Ashley Ballard, the silent girl

Ashley Ballard didn't talk. Most of her classmates and teachers had never heard her voice, and the few times she did talk, she made sure to only ask questions, and never answer them. Still, she didn't do that much either, as it was easier to be the weird girl who said nothing than the weird girl who said some things, but avoided others like the plague.

Ashley had a good reason for her little vow of silence, which was that she was a mutant, with the power to make anyone who heard her believe anything she said. No matter what it was, under any circumstances. She had, years ago, come to the conclusion that her power was far more trouble than it was worth, as even a casual remark could rewrite someone's mind, and make them think, or even do, something she would never have wanted.

She had considered abusing her powers, and in all honesty, she was often sorely tempted, especially when people made fun of her, but she didn't think that could end well. If the government, or worse, the X-Men, found out about her, who knows what they would do. And if anyone found out she was a mutant, she could never have a normal life again. She couldn't imagine that anyone would trust someone with that sort of power.

And so she had decided that, no matter what happened, she would never speak, and absolutely never use her power, no matter how much she wanted to do both.

She ignored the doorbell at first, after all, she didn't have any friends, and she wouldn't answer the door under any circumstances. A few moments later though, she heard her mother call out. "Ashley, it's for you!" Confused, she stepped warily down the stairs before peeking out and seeing who it was.