I gulp. For the first time in months I feel like I’ve met someone who sees me for what I am. I’m not just some disabled guy, or a person using a wheelchair, but a living and breathing human. Heck, somehow Janice even sees past my attempts to act like an immature and pouty child! I know I’m just sulking, like I always do. So do my parents, my therapist, and my ex-girlfriend. But they’re too embarrassed to talk about it. Their words of concern always feel hollow and filled with pity. Whenever they express worry, I know they’re just saying it to make themselves feel better, because it’s uncomfortable to see me struggle. But Janice isn’t fooled, because she’s just like me. She understands what outsiders don’t. She understands what it feels like to be looked down on and treated as inferior.

My heart leaps at that unexpected realization. I don’t know why, but it’s actually a relief to have someone voice their disapproval. It feels good to be called out on my actions. To be scolded for rudeness, to be treated as normal.

“Look pal, I’m sorry about my friend. She’s a little too nosey for her own good.” The cop grumbles with a hard glare.

Janice rolls her eyes with an angry huff. I shake my head, utterly fascinated by her strong demeanor and feisty personality.

“No, she’s right. I could use a ride. My stop is only two miles away, if you’re still offering.” I find myself saying.

I see something close to regret in the officer’s expression. “Alright, alright. Let’s be quick though! If I’m caught goofing off there will be hell to pay. And I’ll be sure to point fingers when my boss asks about it.” He says, glancing to Janice again.

Her face quickly changes to once of pure innocence. Then she points to herself while using one hand to sign.

“Aye, you always play dirty…” He mumbles.

I look to the cop for understanding, desperate to know what was being said. He just shakes his head.

“She said: Careful, no one ever blames the quiet ones.”

I find myself smiling as Janice begins to laugh. Well, it’s kind of like a laugh, but without the sound. I can tell by her expression and movements that it’s laughter, but no noise aside from a voiceless chuckle escapes. I’m both fascinated and shocked.

“You’ll see, she’s always using her disadvantage to further her own evil plans. Anyways, I’ve got speeders to catch. So come on, into the car with you two.” The officer says with a loud yawn.

I nod and follow Janice towards the door. She opens it and leaves first, but to my surprise the doors close in my face with a slam. I watch as she stops right outside the glass to hold up her tablet.

I figured you might see an open door as an act of pity, so I’ll let the police escort you instead.

At this, she shoots me something similar to a smirk. I wonder if she meant to insult or entertain me. Either way, today is turning out to be the most fun I’ve had in months!

The cops comes over with a snicker and opens the door. “Sorry about that, Janice is a bit of a stubborn mule. Get on her good side and you’re safe, but if not, well, better be careful.”

“Am I on her bad side then?” I chuckle, heading outside at last.

“I don’t think so. But you’re definitely not on her good side.”

I look up, noticing that Janice is already seated in the front seat of the police car. She’s bobbing her head to what I can only assume is loud music.

“Well, I guess you get the back seat then. I’ll hook your chair up to the backend. I have a place where I usually put my bike. It should work for this short distance.” The cop sighs.

I nod, making my way over to the car. This should be an interesting ride.