Speak For Me by K. R. Alexander

Author:K. R. Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Alice spoke for Nomi the rest of the day.

Jenna didn’t ask Nomi again how Alice said everything she said. She seemed content to focus on their dance moves, and when she asked for Nomi’s opinion on a few pieces of choreography, she actually took it into consideration. She never asked if Nomi liked the song, but Nomi would take any win she could get.

At dinner, Alice had Nomi’s dad cracking up over jokes that Nomi typed, to the point where he actually had tears in his eyes from laughing so hard. They all watched a movie together, and Nomi kept typing in funny observations. Her dad threw popcorn at her, and Nomi used the doll to deflect it like a shield.

It was probably the most fun they’d had together in a long time.

And Nomi hadn’t said an actual word.

When it was finally time for bed, she nestled under the covers with Alice held close.

She didn’t turn out the light.

“Thanks for speaking up for me, Alice,” Nomi said, not at all surprised that she found her voice when alone and speaking to the doll.

“Of course, Nanomi. You’re my best friend.”

Nomi hesitated, then whispered, “Just … don’t hurt anyone else, okay? Not even Jacqueline. Please.”

“As you command, Nanomi. But I have never hurt anyone. I have always been right here by your side.”

But I know you did something to hurt Clarita, Nomi thought. If Alice heard, she didn’t respond.

Nomi sighed and snuggled in deeper.

“I hope I get my voice back tomorrow. I really want to be able to practice our song for the talent show.”

“But you don’t like that song. We have already deduced that the song you chose would be better. I could help you convince Jenna to use that song.”

“No. No, it’s okay. I don’t mind the new song.”

It was a lie. They both knew it.

“Would you sing me a lullaby?” Alice asked.

“What? What would you like me to sing?”

“The song you first chose for the talent show. Sing it for me, please?”

“Okay. But … I don’t want to wake up Dad.”

Nomi began to sing the song. Softly. Almost a hum.

But unlike the song they were using for the routine, Nomi was able to sing this one perfectly. Her throat didn’t hurt at all.

“That was beautiful,” Alice said when Nomi was finished. “It is a shame that no one else will hear it, Nanomi.”

“It’s okay,” Nomi said. She reached over and turned out the light. “Maybe someday.”

“Yes,” Alice replied. “Someday soon.”

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