeling very exposed.

I could write a book on what I’ve uncovered about this woman, and that is very concerning.

“Do you actually like Musical Theatre?” Jalissa’s questions pull me out of my thoughts.

“I know it’s unexpected, but I genuinely do. All the ones I’ve watched have been so interesting.”

Her words are met with an unconvinced look between my brother and Jalissa, and the disappointment resting on Kaylah’s face sets off my quick rebuttal.

“I don’t know if you guys are intending to, but you’re being rude. Kaylah’s not a robot, she’s gonna have interests in life like everyone else, even me. If she says she likes something, she likes it. Done.”

Jalissa immediately faces her new friend. “Kaylah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

I watch Dee who purposely ignores the harsh eye I have aimed at him as he says, “Damn, now I feel bad, I genuinely wasn’t trying to be rude. I just know Musical Theatre can be

“You don’t need to feel bad guys, it’s fine. I think Julius just wanted to bring up the theory that I’m a robot so we could spend less time thinking that he’s the one who’s a robot.”

“And he said you weren’t funny.”

“Dee, I’m gonna fuck you up.”

“Oh, shit. He never said that! He never said that! If you guys need me, I’m just gonna be a tree over here. But one that doesn’t talk this time.”

“Finally.”

I wonder whether I should say something else to get back at him with my next response, but my thoughts trail away as I notice the woman who just walked in staring in our direction.

When she starts walking towards us, Jalissa spots her and says, “Oh, that’s Sierra, my housemate. You guys would know her though, she’s on your team. But anyway, she forgot her keys and I told her we were here so she can get mine.” Her words coincide with the new arrival at the table, and she addresses her with a cheerful, “Si Si!” Everyone I meet just seems to be so damn cheerful.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt,” Sierra says. I immediately notice how frazzled she looks. Her vibe has been like that for a while now, so I make a mental note to check on her one of these days.

“You’re not interrupting. There you go,” Jalissa says as she hands her a set of keys.

“You’re a lifesaver, thank you so much.”

“Of course. Are you going straight home now?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Oh, okay, ‘cause you could join us if you want,” Jalissa turns to me and my brother, an apologetic look crossing her face. “Wait, sorry I can’t just be inviting people to your table.”