Love Is Deaf, Not Blind

’Andrew’s at the front door for you.’ Jace tells me after he’d open my bedroom door. I can tell by the look on his face Jace doesn’t like him.

’Thanks. I hurry passed him but I slow down when I reach the stairs I was clumsy without the added risk of me running down stairs.

I can see Mom at the door talking to him but I’m too far to see what she’s saying. Andrew looks over my Mom’s shoulder and smiles to me.

“Hey…what…are…you…doing…here?”

’I wanted to see how you are. How is you hand?’

’Little sore.’

’Did they give you any pain medication for home?’

I nod, ’I already took it. Did you want to come in?’

Andrew hesitates and looks at my Mom quickly, ’I can’t stay long. My Dad is in the car.’ He jester over to where an old faded car sat on the curb. ’I just wanted to make sure you were alright.
’I’m fine. Thanks A.n.d.y.’

’Giving me a nickname already?’ He laughs.

’I’m too lazy to sign your full name with this hand.

‘Technically A.n.d.r.e.w isn’t my full name.

’You know what I mean.

I know. I’ve got to go. Text me when you’re going back to school. He gives me a farewell smile as he heads across the lawn towards the car.

**** **** ****

I step out of Jace’ car after a few days off school. I didn’t text Andrew telling I’d be going back to school. I just needed some time to myself today. I walk with Jace over to his group of friends.

“Is it true you broke your finger punching him?” Caleb asks.

“No…slamming…door…in…his…face.”

I see Caleb and Jordan laugh.

’You…break…bad?’ Sammi signs badly.

“I…have…pins…holding…it…in…place.”

“I hope it’s not bothering you,” Caleb says taking a slight step towards me.

I shrug, “I…fine.”

“If you need help with anything just let me know.” Caleb smiles sweetly at me.

‘Me too.’ Sammi signs. I'm assuming she means if I need anything just ask her.

I take a moment to respond I wanted to brush of their help but I decide not to. “Thank…you.”

I can tell the warning bell is sounding from the look on their faces. I walk with Caleb towards our first class.

“I was wondering…When you’re feeling better would….would you like to see a movie with me.” I stop and look at him wondering if I’d read his lips right. “I asked you-“

“Yes.” I smile it’s the first time a guy has ever asked me out. I pull out my phone and type. Can we do something other than see a movie? I won’t be able to hear it

“I’m so stupid sorry. I forget that you’re deaf. Bowling…oh your hand.”

“I like bowling.” I smile.

“Did you want to go tonight maybe? We could get dinner after?”

“I’d like that.”

***

I can’t concentrate in class for the rest of today, I’m too excited about my date with Caleb. I end up with my sketch book out, I lightly trace the lines of Caleb’s face from across the room, holding the pencil awkwardly because of my finger.

He looks over at me again like he’d been doing all day, and smiles. I wonder how I’d draw his eyes. They were a beautiful shade of light blue with flicks of jade through them.

I don’t notice that the bell has rung until Caleb is standing in front of me. I hurry to close my sketch book, but I know that he has seen it.

“You’re a great artist.”

“Thank…you.”

We walk to lunch together. Caleb talks about what Mrs Roberts had been teaching. I should have paid more attention to what he was saying instead of watching his lips.

I was too excited to be hungry, I just grab a mixed fruit tub and a bottle of orange pop. I take my seat between Sammi and Caleb at the table. I read the lips at the table and work out that they are planning a camping trip this weekend.

“I can’t this weekend. My sister’s getting married.” Caleb frowns.

“We’ll do another trip in a few weeks.” Sammi tells him a sad smile on her face.

’Jocelyn. I’m not sure Mom will let you go, with your finger and all.’ Jace signs and speaks aloud across the table.

“I…want…too…though.” As I say the words I realise that I’d promised to go visist Ryan this weekend.

’We’ll talk to Mom when we get home.’

“Where…are…you…camping. Bastrop…State.” I ask hoping that they were thinking of camping at Enchanted Rock State Natural park or Inks Lake State Park.

’We are camping at I.n.k.s Lake State Park. It’s just past Austin.’
I smile. “I…have…a…friend…who…I…want…to….come.”
’We’ll talk about it at home with Mom.’
I’m happy when they finally bell rings, I walk out of class and head towards the parking lot. I spot Caleb near my brother’s car. I hurry over.
“Hey.” I call as I approach.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’ll pick you up at 5.30.” Caleb tells me. “Can’t wait until tonight.”

That only left me with 40 minutes to get ready when we got home. I searched frantically through my wardrobe for a nice outfit that was also practical enough to bowl in. I finally decide on my best fitting blue jeans, with a brown plaited belt, a frilly cream camisole, with a brown blazer that matches the thigh high boots I choose. I’m putting in my brown quarts earrings when my brother enters the room.

‘Caleb is downstairs’

“I…coming.” I grab my brown leather hand bag and slip my wallet, phone, and my hearing aid case that contains my spare batteries into it.

I follow Jace down stairs, suddenly very nervous.

Caleb smiles at me and signs the word ’Beautiful’’ I’m guessing he asked Jace about it before he went upstairs to get me.

“Thank…you.”

‘Have fun.’ Jace tells us.

I walk out with Caleb and see the car, the beautiful, shiny, red 1963 Buick Riveria sitting in the driveway. I can’t help myself when I run to the car.

“This…is…your…car...I…was…eying…it…off….first…day.” I stroke the car and look back towards Caleb who is laughing.

“Did you want to drive it?”

“Did…you…just…say…what…I…think.”

He hands me the keys and laughs, “You have you Licence right?”

“Yes.” The smile on my face couldn’t be bigger. I take the keys and practically skip over to the driver’s seat, laughing.

I slide on to the cool leather and stroke the steering wheel softly.

“So you like cars.”

“Love…cars.” I smile placing the keys in the ignition. “I…can’t…believe…you…are…letting…me…drive…it.”

“You’re welcome.”