I'm Gabriella. I'm 17 years old. I was born deaf. I had meningitis as a baby after I came out of my Mami. My big brother and little sister both came out completely normal. No birth defects; nothing. I always thought that it was unfair that I was the only one with a problem. But Mami always told me that I'm perfect the way I am. And I've got no choice but to accept that.

I don't go to a deaf school. I've managed around my home school, Medford High, with my interpreter, Al. I sometimes have trouble communicating, but he's always there for me. I also have certain accommodations and special needs that are provided for me by the state. Well, also out of my Mami's wallet. I love all my equipment. My friends think that it's really cool that I have a VI (video interpreter). Honestly, going to a hearing school isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I mean, I went to a hearing elementary and junior high school, and those were pretty bad times. But, I knew that once I was in high school, things would start looking up. And they did.

Obviously, I was teased in elementary and junior high. This was before I had Al. But, in the 8th grade, Mami managed to pay for an interpreter for me. Even being deaf, I still somehow managed to get an Honor Roll certificate. Al had interpreted my whole graduation speech. It's kind of funny because I usually don't do well in front of crowds. But, since I'm not the one doing the speaking, it's a lot easier than just "picturing the audience in their underwear".

Now, let me tell you a little about my family.

My older twin brother, Gabriel, is very protective of me. Especially after he found out I was deaf. Now, I know what you're thinking. How is it that I'm the only deaf one if we're twins? Well, most sets of twins can be very different from each other. Like Gabe and I. Aside from the fact that he's a boy and I'm a girl, there are many differences between us. He's a sports guy, but I love writing (no relation at all). He loves spiders. I can't stand them. The only thing that we have in common is that we both love horror films. I know, weird, right? But, I'm not always a scaredy-cat. Not when it comes to horror movies. I sometimes just like to watch horror movies just to get a little... jump in me. Gabe and I have our ups and downs, but, overall, I love the guy. I protect him, he protects me. Anyone messes with him, they mess with me. Anyone messes with me, they mess with him. And believe me... if someone messes with him because something happened to me... let's just say that his punches... are a one way ticket to the E.R. That's how dangerously protective he is of me.

Now, when it comes to my baby sister, Jamie, Gabe and I practically gang up on anyone who messes with her. Especially if they make her cry. She's in the sixth grade, 12 years old. I'll never forget the first day of school for her. It was typical, but really mean. Kids kept picking on her just because she's the "brainiac". So, what if she's smart? She'll be more successful than the girls that pick on her everyday. Poor girl came home so depressed. Mami marched right down to the school to talk to the principal while Gabe and I comforted Jay. I swear, I'll never forget what she told me after Gabe went to go find the bathroom.

What did I ever to do them?

It broke my heart that she thought that all that bullying was because of her. Even now, she still gets picked on. She always comes to me when she's sad. She calls me her "personal therapist". I always tell her, "You have that mouth to tell me what's wrong; I have these hands to sign and help you." I'm able to read lips so it's a lot easier than to have her struggle with signing to me. Jamie is my "baby", and I would do anything and everything to keep her safe; physically and emotionally. I love her to death. I really don't know what I would do if I lost her.

My Mami - next to Jamie - is my absolute everything. My role model, my other half, she's everything that I wanna be when I'm a mother. I love her so much. Every Mother's Day, or on her or my birthday, she and I would spend all day together. At the mall, movies, wherever.

She's very warm-hearted, and gentle most times. But, if you get her mad... whew, I wouldn't wanna be in your shoes. Mami and I don't fight as much, but when we do, it lasts at least three days. Over really stupid stuff, too. But, every single time, she's always the first one to apologize. I really don't know why. But all in all, my Mom is the best thing that's ever happened to me in this family.

Now, on to a... heavier subject of the family.

My father, Leo Montez.

I don't really remember him, but all I know is that... Mami hasn't seen him for ten years. They divorced when Gabe and I were seven. Jay was only two. I'll never forget that morning. The fight lasted for four hours. It, at first, was them just arguing about the usual stuff. Mami saying that Papi doesn't do anything to help; stuff like that. But, that was the first two hours. The last two hours... were pure hell.