Moments of Clarity, Moments of Insanity
Disclaimer: Switched At Birth is owned by Lizzy Weiss and ABC Family. No
copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for entertainment
purposes only.
Disclaimer: There will be "M" rated themes in later chapters......
A/N This will begin with dream sequences from Bay and Emmett, rather than
Daphne like the actual episode.
#-----------
Chapter 7- episode 9
I was so glad school was finally over. It had been a long day. They cancelled
outdoor recess so we were stuck inside. That meant no dodge ball. On top of that
I forgot my lunch money, so that meant going to the office for money. Mom was so
going to love that. I got to put off telling her though because she couldn't
pick me up today. So, I was walking.
The walk home was pretty lonely because no one lived out in my direction. So
I had no one to walk with. I couldn't wait until I was older. I wanted to get a
motorcycle and drive it to school so I wouldn't have to walk on days like today.
It was cold out. Halloween was right around the corner. My mouth was already
starting to water thinking about all the candy I was gonna get. I couldn't wait!
As I walked under some trees I noticed orange and red leaves were falling. My
eyes switched from one to the next, counting them.
"….19…20…21…" Suddenly, something caught my eye.
Turning to look, I realized I was outside a Hearing school. It looked like
there was a scuffle going down on the black top. Normally, I would have just
passed by. It was a Hearing school after all. That's when I glimpsed it, black
curls as whoever was in the center was trying to break free. A girl with blonde
pigtails held her back.
Before I knew what I was doing, I was running towards the fight. I couldn't
understand why I felt so drawn to what was happening….to her. The girl in the
middle briefly broke free, her hair wiping around her head. As her hair flew to
the side, I saw something familiar, something curled around one small pale ear.
Was she like me? I caught a look of fear as I caught sight of wide brown eyes.
She couldn't get away before pig tail girl pushed her to the ground.
That was all I needed to see. I picked up speed racing across the black
top. Opening my mouth for the first time in a long time, I forced air through my
lungs, attempting to scream as loud as I could. The girls looked up at me. I was
suddenly breaking through the circle. The bullying girls shot apart like
marbles. Their faces were bright with fear as they paled before my eyes.
I stood in front of their victim with as much confidence as I could dig
up. I looked down at her. She was bleeding, her knees were all scraped up. There
were pieces of a broken hearing aid surrounding her. They must have ripped it
from her head. She looked up at me panting and scared, drawing her knees to her
chest, tears streaking down her face. I felt anger like I had never experienced
before light me up from the inside. Looking back at the girls, I turned my
sudden fury on them.
"DON'T…YOU…EVER….TALK….TO….HER…AGAIN!" I forced the words out, not caring if
these monsters understood me or not. All those bullies ran away screaming. Good!
Turning around I looked at the girl again. She looked up at me, her eyes
still wide but not with fear. It was confusion that colored her watery eyes. If
she was confused now it was about to get worse. The anger I felt toward those
girls paled when I saw the look on her face. I gave her a small smile and she
returned it hesitantly. Reaching down without any warning, I grabbed her hand.
Tugging hard, I pulled the girl to her feet. I ran from the school, pulling the
girl who had affected me so suddenly with me. I would take her home. My Mom
would know what to do.
When we got to my house, I told her, "It's okay. My Mom and I will clean
you up." The girl just stared at me. Maybe she was in shock. Pulling her inside,
I found Mom in the kitchen.
"There you are! I was worried about you. What took so long?" Mom asked me
as soon as she caught sight of me.
"Mom, this girl was getting beat up at the Hearing school I go by to get
home. I think she's deaf. She has hearing aids, like me. I don't know her name,
but her knees are skinned up bad. Can you help her?"
"Of course I can!" Mom said, before turning to the girl. "Hi! I'm Melody
and this is my son, Emmett. What's your name, sweetie?"
The girl just kept staring at us. She seemed fascinated with our hands for
some reason. Surely, she's seen sign language before. For some reason, she
wouldn't answer my Mom though. Mom was also looking at her funny.
"Do you understand me when I do this with my hands?" Mom signed more
slowly. The girl continued to stare. What the….? Mom looked at me. "Honey, I
don't think she knows ASL."
But, she's deaf, isn't she? She has hearing aids, so she has to be. How does
she not know ASL?
"I'm going to clean up your knees, okay?" Mom mouthed to the girl. At
this, she nodded. Okay, so she reads lips. That's good to know.
"I'm Emmett and this is my mom, Melody," I mouthed to the girl. She nodded
again. Is she a mute? "What's your name?" I continued.
"Daphne."
The vibration of my alarm woke me up. Staring at the ceiling, I remembered my
dream. That was how I met Daphne, but my brain had substituted Bay for Daphne.
It made sense. Bay is the one I would have met, if the switch hadn't happened.
Still, it was a little weird seeing Bay in my dream instead of Daphne. Not that
I didn't dream of Bay. It was usually in a more "ahem" adult setting. Dreaming
of her as a child was a little strange.
#---------------------------
"Mom, where's my coat? Emmett will be mad if he has to wait," I signed to my
mom, hoping she knew where I left it.
"Daphne, relax! You and I both know that Emmett could never get mad or stay
mad at you. Your coat is by the door, where you hung it last night," Mom
answered, chuckling slightly. I wished I could hear her laugh.
Running my fingers through my black curls, I checked the mirror one more
time. Perfect! Just then, the doorbell light flashed. Giddy, I race toward the
door.
"Hi, gorgeous!" Emmett said, before pulling me into a kiss.
"You know you don't have to ring the doorbell!" I said after he released me.
I could feel my face flaming.
"How else am I going to grab you and have my way with you?" Emmett said,
comically raising and lowering his eyebrows.
After being friends for years, Emmett and I had finally admitted to each
other that we had feelings for each other. Actually, Emmett had thrown caution
to the wind and kissed me out of the blue a few months back. To say that I was
shocked was putting it mildly. I didn't think Emmett would ever get the nerve
up. I blushed red thinking about it.
"Thinking of me?" Emmett asked.
"Always," was my short response.
"Ready to go?"
"Of course!"
Riding on Emmett's motorcycle has always been a thrill. When he first got the
thing for his birthday, I was so nervous riding with him. I was always afraid of
falling off. Emmett is an awesome driver though, and was always very careful,
especially with me riding with him.
We ended up at a little dive off the strip. Since I was the only one that
spoke, I ordered our food. While I stood there waiting, I saw someone come up
next to me out of the corner of my eye. Looking that way, I saw a burly looking
jock.
"Hey, retard! What's the matter? Can't you hear? I said, get out of the way
if you're all done ordering," I saw him say.
I didn't want to answer him. He was a jerk. Suddenly I felt his hand by my
ear. He was playing with my hearing aid. I jerked my head away. The jock looked
angry.
"Well, how do you like that. She actually is deaf! Look at those things in
her ears. Makes her look like a martian or something," he said.
I was never comfortable when a hearing person pointed out my hearing aids.
Ever since I was a little girl and those girls harassed me because of them, I
tried to hide them.
Suddenly, I felt a hand spin me again. "Hey! I'm talking to you, girlie."
Now, this close, I could smell the fumes of alcohol on his breath.
Emmett appeared out of nowhere. He shoved the guy away from me. Grabbing my
hand, Emmett tried to pull me away. The jock grabbed Emmett's shoulder. Letting
go of my hand, Emmett turned around and punched the guy in the nose. Blood
started spurting out of the jock's nose. Emmett grabbed my hand again and pulled
me outside.
"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling me close.
I sobbed into his shirt a little. Pulling back, I signed, "I'm always okay
when you're around."
"I love you, Daphne."
I was shocked. Emmett had never said that to me before. I felt the same way,
but I was still surprised that he would pick this moment to tell me that.
"I love you too, Emmett!"
The annoying drone of my alarm clock woke me up. Staring at the ceiling, I
remembered my dream. I had tried to imagine being deaf lots of times, but that
dream was spooky. No sounds, no noises. It was like I really was deaf. Weird…..
Could our relationship ever be that simple? Could it ever be that…easy? Time
will tell. I knew we would hit bumps along the way. Translations, people not
understanding us, our own issues. I only hoped we were strong enough to survive
it all.
#----------------------------
A couple of days after the whole blow up at the Kennishes, I came downstairs
and see Regina again sleeping on the couch. Having her here is kind of awkward.
I want Bay to come over, but she doesn't want to see Regina. Not that I can
blame her. Regina has lied to her from the beginning and has never really tried
to get to know Bay. Daphne doesn't want to come over, either. That's a
no-brainer. So, I avoid Daphne except for school, and Bay I pick up after school
and we go to the park.
We still haven't told anyone about us. Not that we are trying to hide it,
it's just that now is really not a good time to share. Bay and Daphne are both
still too raw from everything that has happened. I want to tell Daphne, but at
the same time, I don't. I hate arguing with myself. I never win the argument.
Besides, Bay and Daphne's birthday's are in a few days and I need to go
shopping. Daphne's gift I got months ago, but what to get for Bay….?
#--------------------
A couple days after the whole blow up at our house, Regina still hadn't
returned home. Emmett told me she was sleeping on his couch, so of course, I
can't go over there. Emmett just picks me up after school and we go to the park.
This particular morning, I am more excited than I have been all week. My 16th
birthday was only a few days away, and I already knew what my parents would get
me. Toby got a car for his 16th, so I was very confident that I would receive
the same. I knew exactly which car I wanted too. "The Thing."
Walking into the kitchen, I see Mom and Daphne talking.
"Well, usually we buy her something, which she returns for store credit," Mom
said as I came into the room. Ah-ha! Talking birthday presents. Goody!
"Oh, Mom! Don't worry. I won't be returning this year's gift," I told her,
full of confidence.
Mom looked at me skeptically. "Hmm…and what is that going to be?"
Sure, play dumb. That's okay. I'll play along. "Oh, don't act like you don't
know!"
Mom tapped Daphne. "She wants this Volkswagon thing. It's this dune buggy…."
Cutting her off, I grabbed Daphne. "It's an amphibious, 4 wheel drive
convertible. It's a tank, but way cuter. And, I can haul stuff around, without
inflicting another SUV on the world."
"What exactly do you need to haul?" Toby said, jumping into the conversation.
I don't know…a motorcycle maybe. I would love to see his reaction to that
reply. Deciding not to give away too much information, I decided on, "I don't
know. Stuff." Mom and Toby both gave me funny looks. What? "I just like the idea
of a car that is so weird they didn't know what to call it, so they just called
it "The Thing."
Daphne chuckled at this. Mom just asked, "And what makes you so sure you're
going to get "The Thing?"
Seriously? "Don't joke please!"
Mom's cell went off and of course, being the scatterbrain she can be
sometimes, she left it in the other room. She took off to grab it, so I grabbed
Daphne again. Signing and speaking, I told her, "They got Toby a car for his
birthday. They have to get cars for us too!"
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Us?" I nodded. "Your signing has gotten really
good."
I just smiled. I had a great teacher.
And then the moment I dreaded happened. Regina came home….
We all watched as she made her way upstairs to the guest house. Had she come
back on her own, or had they finally kicked her out?
Mom tapped Daphne. "Do you want me to talk with her?"
"No. I'll take care of it." And with that statement, Daphne went to confront
Regina. Mom put her arm around me, knowing how difficult it was for me as well
to see Regina return.
Time will tell…..
#------------------
At school, Daphne flagged me down. I already knew what the conversation would
be about. I knew I was right when the first thing Daphne signed was, "Finally
kicked her out, huh?"
Sighing, I said, "No, mom did."
She babbled for a bit. I'm ashamed to admit that I really wasn't paying
attention. I was still trying to think of a gift for Bay. I thought about art
supplies, but figured she would not appreciate them after she saw the gift I
have for Daphne. It had to top that. She is my girlfriend after all. I was also
thinking about telling Daphne about Bay and I. She would have to find out
eventually. Shouldn't it come from me?
Finally, I tuned back into Daphne.
"I mean, just when I thought I'd gotten used to, "Surprise! You were switched
at birth!"…suddenly, it's "Surprise! Your mom knew all along!"
"Well, she feels really bad about it," I told her. She glared at me. "When
someone's on your couch 24 hours a day, it's hard not to notice." I was on the
defense now.
"Are you going to tell me to forgive her?" No, bad idea! Then Bay would have
my neck! No thank you!
"Not gonna tell you to do anything." Much safer that way.
"And your mom thinks I don't have a right to be mad either?" she asked.
"No, we're not taking sides." I can't take sides. Either way, I'd lose. Bay
or Daphne? Those odds were never in my favor.....
"I can't believe my mom and I are on opposite sides of a war." A war? Really?
That's how she sees all of this?
Deciding the best thing to do is change the subject, I asked nonchalantly,
"Hey, what are we doing for your birthday?" I knew about the party. Bay already
mentioned it to me. But, Daphne didn't know that. Either way, I was going to be
there.
"The Kennishes want to have a party this weekend-for me and Bay."
Okay, now act surprised. "It's Bay's birthday too?" Daphne rolled her eyes at
me. Ha ha ha… "Duh!"
Continuing, Daphne said, "Kathryn says it will be small…which, for her,
probably means there will be a Ferris wheel."
I laughed and plotted….
A little later, I got a text from Bay. "Lunch?"
"Where?"
"Burger joint up the road."
"See you in a few…"
"Can't wait!"
#---------------------------
I texted Emmett to see if he wanted to have lunch with me. Of course he said
yes. As I stood waiting for him, I saw my art on the wall behind me. This one
was of my girl, but she had a mallet instead of the axe. I had been debating all
day about showing him and I had finally decided to just tell Emmett about "Axe
Girl." I had it all planned out. I would get the table with the best view and
make sure he was facing the wall.
I heard his motorcycle coming and found a spot he would see me easily. He
parked and took off his helmet. Smiling, I walked over to him. When I got close
enough, Emmett grabbed my waist and hauled me in. I laughed just before his lips
captured mine. Did I mention how much I love the way Emmett kisses?
"Hey, beautiful," he signed when we finally came up for air. He smiled his
adorable "James Dean smirk" and I melted. How lucky was I to have Emmett as a
boyfriend?
"Hey, yourself," I signed back. "Ready to order now?"
Emmett laughed and took my hand. We walked to the window and placed our
order. Well, I ordered mine. Emmett typed his on his phone and showed the guy
his order. After we got our food, I put my plan in motion.
"Let's sit over here," I said slowly since I had a tray in my hands. Emmett
nodded and followed me. Sitting down, I told him matter of factly, "The food is
crap, but luckily, that's not why I brought you here."
Emmett looked at me with a question on his face. "Then, why?" he asked.
Showtime…
"The view," I said turning to look over my shoulder at "Mallet Girl." Emmett
followed my line of vision. "What do you think of that?" I said and signed.
Please like it!
Emmett started signing a little fast. I caught "cool", and "girl with the
axe." Does that mean he likes it? One way to find out.
Mimicking his sign, I asked, "Axe? You like "Axe Girl?"
He nodded and got a huge smile on his face. Of course, this made me smile in
return. Then I blushed.
Emmett caught the look on my face. He looked at me strangely and then signed,
"You?"
I nodded shyly. He sat back and grinned wider. Suddenly, he signed,
"Seriously?"
I didn't know if I should laugh or be offended. Realizing he wasn't trying to
hurt my feelings, I said, "What? You don't think that I could do something that
awesome?"
He waved his hands. "No! I mean, I'm impressed." He still had the grin on his
face.
I felt a weight lift off of me. "Thank You! I've been dying to tell you."
Emmett just nodded. Sometimes I wished we could communicate better, but we
managed okay. "Daphne doesn't know. Toby doesn't know. No one knows," I told
him.
Emmett did the sign for zipping his lips. I almost laughed at that. Now the
reason for sharing…
Picking up my phone, I found the picture I wanted to show him. "Okay, look.."
I handed him my phone. He looked for a moment and then looked at me again. "It's
the billboard near Buckner. It's been blank for weeks. And, it just keeps
calling to me… Bay, Bay, bomb me." Emmett is still smiling, so I take that as a
sign to continue. "That's what I want for my birthday. To wake up and know that
thousands of people are driving by my art. They're thinking about it. They're
commenting on it. They're wondering who did it."
Emmett signed a question that looked like, "How are you going to do it?" or
something like that.
"How am I going to do it?" I questioned. He nodded his head again. Now for
the fun part. Putting my hand on his arm, I said, "Oh, I'm so glad that you
asked." Emmett blushed and looked down before looking up at me again.
"You want me to help you?" he guessed more than asked.
"Please?" I asked, batting my eyes at him. Emmett chuckled silently and
kissed my hand. Guess that's a yes! Yay!
"Wanna come over to my house and hang after school?" Emmett asked.
"Definitely!" Now that Regina wasn't there, I didn't mind going back to his
house. I didn't want to go in his room though. I couldn't stomach the "Wall of
Daphne" again.
We finished our meal and finalized our plans for after school.
#------------------------
When I got to the burger joint a little bit later, I saw Bay standing where I
couldn't miss her. She looked gorgeous today, but then again, she always looked
phenomenal. After I parked my bike and took off my helmet, Bay approached me
with a smile on her face. Reaching out, I grabbed her waist and pulled her in.
She laughed just before my lips captured hers. I could never get enough of Bay.
"Hey, beautiful," I signed when we finally came up for air. I gave her my
"James Dean smirk" that I know she loves so much. How lucky was I to have Bay as
a girlfriend?
"Hey, yourself," she signed back. "Ready to order now?"
I just laughed and took her hand. Right to the point. We walked to the window
and placed our order. Well, she ordered hers. I typed mine on my phone and
showed the guy my order. That is what I always did if Daphne wasn't around to
interpret or there wasn't a menu to point at. Thank god for cell phones!
"Let's sit over here," Bay said slowly since her hands were full with her
tray. I nodded and followed her. Sitting down, She then told me bluntly, "The
food is crap, but luckily, that's not why I brought you here."
Okay, then. I asked, "Then, why?"
"The view," She said, before turning to look over her shoulder at the wall
behind us. On the wall was a picture of someone I called "Mallet Girl." I had
seen them before. The artist was very gifted. "What do you think of that?" she
said and signed.
"That's cool. I've seen them around. My favorite is the girl with the axe." I
tried to sign slow, but I don't think she caught everything. Her face looked
confused when I was talking.
Mimicking my sign, she asked, "Axe? You like "Axe Girl?"
I nodded and gave her a huge grin. Of course, this made her smile in return.
Then she blushed. Wait, why would she blush? Wait a second…. "You?"
She nodded shyly. I sat back and grinned wider. I knew she was gifted, but
holy shit! "Seriously?"
Bay got a slightly offended look on her face. "What? You don't think that I
could do something that awesome?"
I waved my hands. Oops, now she thinks I don't like it. "No! I mean, I'm
impressed."
She visibly relaxed. "Thank You! I've been dying to tell you." I just nodded.
Sometimes I wished we could communicate better, but we managed okay. "Daphne
doesn't know. Toby doesn't know. No one knows," she continued.
Remembering the first time I did this, I showed her I wouldn't say anything
by miming zipping my lips. Did she remember too?
Picking up her phone, she looked through it for a second. Handing it to me,
she said, "Okay, look.." I saw an empty billboard. I looked up at her again.
"It's the billboard near Buckner. It's been blank for weeks. And, it just keeps
calling to me… Bay, Bay, bomb me." I smiled, waiting. "That's what I want for my
birthday. To wake up and know that thousands of people are driving by my art.
They're thinking about it. They're commenting on it. They're wondering who did
it." Normally, I wouldn't have caught all of that, but she signed enough of it
to make sense. She wanted to put "Axe Girl" up on that billboard for her
birthday.
Okay… now for the million dollar question. "How are you going to get up
there?"
She looked confused again. "How am I going to do it?" she questioned. Close
enough. I nodded again. Next thing I know, she has placed her hand on my arm and
is grinning at me. She said, "Oh, I'm so glad that you asked." Oh, I get it now…
"You want me to help you?" I guessed more than asked.
"Please?" she asked, batting her eyes at me. I chuckled silently and kissed
her hand. Now how could I possibly say no to that?
"Wanna come over to my house and hang after school?" I practically beg her. I
want to have a make-out session that puts the others to shame.
"Definitely!" I could almost hear the excitement in her voice.
We finished our meal and finalized our plans for after school.
#----------------------
After school, Emmett picked me up. Several students were watching as I got on
his bike. I saw a couple of them shake their heads. Jealous much? Least I have a
hot boyfriend. I stuck my tongue out at them. I know, I reverted to a 2 year
old. We stopped off at my house quickly, because I had to pick up my sketch
book. Daphne was at basketball practice, so no worries there. After that, we
headed over to Emmett's house. Melody wasn't home yet. I was kind of glad,
actually. I was still leery about meeting Melody as Emmett's girlfriend. Would
she even like me? Would he even introduce me as his girlfriend?
After we had a heart pounding make out session, (hello Emmett's chest)
we finally got down to business. I had my sketch book open in front of me. I was
trying to find the sketch that matched best what I had in mind for the
billboard. Emmett sat next to me, also looking. He seemed to be enjoying
himself.
I was stuck on a couple different sketches. "I can't decide which one I want
to put on the billboard," I told Emmett. He nodded thoughtfully. I flipped
through a few more. Emmett suddenly pointed at one and then signed something
rapidly. Okay, totally clueless here. He noticed the confused look I had and
held up his hand with a grin on his face. Well, I'm glad he's amused. He
fingerspells slower. "B-a-d," wait, what? I thought he liked them? Now I was a
little hurt. "Bad? You think their bad?" I questioned, as I flipped through
again.
Emmett waved his hand "no," before stopping my hand. He signed "bad" and then
pointed to his… "ass," I laughed. He smiled and I repeated the signs again.
"Badass, okay, I get it." Emmett took my hand, but I was afraid Melody would
see, so I pulled away slightly. No sooner had I done so, when Melody walked
around the corner. Okay, that was weird.
I got up and stood in front of Melody. "Hi," I signed and said. Keep it
simple. She mouthed "hi" back. So far, so good. Then she took a breath….
And signed everything much too fast. Emmett was no help as he was still
sitting behind me. Okay, guess I'm winging it here. She touched my shoulder and
stopped signing for a second.
Uh…. "You too," I said and signed. Melody looked confused. Oh, god. I messed
up already! Now I'm totally embarrassed and would totally love to disappear.
What do I do now? Playing dumb won't work, cause I really don't have any idea
what she is telling me. Okay, play it cool for now.
Melody repeats my sign and then signs what I think is "Why are you here?" Is
that right? I hope so.
"Oh, why am I here?" I repeat. She nods. Got one right. "I'm visiting
Emmett," I tell her, sitting next to him again. She actually smiled at this
point. Oh, good sign, I hope. Emmett hasn't signed anything yet. Probably seeing
how I do with his mom first. I want to turn to him and sign "HELP!" but that
won't work, because his mom will see it too. Shit! I'm so screwed!
Melody signs again. I caught two and friends. Emmett must have decided to
take pity on me, because he finally started signing to his mom. I caught "art"
and said, "Art? Art, I like art." Emmett signed pictures. "Oh, photos. Oh, yes,
he takes great photos." I grabbed his arm, needing the reassurance of his
presence. I was getting really nervous now, and I think Melody could tell. Great
first impression, Bay. Just great!
Melody signed something about friends. After this, the conversation between
her and Emmett picked up speed. I couldn't really follow either of them. I got
the impression Emmett wanted his mother to leave, but I could be wrong. Melody
signed again. "Do you want snails food?" I said to myself, confused. Snails!
That can't be right. No, she couldn't have said that.
They signed back and forth a couple more times. "Drink? I don't know what's
happening right now." If I crawled under the table, would either of them notice?
I was about to die of embarrassment and could only think one thing, RETREAT!
Seeing Emmett and his mom going back and forth, I felt a tinge of jealousy
that I couldn't yet be that fluent. Daphne would be able to keep up. Hell,
Daphne would be able to participate, a tiny voice in the back of my head
said. For once, I couldn't argue with it. For once, I envied Daphne.
"And, she's moving her hands…dancing around? Mom. I know mom. I don't know.
I'm confused. Oh, Daphne! Daphne. I know Daphne," I said happily to Melody, glad
I could understand something finally. She pointed at herself and nodded. Okay….
"I don't know what this means," I said, signing the last sign she had used. I
heard Emmett chuckle next to me. Thanks for the help, I though
sarcastically.
Melody used the sign again. Why does she suddenly not look very happy? What
the hell was I missing? Emmett signed something forcefully. Melody signed okay
and then waved goodbye.
Okay, that was totally freaking awkward! I couldn't help feeling that Melody
didn't entirely approve of me and her son together. Something told me this was
just the beginning of a long road ahead.
"She's nice," I told Emmett. He smiled and we went back to my sketches.
Finally deciding on the one I wanted, we made our plans.
Realizing how late it was, Emmett drove me home. On the way, I had a
realization. I wanted Melody to like me. I cared about what she thought of me. I
really liked Emmett and wanted her to approve of us together. This was a new
feeling. Normally, I wouldn't care what parents thought of me. This time, I did.
When we pulled up to my driveway, I sat for a moment thinking. Emmett got off
and stood waiting. I also got off, and he leaned in to kiss me. Putting up my
hands, I said, "Wait." Emmett pulled back, surprise on his face. I had something
to say first.
" Do you think that went okay with your mom? Do you think your mom likes me?
She seemed…" I couldn't think of a word I wanted to use. Emmett grabbed my hands
in his.
"Yes, she liked you. It was fine. You did great," he mouthed, trying to
reassure me. Were we having the same conversation? I did anything but great. I
was a wreck trying to figure out what she had been saying. Emmett pulled me
close and kissed me. Okay, way to distract me.
Pulling back, Emmett mouthed, "I'll see you tomorrow night, beautiful."
Getting back on his bike, he pulled his helmet on. Waving one last time, he took
off down the road. Walking up my driveway, all I could think was, "I hope you're
right, Emmett."
#-----------------------------
After school, I picked Bay up. Several students were watching as she
approached me and got on my bike. I saw a couple of them shake their heads. Who
cares. Probably jealous. We stopped at Bay's house so she could pick up her
sketch book. Daphne was at basketball practice, so thankfully, she wasn't
around. After that, we headed to my house. Mom wasn't home yet. I was hoping she
would be gone for a while. I wanted Bay to myself for a bit.
After we had a heart pounding make out session, in which Bay took off my
shirt, we finally got down to business. Bay had the sketch book open in front of
us. She had been flipping pages, trying to find a sketch she liked for a few
minutes now. I sat next to her, also looking. She was extremely gifted.
"I can't decide which one I want to put on the billboard," she finally told
me. I nodded, trying to figure out which one I liked as well. She flipped
through a few more. Seeing one that I really liked, I pointed to it and signed
"badass." Bay looked at me, confused. Fighting laughter, I held up my hand,
grinning at her. I finger spelled slower. Bay followed along. "B-a-d. Bad? You
think their bad?" she questioned, flipping through the pages again.
Shit! Now she looked upset. I waved my hand "no," before grabbing her hand. I
signed "bad" and then pointed to my ass. "Bad…ass," she laughed. I smiled and
she repeated the signs again. "Badass, okay, I get it." I tried to take her
hand, but she pulled away slightly. Okay, then. Seconds later, mom came around
the corner. Damn it!
Bay noticed and stood up. "Hi," I saw her sign. Mom mouthed "hi" back. Okay,
so far, so good.
Then mom said how happy she was to meet Bay and how much she looked like
Regina. I saw Bay's shoulder's stiffen. Uh-oh.
"You too," I saw Bay sign. Mom was clearly confused. Mom repeated Bay and
then asked, "Why are you here?"
I saw Bay repeat "here" before she sat back down next to me. "I'm visiting
Emmett," she told mom. Mom smiled and said, "I didn't know you two were
friends." Realizing Bay hasn't a clue what is being said, I help her out.
"Yeah. It turns out we're both into the same things…like art…"Bay saw this
and said, "Art? Art, I like art." I signed pictures to her. "Oh, photos. Oh,
yes, he takes great photos." She sat a little sideways so I was able to read her
lips. Bay grabbed my arm. I could tell she was getting nervous.
"Sounds like you've become good friends," mom commented. Yeah, you could say
that. Now I was getting ansy. I wanted mom to leave. "Isn't there somewhere you
need to be?" I asked, hoping mom would get the hint.
"Oh, you want some privacy?" mom asked. Apparently, I'm going to have to
spell it out to her. "Maybe you could run out and get dinner?" Leave already! I
could see that Bay was trying to follow along, but I was too focused on mom to
see what Bay was saying.
"Oh, is Bay staying for dinner?" mom asked. Geez, really! Then mom decided to
get cute. "I can break out some candles…set the mood a little?"
Now, this is getting embarrassing. "Mom, we're just hanging out. Would you
stop?"
"Is Daphne okay with you guys "hanging out?" Why does she always have to
bring up Daphne?
Finally, Bay said, "Daphne. I know Daphne." Mom nodded. Bay then said, "I
don't know what this means," using the sign for hanging out. I couldn't help the
chuckle that slipped out.
Mom signed, "Funny, I don't know what "hanging out" means either…It could
mean so many things."
"I think it means you were just leaving," I told her forcefully. Yes, I
wanted to be alone with my girlfriend. Get the clue mom!
I could see when it finally clicked for my mom. She said okay and waved bye.
Finally!
Bay waved back and looked at me. "She's nice," she told me. I smiled at her.
If she only knew. We went back to the sketches. Finally Bay decided on the one
she wanted, so we made our plans.
Realizing how late it was, I drove Bay home. On the way, I kept thinking
about my mom. Okay, so I'm pretty sure she figured out Bay and I are "more than
friends." How long would it be before she said something to Regina? How much
time did we have before Daphne found out? I got to her house and pulled up at
the end of the driveway. I got off and stood waiting. Bay got off, and I leaned
in to kiss her goodbye. However, Bay surprised me. She put her hands up and
said, "Wait." I pulled back, surprised.
" Do you think that went okay with your mom? Do you think your mom likes me?
She seemed…" Bay asked. I could tell how nervous she was. She was fidgeting like
she does when she isn't sure what to say. I grabbed her hands in mine.
"Yes, she liked you. It was fine. You did great," I mouthed, trying to be
reassuring. I pulled her close and kissed her.
Pulling back, I mouthed, "I'll see you tomorrow night, beautiful." I got back
on the bike and pulled on my helmet. I waved and headed back home. Something
told me I would be having an interesting conversation with my mother later. I
was not looking forward to it.
#--------------------------
I headed to my garage. Now that I knew what I wanted on the billboard, I
needed to start working on it. Painting always relaxed me. While I painted, I
rehashed the conversation with Melody, or rather, the lack of conversation. Why
hadn't she spoken to me? I knew she could. That would have made that
first meeting so much easier.
Maybe, she was testing me. Seeing how extensive my knowledge of ASL was. If
that was the case, I found I still had a lot to learn.
I hadn't asked Emmett what she had said. I was actually afraid to. Emmett had
spent so much time teaching me, and in just a few minutes, I fell apart. Good
thing it was just in front of Melody. What if we had been in a public place, or
worst yet, in front of Daphne? Would he have done the same thing, or would he
have stepped up sooner?
I wasn't mad at him for not saying something sooner. Far from it. I was more
angry at myself. I had so wanted to make a good first impression on Melody. I
was, after all, dating her son. She would be seeing a lot of me in the future.
So, why did I feel like she would never accept me with her son?
#-----------------------
Mom surprisingly said nothing to me when I got back home. I wasn't fooled
however. I knew she was just bidding her time, waiting. Deciding I wasn't
waiting for that moment, I got Bay and Daphne's gifts out to wrap.
For Daphne, I had gotten an autographed poster from "Deafenstein" 6 months
ago. I had Charles Dane sign it. Deafenstein was our favorite movie. We had
probably seen it a thousand times or more. I also got the movie and a shirt for
her. I knew she would flip when she saw it all.
Bay was harder. Instead of a present, I was going to take her to the train
yard. I know, sounds weird, but I knew she would like it, because she had liked
the pictures I had taken of it when we first started really talking. I thought
she might like the opportunity to see it all in person. In the box, I placed a
scarf. A blindfold of sorts. She would probably be confused at the scarf, but I
would explain it before we left.
I had just finished taping the box shut when Mom walked over to me. Here we
go. I took a drink to fortify myself. She touched my arm. Yeah, mom. I know you
want to talk. Been dreading it actually.
"So, how long have you and Bay been friends?" mom asked. Simple enough.
"A few weeks," I answered honestly.
Mom nodded. "And you're able to communicate? Her signing isn't very good,"
she said with a dubious look.
Usually Bay does fine, but I knew she had also been scared as hell. "She's
getting better every day," I said point blank. Mom just shrugged. Well, this
isn't going very well.
"Just remember it takes a long time before you can really converse," Mom told
me. Like I didn't already know that. Bay and I "converse" just fine.
I decided to tell Mom something I had been thinking about. Actually, since
Bay had mentioned it in the park the other day. I realized how selfish I was
being with Bay. Here she was, busting her ass to learn my language, and I wasn't
even willing to try hers. When Mom and I had been going back and forth earlier,
Bay had sat there watching us. If we could have both talked, Bay wouldn't
have had any trouble at all. I was actually a little pissed at Mom, though. Why
hadn't she spoken to Bay? She could have made the conversation easier if she
had. With that thought in mind, I told Mom, "I think I'm going to sign up for
speech therapy." I looked away for a second, dreading her response. Would she
approve?
Mom just stared at me. What? If my hearing girlfriend is willing to learn my
language, why shouldn't I be able to communicate in hers? Finally, she said,
"Did she ask you too?" Why does it have to be Bay's idea? I want to talk to
my girlfriend!
"No, It's my idea," I said. Mom didn't look convinced.
"You must really like her," Mom said, surprising me. What would she say if I
told her I thought I could be falling in love? Better not. Throw her off.
"We're not getting married-just trying things out." Scary thing was, I could
almost picture Bay in a wedding dress. Must be love…
Of course she had to rain on my parade. "Is this a good idea? Things are
really complicated with Bay right now." Really, Mom! Oh wait….
"Or is it because she's hearing?" I needed to know.
"Actually, yes," Mom said honestly. I deflated a little. Are you freaking
kidding me! You're pissed because she can hear? "85% of deaf/hearing
relationships don't work out."
Well, I was going to prove her wrong. "Just because you read that on the
internet, doesn't make it true. Besides, Dad's deaf, but you're still getting a
divorce."
Mom looked pissed. Uh-oh, may have gone a little too far with that comment.
"Exactly!" Mom exclaimed. Well, shit…now I've done it. "Relationships are hard
enough. Why make things harder?" she continued.
Because Bay is who I want to be with, and no matter how hard it is, that
isn't going to change how I feel! "She'll learn to sign. We'll figure it out," I
told Mom.
She thought for a second. "Do you think she'll ever get to know you the way a
deaf girl could?" Mom questioned truthfully.
Honestly, I didn't know. Did I want her to? Mom shrugged at my hesitation.
"There's only one way to find out," I told Mom, before I grabbed the presents
and left the room.
Once I got in my bedroom, I closed the door. I couldn't believe her! I
expected her to support my relationship, not try to bash it down. Un freaking
believable! Who knew my own mother would be an obstacle?
#-------------------------------
It was pretty late when I finally finished the picture for the billboard.
Grabbing my sketch book, I figured I would just sneak in the house. Lights were
still on, so my parents were probably still up. As I came around the corner, I
saw Regina in front of me. Shit! She started heading my way. Oh, no, no, no, I
am not ready for this. Go away!
Regina ran to block my path. Damn it! "Can we just talk?" she begged me.
I was not in a forgiving mood right now. "Sorry, I'm a little bit busy. Maybe
we should have scheduled something, oh I don't know, 13 years ago!"
"I did try," Regina said. Yeah, because that makes everything okay. Right!
"Hiring a private investigator to take creepy photos of me, does not count as
mother/daughter bonding," I told her. I tried to step around her again. Regina
grabbed my arms. Enough already!
"Okay. Okay. One time, I snuck into your piano recital when you were 7,"
Regina began. She did? "During the intermission, you were trying to get a drink
of water from the water fountain. But, it was too high. And, I asked you if you
needed help." I vaguely remembered that night. "I gave you a boost." That was
her? "You were so beautiful in that little blue dress."
"With the butterflies and the big sash," I said, remembering that dress. That
was a beautiful dress. I cried when I outgrew it and couldn't wear it anymore.
"Yeah. I wanted to just grab you and take you home." She did? "But, Kathryn
came, and she took you back inside. It was so hard for me to watch you go, but,
I was not gonna tear you away from your family." Regina told me honestly.
I wanted to believe her, but I just couldn't let myself. "Or, you took one
look at me, and didn't want me." I tried to walk away again. Tears were in my
eyes.
Regina grabbed me again. Okay, now this is getting old. Just let me leave
already! "No, honey! Of course, of course I wanted you. It was just too painful
to be around you, knowing you could never be mine." Was she serious?
"Painful for you? What about me? My whole life, I felt like I didn't belong!
And, I didn't know why, and I thought it was my fault."
"It wasn't your fault," Regina said, trying to calm me down. "It was mine,"
she finished, before trying to hug me. OH NO YOU DON'T!
"NO! You don't get to do this," I said, backing away. I turned and ran for
the house. When I got in my room, I shut the door. I tossed the sketch book on
my bed. Pulling out my phone, my fingers hovered over the keys. I wanted to talk
to Emmett, but at the same time, I felt I needed to hash this out alone.
Finally, I put my phone back in my pocket. I won't bother him right now.
God! Why now? Why does Regina have to get all motherly now? I have been
trying for months to get her to like me. Now this! I couldn't forgive her for
the lies.
I couldn't forgive her for giving me up without fighting for me…
#--------------------------------
I woke up to bright sunlight shining in my face. Damn it, forgot to close the
stupid blinds last night. Tomorrow was Bay and Daphne's birthdays. I was
excited. I couldn't wait for the party tomorrow night. I would get Bay all to
myself afterward.
Time was passing slow today for some reason. School was boring and dull.
Daphne had apparently called in sick today. I sat in class, not really paying
attention. I was thinking about later tonight. Bay and I planned to go to the
billboard tonight and bomb it. She was really excited. Truth be told, I was a
little apprehensive about breaking the law, but I would do it for Bay. I would
do anything for Bay.
Just before school let out, I checked my phone. I had a message from Bay.
Smiling, I opened it.
"I got my CAR! I'll be by tonight around 10 to pick you up. I can't wait!
Miss you."
I knew she was talking about "The Thing." She had shown me a picture of it. I
had to admit, it was perfect for her. It definitely fit her personality to a
"T."
"Awesome, can't wait to see you tonight. I miss you, too." I texted
back. It was going to be a long wait till tonight.
After I got home, I puttered around the house. 10pm couldn't come fast enough
for me. To kill time, I decided to work on my "Bay wall." I had taken down most
all of Daphne's pictures and replaced them with Bay. Granted, I didn't have near
as many of Bay, but that would change the longer we were together. The pictures
of Daphne, I stuck in the closet, in a box. Daphne was the past. Bay is my
present and my future. She is my world now.
Finally, it was around 9, so I started getting ready. I knew if we got
caught, it would be a felony on our records. Honestly, I wanted to give Bay her
dream birthday. After everything that had happened this year, she more than
deserved it.
At 10 on the dot, I got a text. "I'm outside. Come on down!"
I grabbed my jacket and headed outside. Please don't let us get caught!
#----------------------------
The morning before my birthday, I woke up exhausted. I had not slept well,
thinking about the conversation with Regina the night before. What was I going
to do?
I made my way into the kitchen, where Toby and Daphne had already finished
eating breakfast. Mom saw me and said, "Oh, you're finally here. Good morning,
honey." Why does she have to be so damn perky in the morning? I
acknowledged her with a grunt.
Dad came in and he and Mom faced us. Okay…. "So, girls. How we doing? No
fevers? No sore throats?" Dad asked. Where the hell is he going with this
anyway?
"No," Daphne and I both answered. ?
"Really? Cause, I wouldn't say that if someone from Carlton or Buckner calls,
cause I just told them that you're both sick," Dad said, a slow smile starting
on his lips. YES! Car shopping! My day just improved exponentially.
I hit my hands on the counter and stood up. "We're going car shopping!"
Mom started doing her weird little "happy dance." It's truly embarrassing to
watch. "Oh, Mom. Don't do that."
I looked over at Daphne. She had a stupefied look on her face. Uh-oh. "You're
speechless! That's okay. All you need to say is "Thank You" and think about what
you want you're vanity plate to say," I told her, signing a few words.
"You guys have done so much for me already. I…" she started, but Mom cut her
off.
"We want to do this for you," Mom said, indicating both Daphne and myself.
"We've got a lot of birthdays to catch up on," Dad put in.
No way was she talking them out of a car for her! New car meant no more
riding to school with my boyfriend! She was getting a damn car if I had
to tie her into one!
"It's okay. I'll work on her," I told them both. I raced to Daphne's side.
She still looked unsure. "Let's get you dressed for car shopping. Your new front
wheel drive chariot awaits," I told her. "Come on. Let's go."
As we walked away, I heard Toby say, "I'm sick too, right?" What a loser!
We all made our way to the car dealership an hour or so later. I was jumping
up and down from excitement. I was getting my car! I rushed to the middle of the
lot. Sitting there, in all it's blue beauty, was "The Thing." The open roof, the
4 doors, the overall motif of it, just screamed, "Bay, take me home!" I
rushed over to it, squealing, my parents trailing behind me.
I sprawled across the front end. "Oh, what's that? Oh, you want to come home
with me? Okay!" I purred to my car. Mom and Dad walked up to me.
"Honey, can we get something that's younger than you are?" Dad asked, clearly
thinking I was out of my mind. I smiled widely and shook my head.
"It was designed for the military. And, it's kinda cute, in an ugly baby
sorta way," Mom put in. I don't care. This is my car! I nodded and said
"uh-huh."
Dad still didn't look convinced. Fortunately, Mom was on my side. "Come on,
honey. It's what she really wants."
I kept smiling, pleading with my eyes. Finally, he said the magic words.
"Like I'm gonna say no."
I squealed and ran to hug my parents tightly. I have the coolest parents
sometimes. And the best part, no car payments! This baby would be paid in
full and in my name before we left the lot.
"You guys are gonna thank me if we ever get invaded by Arkansas."
Next was Daphne's turn. She had been wandering the lot and still hadn't found
anything. Make no mistake about it. Daphne would be taking a car home! That was
my mission today. I would not fail!
Mom and Dad were walking around, pointing out different cars to Daphne. I
wished I had a stick to prod her into a decision faster. I wanted to drive my
car already! Finally, toward the back of the lot, I heard Mom tell Daphne,
"Okay, Daphne. What about this one? It's not too fancy. I mean, this could be
your "Daphne mobile," she told her, pointing out a small, serviceable car.
Perfect! Let's go! Mom continued talking though. "You don't have to call it
"Daphne mobile."
Daphne looked unsure. "It's nice." Nice? That's all you have to say, is nice?
Are you for real?
Dad looked at the sticker. "Let's see. It's got low mileage and good safety
features." Yes, just buy the damn thing already!
"You know, I really appreciate this. I just don't need a car," Daphne stated.
Like hell you don't need a car! You're getting a damn car.
"When I was your age, I would have killed to have a car," Dad told her.
Please, not story time.
"Honey, we want to do this for you," Mom said. Please, please, please!
"You're gonna save them a bundle on the audio package," I said straight
faced.
Least Daphne laughed. Mom didn't think it was quite so funny. Everyone's a
critic.
But, she got the car in the end! YAY!
Just before we left the lot, I sent Emmett a text. "I got my CAR! I'll be
by tonight around 10 to pick you up. I can't wait! Miss you."
When we got back home, Regina came flying out of nowhere and started yelling
about the car Daphne got. Needless to say, all the parents started yelling again
and it was a huge mess. Daphne got back in her car, probably to take it back to
shut Regina up, and she bumped into my car! My Baby! It left some damage that I
was not happy with. At all!
Why does Regina have to ruin everything? I flew upstairs, Daphne not too far
behind me. When we got in my room, she said, "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to
hit your car."
Surprisingly, I wasn't mad at Daphne. I was furious at Regina, though. "It's
okay. It's fixable. Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?" I asked her.
"No. I'm going to my room," she said, heading back out the door. Okay, I
tried.
A few hours later, Daphne was still in her room. Mom had come in to make sure
everything was okay. I told her it was fine. I was sketching, killing time, when
my phone buzzed. Checking it, I saw a text from Emmett. "Awesome, can't wait
to see you tonight. I miss you, too."
I went out to my studio to get all my supplies for tonight ready. I piled
everything by the door for later. While I was doing that, I had also been
thinking about Emmett and I. We needed to tell Daphne soon that we were
together. I think his mom figured it out already. I didn't want her telling
Regina, because she would tell Daphne. It needed to come from one of us. That
way, it might not hurt her so much.
Around 9, I started getting ready. I tossed the stuff in my trunk and went
upstairs to change. Better wear something dark. Easier to blend in that way.
Realizing I was as ready as I was going to be, I headed to Emmett's house.
Please, don't let us get caught!
Arriving promptly at 10pm, I texted Emmett. "I'm outside. Come on down!"
A minute later, Emmett ran out the door and jumped in the car.
The drive over, of course, was silent. Emmett held my hand. I glanced at him
shyly from time to time. He looked so relaxed. I envied him right now. I was far
from relaxed. How was I going to brooch the subject of Daphne? We needed to tell
her…soon!
Pulling into a parking lot not far from the billboard, I parked the car and
started to get out. Emmett, however, had other plans. He pulled me toward him
and kissed me quickly.
"I forgot to tell you earlier….this car is badass!" Emmett mouthed and
signed. I couldn't help laughing when he signed "badass."
"Yes, it is "badass," I agreed. He laughed along with me. Finally, we got out
of the car. I popped the trunk and got out all my supplies. Emmett grabbed the
heavy book bag and put it on his own back. I was glad I had a strong boyfriend.
Once we had everything together, we made our way to the lot. I kept looking
around nervously, checking for cops.
Standing under the billboard, I said, "I know this isn't the best time, but I
need to say something,"
"What's wrong?" Emmett signed.
"When are we going to tell Daphne about us?" I asked bluntly. Emmett looked
surprised.
"Do you really think "now" is the best time?" he signed back.
"Don't you want her to find out from us, instead of your mom, or Regina?"
"Yes, but I don't know if it's good timing. She's in a really bad place right
now," Emmett signed and mouthed. Not going to make this easy, are ya?
"No, trust me. I know that she's in a bad place. But, there's never gonna be
a good time to tell her about us," I said, signing most of it. I was fidgeting,
checking for cops every few seconds.
"I know, but now is a really bad time," Emmett stated yet again. I swear, I
almost get the impression he doesn't even want her to know. Like, ever!
What the hell! Was he embarrassed to be with me? That made me pause for a
second. Was he afraid of being ridiculed for being with a hearing girl?
"I just want to tell her, before she stumbles across it herself. Because
then, it's gonna look like we're hiding it. Which, we kinda are," I signed most
of it again. Now, I was really getting nervous. Let's finish this conversation
up already!
"Okay. I'll tell her," Emmett finally agreed. Thank god!
"Okay," I said, glad that we had finally decided. "Help," I said to him. We
headed for the ladder.
#------------------------------
The drive over was silent. I held Bays hand the whole way. I noticed her
glance at me from time to time. I wonder if she could tell how nervous I was? I
was so scared we might get caught. I would never tell Bay that, though.
We pulled into a parking lot not far from the billboard. Bay started to get
out, but, I pulled her toward me and kissed her. "I forgot to tell you
earlier….this car is badass!" I mouthed and signed after I pulled back. Bay
laughed when I signed "badass."
"Yes, it is "badass," she agreed. I laughed right along with her. Finally, we
got out of the car. Bay popped the trunk and got out the supplies. I grabbed the
heavy book bag and put it on my back. My mother raised a gentleman. Once she had
everything that she needed, we made our way to the lot. We kept looking around
nervously, checking for cops. Not that I could hear them.
While we were standing under the billboard, Bay said, "I know this isn't the
best time, but I need to say something,"
"What's wrong?" I asked, immediately concerned.
"When are we going to tell Daphne about us?" She asked, signing some. I was
surprised. That was not what I was expecting.
"Do you really think "now" is the best time?" I signed back. There was a lot
to consider before we told her.
"Don't you want her to find out from us, instead of your mom, or Regina?" Bay
had a concerned look now.
"Yes, but I don't know if it's good timing. She's in a really bad place right
now," I signed and mouthed . Why were we talking about this right now?
"No, trust me. I know that she's in a bad place. But, there's never gonna be
a good time to tell her about us," Bay replied, signing most of it. I could tell
she was getting nervous. She had started to fidget, checking for cops every few
seconds.
"I know, but now is a really bad time," I repeated myself. I wanted to tell
Daphne, but I also knew she wouldn't take it well when she finds out.
"I just want to tell her, before she stumbles across it herself. Because
then, it's gonna look like we're hiding it. Which, we kinda are," Bay signed
most of it again. Now, she was really starting to look nervous. Did she think I
was hiding our relationship on purpose? Hell, no! I wanted to hang a banner at
Carlton stating that I was dating Bay Kennish. I was freaking proud as hell to
be with her. How did she not know that?
"Okay. I'll tell her," I finally agreed. Bay was right. Daphne needed to know
soon.
"Okay," Bay said, a smile of relief on her face. "Help," she said to me. We
headed for the ladder. Now comes the fun part….not getting caught.
#----------------------
After we got the ladder set up, Emmett and I started climbing. Emmett was
behind me, his excuse being if I fell, he would be able to catch me. Personally,
I thought he just wanted an excuse to check out my rear end. But, hey, I'll let
him have it his way. Lord knows, if our positions were reversed, I would
definitely be checking out his rear end! Okay, lets focus Bay!
"I should have gotten a partner in crime years ago!" I stated, even though
Emmett couldn't hear me. I was actually really glad he had agreed to help me. I
probably couldn't have done this alone. At least without the chance of getting
caught.
We weren't even halfway up, had only climbed about 10 foot, when I heard
sirens. I was so startled that I dropped the poster holder slung over my
shoulder. Looking to my right, I saw a cop car with siren going and lights
flashing. It was heading right toward Emmett and I. SHIT!
I jumped on the garbage bin that was next to the ladder and used the barrel
in front of that to jump to the ground. Emmett must have jumped right off the
ladder, because he was there to catch me. My heart was pounding in my throat,
and I took off running, Emmett right behind me.
Suddenly, he grabbed me quick and turned back around. He ran back toward the
ladder.
"Wh- What are you doing?" I asked hysterically. Was he out of his mind? He
grabbed the poster holder and ran back to me again. Not stopping to figure that
one out, we raced toward my car again. We had just made it to the gate, when the
cop car came around the corner, siren and lights still blaring. We climbed
higher. He handed me the holder and I tossed it over the fence. As I made to
jump over , the barbwire at the top cut into my hands. I pulled back in pain. I
grabbed the side and swung myself to the other side, dropping to the ground.
Emmett went right over the wires. The cops were right behind us now. We ran the
short distance to where I had parked the car and hid next to it. That was too
freaking close!
Emmett and I were both breathing heavy. Any other time, it would have been a
total turn on, but right now I was so scared and pissed off, those feelings
didn't even register. I looked over at Emmett. I saw blood on his shirt. When
the hell did that happen? Not wanting to give into the hysterics I was feeling
at Emmett being injured, I told him, "You're bleeding!" when what I really
wanted to do was rip his shirt off and administer first aid. Before I could
follow through on that thought, however, Emmett grabbed my hand.
"So are you," he signed. I glanced at my hands. He was right. I had been so
focused on getting away, and then his injury, I hadn't noticed my own. Didn't
even realize I had cut it that deep.
"I just wanted 1 thing, that wasn't ruined by everyone else," I told Emmett.
How the hell was I going to make this happen now? The cops would be circling,
making sure no one got up there. There was no way I would be able to do it. I
had lost my chance. My head fell back against my car. I was so totally screwed!
Emmett grabbed my hand again. "This needs to be cleaned," he mouthed. Leave
it to Emmett to be more worried about my hands, then his side. I love that he
worries like that.
I pulled his shirt up to look at his stomach. There was a long, scrapping
gash there. The bleeding wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. "So does
yours," I told him. Emmett nodded. I could tell he was in a great deal of pain.
"Are the cops gone?" he signed and mouthed after a minute. I looked around
cautiously. I didn't see them, and I couldn't hear the sirens anymore.
"Yes, I think they are," I told him.
"We should go, before they come back," he mouthed. Emmett had a point. I
didn't want to get thrown in jail anymore than he did. I piled the stuff in the
back seat. Emmett made his way to the passenger side.
After I got in, I turned to him. "I'm sorry you got hurt. This is all my
fault!"
"No! I took the risk, not you! Don't apologize!" He signed forcefully.
"Okay," I said quietly. "Let's get back home," I said, starting the car.
#--------------------
After getting the ladder set up, we started climbing. I was behind Bay. I
told her it was so if she fell, I'd be there to catch her. Really, though, I
just wanted an excuse to check out her rear end. Hey, I'm a 16 year old
guy! Sex is always on my mind. And, besides, if the positions were
reversed, she would totally be checking out my ass. Focus Emmett!
We weren't even halfway up, had only climbed maybe 10 feet, when Bay stopped
suddenly. She dropped the poster holder that was over her shoulder. I saw it
drop, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw flashing lights. Looking right, I
saw a cop car with the lights flashing. The siren must be going too. It was
heading right toward us! SHIT!
I jumped down from the rung I was on. Bay jumped on the garbage bin that was
next to the ladder and used the barrel in front of that to jump to the ground. I
caught her before she hit the ground. My heart was pounding in my throat, and we
took off running, me following behind Bay.
Suddenly, I remembered the poster holder. I grabbed Bay quick to stop her and
turned back around. I ran back toward the ladder. Have to get the holder!
I grabbed it and ran back to Bay. We took off running toward her car. We had
just made it to the gate, when Bay turned around. I turned and saw the cop car
come around the corner, lights still flashing. We climbed higher. I handed her
the holder and she tossed it over the fence. Bay grabbed the side and swung over
to the other side, dropping to the ground. I went right over the wires. When I
did this, the wires cut right into my stomach. I yelled silently. It hurt like
HELL! We ran the short distance to where Bay had parked the car and hid next to
it. That was too freaking close!
We were both breathing heavy. Holy shit! How the hell did they know we were
there? I grabbed my stomach. Bay must have noticed my movement, because she
looked at me and then my hand.
"You're bleeding!" she said. When she reached out toward me, I saw the blood
on her hand. When had that happened? I grabbed her hand.
"So are you," I signed. She glanced at her hands. Hadn't she noticed before I
pointed it out to her? Figures she would be more focused on me than herself.
"I just wanted 1 thing, that wasn't ruined by everyone else," Bay told me. A
plan started forming in my mind. Could I do it myself? It was obvious we would
not be getting a second chance tonight. Not with the cops circling, making sure
no one got up there. There had to be a way I could do it. I wasn't going to let
this slip by. I saw Bay's head fall back against her car. I would make this
happen for her! Suddenly, I knew what her birthday present would be! This would
be better than the train yard…
First things first though. I grabbed her hand again. "This needs to be
cleaned," I mouthed.
Bay pulled my shirt up to look at my stomach. Any other time, I would have
jumped her, but not this time. I looked at the wound. There was a long,
scrapping gash there. The bleeding wasn't too bad. "So does yours," she told me.
I just nodded. I was in a lot of pain.
"Are the cops gone?" I signed and mouthed after a minute. They hadn't come
after us, so I hoped so. Bay looked around cautiously.
"Yes, I think they are," she told me.
"We should go, before they come back," I mouthed. I didn't want to get thrown
in jail anymore than she did. Bay piled the stuff in the back seat. I made my
way to the passenger side.
After she got in, Bay turned to me. "I'm sorry you got hurt. This is all my
fault!"
"No! I took the risk, not you! Don't apologize!" I signed forcefully.
Why the hell was she apologizing?
"Okay," she said. "Let's get back home," Bay said, starting the car.
#----------------------------
I pulled into my driveway a little while later. We left the stuff in my car,
and headed into my garage. I know he said it wasn't my fault, but I still blamed
myself. Because of me, Emmett got hurt. Could I forgive myself for that?
I told Emmett to take off his shirt and sit on the couch. I turned toward the
sink. I found clean cloths to use for cleaning his wound. I heard the rustle of
his shirt, so I knew he removed it.
Boy, it got a lot warmer all of a sudden….Focus! First aid, remember?
I found the alcohol I kept under the sink. Q-tips? Oh, right….side
compartment next to stir sticks. Holy cow, why was I shaking? Breathe, Bay!
Breathe!
When I gathered everything, I turned around to face Emmett….and almost
dropped it all. Yes, I've seen his chest before, but, holy hell! Even injured,
his chest was perfect. Oh, boy! Warm again.
Emmett watched me with amusement on his face. Pain was also mingled there.
Chest later…..first aid now! I walked over and sat in front of him. Emmett
stretched back a little. Breathe…..
I took one of the cloths and dowsed it with the alcohol. "This will hurt," I
told Emmett. He nodded. Here goes…
The instant the cloth made contact, Emmett hissed through his teeth. Working
as quickly as I could, I cleaned the wound. It was going to be scrapped up for a
while and would probably bruise, but hopefully wouldn't get infected. Once I was
done, I wrapped it loosely to hopefully help stop an infection. He made no move
to put his shirt back on.
Instead, Emmett grabbed my hand. "Your turn," he signed. I sat next to him.
He took another cloth and dowsed that in alcohol. Holding my hand gently, he
slowly wiped the cloth over it. It stung like hell! I fought the urge to flinch.
When he finished my one hand, he repeated the process with the other one.
How could something as simple as first aid make me so hot and bothered? After
Emmett wrapped my hands, he pulled me onto his lap. I pulled back, afraid to
hurt him. Emmett shook his head, and pulled me close again. I settled gently
against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was kind of fast. Was he
turned on too?
I don't know how long we sat like that. Finally, reluctantly, I pulled back
again. "I need to get you home. Your mom will flip if she realizes you're late."
Emmett sighed and nodded. He reached for his shirt.
When we got to his house, he kissed me gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night,"
he mouthed. Tomorrow? Oh, party! That's right.
"Tomorrow night," I parroted. I couldn't wait!
"Leave the stuff here. I'll bring it over tomorrow night," Emmett mouthed and
signed.
"Okay." I was too tired to argue with him. I helped him put the stuff in his
garage. He waved and went into his house.
Tomorrow was my 16th birthday!
#-----------------------------
We pulled into Bay's driveway a little while later. We left the stuff in the
car, and headed into her garage. I knew she was blaming herself for my injury.
Didn't she realize I was more worried about her?
She told me to take off my shirt and sit on the couch. Bay turned toward the
sink. I smirked a little that she was so nervous. I mean, she has seen my chest
before. I took off the shirt and sat down. I looked over at Bay. Was she
blushing? The tips of her ears were red. She fumbled around a bit. She
was nervous! That thought made me giddy. Even I was feeling a little
warm….
Finally, she turned around and faced me. Now, her whole face turned red!
Damn, I'm good! If I wasn't in so much pain, I might have taken advantage of it.
Bay walked over and sat in front of me. I stretched back a little to make
things easier. Hope she doesn't notice the bulge in front…..
Taking one of the cloths, she dowsed it with the alcohol. "This will hurt,"
she told me. I nodded. I saw her gathering her courage. Here goes…
The instant the cloth made contact, I hissed through my teeth. Son of a….
that freaking hurt! Working as quickly as I'm sure she could, Bay cleaned
the wound. It was going to be scrapped up for a while. Once she was done, she
wrapped it loosely. I was taking care of her now. I grabbed her hand.
"Your turn," I signed. She sat next to me. I grabbed another cloth and dowsed
that in alcohol. Holding her hand as gently as I could, I slowly wiped the cloth
over it. I saw her flinch, but I don't think she realized she did it. When I
finished her first hand, I repeated the process with the other one.
How could something as simple as first aid make me so hot and bothered? After
I wrapped her hands, I pulled her onto my lap. Bay immediately pulled back,
probably afraid of hurting me. I shook my head, and pulled her close again. Bay
finally settled against my chest, her ear by my heart. Could she tell how hard
it was pounding? Could she tell I was turned on too?
I don't know how long we sat like that. Finally, reluctantly, Bay pulled back
again. "I need to get you home. Your mom will flip if she realizes you're late."
I sighed and nodded. I'd rather stay here. I reached for my shirt.
When we got to my house, I kissed Bay gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night,"
I mouthed.
"Tomorrow night," she parroted. I couldn't wait!
"Leave the stuff here. I'll bring it over tomorrow night," I mouthed and
signed. Would she wonder why?
"Okay." That was easy! She helped me put the stuff in the garage. I waved and
headed into the house.
Tomorrow was Bay's 16th birthday!
A while later, I crept back outside. Tossing everything into a large book
bag, I tied everything onto my bike. I headed back to the billboard. There
wasn't anyone around, so I stealthily made my way up the ladder. I had to make 2
trips to get it all up there.
Once I was ready, I put on the glue that Bay had in the bag. Once that was
up, I carefully unrolled the poster. I looked around but still didn't see
anyone. Good sign! I used the long handled brush on the poster holder to place
the poster where I wanted it to go. I rubbed the brush over the poster,
smoothing out the air bubbles.
After I was finished, I stood back to admire my work. Not bad! At least it
was straight! I was impressed Bay did this all the time. My arm was killing me,
and I only did it this once. I couldn't wait to bring Bay here after the party.
She was going to be so surprised.
Climbing back down, I replaced things in the bag and tossed it on the back of
the bike, before tying it down, and headed back home. A quick glance at the
clock showed I had been up there for an hour and a half!
Once I got home, I crashed on the bed. I had to get some sleep….
Just before I drifted off, I remembered the bloody shirt I had dumped into
the bottom of the trash can. Have to take out the trash in the morning….
#--------------------------
The morning of my birthday, I woke up anxious. I'm 16 today! I wanted to be
more excited, but I was worried about Emmett. He had gotten scrapped up pretty
bad. Even though he told me it was fine, I still blamed myself. Maybe I should
text him? No, better not.
After I checked the scraps on my palms, I headed down for breakfast. I heard
Mom telling Daphne she could make her blueberry. I'm assuming she meant
pancakes. Daphne loved Mom's blueberry pancakes.
Walking into the kitchen, the first thing I saw were the party hats. Ugh! Not
the hats. I hated those stupid things. Every freaking year, my parents made me
wear one. Enough already! Time to make my presence known.
"Oh, wow! You guys are in full gear this morning, aren't ya?" I said, coming
fully into the kitchen. Mom hugged me as Dad said, "Good Morning!" Mom said,
"Happy Birthday, honey," with a kiss on my cheek.
Then she said the words I loved on my birthday, "I made you your favorite
pancakes." Yummy! Don't act too excited, Bay….you are 16 now!
"Oh, thanks!" Turning to Daphne, I said and signed, "I'm sorry. They still
think that I'm 5." Then I got a real good look at the pancakes. "Where's the
smiley face?" Really? No smiley faced pancakes on my birthday! That's just
wrong!
"Honey, what happened to your hand?" Mom asked me. Shit! She saw the wrapping
around my hand. Think fast, Bay!
"Oh! I had an unfortunate incident with the rose bushes, that I'd prefer not
to talk about actually." Good one! Mom looked convinced. Yes!
"Okay, guys! I think we need pictures of the birthday girls," Dad said,
rising from the table. Oh, no! Not pictures….
Mom, sounding excited, said, "Yes!" Why me?
"Dad, seriously, we want Daphne to stay…" I told him, trying to put him off.
"That's fine," Daphne said. Traitor!
Toby finally made his way to breakfast. I was not wearing the stupid hat!
"No, it's not! Whatever they say, you don't have to wear the hat!"
"I think you have to wear the hat," Toby chimed in. Go away! Dad had the
camera ready to go. Drat!
"Okay, ladies." Dad said. We put the stupid hats on. I vowed to find these
pictures after they were developed and burn them! Toby said, "Come on!
Cheese!" You're just happy it isn't you!
"Smile!" Dad said. We smiled and the camera flashed. "Very nice."
What a wonderful start to my day….. What else will happen before the day is
done?
#--------------------
The afternoon dragged by. I had woken up late, so my whole day was thrown
off. I wanted the party to get here already! I was dying to see Bay's reaction
to the billboard.
Finally, it was almost time to leave. This day didn't go by fast enough! I
was standing in my closet getting dressed, when I felt thumping on the floor.
What do you want now, Mom? Turning to face her, I see one of my shirts in her
hand. My bloody shirt. My stomach dropped. Shit!
"I found this in the trash. You want to tell me about this?" Mom said. What
are you, part bloodhound? I buried that sucker at the bottom of the can. Lie,
Emmett! Lie fast!
"It's nothing," I told her. I walked toward her, intent on grabbing the
shirt. Mom was faster though. She lifted my shirt and saw the scrap on my
stomach. Personal space, Mother! That hurt!
Mom suddenly got concerned. "What happened?" She looked like she was going to
go on the warpath. Something hurt her little boy! Find it and destroy! Must
cut her off….
"I fell on a sprinkler at Jackson's house playing football," I said, lying
through my teeth. If she knew what really happened, she would go
BALLISTIC!
Mom now looked skeptical. "You were playing football late last night." Damn
it, she wasn't buying it. Okay, time to distract….
I grabbed the gifts off my bed and turning, said, "C'mon. We're going to be
late for the party," and walked past her. Something told me this wasn't the end
of this conversation.
Once outside, I tossed the gifts in Mom's car and hopped on my bike. I needed
to take Bay out later, and I couldn't do that if I was riding with Mom. She
followed me outside, but didn't say anything about me riding my bike. Score one
for me….
#--------------------------------
Finally, it was party time! I had resisted texting Emmett all day. I was
dying to know how he was doing though. As I got ready, I decided on my black zip
dress. It was classy but whimsical like me. And I knew Emmett would like it,
because it was also form fitting.
I was just coming down the stairs, when I heard someone knock on the door.
Oh, please let it be Emmett! Hurrying to the door, I open it to reveal Melody
and Emmett. YES! It was all I could do not to jump Emmett right there. The boy
looked HOT! With Melody standing there, I figured I better curb that thinking.
"Hi!" I said, stepping back so they could enter. Melody waved and signed,
"Happy Birthday!"
"Oh, thank you," I said, trying to be polite as possible. After all, she is
my boyfriend's mother. Have to make a better impression than before. I really
just wanted to erase that memory from the recesses of my brain. She just nodded.
Emmett followed next, with a huge smile on his face. "Happy Birthday!" he
signed.
"Oh, thanks!" I signed, closing the door behind them. Could I hug Emmett
without Melody having a cow? From the look on her face, I'm guessing no. That's
okay. I'll grab him later.
Emmett handed me the smaller of the two presents he held in his hand. I had
to curb the impulse to rip into it early. What did Emmett get me?
Remembering my manners, I turned to Melody and said and signed, "Thank you."
She nodded and then got a concerned look on her face. Too late, I remembered
the wrap on my hand. "What happened?" she signed. Lie, Bay. Lie fast!
"Oh, uh. It's nothing. It was just me being stupid." She nodded and looked
quickly between Emmett and myself. Why did I feel like I was missing something?
Emmett quickly smiled at Melody. Why did she look skeptical? Did she know?
Melody walked away, leaving Emmett and I standing there alone. He leaned in
and kissed me. Okay, way to distract me.
"You look beautiful," he signed. Of course I blushed.
"Thanks. Come on, Mom and Daphne are outside in the backyard," I told him. He
took my hand gently. We walked hand in hand until we got to the door. Then we
pulled apart. How much longer? Emmett went over to greet Daphne. This was going
to be a long night!
#-------------------------
Once we got to Bay's house, I grabbed the presents. I could tell Mom wanted
to say something else to me, but I headed for the door, leaving her to follow.
Mom stepped in front of me and knocked on the door.
Please let Bay answer. Please let Bay answer. Please let Bay answer…..
The door swung open to reveal my beautiful Bay. Yes! Thank you! "Hi!"
she said. Mom stepped in and told her "Happy Birthday!"
"Oh, thank you," Bay said. What else could she say?
I followed Mom in. "Happy Birthday!" I signed. I was grinning thinking about
later.
"Oh, thanks!" Bay signed and said, closing the door behind us. Could I hug
Bay without Mom having a cow? From the look on her face, I'm guessing no. That's
okay. I'll get her later.
I handed Bay the smaller of the two presents. Boy would she be surprised!
Turning to my mom, Bay said and signed, "Thank you."
Mom nodded and then froze before concern clouded her face. Too late, I saw
the wrap still on Bay's hand. Oh, shit! "What happened?" Mom signed. Lie,
Bay. Lie fast!
"Oh, uh. It's nothing. It was just me being stupid." Bay responded. I was
nervous. I could see the wheels turning in Mom's head. She was putting 2 and 2
together. I could see it. Mom glanced between Bay and I. I quickly smiled at
Mom. She was skeptical of Bay's story.
Finally, Mom walked away, leaving Bay and I completely alone. Hell yeah,
taking advantage of this. I leaned in and kissed Bay.
"You look beautiful," I signed after I pulled away. Of course she blushed.
"Thanks. Come on, Mom and Daphne are outside in the backyard," she told me. I
took her hand gently. Taking advantage again. We walked hand in hand until we
got to the door. Then we pulled apart. How much longer? I went over to greet
Daphne. This was going to be a long night!
#----------------------
A little while later, I saw Emmett disappear into the house. I figured he was
using the bathroom. When he still hadn't come back after several minutes, I went
looking for him. As I walked around the corner, I saw he and Melody standing
there. Melody looked angry, and after I waved at her hesitantly, she headed back
outside. Okay, that was a little bit awkward….
Emmett turned around and faced me. He looked irritated, but covered it
quickly with a smile. You're not fooling me, Bledsoe!
"What were you guys talking about?" I asked him, sure I knew the answer. He
waved his hands like it was nothing. Yeah, right! "No, seriously. Tell me," I
insisted.
Emmett wouldn't give me an answer. He looked around as if unsure what I would
want to hear. I already knew the answer anyway…
"She doesn't like me, does she?" I said and signed. So much for trying to
make a better impression…
Emmett was quick to try to reassure me. He signed, "She will," I think.
Better make sure…
"Will?" I asked, repeating his sign. He nodded. That's what I thought. "As in
she doesn't now," I said, with a feeling of rejection. I turned away from Emmett
and started walking away. I didn't want him to see the tears.
I was halfway down the hall when Emmett swung me around. He saw the tears and
pulled me into his arms. After a minute or so, he pulled back.
"Why does it matter how she feels?" Emmett signed and mouthed. How to explain
it…
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Taking a deep breath, I tried again.
"I really want her to like me. I never cared before, but with you, it's
different." Emmett was watching me carefully. Here goes… "You matter to me more
than anyone ever has before." Emmett smiled at this. "I don't want anyone to
look at us and wonder how we "work together." Now for the important part. "I
want your parents, especially your mom, to approve of us together. I don't want
to fight everyone," I said slowly. I really needed him to understand all of it.
It was that important to me.
Emmett stood and stared at me for a moment. Was he gathering his thoughts?
Finally, he started signing. "I understand how you feel. You matter to me more
than anyone else ever has before as well." He stopped, probably to see my
reaction. "Mom will come around. She just needs to see how happy we are. And,
even if she never approves, I don't care. I picked you. She'll get over it,"
Emmett signed and mouthed. This was not the attitude I wanted him to have. If
his mother didn't approve, like, ever, we would be in a world of trouble
some day.
"I just want everyone happy," I said simply. He nodded and smiled.
"Me too," he signed, just before he pulled me into a heart pounding kiss.
I'll say one thing….the boy knows how to kiss!
#-----------------------------------
I headed into the house to use the bathroom. On the way back out, Mom saw me
and waved to get my attention. Stopping to wait, she came to stand in front of
me. Uh-oh! I'm not gonna like this conversation…
"So, I guess Bay also cut herself on the sprinkler playing football with
Jackson?" she said, looking pissed. Busted! Okay, just play it cool.
I just shrugged, like I was saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Mom wasn't giving up. "You come home all cut up…what are you into…cutting?
Rough sex?"
REALLY, MOM! Oh my god, like my sex life is your business! A bit
embarrassed, I said, "Mom!"
"Tell me what's going on." Nuh-uh! Not on your life! No freaking way!
"No! Because I know how you feel about Bay," I told her defensively. I would
protect Bay, especially from my own mother if I had to!
"Apparently with good reason," Mom told me angrily. Great, just great! "You
start going out with her and suddenly…you're sneaking around" Sneaking? What
am I, 5? "Lying.." Yeah, to protect my girlfriend! "and asking to go
to speech therapy."
And there we have it, folks! My mother's insecurity rears its ugly
head. "I knew it!" I told her angrily. "That's what this is really about." You
can't stop me from wanting to communicate with my girlfriend. It's my decision!
"I don't like who she's turning you into," Mom said. Seriously? Because, god
forbid, I want to be able to talk to my hearing girlfriend!
I was about to give her a reality check, when I noticed Mom stop suddenly.
She looked over my shoulder. Bay, has to be. I looked as well. Bay waved
hesitantly. I felt my irritation slipping away. Mom took off angrily. Oh, man….
I turned around to face Bay again. Her look told me she was curious about
what had just happened.
"What were you guys talking about?" she asked me. I was hesitant to tell her.
I didn't want to tell her exactly how Mom felt. I waved my hands, gesturing that
it was nothing. She wasn't buying it. "No, seriously. Tell me," she insisted.
I looked around, not sure what I should tell her. I couldn't tell her the
truth. It would crush her.
She doesn't like me, does she?" Bay said and signed.
Trying to reassure her, I signed, "She will," I hope…
"Will?" she asked, repeating my sign. I nodded. Her face fell. Well, shit.
"As in she doesn't now," she said, looking rejected. Bay turned away from me and
headed down the hall. What the hell just happened? I could see her shoulders
shaking as she walked away. Bay was crying. Damn it. I took off after her.
Bay was halfway down the hall when I caught up to her and swung her around to
face me. I saw the tears and pulled her into my arms. She shook slightly. After
a minute or so, I pulled back so I could see her face.
"Why does it matter how she feels?" I signed and mouthed. My mother was the
least of my concerns right now. The girl in my arms was all that mattered to me
at the moment.
Bay stood there, watching me. I saw the gears turning. She opened her mouth,
but nothing came out. She took a deep breath, and tried again. "I really want
her to like me. I never cared before, but with you, it's different." I didn't
realize just how important this was to Bay. "You matter to me more than anyone
ever has before." I smiled at this. Glad she feels the same way I do. "I don't
want anyone to look at us and wonder how we "work together." Unfortunately, as
long as we're together, someone will always think that. "I want your parents,
especially your mom, to approve of us together. I don't want to fight everyone,"
she finished up slowly.
I hadn't realized how much thought she had put into all of this. Was she
really that afraid that people wouldn't accept us? Seeing she was waiting for a
response, I started signing. "I understand how you feel. You matter to me more
than anyone else ever has before as well." I stopped, gauging her reaction. She
had stopped crying. "Mom will come around. She just needs to see how happy we
are. And, even if she never approves, I don't care. I picked you. She'll get
over it," I signed and mouthed. Mom doesn't run my life. I make my own choices.
"I just want everyone happy," Bay said. I nodded and smiled.
"Me too," I signed, just before pulling her into a heart pounding kiss.
We'd get through this, together….
#-----------------------
We sat down to eat. Emmett was down at the other end with Daphne. I tried to
curb the jealousy I was feeling. I wanted him next to me. But, Daphne was his
"best friend" and it would look weird if he sat next to me, since no one knew we
were dating. I didn't pay a lot of attention during dinner.
I was starting to feel bad that Regina wasn't here. After all, your
daughter's only turn 16 once. I wasn't completely ready to forgive her, but I
felt bad she was missing everything.
Mom brought out the cakes. One thing good about my mom, she always makes good
cakes! Adriana was helping mom light them up, when I heard heels on the
pavement. Everyone turned to see Regina standing there. Okay, this is going to
get awkward…
Regina looked at all of us. Signing and talking, she said, "I never missed
any of Daphne's birthday's. And, I am not gonna miss anymore of Bay's."
Dad looked at Mom and said, "I'm not okay with this."
Mom said, "Honey," like she was surprised at his reaction.
Dad stood up. "No, I'm sorry," he said. Wait!
"Dad?" I said, stopping him. Would I regret what I would say next? "I want
her here."
I think he could tell what this meant to me, so he agreed. Thank you!
Toby got up, giving Regina his chair, while he went to get another. Regina
was now sitting directly to my right. I gave her a small smile.
After Regina sat down, we cut the cakes and handed them out. After that, it
got very silent. All that was heard was silverware skimming plates. Okay,
then…..
Regina finally broke the silence, commenting on how delicious the cake was.
Mom thanked her and silence prevailed again.
"You know what would lighten the mood? Presents!" I said. Anything but
silence! Fortunately, everyone agreed. Yay!
Mom stood up, saying that she wanted to say something first. To my surprise,
she started signing and talking. Someone's been practicing! She talked about
giving birth to Daphne, but instead brought me home. She talked about how hard
it was to make peace with everything. She finished by saying how lucky she was
to have two incredible daughters, and everyone that came along with both of us.
Then everyone wished us both "Happy Birthday." maybe this wouldn't be so bad
after all.
Finally we got to the presents! The first one Mom handed me was from Emmett.
Oh, I couldn't wait to see what he got me! I opened the card. "Happy Birthday!
From, Emmett," it read. I tried to hide my disappointment at the simple
statement. What did I expect him to write, "Love ya!" Pushing those thoughts
aside, I opened the box, finding…a scarf? It was an ugly looking scarf too.
Okay, so not what I was expecting. Did he expect me to wear this hideous looking
thing? I know we haven't been together very long, but, really? I thought
he at least knew my style….
"It's a.... scarf," I said, trying to hide my disappointment again. So, maybe
he has bad gift sense. It happens.
Emmett just kept grinning at me. "Thank you," I signed. No sense showing how
disappointed I am with my gift. That would just hurt his feelings. Next up was
Daphne's gift from Emmett. Wonder what crappy gift he got her?
Daphne read her card….and started laughing. Huh? Then she got really excited.
"Oh, no you didn't!" she exclaimed. What was I missing here? She ripped into her
present. "You did! You did! I can't believe it!" she said, pulling out a shirt.
Next she pulled out a poster that had "Deafenstein" written across it. What the
hell was that supposed to be? "And, you got Charles Dane to autograph it!"
I again felt like the odd person out. He got his best friend a freaking
autographed poster, and got his girlfriend a freaking....ugly.....scarf.
Suddenly, I felt ill.
"What's "Deafenstein?" I asked. I didn't actually care, but if I didn't ask
it would look weird.
With a huge smile on her face, Daphne told us, "It's an all deaf version of
"Frankenstein" done all in ASL." Sorry I asked…..
Apparently there was a DVD as well, because Toby pulled it out and read the
back. "Deafenstein- he can't hear you scream." Everyone but me laughed. "This
looks terrible," he continued.
"It's so bad and the sequels are even worse," Daphne said, still laughing. I
felt very alone. If I ran in the house, would anyone come looking? Would they
even care? Doubtful. Once again, it was "Daphne time."
Melody signed "They're obsessed." Glad I knew that one.
Dad mimicked her. "What does this mean?"
Daphne put in, "She said we're obsessed." Of course, Melody smiled at this.
In that second, I knew I was doomed. It was no secret who Melody preferred.
And it wasn't me…
Daphne asked Emmett how he got the autograph. He told her he went to
Springfield 6 months ago, to a horror convention there. He got the autograph
then.
Okay, so I could forgive him a little bit now. He got her gift before we even
met. But still, a freaking scarf? I knew I'd never win…
The rest of the presents went by quick. Mom and dad gave me money and
clothes, like always. Toby gave me a new CD I had been wanting. Adriana gave me
a pretty sweater vest. Daphne got me another CD. Regina got me some paint
supplies.
Daphne also got clothes and money from my parents. Toby bought her a heavy,
heavy metal CD. Adriana gave her new earrings. Regina suspiciously had nothing
for her.
As soon as I was able, I slipped away to my garage. I needed to vent….or
cry......
#-------------------
We sat down to eat. I was down at the other end with Daphne. I would have
preferred to sit next to Bay, but Daphne was my "best friend" and it would be
weird if I didn't sit next to her.
I watched Bay throughout dinner. She kept looking around. Was she looking for
Regina? I felt bad that everything had gone downhill the way it did. I knew she
had never missed a birthday before. It would be doubly hard for her now, missing
Bay's as well.
Kathryn brought out the cakes. I have to say, they looked awesome. I couldn't
wait to eat some. Adriana was helping Kathryn light them up, when I saw everyone
freeze. We all looked to see Regina standing there. Okay, this is going to get
awkward…
Regina looked at all of us. Signing and talking, she said, "I never missed
any of Daphne's birthday's. And, I am not gonna miss anymore of Bay's."
John said something, but I didn't catch it. Probably complaining about Regina
being here. I saw Kathryn respond, but again, couldn't make it out.
John stood up suddenly. I could tell he was pissed off. I couldn't make out
what else he said.
"Dad?" I saw Bay say, stopping him. "I want her here." Ah, he didn't want
Regina here.
I think he could tell how much it meant to Bay, because I saw him nod. Thank
you!
Toby got up, giving Regina his chair, while he went to get another. Regina
was now sitting next to Bay.
After Regina sat down, the cakes were cut and handed out. After that, it got
very silent. I didn't see anyone talking. Okay, this is weird….
Regina finally broke the silence, commenting on how delicious the cake was.
The only reason I got that is because she signed it too. Kathryn thanked her, I
think, and silence prevailed yet again.
I looked over at Bay in time to see her say, "You know what would lighten the
mood? Presents!" Yes, relieve the tension. Everyone agreed. Yes!
Kathryn stood up, saying that she wanted to say something first. To my
surprise, she started signing and talking. She started talked about giving birth
to Daphne, but that she ended up bring home Bay instead. She talked about how
hard it was to make peace with everything. She finished by saying how lucky she
was to have two incredible daughters, and everyone that came with them.
Then we all wished them "Happy Birthday."
Finally it was presents time! The first one Bay got was from me. Boy, would
she be surprised. She opened the card. "Happy Birthday! From, Emmett," I had
written. I didn't put what I wanted to, in case anyone else looked at the card.
I wanted to write something long and romantic. I could see disappointment on her
face at the simplicity of it. I smiled, knowing she'd get over it when she saw
the billboard. Bay opened the box, finding the scarf/blindfold. Okay, so it
wasn't the best looking thing in the world, but it's not like I expect her to
wear the hideous looking thing! I have better taste than that. I know her
style….
"It's a.... scarf," she said. I saw the disappointed look again. I smiled
wider, giddy with the secret I held.
"Thank you," she signed to me. I waved, like it wasn't a big thing. Inside I
laughed. Next up was my gift to Daphne. Would Bay get angry when she sees what I
got for Daphne?
Daphne read her card and started laughing. When she got really excited, I
knew it had clicked in her head. "Oh, no you didn't!" she exclaimed. She ripped
into the present. "You did! You did! I can't believe it!" she said, pulling out
the shirt. Next she pulled out the poster that had "Deafenstein" written across
it. "And, you got Charles Dane to autograph it!"
I smiled, pleased she liked her presents so much. But, her happiness was
minimal compared to how happy Bay would be when she saw her real gift.
"What's "Deafenstein?" Bay asked. I should have told her before now I
suppose. If she was going to be with me, she would be seeing it a lot….
With a huge smile on her face, Daphne told her, "It's an all deaf version of
"Frankenstein" done all in ASL."
Toby pulled out the DVD I had also gotten Daphne and read the back.
"Deafenstein- he can't hear you scream." Everyone laughed. "This looks
terrible," he continued. It is pretty corny..
"It's so bad and the sequels are even worse," Daphne said, still laughing. I
glanced at Bay. She looked…left out? Now I was feeling bad. I was basically
ignoring my girlfriend. My only relief was knowing I would be making it up to
her later.
Mom signed, "They're obsessed." That's an understatement.
John mimicked her. "What does this mean?" repeating "obsessed."
Daphne translated, "She said we're obsessed." Mom nodded, agreeing with
Daphne. Maybe I was imagining things, but mom sure seemed to be siding with
Daphne more than usual. Why couldn't she just give Bay a chance?
Daphne asked me how I got the autograph. I told her how I went to Springfield
6 months ago, to a horror convention there. That was when I got the autograph.
Kathryn said that my gift was thoughtful. Sure, but Bay's was over the top.
The rest of the presents went by quickly. Bay's parents gave her money and
clothes. Toby got her a CD. Adriana got her a sweater vest. Daphne got Bay
another CD. Even Regina got her new paint supplies.
Daphne also got clothes and money from the Kennishes. Toby bought her a
really heavy metal CD. Adriana gave her new earrings. Where was Regina's gift?
And Bay's?
A little bit later, I saw Bay slip into her garage. Perfect! I waited a few
minutes and then followed after her. Boy, was she gonna be surprised!
#-------------------------
As I wandered around my garage, I contemplated breaking something. I was so
angry and hurt. How could he do that? How could he get her that "thoughtful
gift" as mom had called it earlier, and get me an ugly ass scarf? I am his
girlfriend! Aren't I a little more important than the best friend?
I had just picked up some brushes and placed them in a can when I heard a
knock on the door. Turning, I saw Emmett standing there. He gave a little wave.
Sure, of course he's happy.
Deciding not to show how hurt I felt, I said, "Oh, hey." Act cool Bay. Don't
show the pain. "Thanks again for the....a.....scarf."
Emmett gave me a little smile and picked the ugly thing up off the table I
had set it on. Does he expect me to wear it now? Then, he surprised me. He held
it up and shook his head. Huh? All right….
"It's not… a scarf," I said as Emmett signed. Okay then, what the hell is it
then? Then he held it up to his eyes. "Blindfold," he mouthed.
"It's…a blindfold?" Blindfold? Then it hit me. "It's a blindfold!" This just
got more interesting.
Emmett signed and mouthed, "And it's not…your real gift." Huh? What have you
done, Emmett?
He motioned for me to turn around. Skeptically, I did as he bid. He put the
scarf/blindfold over my eyes. Next, I felt him putting my coat on me. Coat? He
pulled me outside. I followed behind him as he crossed the driveway. When we
stopped again, I felt him put a helmet on my head. HELMET! Is he insane?
I can't ride his bike BLINDFOLDED!
Apparently he did not share my thoughts, because he situated me on the back
before he got on. I grabbed hold of his waist tightly. I felt him chuckle.
Sure, laugh now. You won't be laughing when I fall off this damn
thing!
He started the bike and took off. I think I'm going to be sick….
Let me tell you right now, riding on the back of a motorcycle with a
blindfold is not an experience I ever want to have again. Every time
Emmett turned a corner, my stomach dropped down to my toes and my heart went
into my throat. How much longer?
A few minutes later, he finally stopped the bike. Thank God! He got off and
helped me. I wobbled a second, since my head was spinning a little. Grabbing me,
Emmett held on till I got my balance back. Once he was sure I wouldn't be
falling over, he led me a short distance away. As I stood there patiently,
Emmett removed the blindfold.
It took a second, but my eyes adjusted to seeing light again. Then I saw it….
"My art? How?" The poster that we had tried to put up last night was now up
on the billboard. I didn't put it there. The only other person that knew about
it was….
Turning to face Emmett, I said, "You did that?" His whole face lit up in a
giant smile. Oh my… He had come back and put the poster up, knowing how much it
meant to me. I was beyond happy. I wanted to shout from the roof how awesome my
boyfriend is!
"It's perfect," I said, pulling him into a hug. He hugged me back, just as
tightly. When he pulled away, he signed, "Happy Birthday."
This was definitely worth getting the crappy scarf first! Ha ha, Daphne. Eat
this!
"This is bad ass," I said, using my new favorite sign. Emmett smiled.
Emmett tapped my arm. When I looked at him, he mouthed and signed, "I'm sorry
I haven't told Daphne about us yet."
"It's okay. Maybe it's better coming from me," I said. He nodded his
agreement.
We went back to staring at the billboard. After a time, Emmett said we should
get back so I didn't get in trouble. Reluctantly I agreed. Before we left,
Emmett pulled out his camera and took pictures of the billboard and then one of
the 2 of us.
Now, this is a birthday present!
When we got back to my house, Emmett kissed me again. This kiss was sweet and
soft. It reminded me of our first kiss. He waved and headed home.
Now came the part I was dreading…telling Daphne about Emmett and I. Please,
let her take it well…..
#--------------------------
I stood by the door of Bay's studio, watching her move around inside. Her
body language was stiff. Was she mad? I hoped not. I hoped she realized I would
never get my girlfriend something as stupid as a scarf. She had to know I had
something better in mind. Didn't she? Bay had just picked up some brushes and
placed them in a can when I decided to make my presence known. I knocked on her
door. She turned and caught sight of me. I waved. She did not look happy.
"Oh, hey." Bay said. Hey? Really? "Thanks again for the....a.....scarf."
Ha ha, here we go…
I gave her a smile and picked up the scarf. Holding it up, I shook my head.
Now she looked confused.
"It's not… a scarf," I signed as Bay followed. Then I held it up to my eyes.
"Blindfold," I mouthed.
"It's…a blindfold?" Then it hit her. "It's a blindfold!" Now she looked
curious. Good!
I signed and mouthed, "And it's not…your real gift." Bay eyed me, probably
wondering what I was up to.
I motioned for her to turn around. Slowly, she did as I asked. Once she was
facing away from me, I put the scarf/blindfold over her eyes. Next, I grabbed
her coat and helped her into it. I pulled her behind me outside, across the
driveway to my bike. I put the spare helmet on her head. She stiffened and I
fought the urge to laugh. She looked too cute with the helmet and blindfold on.
I helped her onto my bike and then got on. The second I was on, Bay grabbed hold
of my waist tightly. I couldn't stop the chuckle that time.
I started the bike and took off. Hold on tight, Bay!
The ride to the billboard was an interesting experience. Every time I would
turn a corner, Bay would tighten her grip. I would never let her fall off.
Didn't she know that by now?
A few minutes later, we reached the billboard. I got off and helped Bay. She
wobbled for a second, probably from riding blindfolded. I grabbed her and held
on till her balance came back. Once I was sure she wouldn't be falling over, I
led her the short distance to the billboard. As she stood there patiently, I
removed the blindfold. Please let her like it….
It took a second, but her eyes adjusted to seeing light again. Then she saw
it….
I saw the shocked look on her face. The poster that we had tried to put up
last night was now up on the billboard. She knew she hadn't put it up. That only
left me. I watched her face as recognition hit.
Turning to me, she said and signed, "You did that?" I gave her a huge smile.
See, I'm not a terrible boyfriend. "It's perfect," she said, before pulling me
into a hug. I hugged her back, just as tightly. When I pulled away, I signed,
"Happy Birthday."
This was definitely worth giving her the scarf first!
"This is bad ass," Bay said, using her new favorite sign. I smiled. I had to
tell her something else though.
I tapped her arm. When she looked at me, I mouthed and signed, "I'm sorry I
haven't told Daphne about us yet."
"It's okay. Maybe it's better coming from me," Bay said. I nodded my
agreement.
We went back to staring at the billboard. After a time, I signed that we
should get back so she didn't get in trouble. Reluctantly she agreed. Before we
left, I pulled out my camera and took pictures of the billboard and then one of
the 2 of us.
When we got back to Bay's house, I kissed her again. This kiss was like our
first kiss, sweet and soft. Waving goodbye, I headed home.
Now came the hard part…Bay was going to tell Daphne about us. Please, let her
take it well…..
#------------------------
I stood outside Daphne's room. Deep breath, Bay. You can do this. You need
to do this…. I was trying to gather my courage before talking to Daphne.
Just tell her. Be straight forward….
Emmett and I are dating. Emmett and I are dating. Emmett and I are
dating.
Here goes nothing…..
I opened her door and peeked inside. Daphne saw me and motioned me inside.
She was smiling. Oh good, she's in a good mood. That will make this
easier….
"I just wanted to make sure you made it through the day in one piece," I told
her, buying myself a little time.
Daphne laughed. "Thanks."
"Weird day, huh?" It's about to get weirder, at least for her.
Daphne looked down and said, "Yeah." Is she blushing?
My curiosity peaked, I sat on the bed. "What's up?" I asked and signed.
"It's just, I always thought my mom would be the one constant in my life. The
one person I could always rely on. But, I was wrong."
Had to agree with her there. "I know. It sucks," I told her.
Then she curve balled me. "No. There is one person who's always been there
for me. I just can't believe I never saw it before now." Oh, god. She's not
talking about….
Dreading her answer, I asked, "Who are you talking about?" Please, not….
Daphne got a sappy smile on her face. The same kind I got whenever I thought
of…..
"Emmett," she said softly.
Oh, god! Why now? "Are you saying you're in to him?" No, please….no.
Then my world shattered. She nodded and said, "Yeah. I think I am."
I could only stare at her, my mind in shock. If she liked Emmett, and he
found out….
I didn't stand a snowballs chance in hell….
Daphne noticed my dazed look and said, "What?"
Don't show the pain…. "Nothing. Just, uh, "Happy Birthday!" I told her.
"You too," Daphne said with a smile.
How could she know that she had just unknowingly ripped my heart out?
#---------------------------
After I got home, I waited for Bay to text me that she had told Daphne. I was
dying to know how she had taken it. While I laid on my bed, I thought back to
the billboard.
Bay had been so excited to see the poster up there. I was so glad I did that
for her.
I stayed up a couple more hours, but Bay never texted me. Finally, I was too
exhausted to stay up anymore. I fell asleep with Bay's beautiful face on my
mind.
#------------
Disclaimer: Switched At Birth is owned by Lizzy Weiss and ABC Family. No
copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for entertainment
purposes only.
Disclaimer: There will be "M" rated themes in later chapters......
A/N This will begin with dream sequences from Bay and Emmett, rather than
Daphne like the actual episode.
#-----------
Chapter 7- episode 9
I was so glad school was finally over. It had been a long day. They cancelled
outdoor recess so we were stuck inside. That meant no dodge ball. On top of that
I forgot my lunch money, so that meant going to the office for money. Mom was so
going to love that. I got to put off telling her though because she couldn't
pick me up today. So, I was walking.
The walk home was pretty lonely because no one lived out in my direction. So
I had no one to walk with. I couldn't wait until I was older. I wanted to get a
motorcycle and drive it to school so I wouldn't have to walk on days like today.
It was cold out. Halloween was right around the corner. My mouth was already
starting to water thinking about all the candy I was gonna get. I couldn't wait!
As I walked under some trees I noticed orange and red leaves were falling. My
eyes switched from one to the next, counting them.
"….19…20…21…" Suddenly, something caught my eye.
Turning to look, I realized I was outside a Hearing school. It looked like
there was a scuffle going down on the black top. Normally, I would have just
passed by. It was a Hearing school after all. That's when I glimpsed it, black
curls as whoever was in the center was trying to break free. A girl with blonde
pigtails held her back.
Before I knew what I was doing, I was running towards the fight. I couldn't
understand why I felt so drawn to what was happening….to her. The girl in the
middle briefly broke free, her hair wiping around her head. As her hair flew to
the side, I saw something familiar, something curled around one small pale ear.
Was she like me? I caught a look of fear as I caught sight of wide brown eyes.
She couldn't get away before pig tail girl pushed her to the ground.
That was all I needed to see. I picked up speed racing across the black
top. Opening my mouth for the first time in a long time, I forced air through my
lungs, attempting to scream as loud as I could. The girls looked up at me. I was
suddenly breaking through the circle. The bullying girls shot apart like
marbles. Their faces were bright with fear as they paled before my eyes.
I stood in front of their victim with as much confidence as I could dig
up. I looked down at her. She was bleeding, her knees were all scraped up. There
were pieces of a broken hearing aid surrounding her. They must have ripped it
from her head. She looked up at me panting and scared, drawing her knees to her
chest, tears streaking down her face. I felt anger like I had never experienced
before light me up from the inside. Looking back at the girls, I turned my
sudden fury on them.
"DON'T…YOU…EVER….TALK….TO….HER…AGAIN!" I forced the words out, not caring if
these monsters understood me or not. All those bullies ran away screaming. Good!
Turning around I looked at the girl again. She looked up at me, her eyes
still wide but not with fear. It was confusion that colored her watery eyes. If
she was confused now it was about to get worse. The anger I felt toward those
girls paled when I saw the look on her face. I gave her a small smile and she
returned it hesitantly. Reaching down without any warning, I grabbed her hand.
Tugging hard, I pulled the girl to her feet. I ran from the school, pulling the
girl who had affected me so suddenly with me. I would take her home. My Mom
would know what to do.
When we got to my house, I told her, "It's okay. My Mom and I will clean
you up." The girl just stared at me. Maybe she was in shock. Pulling her inside,
I found Mom in the kitchen.
"There you are! I was worried about you. What took so long?" Mom asked me
as soon as she caught sight of me.
"Mom, this girl was getting beat up at the Hearing school I go by to get
home. I think she's deaf. She has hearing aids, like me. I don't know her name,
but her knees are skinned up bad. Can you help her?"
"Of course I can!" Mom said, before turning to the girl. "Hi! I'm Melody
and this is my son, Emmett. What's your name, sweetie?"
The girl just kept staring at us. She seemed fascinated with our hands for
some reason. Surely, she's seen sign language before. For some reason, she
wouldn't answer my Mom though. Mom was also looking at her funny.
"Do you understand me when I do this with my hands?" Mom signed more
slowly. The girl continued to stare. What the….? Mom looked at me. "Honey, I
don't think she knows ASL."
But, she's deaf, isn't she? She has hearing aids, so she has to be. How does
she not know ASL?
"I'm going to clean up your knees, okay?" Mom mouthed to the girl. At
this, she nodded. Okay, so she reads lips. That's good to know.
"I'm Emmett and this is my mom, Melody," I mouthed to the girl. She nodded
again. Is she a mute? "What's your name?" I continued.
"Daphne."
The vibration of my alarm woke me up. Staring at the ceiling, I remembered my
dream. That was how I met Daphne, but my brain had substituted Bay for Daphne.
It made sense. Bay is the one I would have met, if the switch hadn't happened.
Still, it was a little weird seeing Bay in my dream instead of Daphne. Not that
I didn't dream of Bay. It was usually in a more "ahem" adult setting. Dreaming
of her as a child was a little strange.
#---------------------------
"Mom, where's my coat? Emmett will be mad if he has to wait," I signed to my
mom, hoping she knew where I left it.
"Daphne, relax! You and I both know that Emmett could never get mad or stay
mad at you. Your coat is by the door, where you hung it last night," Mom
answered, chuckling slightly. I wished I could hear her laugh.
Running my fingers through my black curls, I checked the mirror one more
time. Perfect! Just then, the doorbell light flashed. Giddy, I race toward the
door.
"Hi, gorgeous!" Emmett said, before pulling me into a kiss.
"You know you don't have to ring the doorbell!" I said after he released me.
I could feel my face flaming.
"How else am I going to grab you and have my way with you?" Emmett said,
comically raising and lowering his eyebrows.
After being friends for years, Emmett and I had finally admitted to each
other that we had feelings for each other. Actually, Emmett had thrown caution
to the wind and kissed me out of the blue a few months back. To say that I was
shocked was putting it mildly. I didn't think Emmett would ever get the nerve
up. I blushed red thinking about it.
"Thinking of me?" Emmett asked.
"Always," was my short response.
"Ready to go?"
"Of course!"
Riding on Emmett's motorcycle has always been a thrill. When he first got the
thing for his birthday, I was so nervous riding with him. I was always afraid of
falling off. Emmett is an awesome driver though, and was always very careful,
especially with me riding with him.
We ended up at a little dive off the strip. Since I was the only one that
spoke, I ordered our food. While I stood there waiting, I saw someone come up
next to me out of the corner of my eye. Looking that way, I saw a burly looking
jock.
"Hey, retard! What's the matter? Can't you hear? I said, get out of the way
if you're all done ordering," I saw him say.
I didn't want to answer him. He was a jerk. Suddenly I felt his hand by my
ear. He was playing with my hearing aid. I jerked my head away. The jock looked
angry.
"Well, how do you like that. She actually is deaf! Look at those things in
her ears. Makes her look like a martian or something," he said.
I was never comfortable when a hearing person pointed out my hearing aids.
Ever since I was a little girl and those girls harassed me because of them, I
tried to hide them.
Suddenly, I felt a hand spin me again. "Hey! I'm talking to you, girlie."
Now, this close, I could smell the fumes of alcohol on his breath.
Emmett appeared out of nowhere. He shoved the guy away from me. Grabbing my
hand, Emmett tried to pull me away. The jock grabbed Emmett's shoulder. Letting
go of my hand, Emmett turned around and punched the guy in the nose. Blood
started spurting out of the jock's nose. Emmett grabbed my hand again and pulled
me outside.
"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling me close.
I sobbed into his shirt a little. Pulling back, I signed, "I'm always okay
when you're around."
"I love you, Daphne."
I was shocked. Emmett had never said that to me before. I felt the same way,
but I was still surprised that he would pick this moment to tell me that.
"I love you too, Emmett!"
The annoying drone of my alarm clock woke me up. Staring at the ceiling, I
remembered my dream. I had tried to imagine being deaf lots of times, but that
dream was spooky. No sounds, no noises. It was like I really was deaf. Weird…..
Could our relationship ever be that simple? Could it ever be that…easy? Time
will tell. I knew we would hit bumps along the way. Translations, people not
understanding us, our own issues. I only hoped we were strong enough to survive
it all.
#----------------------------
A couple of days after the whole blow up at the Kennishes, I came downstairs
and see Regina again sleeping on the couch. Having her here is kind of awkward.
I want Bay to come over, but she doesn't want to see Regina. Not that I can
blame her. Regina has lied to her from the beginning and has never really tried
to get to know Bay. Daphne doesn't want to come over, either. That's a
no-brainer. So, I avoid Daphne except for school, and Bay I pick up after school
and we go to the park.
We still haven't told anyone about us. Not that we are trying to hide it,
it's just that now is really not a good time to share. Bay and Daphne are both
still too raw from everything that has happened. I want to tell Daphne, but at
the same time, I don't. I hate arguing with myself. I never win the argument.
Besides, Bay and Daphne's birthday's are in a few days and I need to go
shopping. Daphne's gift I got months ago, but what to get for Bay….?
#--------------------
A couple days after the whole blow up at our house, Regina still hadn't
returned home. Emmett told me she was sleeping on his couch, so of course, I
can't go over there. Emmett just picks me up after school and we go to the park.
This particular morning, I am more excited than I have been all week. My 16th
birthday was only a few days away, and I already knew what my parents would get
me. Toby got a car for his 16th, so I was very confident that I would receive
the same. I knew exactly which car I wanted too. "The Thing."
Walking into the kitchen, I see Mom and Daphne talking.
"Well, usually we buy her something, which she returns for store credit," Mom
said as I came into the room. Ah-ha! Talking birthday presents. Goody!
"Oh, Mom! Don't worry. I won't be returning this year's gift," I told her,
full of confidence.
Mom looked at me skeptically. "Hmm…and what is that going to be?"
Sure, play dumb. That's okay. I'll play along. "Oh, don't act like you don't
know!"
Mom tapped Daphne. "She wants this Volkswagon thing. It's this dune buggy…."
Cutting her off, I grabbed Daphne. "It's an amphibious, 4 wheel drive
convertible. It's a tank, but way cuter. And, I can haul stuff around, without
inflicting another SUV on the world."
"What exactly do you need to haul?" Toby said, jumping into the conversation.
I don't know…a motorcycle maybe. I would love to see his reaction to that
reply. Deciding not to give away too much information, I decided on, "I don't
know. Stuff." Mom and Toby both gave me funny looks. What? "I just like the idea
of a car that is so weird they didn't know what to call it, so they just called
it "The Thing."
Daphne chuckled at this. Mom just asked, "And what makes you so sure you're
going to get "The Thing?"
Seriously? "Don't joke please!"
Mom's cell went off and of course, being the scatterbrain she can be
sometimes, she left it in the other room. She took off to grab it, so I grabbed
Daphne again. Signing and speaking, I told her, "They got Toby a car for his
birthday. They have to get cars for us too!"
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Us?" I nodded. "Your signing has gotten really
good."
I just smiled. I had a great teacher.
And then the moment I dreaded happened. Regina came home….
We all watched as she made her way upstairs to the guest house. Had she come
back on her own, or had they finally kicked her out?
Mom tapped Daphne. "Do you want me to talk with her?"
"No. I'll take care of it." And with that statement, Daphne went to confront
Regina. Mom put her arm around me, knowing how difficult it was for me as well
to see Regina return.
Time will tell…..
#------------------
At school, Daphne flagged me down. I already knew what the conversation would
be about. I knew I was right when the first thing Daphne signed was, "Finally
kicked her out, huh?"
Sighing, I said, "No, mom did."
She babbled for a bit. I'm ashamed to admit that I really wasn't paying
attention. I was still trying to think of a gift for Bay. I thought about art
supplies, but figured she would not appreciate them after she saw the gift I
have for Daphne. It had to top that. She is my girlfriend after all. I was also
thinking about telling Daphne about Bay and I. She would have to find out
eventually. Shouldn't it come from me?
Finally, I tuned back into Daphne.
"I mean, just when I thought I'd gotten used to, "Surprise! You were switched
at birth!"…suddenly, it's "Surprise! Your mom knew all along!"
"Well, she feels really bad about it," I told her. She glared at me. "When
someone's on your couch 24 hours a day, it's hard not to notice." I was on the
defense now.
"Are you going to tell me to forgive her?" No, bad idea! Then Bay would have
my neck! No thank you!
"Not gonna tell you to do anything." Much safer that way.
"And your mom thinks I don't have a right to be mad either?" she asked.
"No, we're not taking sides." I can't take sides. Either way, I'd lose. Bay
or Daphne? Those odds were never in my favor.....
"I can't believe my mom and I are on opposite sides of a war." A war? Really?
That's how she sees all of this?
Deciding the best thing to do is change the subject, I asked nonchalantly,
"Hey, what are we doing for your birthday?" I knew about the party. Bay already
mentioned it to me. But, Daphne didn't know that. Either way, I was going to be
there.
"The Kennishes want to have a party this weekend-for me and Bay."
Okay, now act surprised. "It's Bay's birthday too?" Daphne rolled her eyes at
me. Ha ha ha… "Duh!"
Continuing, Daphne said, "Kathryn says it will be small…which, for her,
probably means there will be a Ferris wheel."
I laughed and plotted….
A little later, I got a text from Bay. "Lunch?"
"Where?"
"Burger joint up the road."
"See you in a few…"
"Can't wait!"
#---------------------------
I texted Emmett to see if he wanted to have lunch with me. Of course he said
yes. As I stood waiting for him, I saw my art on the wall behind me. This one
was of my girl, but she had a mallet instead of the axe. I had been debating all
day about showing him and I had finally decided to just tell Emmett about "Axe
Girl." I had it all planned out. I would get the table with the best view and
make sure he was facing the wall.
I heard his motorcycle coming and found a spot he would see me easily. He
parked and took off his helmet. Smiling, I walked over to him. When I got close
enough, Emmett grabbed my waist and hauled me in. I laughed just before his lips
captured mine. Did I mention how much I love the way Emmett kisses?
"Hey, beautiful," he signed when we finally came up for air. He smiled his
adorable "James Dean smirk" and I melted. How lucky was I to have Emmett as a
boyfriend?
"Hey, yourself," I signed back. "Ready to order now?"
Emmett laughed and took my hand. We walked to the window and placed our
order. Well, I ordered mine. Emmett typed his on his phone and showed the guy
his order. After we got our food, I put my plan in motion.
"Let's sit over here," I said slowly since I had a tray in my hands. Emmett
nodded and followed me. Sitting down, I told him matter of factly, "The food is
crap, but luckily, that's not why I brought you here."
Emmett looked at me with a question on his face. "Then, why?" he asked.
Showtime…
"The view," I said turning to look over my shoulder at "Mallet Girl." Emmett
followed my line of vision. "What do you think of that?" I said and signed.
Please like it!
Emmett started signing a little fast. I caught "cool", and "girl with the
axe." Does that mean he likes it? One way to find out.
Mimicking his sign, I asked, "Axe? You like "Axe Girl?"
He nodded and got a huge smile on his face. Of course, this made me smile in
return. Then I blushed.
Emmett caught the look on my face. He looked at me strangely and then signed,
"You?"
I nodded shyly. He sat back and grinned wider. Suddenly, he signed,
"Seriously?"
I didn't know if I should laugh or be offended. Realizing he wasn't trying to
hurt my feelings, I said, "What? You don't think that I could do something that
awesome?"
He waved his hands. "No! I mean, I'm impressed." He still had the grin on his
face.
I felt a weight lift off of me. "Thank You! I've been dying to tell you."
Emmett just nodded. Sometimes I wished we could communicate better, but we
managed okay. "Daphne doesn't know. Toby doesn't know. No one knows," I told
him.
Emmett did the sign for zipping his lips. I almost laughed at that. Now the
reason for sharing…
Picking up my phone, I found the picture I wanted to show him. "Okay, look.."
I handed him my phone. He looked for a moment and then looked at me again. "It's
the billboard near Buckner. It's been blank for weeks. And, it just keeps
calling to me… Bay, Bay, bomb me." Emmett is still smiling, so I take that as a
sign to continue. "That's what I want for my birthday. To wake up and know that
thousands of people are driving by my art. They're thinking about it. They're
commenting on it. They're wondering who did it."
Emmett signed a question that looked like, "How are you going to do it?" or
something like that.
"How am I going to do it?" I questioned. He nodded his head again. Now for
the fun part. Putting my hand on his arm, I said, "Oh, I'm so glad that you
asked." Emmett blushed and looked down before looking up at me again.
"You want me to help you?" he guessed more than asked.
"Please?" I asked, batting my eyes at him. Emmett chuckled silently and
kissed my hand. Guess that's a yes! Yay!
"Wanna come over to my house and hang after school?" Emmett asked.
"Definitely!" Now that Regina wasn't there, I didn't mind going back to his
house. I didn't want to go in his room though. I couldn't stomach the "Wall of
Daphne" again.
We finished our meal and finalized our plans for after school.
#------------------------
When I got to the burger joint a little bit later, I saw Bay standing where I
couldn't miss her. She looked gorgeous today, but then again, she always looked
phenomenal. After I parked my bike and took off my helmet, Bay approached me
with a smile on her face. Reaching out, I grabbed her waist and pulled her in.
She laughed just before my lips captured hers. I could never get enough of Bay.
"Hey, beautiful," I signed when we finally came up for air. I gave her my
"James Dean smirk" that I know she loves so much. How lucky was I to have Bay as
a girlfriend?
"Hey, yourself," she signed back. "Ready to order now?"
I just laughed and took her hand. Right to the point. We walked to the window
and placed our order. Well, she ordered hers. I typed mine on my phone and
showed the guy my order. That is what I always did if Daphne wasn't around to
interpret or there wasn't a menu to point at. Thank god for cell phones!
"Let's sit over here," Bay said slowly since her hands were full with her
tray. I nodded and followed her. Sitting down, She then told me bluntly, "The
food is crap, but luckily, that's not why I brought you here."
Okay, then. I asked, "Then, why?"
"The view," She said, before turning to look over her shoulder at the wall
behind us. On the wall was a picture of someone I called "Mallet Girl." I had
seen them before. The artist was very gifted. "What do you think of that?" she
said and signed.
"That's cool. I've seen them around. My favorite is the girl with the axe." I
tried to sign slow, but I don't think she caught everything. Her face looked
confused when I was talking.
Mimicking my sign, she asked, "Axe? You like "Axe Girl?"
I nodded and gave her a huge grin. Of course, this made her smile in return.
Then she blushed. Wait, why would she blush? Wait a second…. "You?"
She nodded shyly. I sat back and grinned wider. I knew she was gifted, but
holy shit! "Seriously?"
Bay got a slightly offended look on her face. "What? You don't think that I
could do something that awesome?"
I waved my hands. Oops, now she thinks I don't like it. "No! I mean, I'm
impressed."
She visibly relaxed. "Thank You! I've been dying to tell you." I just nodded.
Sometimes I wished we could communicate better, but we managed okay. "Daphne
doesn't know. Toby doesn't know. No one knows," she continued.
Remembering the first time I did this, I showed her I wouldn't say anything
by miming zipping my lips. Did she remember too?
Picking up her phone, she looked through it for a second. Handing it to me,
she said, "Okay, look.." I saw an empty billboard. I looked up at her again.
"It's the billboard near Buckner. It's been blank for weeks. And, it just keeps
calling to me… Bay, Bay, bomb me." I smiled, waiting. "That's what I want for my
birthday. To wake up and know that thousands of people are driving by my art.
They're thinking about it. They're commenting on it. They're wondering who did
it." Normally, I wouldn't have caught all of that, but she signed enough of it
to make sense. She wanted to put "Axe Girl" up on that billboard for her
birthday.
Okay… now for the million dollar question. "How are you going to get up
there?"
She looked confused again. "How am I going to do it?" she questioned. Close
enough. I nodded again. Next thing I know, she has placed her hand on my arm and
is grinning at me. She said, "Oh, I'm so glad that you asked." Oh, I get it now…
"You want me to help you?" I guessed more than asked.
"Please?" she asked, batting her eyes at me. I chuckled silently and kissed
her hand. Now how could I possibly say no to that?
"Wanna come over to my house and hang after school?" I practically beg her. I
want to have a make-out session that puts the others to shame.
"Definitely!" I could almost hear the excitement in her voice.
We finished our meal and finalized our plans for after school.
#----------------------
After school, Emmett picked me up. Several students were watching as I got on
his bike. I saw a couple of them shake their heads. Jealous much? Least I have a
hot boyfriend. I stuck my tongue out at them. I know, I reverted to a 2 year
old. We stopped off at my house quickly, because I had to pick up my sketch
book. Daphne was at basketball practice, so no worries there. After that, we
headed over to Emmett's house. Melody wasn't home yet. I was kind of glad,
actually. I was still leery about meeting Melody as Emmett's girlfriend. Would
she even like me? Would he even introduce me as his girlfriend?
After we had a heart pounding make out session, (hello Emmett's chest)
we finally got down to business. I had my sketch book open in front of me. I was
trying to find the sketch that matched best what I had in mind for the
billboard. Emmett sat next to me, also looking. He seemed to be enjoying
himself.
I was stuck on a couple different sketches. "I can't decide which one I want
to put on the billboard," I told Emmett. He nodded thoughtfully. I flipped
through a few more. Emmett suddenly pointed at one and then signed something
rapidly. Okay, totally clueless here. He noticed the confused look I had and
held up his hand with a grin on his face. Well, I'm glad he's amused. He
fingerspells slower. "B-a-d," wait, what? I thought he liked them? Now I was a
little hurt. "Bad? You think their bad?" I questioned, as I flipped through
again.
Emmett waved his hand "no," before stopping my hand. He signed "bad" and then
pointed to his… "ass," I laughed. He smiled and I repeated the signs again.
"Badass, okay, I get it." Emmett took my hand, but I was afraid Melody would
see, so I pulled away slightly. No sooner had I done so, when Melody walked
around the corner. Okay, that was weird.
I got up and stood in front of Melody. "Hi," I signed and said. Keep it
simple. She mouthed "hi" back. So far, so good. Then she took a breath….
And signed everything much too fast. Emmett was no help as he was still
sitting behind me. Okay, guess I'm winging it here. She touched my shoulder and
stopped signing for a second.
Uh…. "You too," I said and signed. Melody looked confused. Oh, god. I messed
up already! Now I'm totally embarrassed and would totally love to disappear.
What do I do now? Playing dumb won't work, cause I really don't have any idea
what she is telling me. Okay, play it cool for now.
Melody repeats my sign and then signs what I think is "Why are you here?" Is
that right? I hope so.
"Oh, why am I here?" I repeat. She nods. Got one right. "I'm visiting
Emmett," I tell her, sitting next to him again. She actually smiled at this
point. Oh, good sign, I hope. Emmett hasn't signed anything yet. Probably seeing
how I do with his mom first. I want to turn to him and sign "HELP!" but that
won't work, because his mom will see it too. Shit! I'm so screwed!
Melody signs again. I caught two and friends. Emmett must have decided to
take pity on me, because he finally started signing to his mom. I caught "art"
and said, "Art? Art, I like art." Emmett signed pictures. "Oh, photos. Oh, yes,
he takes great photos." I grabbed his arm, needing the reassurance of his
presence. I was getting really nervous now, and I think Melody could tell. Great
first impression, Bay. Just great!
Melody signed something about friends. After this, the conversation between
her and Emmett picked up speed. I couldn't really follow either of them. I got
the impression Emmett wanted his mother to leave, but I could be wrong. Melody
signed again. "Do you want snails food?" I said to myself, confused. Snails!
That can't be right. No, she couldn't have said that.
They signed back and forth a couple more times. "Drink? I don't know what's
happening right now." If I crawled under the table, would either of them notice?
I was about to die of embarrassment and could only think one thing, RETREAT!
Seeing Emmett and his mom going back and forth, I felt a tinge of jealousy
that I couldn't yet be that fluent. Daphne would be able to keep up. Hell,
Daphne would be able to participate, a tiny voice in the back of my head
said. For once, I couldn't argue with it. For once, I envied Daphne.
"And, she's moving her hands…dancing around? Mom. I know mom. I don't know.
I'm confused. Oh, Daphne! Daphne. I know Daphne," I said happily to Melody, glad
I could understand something finally. She pointed at herself and nodded. Okay….
"I don't know what this means," I said, signing the last sign she had used. I
heard Emmett chuckle next to me. Thanks for the help, I though
sarcastically.
Melody used the sign again. Why does she suddenly not look very happy? What
the hell was I missing? Emmett signed something forcefully. Melody signed okay
and then waved goodbye.
Okay, that was totally freaking awkward! I couldn't help feeling that Melody
didn't entirely approve of me and her son together. Something told me this was
just the beginning of a long road ahead.
"She's nice," I told Emmett. He smiled and we went back to my sketches.
Finally deciding on the one I wanted, we made our plans.
Realizing how late it was, Emmett drove me home. On the way, I had a
realization. I wanted Melody to like me. I cared about what she thought of me. I
really liked Emmett and wanted her to approve of us together. This was a new
feeling. Normally, I wouldn't care what parents thought of me. This time, I did.
When we pulled up to my driveway, I sat for a moment thinking. Emmett got off
and stood waiting. I also got off, and he leaned in to kiss me. Putting up my
hands, I said, "Wait." Emmett pulled back, surprise on his face. I had something
to say first.
" Do you think that went okay with your mom? Do you think your mom likes me?
She seemed…" I couldn't think of a word I wanted to use. Emmett grabbed my hands
in his.
"Yes, she liked you. It was fine. You did great," he mouthed, trying to
reassure me. Were we having the same conversation? I did anything but great. I
was a wreck trying to figure out what she had been saying. Emmett pulled me
close and kissed me. Okay, way to distract me.
Pulling back, Emmett mouthed, "I'll see you tomorrow night, beautiful."
Getting back on his bike, he pulled his helmet on. Waving one last time, he took
off down the road. Walking up my driveway, all I could think was, "I hope you're
right, Emmett."
#-----------------------------
After school, I picked Bay up. Several students were watching as she
approached me and got on my bike. I saw a couple of them shake their heads. Who
cares. Probably jealous. We stopped at Bay's house so she could pick up her
sketch book. Daphne was at basketball practice, so thankfully, she wasn't
around. After that, we headed to my house. Mom wasn't home yet. I was hoping she
would be gone for a while. I wanted Bay to myself for a bit.
After we had a heart pounding make out session, in which Bay took off my
shirt, we finally got down to business. Bay had the sketch book open in front of
us. She had been flipping pages, trying to find a sketch she liked for a few
minutes now. I sat next to her, also looking. She was extremely gifted.
"I can't decide which one I want to put on the billboard," she finally told
me. I nodded, trying to figure out which one I liked as well. She flipped
through a few more. Seeing one that I really liked, I pointed to it and signed
"badass." Bay looked at me, confused. Fighting laughter, I held up my hand,
grinning at her. I finger spelled slower. Bay followed along. "B-a-d. Bad? You
think their bad?" she questioned, flipping through the pages again.
Shit! Now she looked upset. I waved my hand "no," before grabbing her hand. I
signed "bad" and then pointed to my ass. "Bad…ass," she laughed. I smiled and
she repeated the signs again. "Badass, okay, I get it." I tried to take her
hand, but she pulled away slightly. Okay, then. Seconds later, mom came around
the corner. Damn it!
Bay noticed and stood up. "Hi," I saw her sign. Mom mouthed "hi" back. Okay,
so far, so good.
Then mom said how happy she was to meet Bay and how much she looked like
Regina. I saw Bay's shoulder's stiffen. Uh-oh.
"You too," I saw Bay sign. Mom was clearly confused. Mom repeated Bay and
then asked, "Why are you here?"
I saw Bay repeat "here" before she sat back down next to me. "I'm visiting
Emmett," she told mom. Mom smiled and said, "I didn't know you two were
friends." Realizing Bay hasn't a clue what is being said, I help her out.
"Yeah. It turns out we're both into the same things…like art…"Bay saw this
and said, "Art? Art, I like art." I signed pictures to her. "Oh, photos. Oh,
yes, he takes great photos." She sat a little sideways so I was able to read her
lips. Bay grabbed my arm. I could tell she was getting nervous.
"Sounds like you've become good friends," mom commented. Yeah, you could say
that. Now I was getting ansy. I wanted mom to leave. "Isn't there somewhere you
need to be?" I asked, hoping mom would get the hint.
"Oh, you want some privacy?" mom asked. Apparently, I'm going to have to
spell it out to her. "Maybe you could run out and get dinner?" Leave already! I
could see that Bay was trying to follow along, but I was too focused on mom to
see what Bay was saying.
"Oh, is Bay staying for dinner?" mom asked. Geez, really! Then mom decided to
get cute. "I can break out some candles…set the mood a little?"
Now, this is getting embarrassing. "Mom, we're just hanging out. Would you
stop?"
"Is Daphne okay with you guys "hanging out?" Why does she always have to
bring up Daphne?
Finally, Bay said, "Daphne. I know Daphne." Mom nodded. Bay then said, "I
don't know what this means," using the sign for hanging out. I couldn't help the
chuckle that slipped out.
Mom signed, "Funny, I don't know what "hanging out" means either…It could
mean so many things."
"I think it means you were just leaving," I told her forcefully. Yes, I
wanted to be alone with my girlfriend. Get the clue mom!
I could see when it finally clicked for my mom. She said okay and waved bye.
Finally!
Bay waved back and looked at me. "She's nice," she told me. I smiled at her.
If she only knew. We went back to the sketches. Finally Bay decided on the one
she wanted, so we made our plans.
Realizing how late it was, I drove Bay home. On the way, I kept thinking
about my mom. Okay, so I'm pretty sure she figured out Bay and I are "more than
friends." How long would it be before she said something to Regina? How much
time did we have before Daphne found out? I got to her house and pulled up at
the end of the driveway. I got off and stood waiting. Bay got off, and I leaned
in to kiss her goodbye. However, Bay surprised me. She put her hands up and
said, "Wait." I pulled back, surprised.
" Do you think that went okay with your mom? Do you think your mom likes me?
She seemed…" Bay asked. I could tell how nervous she was. She was fidgeting like
she does when she isn't sure what to say. I grabbed her hands in mine.
"Yes, she liked you. It was fine. You did great," I mouthed, trying to be
reassuring. I pulled her close and kissed her.
Pulling back, I mouthed, "I'll see you tomorrow night, beautiful." I got back
on the bike and pulled on my helmet. I waved and headed back home. Something
told me I would be having an interesting conversation with my mother later. I
was not looking forward to it.
#--------------------------
I headed to my garage. Now that I knew what I wanted on the billboard, I
needed to start working on it. Painting always relaxed me. While I painted, I
rehashed the conversation with Melody, or rather, the lack of conversation. Why
hadn't she spoken to me? I knew she could. That would have made that
first meeting so much easier.
Maybe, she was testing me. Seeing how extensive my knowledge of ASL was. If
that was the case, I found I still had a lot to learn.
I hadn't asked Emmett what she had said. I was actually afraid to. Emmett had
spent so much time teaching me, and in just a few minutes, I fell apart. Good
thing it was just in front of Melody. What if we had been in a public place, or
worst yet, in front of Daphne? Would he have done the same thing, or would he
have stepped up sooner?
I wasn't mad at him for not saying something sooner. Far from it. I was more
angry at myself. I had so wanted to make a good first impression on Melody. I
was, after all, dating her son. She would be seeing a lot of me in the future.
So, why did I feel like she would never accept me with her son?
#-----------------------
Mom surprisingly said nothing to me when I got back home. I wasn't fooled
however. I knew she was just bidding her time, waiting. Deciding I wasn't
waiting for that moment, I got Bay and Daphne's gifts out to wrap.
For Daphne, I had gotten an autographed poster from "Deafenstein" 6 months
ago. I had Charles Dane sign it. Deafenstein was our favorite movie. We had
probably seen it a thousand times or more. I also got the movie and a shirt for
her. I knew she would flip when she saw it all.
Bay was harder. Instead of a present, I was going to take her to the train
yard. I know, sounds weird, but I knew she would like it, because she had liked
the pictures I had taken of it when we first started really talking. I thought
she might like the opportunity to see it all in person. In the box, I placed a
scarf. A blindfold of sorts. She would probably be confused at the scarf, but I
would explain it before we left.
I had just finished taping the box shut when Mom walked over to me. Here we
go. I took a drink to fortify myself. She touched my arm. Yeah, mom. I know you
want to talk. Been dreading it actually.
"So, how long have you and Bay been friends?" mom asked. Simple enough.
"A few weeks," I answered honestly.
Mom nodded. "And you're able to communicate? Her signing isn't very good,"
she said with a dubious look.
Usually Bay does fine, but I knew she had also been scared as hell. "She's
getting better every day," I said point blank. Mom just shrugged. Well, this
isn't going very well.
"Just remember it takes a long time before you can really converse," Mom told
me. Like I didn't already know that. Bay and I "converse" just fine.
I decided to tell Mom something I had been thinking about. Actually, since
Bay had mentioned it in the park the other day. I realized how selfish I was
being with Bay. Here she was, busting her ass to learn my language, and I wasn't
even willing to try hers. When Mom and I had been going back and forth earlier,
Bay had sat there watching us. If we could have both talked, Bay wouldn't
have had any trouble at all. I was actually a little pissed at Mom, though. Why
hadn't she spoken to Bay? She could have made the conversation easier if she
had. With that thought in mind, I told Mom, "I think I'm going to sign up for
speech therapy." I looked away for a second, dreading her response. Would she
approve?
Mom just stared at me. What? If my hearing girlfriend is willing to learn my
language, why shouldn't I be able to communicate in hers? Finally, she said,
"Did she ask you too?" Why does it have to be Bay's idea? I want to talk to
my girlfriend!
"No, It's my idea," I said. Mom didn't look convinced.
"You must really like her," Mom said, surprising me. What would she say if I
told her I thought I could be falling in love? Better not. Throw her off.
"We're not getting married-just trying things out." Scary thing was, I could
almost picture Bay in a wedding dress. Must be love…
Of course she had to rain on my parade. "Is this a good idea? Things are
really complicated with Bay right now." Really, Mom! Oh wait….
"Or is it because she's hearing?" I needed to know.
"Actually, yes," Mom said honestly. I deflated a little. Are you freaking
kidding me! You're pissed because she can hear? "85% of deaf/hearing
relationships don't work out."
Well, I was going to prove her wrong. "Just because you read that on the
internet, doesn't make it true. Besides, Dad's deaf, but you're still getting a
divorce."
Mom looked pissed. Uh-oh, may have gone a little too far with that comment.
"Exactly!" Mom exclaimed. Well, shit…now I've done it. "Relationships are hard
enough. Why make things harder?" she continued.
Because Bay is who I want to be with, and no matter how hard it is, that
isn't going to change how I feel! "She'll learn to sign. We'll figure it out," I
told Mom.
She thought for a second. "Do you think she'll ever get to know you the way a
deaf girl could?" Mom questioned truthfully.
Honestly, I didn't know. Did I want her to? Mom shrugged at my hesitation.
"There's only one way to find out," I told Mom, before I grabbed the presents
and left the room.
Once I got in my bedroom, I closed the door. I couldn't believe her! I
expected her to support my relationship, not try to bash it down. Un freaking
believable! Who knew my own mother would be an obstacle?
#-------------------------------
It was pretty late when I finally finished the picture for the billboard.
Grabbing my sketch book, I figured I would just sneak in the house. Lights were
still on, so my parents were probably still up. As I came around the corner, I
saw Regina in front of me. Shit! She started heading my way. Oh, no, no, no, I
am not ready for this. Go away!
Regina ran to block my path. Damn it! "Can we just talk?" she begged me.
I was not in a forgiving mood right now. "Sorry, I'm a little bit busy. Maybe
we should have scheduled something, oh I don't know, 13 years ago!"
"I did try," Regina said. Yeah, because that makes everything okay. Right!
"Hiring a private investigator to take creepy photos of me, does not count as
mother/daughter bonding," I told her. I tried to step around her again. Regina
grabbed my arms. Enough already!
"Okay. Okay. One time, I snuck into your piano recital when you were 7,"
Regina began. She did? "During the intermission, you were trying to get a drink
of water from the water fountain. But, it was too high. And, I asked you if you
needed help." I vaguely remembered that night. "I gave you a boost." That was
her? "You were so beautiful in that little blue dress."
"With the butterflies and the big sash," I said, remembering that dress. That
was a beautiful dress. I cried when I outgrew it and couldn't wear it anymore.
"Yeah. I wanted to just grab you and take you home." She did? "But, Kathryn
came, and she took you back inside. It was so hard for me to watch you go, but,
I was not gonna tear you away from your family." Regina told me honestly.
I wanted to believe her, but I just couldn't let myself. "Or, you took one
look at me, and didn't want me." I tried to walk away again. Tears were in my
eyes.
Regina grabbed me again. Okay, now this is getting old. Just let me leave
already! "No, honey! Of course, of course I wanted you. It was just too painful
to be around you, knowing you could never be mine." Was she serious?
"Painful for you? What about me? My whole life, I felt like I didn't belong!
And, I didn't know why, and I thought it was my fault."
"It wasn't your fault," Regina said, trying to calm me down. "It was mine,"
she finished, before trying to hug me. OH NO YOU DON'T!
"NO! You don't get to do this," I said, backing away. I turned and ran for
the house. When I got in my room, I shut the door. I tossed the sketch book on
my bed. Pulling out my phone, my fingers hovered over the keys. I wanted to talk
to Emmett, but at the same time, I felt I needed to hash this out alone.
Finally, I put my phone back in my pocket. I won't bother him right now.
God! Why now? Why does Regina have to get all motherly now? I have been
trying for months to get her to like me. Now this! I couldn't forgive her for
the lies.
I couldn't forgive her for giving me up without fighting for me…
#--------------------------------
I woke up to bright sunlight shining in my face. Damn it, forgot to close the
stupid blinds last night. Tomorrow was Bay and Daphne's birthdays. I was
excited. I couldn't wait for the party tomorrow night. I would get Bay all to
myself afterward.
Time was passing slow today for some reason. School was boring and dull.
Daphne had apparently called in sick today. I sat in class, not really paying
attention. I was thinking about later tonight. Bay and I planned to go to the
billboard tonight and bomb it. She was really excited. Truth be told, I was a
little apprehensive about breaking the law, but I would do it for Bay. I would
do anything for Bay.
Just before school let out, I checked my phone. I had a message from Bay.
Smiling, I opened it.
"I got my CAR! I'll be by tonight around 10 to pick you up. I can't wait!
Miss you."
I knew she was talking about "The Thing." She had shown me a picture of it. I
had to admit, it was perfect for her. It definitely fit her personality to a
"T."
"Awesome, can't wait to see you tonight. I miss you, too." I texted
back. It was going to be a long wait till tonight.
After I got home, I puttered around the house. 10pm couldn't come fast enough
for me. To kill time, I decided to work on my "Bay wall." I had taken down most
all of Daphne's pictures and replaced them with Bay. Granted, I didn't have near
as many of Bay, but that would change the longer we were together. The pictures
of Daphne, I stuck in the closet, in a box. Daphne was the past. Bay is my
present and my future. She is my world now.
Finally, it was around 9, so I started getting ready. I knew if we got
caught, it would be a felony on our records. Honestly, I wanted to give Bay her
dream birthday. After everything that had happened this year, she more than
deserved it.
At 10 on the dot, I got a text. "I'm outside. Come on down!"
I grabbed my jacket and headed outside. Please don't let us get caught!
#----------------------------
The morning before my birthday, I woke up exhausted. I had not slept well,
thinking about the conversation with Regina the night before. What was I going
to do?
I made my way into the kitchen, where Toby and Daphne had already finished
eating breakfast. Mom saw me and said, "Oh, you're finally here. Good morning,
honey." Why does she have to be so damn perky in the morning? I
acknowledged her with a grunt.
Dad came in and he and Mom faced us. Okay…. "So, girls. How we doing? No
fevers? No sore throats?" Dad asked. Where the hell is he going with this
anyway?
"No," Daphne and I both answered. ?
"Really? Cause, I wouldn't say that if someone from Carlton or Buckner calls,
cause I just told them that you're both sick," Dad said, a slow smile starting
on his lips. YES! Car shopping! My day just improved exponentially.
I hit my hands on the counter and stood up. "We're going car shopping!"
Mom started doing her weird little "happy dance." It's truly embarrassing to
watch. "Oh, Mom. Don't do that."
I looked over at Daphne. She had a stupefied look on her face. Uh-oh. "You're
speechless! That's okay. All you need to say is "Thank You" and think about what
you want you're vanity plate to say," I told her, signing a few words.
"You guys have done so much for me already. I…" she started, but Mom cut her
off.
"We want to do this for you," Mom said, indicating both Daphne and myself.
"We've got a lot of birthdays to catch up on," Dad put in.
No way was she talking them out of a car for her! New car meant no more
riding to school with my boyfriend! She was getting a damn car if I had
to tie her into one!
"It's okay. I'll work on her," I told them both. I raced to Daphne's side.
She still looked unsure. "Let's get you dressed for car shopping. Your new front
wheel drive chariot awaits," I told her. "Come on. Let's go."
As we walked away, I heard Toby say, "I'm sick too, right?" What a loser!
We all made our way to the car dealership an hour or so later. I was jumping
up and down from excitement. I was getting my car! I rushed to the middle of the
lot. Sitting there, in all it's blue beauty, was "The Thing." The open roof, the
4 doors, the overall motif of it, just screamed, "Bay, take me home!" I
rushed over to it, squealing, my parents trailing behind me.
I sprawled across the front end. "Oh, what's that? Oh, you want to come home
with me? Okay!" I purred to my car. Mom and Dad walked up to me.
"Honey, can we get something that's younger than you are?" Dad asked, clearly
thinking I was out of my mind. I smiled widely and shook my head.
"It was designed for the military. And, it's kinda cute, in an ugly baby
sorta way," Mom put in. I don't care. This is my car! I nodded and said
"uh-huh."
Dad still didn't look convinced. Fortunately, Mom was on my side. "Come on,
honey. It's what she really wants."
I kept smiling, pleading with my eyes. Finally, he said the magic words.
"Like I'm gonna say no."
I squealed and ran to hug my parents tightly. I have the coolest parents
sometimes. And the best part, no car payments! This baby would be paid in
full and in my name before we left the lot.
"You guys are gonna thank me if we ever get invaded by Arkansas."
Next was Daphne's turn. She had been wandering the lot and still hadn't found
anything. Make no mistake about it. Daphne would be taking a car home! That was
my mission today. I would not fail!
Mom and Dad were walking around, pointing out different cars to Daphne. I
wished I had a stick to prod her into a decision faster. I wanted to drive my
car already! Finally, toward the back of the lot, I heard Mom tell Daphne,
"Okay, Daphne. What about this one? It's not too fancy. I mean, this could be
your "Daphne mobile," she told her, pointing out a small, serviceable car.
Perfect! Let's go! Mom continued talking though. "You don't have to call it
"Daphne mobile."
Daphne looked unsure. "It's nice." Nice? That's all you have to say, is nice?
Are you for real?
Dad looked at the sticker. "Let's see. It's got low mileage and good safety
features." Yes, just buy the damn thing already!
"You know, I really appreciate this. I just don't need a car," Daphne stated.
Like hell you don't need a car! You're getting a damn car.
"When I was your age, I would have killed to have a car," Dad told her.
Please, not story time.
"Honey, we want to do this for you," Mom said. Please, please, please!
"You're gonna save them a bundle on the audio package," I said straight
faced.
Least Daphne laughed. Mom didn't think it was quite so funny. Everyone's a
critic.
But, she got the car in the end! YAY!
Just before we left the lot, I sent Emmett a text. "I got my CAR! I'll be
by tonight around 10 to pick you up. I can't wait! Miss you."
When we got back home, Regina came flying out of nowhere and started yelling
about the car Daphne got. Needless to say, all the parents started yelling again
and it was a huge mess. Daphne got back in her car, probably to take it back to
shut Regina up, and she bumped into my car! My Baby! It left some damage that I
was not happy with. At all!
Why does Regina have to ruin everything? I flew upstairs, Daphne not too far
behind me. When we got in my room, she said, "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to
hit your car."
Surprisingly, I wasn't mad at Daphne. I was furious at Regina, though. "It's
okay. It's fixable. Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?" I asked her.
"No. I'm going to my room," she said, heading back out the door. Okay, I
tried.
A few hours later, Daphne was still in her room. Mom had come in to make sure
everything was okay. I told her it was fine. I was sketching, killing time, when
my phone buzzed. Checking it, I saw a text from Emmett. "Awesome, can't wait
to see you tonight. I miss you, too."
I went out to my studio to get all my supplies for tonight ready. I piled
everything by the door for later. While I was doing that, I had also been
thinking about Emmett and I. We needed to tell Daphne soon that we were
together. I think his mom figured it out already. I didn't want her telling
Regina, because she would tell Daphne. It needed to come from one of us. That
way, it might not hurt her so much.
Around 9, I started getting ready. I tossed the stuff in my trunk and went
upstairs to change. Better wear something dark. Easier to blend in that way.
Realizing I was as ready as I was going to be, I headed to Emmett's house.
Please, don't let us get caught!
Arriving promptly at 10pm, I texted Emmett. "I'm outside. Come on down!"
A minute later, Emmett ran out the door and jumped in the car.
The drive over, of course, was silent. Emmett held my hand. I glanced at him
shyly from time to time. He looked so relaxed. I envied him right now. I was far
from relaxed. How was I going to brooch the subject of Daphne? We needed to tell
her…soon!
Pulling into a parking lot not far from the billboard, I parked the car and
started to get out. Emmett, however, had other plans. He pulled me toward him
and kissed me quickly.
"I forgot to tell you earlier….this car is badass!" Emmett mouthed and
signed. I couldn't help laughing when he signed "badass."
"Yes, it is "badass," I agreed. He laughed along with me. Finally, we got out
of the car. I popped the trunk and got out all my supplies. Emmett grabbed the
heavy book bag and put it on his own back. I was glad I had a strong boyfriend.
Once we had everything together, we made our way to the lot. I kept looking
around nervously, checking for cops.
Standing under the billboard, I said, "I know this isn't the best time, but I
need to say something,"
"What's wrong?" Emmett signed.
"When are we going to tell Daphne about us?" I asked bluntly. Emmett looked
surprised.
"Do you really think "now" is the best time?" he signed back.
"Don't you want her to find out from us, instead of your mom, or Regina?"
"Yes, but I don't know if it's good timing. She's in a really bad place right
now," Emmett signed and mouthed. Not going to make this easy, are ya?
"No, trust me. I know that she's in a bad place. But, there's never gonna be
a good time to tell her about us," I said, signing most of it. I was fidgeting,
checking for cops every few seconds.
"I know, but now is a really bad time," Emmett stated yet again. I swear, I
almost get the impression he doesn't even want her to know. Like, ever!
What the hell! Was he embarrassed to be with me? That made me pause for a
second. Was he afraid of being ridiculed for being with a hearing girl?
"I just want to tell her, before she stumbles across it herself. Because
then, it's gonna look like we're hiding it. Which, we kinda are," I signed most
of it again. Now, I was really getting nervous. Let's finish this conversation
up already!
"Okay. I'll tell her," Emmett finally agreed. Thank god!
"Okay," I said, glad that we had finally decided. "Help," I said to him. We
headed for the ladder.
#------------------------------
The drive over was silent. I held Bays hand the whole way. I noticed her
glance at me from time to time. I wonder if she could tell how nervous I was? I
was so scared we might get caught. I would never tell Bay that, though.
We pulled into a parking lot not far from the billboard. Bay started to get
out, but, I pulled her toward me and kissed her. "I forgot to tell you
earlier….this car is badass!" I mouthed and signed after I pulled back. Bay
laughed when I signed "badass."
"Yes, it is "badass," she agreed. I laughed right along with her. Finally, we
got out of the car. Bay popped the trunk and got out the supplies. I grabbed the
heavy book bag and put it on my back. My mother raised a gentleman. Once she had
everything that she needed, we made our way to the lot. We kept looking around
nervously, checking for cops. Not that I could hear them.
While we were standing under the billboard, Bay said, "I know this isn't the
best time, but I need to say something,"
"What's wrong?" I asked, immediately concerned.
"When are we going to tell Daphne about us?" She asked, signing some. I was
surprised. That was not what I was expecting.
"Do you really think "now" is the best time?" I signed back. There was a lot
to consider before we told her.
"Don't you want her to find out from us, instead of your mom, or Regina?" Bay
had a concerned look now.
"Yes, but I don't know if it's good timing. She's in a really bad place right
now," I signed and mouthed . Why were we talking about this right now?
"No, trust me. I know that she's in a bad place. But, there's never gonna be
a good time to tell her about us," Bay replied, signing most of it. I could tell
she was getting nervous. She had started to fidget, checking for cops every few
seconds.
"I know, but now is a really bad time," I repeated myself. I wanted to tell
Daphne, but I also knew she wouldn't take it well when she finds out.
"I just want to tell her, before she stumbles across it herself. Because
then, it's gonna look like we're hiding it. Which, we kinda are," Bay signed
most of it again. Now, she was really starting to look nervous. Did she think I
was hiding our relationship on purpose? Hell, no! I wanted to hang a banner at
Carlton stating that I was dating Bay Kennish. I was freaking proud as hell to
be with her. How did she not know that?
"Okay. I'll tell her," I finally agreed. Bay was right. Daphne needed to know
soon.
"Okay," Bay said, a smile of relief on her face. "Help," she said to me. We
headed for the ladder. Now comes the fun part….not getting caught.
#----------------------
After we got the ladder set up, Emmett and I started climbing. Emmett was
behind me, his excuse being if I fell, he would be able to catch me. Personally,
I thought he just wanted an excuse to check out my rear end. But, hey, I'll let
him have it his way. Lord knows, if our positions were reversed, I would
definitely be checking out his rear end! Okay, lets focus Bay!
"I should have gotten a partner in crime years ago!" I stated, even though
Emmett couldn't hear me. I was actually really glad he had agreed to help me. I
probably couldn't have done this alone. At least without the chance of getting
caught.
We weren't even halfway up, had only climbed about 10 foot, when I heard
sirens. I was so startled that I dropped the poster holder slung over my
shoulder. Looking to my right, I saw a cop car with siren going and lights
flashing. It was heading right toward Emmett and I. SHIT!
I jumped on the garbage bin that was next to the ladder and used the barrel
in front of that to jump to the ground. Emmett must have jumped right off the
ladder, because he was there to catch me. My heart was pounding in my throat,
and I took off running, Emmett right behind me.
Suddenly, he grabbed me quick and turned back around. He ran back toward the
ladder.
"Wh- What are you doing?" I asked hysterically. Was he out of his mind? He
grabbed the poster holder and ran back to me again. Not stopping to figure that
one out, we raced toward my car again. We had just made it to the gate, when the
cop car came around the corner, siren and lights still blaring. We climbed
higher. He handed me the holder and I tossed it over the fence. As I made to
jump over , the barbwire at the top cut into my hands. I pulled back in pain. I
grabbed the side and swung myself to the other side, dropping to the ground.
Emmett went right over the wires. The cops were right behind us now. We ran the
short distance to where I had parked the car and hid next to it. That was too
freaking close!
Emmett and I were both breathing heavy. Any other time, it would have been a
total turn on, but right now I was so scared and pissed off, those feelings
didn't even register. I looked over at Emmett. I saw blood on his shirt. When
the hell did that happen? Not wanting to give into the hysterics I was feeling
at Emmett being injured, I told him, "You're bleeding!" when what I really
wanted to do was rip his shirt off and administer first aid. Before I could
follow through on that thought, however, Emmett grabbed my hand.
"So are you," he signed. I glanced at my hands. He was right. I had been so
focused on getting away, and then his injury, I hadn't noticed my own. Didn't
even realize I had cut it that deep.
"I just wanted 1 thing, that wasn't ruined by everyone else," I told Emmett.
How the hell was I going to make this happen now? The cops would be circling,
making sure no one got up there. There was no way I would be able to do it. I
had lost my chance. My head fell back against my car. I was so totally screwed!
Emmett grabbed my hand again. "This needs to be cleaned," he mouthed. Leave
it to Emmett to be more worried about my hands, then his side. I love that he
worries like that.
I pulled his shirt up to look at his stomach. There was a long, scrapping
gash there. The bleeding wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. "So does
yours," I told him. Emmett nodded. I could tell he was in a great deal of pain.
"Are the cops gone?" he signed and mouthed after a minute. I looked around
cautiously. I didn't see them, and I couldn't hear the sirens anymore.
"Yes, I think they are," I told him.
"We should go, before they come back," he mouthed. Emmett had a point. I
didn't want to get thrown in jail anymore than he did. I piled the stuff in the
back seat. Emmett made his way to the passenger side.
After I got in, I turned to him. "I'm sorry you got hurt. This is all my
fault!"
"No! I took the risk, not you! Don't apologize!" He signed forcefully.
"Okay," I said quietly. "Let's get back home," I said, starting the car.
#--------------------
After getting the ladder set up, we started climbing. I was behind Bay. I
told her it was so if she fell, I'd be there to catch her. Really, though, I
just wanted an excuse to check out her rear end. Hey, I'm a 16 year old
guy! Sex is always on my mind. And, besides, if the positions were
reversed, she would totally be checking out my ass. Focus Emmett!
We weren't even halfway up, had only climbed maybe 10 feet, when Bay stopped
suddenly. She dropped the poster holder that was over her shoulder. I saw it
drop, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw flashing lights. Looking right, I
saw a cop car with the lights flashing. The siren must be going too. It was
heading right toward us! SHIT!
I jumped down from the rung I was on. Bay jumped on the garbage bin that was
next to the ladder and used the barrel in front of that to jump to the ground. I
caught her before she hit the ground. My heart was pounding in my throat, and we
took off running, me following behind Bay.
Suddenly, I remembered the poster holder. I grabbed Bay quick to stop her and
turned back around. I ran back toward the ladder. Have to get the holder!
I grabbed it and ran back to Bay. We took off running toward her car. We had
just made it to the gate, when Bay turned around. I turned and saw the cop car
come around the corner, lights still flashing. We climbed higher. I handed her
the holder and she tossed it over the fence. Bay grabbed the side and swung over
to the other side, dropping to the ground. I went right over the wires. When I
did this, the wires cut right into my stomach. I yelled silently. It hurt like
HELL! We ran the short distance to where Bay had parked the car and hid next to
it. That was too freaking close!
We were both breathing heavy. Holy shit! How the hell did they know we were
there? I grabbed my stomach. Bay must have noticed my movement, because she
looked at me and then my hand.
"You're bleeding!" she said. When she reached out toward me, I saw the blood
on her hand. When had that happened? I grabbed her hand.
"So are you," I signed. She glanced at her hands. Hadn't she noticed before I
pointed it out to her? Figures she would be more focused on me than herself.
"I just wanted 1 thing, that wasn't ruined by everyone else," Bay told me. A
plan started forming in my mind. Could I do it myself? It was obvious we would
not be getting a second chance tonight. Not with the cops circling, making sure
no one got up there. There had to be a way I could do it. I wasn't going to let
this slip by. I saw Bay's head fall back against her car. I would make this
happen for her! Suddenly, I knew what her birthday present would be! This would
be better than the train yard…
First things first though. I grabbed her hand again. "This needs to be
cleaned," I mouthed.
Bay pulled my shirt up to look at my stomach. Any other time, I would have
jumped her, but not this time. I looked at the wound. There was a long,
scrapping gash there. The bleeding wasn't too bad. "So does yours," she told me.
I just nodded. I was in a lot of pain.
"Are the cops gone?" I signed and mouthed after a minute. They hadn't come
after us, so I hoped so. Bay looked around cautiously.
"Yes, I think they are," she told me.
"We should go, before they come back," I mouthed. I didn't want to get thrown
in jail anymore than she did. Bay piled the stuff in the back seat. I made my
way to the passenger side.
After she got in, Bay turned to me. "I'm sorry you got hurt. This is all my
fault!"
"No! I took the risk, not you! Don't apologize!" I signed forcefully.
Why the hell was she apologizing?
"Okay," she said. "Let's get back home," Bay said, starting the car.
#----------------------------
I pulled into my driveway a little while later. We left the stuff in my car,
and headed into my garage. I know he said it wasn't my fault, but I still blamed
myself. Because of me, Emmett got hurt. Could I forgive myself for that?
I told Emmett to take off his shirt and sit on the couch. I turned toward the
sink. I found clean cloths to use for cleaning his wound. I heard the rustle of
his shirt, so I knew he removed it.
Boy, it got a lot warmer all of a sudden….Focus! First aid, remember?
I found the alcohol I kept under the sink. Q-tips? Oh, right….side
compartment next to stir sticks. Holy cow, why was I shaking? Breathe, Bay!
Breathe!
When I gathered everything, I turned around to face Emmett….and almost
dropped it all. Yes, I've seen his chest before, but, holy hell! Even injured,
his chest was perfect. Oh, boy! Warm again.
Emmett watched me with amusement on his face. Pain was also mingled there.
Chest later…..first aid now! I walked over and sat in front of him. Emmett
stretched back a little. Breathe…..
I took one of the cloths and dowsed it with the alcohol. "This will hurt," I
told Emmett. He nodded. Here goes…
The instant the cloth made contact, Emmett hissed through his teeth. Working
as quickly as I could, I cleaned the wound. It was going to be scrapped up for a
while and would probably bruise, but hopefully wouldn't get infected. Once I was
done, I wrapped it loosely to hopefully help stop an infection. He made no move
to put his shirt back on.
Instead, Emmett grabbed my hand. "Your turn," he signed. I sat next to him.
He took another cloth and dowsed that in alcohol. Holding my hand gently, he
slowly wiped the cloth over it. It stung like hell! I fought the urge to flinch.
When he finished my one hand, he repeated the process with the other one.
How could something as simple as first aid make me so hot and bothered? After
Emmett wrapped my hands, he pulled me onto his lap. I pulled back, afraid to
hurt him. Emmett shook his head, and pulled me close again. I settled gently
against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was kind of fast. Was he
turned on too?
I don't know how long we sat like that. Finally, reluctantly, I pulled back
again. "I need to get you home. Your mom will flip if she realizes you're late."
Emmett sighed and nodded. He reached for his shirt.
When we got to his house, he kissed me gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night,"
he mouthed. Tomorrow? Oh, party! That's right.
"Tomorrow night," I parroted. I couldn't wait!
"Leave the stuff here. I'll bring it over tomorrow night," Emmett mouthed and
signed.
"Okay." I was too tired to argue with him. I helped him put the stuff in his
garage. He waved and went into his house.
Tomorrow was my 16th birthday!
#-----------------------------
We pulled into Bay's driveway a little while later. We left the stuff in the
car, and headed into her garage. I knew she was blaming herself for my injury.
Didn't she realize I was more worried about her?
She told me to take off my shirt and sit on the couch. Bay turned toward the
sink. I smirked a little that she was so nervous. I mean, she has seen my chest
before. I took off the shirt and sat down. I looked over at Bay. Was she
blushing? The tips of her ears were red. She fumbled around a bit. She
was nervous! That thought made me giddy. Even I was feeling a little
warm….
Finally, she turned around and faced me. Now, her whole face turned red!
Damn, I'm good! If I wasn't in so much pain, I might have taken advantage of it.
Bay walked over and sat in front of me. I stretched back a little to make
things easier. Hope she doesn't notice the bulge in front…..
Taking one of the cloths, she dowsed it with the alcohol. "This will hurt,"
she told me. I nodded. I saw her gathering her courage. Here goes…
The instant the cloth made contact, I hissed through my teeth. Son of a….
that freaking hurt! Working as quickly as I'm sure she could, Bay cleaned
the wound. It was going to be scrapped up for a while. Once she was done, she
wrapped it loosely. I was taking care of her now. I grabbed her hand.
"Your turn," I signed. She sat next to me. I grabbed another cloth and dowsed
that in alcohol. Holding her hand as gently as I could, I slowly wiped the cloth
over it. I saw her flinch, but I don't think she realized she did it. When I
finished her first hand, I repeated the process with the other one.
How could something as simple as first aid make me so hot and bothered? After
I wrapped her hands, I pulled her onto my lap. Bay immediately pulled back,
probably afraid of hurting me. I shook my head, and pulled her close again. Bay
finally settled against my chest, her ear by my heart. Could she tell how hard
it was pounding? Could she tell I was turned on too?
I don't know how long we sat like that. Finally, reluctantly, Bay pulled back
again. "I need to get you home. Your mom will flip if she realizes you're late."
I sighed and nodded. I'd rather stay here. I reached for my shirt.
When we got to my house, I kissed Bay gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night,"
I mouthed.
"Tomorrow night," she parroted. I couldn't wait!
"Leave the stuff here. I'll bring it over tomorrow night," I mouthed and
signed. Would she wonder why?
"Okay." That was easy! She helped me put the stuff in the garage. I waved and
headed into the house.
Tomorrow was Bay's 16th birthday!
A while later, I crept back outside. Tossing everything into a large book
bag, I tied everything onto my bike. I headed back to the billboard. There
wasn't anyone around, so I stealthily made my way up the ladder. I had to make 2
trips to get it all up there.
Once I was ready, I put on the glue that Bay had in the bag. Once that was
up, I carefully unrolled the poster. I looked around but still didn't see
anyone. Good sign! I used the long handled brush on the poster holder to place
the poster where I wanted it to go. I rubbed the brush over the poster,
smoothing out the air bubbles.
After I was finished, I stood back to admire my work. Not bad! At least it
was straight! I was impressed Bay did this all the time. My arm was killing me,
and I only did it this once. I couldn't wait to bring Bay here after the party.
She was going to be so surprised.
Climbing back down, I replaced things in the bag and tossed it on the back of
the bike, before tying it down, and headed back home. A quick glance at the
clock showed I had been up there for an hour and a half!
Once I got home, I crashed on the bed. I had to get some sleep….
Just before I drifted off, I remembered the bloody shirt I had dumped into
the bottom of the trash can. Have to take out the trash in the morning….
#--------------------------
The morning of my birthday, I woke up anxious. I'm 16 today! I wanted to be
more excited, but I was worried about Emmett. He had gotten scrapped up pretty
bad. Even though he told me it was fine, I still blamed myself. Maybe I should
text him? No, better not.
After I checked the scraps on my palms, I headed down for breakfast. I heard
Mom telling Daphne she could make her blueberry. I'm assuming she meant
pancakes. Daphne loved Mom's blueberry pancakes.
Walking into the kitchen, the first thing I saw were the party hats. Ugh! Not
the hats. I hated those stupid things. Every freaking year, my parents made me
wear one. Enough already! Time to make my presence known.
"Oh, wow! You guys are in full gear this morning, aren't ya?" I said, coming
fully into the kitchen. Mom hugged me as Dad said, "Good Morning!" Mom said,
"Happy Birthday, honey," with a kiss on my cheek.
Then she said the words I loved on my birthday, "I made you your favorite
pancakes." Yummy! Don't act too excited, Bay….you are 16 now!
"Oh, thanks!" Turning to Daphne, I said and signed, "I'm sorry. They still
think that I'm 5." Then I got a real good look at the pancakes. "Where's the
smiley face?" Really? No smiley faced pancakes on my birthday! That's just
wrong!
"Honey, what happened to your hand?" Mom asked me. Shit! She saw the wrapping
around my hand. Think fast, Bay!
"Oh! I had an unfortunate incident with the rose bushes, that I'd prefer not
to talk about actually." Good one! Mom looked convinced. Yes!
"Okay, guys! I think we need pictures of the birthday girls," Dad said,
rising from the table. Oh, no! Not pictures….
Mom, sounding excited, said, "Yes!" Why me?
"Dad, seriously, we want Daphne to stay…" I told him, trying to put him off.
"That's fine," Daphne said. Traitor!
Toby finally made his way to breakfast. I was not wearing the stupid hat!
"No, it's not! Whatever they say, you don't have to wear the hat!"
"I think you have to wear the hat," Toby chimed in. Go away! Dad had the
camera ready to go. Drat!
"Okay, ladies." Dad said. We put the stupid hats on. I vowed to find these
pictures after they were developed and burn them! Toby said, "Come on!
Cheese!" You're just happy it isn't you!
"Smile!" Dad said. We smiled and the camera flashed. "Very nice."
What a wonderful start to my day….. What else will happen before the day is
done?
#--------------------
The afternoon dragged by. I had woken up late, so my whole day was thrown
off. I wanted the party to get here already! I was dying to see Bay's reaction
to the billboard.
Finally, it was almost time to leave. This day didn't go by fast enough! I
was standing in my closet getting dressed, when I felt thumping on the floor.
What do you want now, Mom? Turning to face her, I see one of my shirts in her
hand. My bloody shirt. My stomach dropped. Shit!
"I found this in the trash. You want to tell me about this?" Mom said. What
are you, part bloodhound? I buried that sucker at the bottom of the can. Lie,
Emmett! Lie fast!
"It's nothing," I told her. I walked toward her, intent on grabbing the
shirt. Mom was faster though. She lifted my shirt and saw the scrap on my
stomach. Personal space, Mother! That hurt!
Mom suddenly got concerned. "What happened?" She looked like she was going to
go on the warpath. Something hurt her little boy! Find it and destroy! Must
cut her off….
"I fell on a sprinkler at Jackson's house playing football," I said, lying
through my teeth. If she knew what really happened, she would go
BALLISTIC!
Mom now looked skeptical. "You were playing football late last night." Damn
it, she wasn't buying it. Okay, time to distract….
I grabbed the gifts off my bed and turning, said, "C'mon. We're going to be
late for the party," and walked past her. Something told me this wasn't the end
of this conversation.
Once outside, I tossed the gifts in Mom's car and hopped on my bike. I needed
to take Bay out later, and I couldn't do that if I was riding with Mom. She
followed me outside, but didn't say anything about me riding my bike. Score one
for me….
#--------------------------------
Finally, it was party time! I had resisted texting Emmett all day. I was
dying to know how he was doing though. As I got ready, I decided on my black zip
dress. It was classy but whimsical like me. And I knew Emmett would like it,
because it was also form fitting.
I was just coming down the stairs, when I heard someone knock on the door.
Oh, please let it be Emmett! Hurrying to the door, I open it to reveal Melody
and Emmett. YES! It was all I could do not to jump Emmett right there. The boy
looked HOT! With Melody standing there, I figured I better curb that thinking.
"Hi!" I said, stepping back so they could enter. Melody waved and signed,
"Happy Birthday!"
"Oh, thank you," I said, trying to be polite as possible. After all, she is
my boyfriend's mother. Have to make a better impression than before. I really
just wanted to erase that memory from the recesses of my brain. She just nodded.
Emmett followed next, with a huge smile on his face. "Happy Birthday!" he
signed.
"Oh, thanks!" I signed, closing the door behind them. Could I hug Emmett
without Melody having a cow? From the look on her face, I'm guessing no. That's
okay. I'll grab him later.
Emmett handed me the smaller of the two presents he held in his hand. I had
to curb the impulse to rip into it early. What did Emmett get me?
Remembering my manners, I turned to Melody and said and signed, "Thank you."
She nodded and then got a concerned look on her face. Too late, I remembered
the wrap on my hand. "What happened?" she signed. Lie, Bay. Lie fast!
"Oh, uh. It's nothing. It was just me being stupid." She nodded and looked
quickly between Emmett and myself. Why did I feel like I was missing something?
Emmett quickly smiled at Melody. Why did she look skeptical? Did she know?
Melody walked away, leaving Emmett and I standing there alone. He leaned in
and kissed me. Okay, way to distract me.
"You look beautiful," he signed. Of course I blushed.
"Thanks. Come on, Mom and Daphne are outside in the backyard," I told him. He
took my hand gently. We walked hand in hand until we got to the door. Then we
pulled apart. How much longer? Emmett went over to greet Daphne. This was going
to be a long night!
#-------------------------
Once we got to Bay's house, I grabbed the presents. I could tell Mom wanted
to say something else to me, but I headed for the door, leaving her to follow.
Mom stepped in front of me and knocked on the door.
Please let Bay answer. Please let Bay answer. Please let Bay answer…..
The door swung open to reveal my beautiful Bay. Yes! Thank you! "Hi!"
she said. Mom stepped in and told her "Happy Birthday!"
"Oh, thank you," Bay said. What else could she say?
I followed Mom in. "Happy Birthday!" I signed. I was grinning thinking about
later.
"Oh, thanks!" Bay signed and said, closing the door behind us. Could I hug
Bay without Mom having a cow? From the look on her face, I'm guessing no. That's
okay. I'll get her later.
I handed Bay the smaller of the two presents. Boy would she be surprised!
Turning to my mom, Bay said and signed, "Thank you."
Mom nodded and then froze before concern clouded her face. Too late, I saw
the wrap still on Bay's hand. Oh, shit! "What happened?" Mom signed. Lie,
Bay. Lie fast!
"Oh, uh. It's nothing. It was just me being stupid." Bay responded. I was
nervous. I could see the wheels turning in Mom's head. She was putting 2 and 2
together. I could see it. Mom glanced between Bay and I. I quickly smiled at
Mom. She was skeptical of Bay's story.
Finally, Mom walked away, leaving Bay and I completely alone. Hell yeah,
taking advantage of this. I leaned in and kissed Bay.
"You look beautiful," I signed after I pulled away. Of course she blushed.
"Thanks. Come on, Mom and Daphne are outside in the backyard," she told me. I
took her hand gently. Taking advantage again. We walked hand in hand until we
got to the door. Then we pulled apart. How much longer? I went over to greet
Daphne. This was going to be a long night!
#----------------------
A little while later, I saw Emmett disappear into the house. I figured he was
using the bathroom. When he still hadn't come back after several minutes, I went
looking for him. As I walked around the corner, I saw he and Melody standing
there. Melody looked angry, and after I waved at her hesitantly, she headed back
outside. Okay, that was a little bit awkward….
Emmett turned around and faced me. He looked irritated, but covered it
quickly with a smile. You're not fooling me, Bledsoe!
"What were you guys talking about?" I asked him, sure I knew the answer. He
waved his hands like it was nothing. Yeah, right! "No, seriously. Tell me," I
insisted.
Emmett wouldn't give me an answer. He looked around as if unsure what I would
want to hear. I already knew the answer anyway…
"She doesn't like me, does she?" I said and signed. So much for trying to
make a better impression…
Emmett was quick to try to reassure me. He signed, "She will," I think.
Better make sure…
"Will?" I asked, repeating his sign. He nodded. That's what I thought. "As in
she doesn't now," I said, with a feeling of rejection. I turned away from Emmett
and started walking away. I didn't want him to see the tears.
I was halfway down the hall when Emmett swung me around. He saw the tears and
pulled me into his arms. After a minute or so, he pulled back.
"Why does it matter how she feels?" Emmett signed and mouthed. How to explain
it…
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Taking a deep breath, I tried again.
"I really want her to like me. I never cared before, but with you, it's
different." Emmett was watching me carefully. Here goes… "You matter to me more
than anyone ever has before." Emmett smiled at this. "I don't want anyone to
look at us and wonder how we "work together." Now for the important part. "I
want your parents, especially your mom, to approve of us together. I don't want
to fight everyone," I said slowly. I really needed him to understand all of it.
It was that important to me.
Emmett stood and stared at me for a moment. Was he gathering his thoughts?
Finally, he started signing. "I understand how you feel. You matter to me more
than anyone else ever has before as well." He stopped, probably to see my
reaction. "Mom will come around. She just needs to see how happy we are. And,
even if she never approves, I don't care. I picked you. She'll get over it,"
Emmett signed and mouthed. This was not the attitude I wanted him to have. If
his mother didn't approve, like, ever, we would be in a world of trouble
some day.
"I just want everyone happy," I said simply. He nodded and smiled.
"Me too," he signed, just before he pulled me into a heart pounding kiss.
I'll say one thing….the boy knows how to kiss!
#-----------------------------------
I headed into the house to use the bathroom. On the way back out, Mom saw me
and waved to get my attention. Stopping to wait, she came to stand in front of
me. Uh-oh! I'm not gonna like this conversation…
"So, I guess Bay also cut herself on the sprinkler playing football with
Jackson?" she said, looking pissed. Busted! Okay, just play it cool.
I just shrugged, like I was saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Mom wasn't giving up. "You come home all cut up…what are you into…cutting?
Rough sex?"
REALLY, MOM! Oh my god, like my sex life is your business! A bit
embarrassed, I said, "Mom!"
"Tell me what's going on." Nuh-uh! Not on your life! No freaking way!
"No! Because I know how you feel about Bay," I told her defensively. I would
protect Bay, especially from my own mother if I had to!
"Apparently with good reason," Mom told me angrily. Great, just great! "You
start going out with her and suddenly…you're sneaking around" Sneaking? What
am I, 5? "Lying.." Yeah, to protect my girlfriend! "and asking to go
to speech therapy."
And there we have it, folks! My mother's insecurity rears its ugly
head. "I knew it!" I told her angrily. "That's what this is really about." You
can't stop me from wanting to communicate with my girlfriend. It's my decision!
"I don't like who she's turning you into," Mom said. Seriously? Because, god
forbid, I want to be able to talk to my hearing girlfriend!
I was about to give her a reality check, when I noticed Mom stop suddenly.
She looked over my shoulder. Bay, has to be. I looked as well. Bay waved
hesitantly. I felt my irritation slipping away. Mom took off angrily. Oh, man….
I turned around to face Bay again. Her look told me she was curious about
what had just happened.
"What were you guys talking about?" she asked me. I was hesitant to tell her.
I didn't want to tell her exactly how Mom felt. I waved my hands, gesturing that
it was nothing. She wasn't buying it. "No, seriously. Tell me," she insisted.
I looked around, not sure what I should tell her. I couldn't tell her the
truth. It would crush her.
She doesn't like me, does she?" Bay said and signed.
Trying to reassure her, I signed, "She will," I hope…
"Will?" she asked, repeating my sign. I nodded. Her face fell. Well, shit.
"As in she doesn't now," she said, looking rejected. Bay turned away from me and
headed down the hall. What the hell just happened? I could see her shoulders
shaking as she walked away. Bay was crying. Damn it. I took off after her.
Bay was halfway down the hall when I caught up to her and swung her around to
face me. I saw the tears and pulled her into my arms. She shook slightly. After
a minute or so, I pulled back so I could see her face.
"Why does it matter how she feels?" I signed and mouthed. My mother was the
least of my concerns right now. The girl in my arms was all that mattered to me
at the moment.
Bay stood there, watching me. I saw the gears turning. She opened her mouth,
but nothing came out. She took a deep breath, and tried again. "I really want
her to like me. I never cared before, but with you, it's different." I didn't
realize just how important this was to Bay. "You matter to me more than anyone
ever has before." I smiled at this. Glad she feels the same way I do. "I don't
want anyone to look at us and wonder how we "work together." Unfortunately, as
long as we're together, someone will always think that. "I want your parents,
especially your mom, to approve of us together. I don't want to fight everyone,"
she finished up slowly.
I hadn't realized how much thought she had put into all of this. Was she
really that afraid that people wouldn't accept us? Seeing she was waiting for a
response, I started signing. "I understand how you feel. You matter to me more
than anyone else ever has before as well." I stopped, gauging her reaction. She
had stopped crying. "Mom will come around. She just needs to see how happy we
are. And, even if she never approves, I don't care. I picked you. She'll get
over it," I signed and mouthed. Mom doesn't run my life. I make my own choices.
"I just want everyone happy," Bay said. I nodded and smiled.
"Me too," I signed, just before pulling her into a heart pounding kiss.
We'd get through this, together….
#-----------------------
We sat down to eat. Emmett was down at the other end with Daphne. I tried to
curb the jealousy I was feeling. I wanted him next to me. But, Daphne was his
"best friend" and it would look weird if he sat next to me, since no one knew we
were dating. I didn't pay a lot of attention during dinner.
I was starting to feel bad that Regina wasn't here. After all, your
daughter's only turn 16 once. I wasn't completely ready to forgive her, but I
felt bad she was missing everything.
Mom brought out the cakes. One thing good about my mom, she always makes good
cakes! Adriana was helping mom light them up, when I heard heels on the
pavement. Everyone turned to see Regina standing there. Okay, this is going to
get awkward…
Regina looked at all of us. Signing and talking, she said, "I never missed
any of Daphne's birthday's. And, I am not gonna miss anymore of Bay's."
Dad looked at Mom and said, "I'm not okay with this."
Mom said, "Honey," like she was surprised at his reaction.
Dad stood up. "No, I'm sorry," he said. Wait!
"Dad?" I said, stopping him. Would I regret what I would say next? "I want
her here."
I think he could tell what this meant to me, so he agreed. Thank you!
Toby got up, giving Regina his chair, while he went to get another. Regina
was now sitting directly to my right. I gave her a small smile.
After Regina sat down, we cut the cakes and handed them out. After that, it
got very silent. All that was heard was silverware skimming plates. Okay,
then…..
Regina finally broke the silence, commenting on how delicious the cake was.
Mom thanked her and silence prevailed again.
"You know what would lighten the mood? Presents!" I said. Anything but
silence! Fortunately, everyone agreed. Yay!
Mom stood up, saying that she wanted to say something first. To my surprise,
she started signing and talking. Someone's been practicing! She talked about
giving birth to Daphne, but instead brought me home. She talked about how hard
it was to make peace with everything. She finished by saying how lucky she was
to have two incredible daughters, and everyone that came along with both of us.
Then everyone wished us both "Happy Birthday." maybe this wouldn't be so bad
after all.
Finally we got to the presents! The first one Mom handed me was from Emmett.
Oh, I couldn't wait to see what he got me! I opened the card. "Happy Birthday!
From, Emmett," it read. I tried to hide my disappointment at the simple
statement. What did I expect him to write, "Love ya!" Pushing those thoughts
aside, I opened the box, finding…a scarf? It was an ugly looking scarf too.
Okay, so not what I was expecting. Did he expect me to wear this hideous looking
thing? I know we haven't been together very long, but, really? I thought
he at least knew my style….
"It's a.... scarf," I said, trying to hide my disappointment again. So, maybe
he has bad gift sense. It happens.
Emmett just kept grinning at me. "Thank you," I signed. No sense showing how
disappointed I am with my gift. That would just hurt his feelings. Next up was
Daphne's gift from Emmett. Wonder what crappy gift he got her?
Daphne read her card….and started laughing. Huh? Then she got really excited.
"Oh, no you didn't!" she exclaimed. What was I missing here? She ripped into her
present. "You did! You did! I can't believe it!" she said, pulling out a shirt.
Next she pulled out a poster that had "Deafenstein" written across it. What the
hell was that supposed to be? "And, you got Charles Dane to autograph it!"
I again felt like the odd person out. He got his best friend a freaking
autographed poster, and got his girlfriend a freaking....ugly.....scarf.
Suddenly, I felt ill.
"What's "Deafenstein?" I asked. I didn't actually care, but if I didn't ask
it would look weird.
With a huge smile on her face, Daphne told us, "It's an all deaf version of
"Frankenstein" done all in ASL." Sorry I asked…..
Apparently there was a DVD as well, because Toby pulled it out and read the
back. "Deafenstein- he can't hear you scream." Everyone but me laughed. "This
looks terrible," he continued.
"It's so bad and the sequels are even worse," Daphne said, still laughing. I
felt very alone. If I ran in the house, would anyone come looking? Would they
even care? Doubtful. Once again, it was "Daphne time."
Melody signed "They're obsessed." Glad I knew that one.
Dad mimicked her. "What does this mean?"
Daphne put in, "She said we're obsessed." Of course, Melody smiled at this.
In that second, I knew I was doomed. It was no secret who Melody preferred.
And it wasn't me…
Daphne asked Emmett how he got the autograph. He told her he went to
Springfield 6 months ago, to a horror convention there. He got the autograph
then.
Okay, so I could forgive him a little bit now. He got her gift before we even
met. But still, a freaking scarf? I knew I'd never win…
The rest of the presents went by quick. Mom and dad gave me money and
clothes, like always. Toby gave me a new CD I had been wanting. Adriana gave me
a pretty sweater vest. Daphne got me another CD. Regina got me some paint
supplies.
Daphne also got clothes and money from my parents. Toby bought her a heavy,
heavy metal CD. Adriana gave her new earrings. Regina suspiciously had nothing
for her.
As soon as I was able, I slipped away to my garage. I needed to vent….or
cry......
#-------------------
We sat down to eat. I was down at the other end with Daphne. I would have
preferred to sit next to Bay, but Daphne was my "best friend" and it would be
weird if I didn't sit next to her.
I watched Bay throughout dinner. She kept looking around. Was she looking for
Regina? I felt bad that everything had gone downhill the way it did. I knew she
had never missed a birthday before. It would be doubly hard for her now, missing
Bay's as well.
Kathryn brought out the cakes. I have to say, they looked awesome. I couldn't
wait to eat some. Adriana was helping Kathryn light them up, when I saw everyone
freeze. We all looked to see Regina standing there. Okay, this is going to get
awkward…
Regina looked at all of us. Signing and talking, she said, "I never missed
any of Daphne's birthday's. And, I am not gonna miss anymore of Bay's."
John said something, but I didn't catch it. Probably complaining about Regina
being here. I saw Kathryn respond, but again, couldn't make it out.
John stood up suddenly. I could tell he was pissed off. I couldn't make out
what else he said.
"Dad?" I saw Bay say, stopping him. "I want her here." Ah, he didn't want
Regina here.
I think he could tell how much it meant to Bay, because I saw him nod. Thank
you!
Toby got up, giving Regina his chair, while he went to get another. Regina
was now sitting next to Bay.
After Regina sat down, the cakes were cut and handed out. After that, it got
very silent. I didn't see anyone talking. Okay, this is weird….
Regina finally broke the silence, commenting on how delicious the cake was.
The only reason I got that is because she signed it too. Kathryn thanked her, I
think, and silence prevailed yet again.
I looked over at Bay in time to see her say, "You know what would lighten the
mood? Presents!" Yes, relieve the tension. Everyone agreed. Yes!
Kathryn stood up, saying that she wanted to say something first. To my
surprise, she started signing and talking. She started talked about giving birth
to Daphne, but that she ended up bring home Bay instead. She talked about how
hard it was to make peace with everything. She finished by saying how lucky she
was to have two incredible daughters, and everyone that came with them.
Then we all wished them "Happy Birthday."
Finally it was presents time! The first one Bay got was from me. Boy, would
she be surprised. She opened the card. "Happy Birthday! From, Emmett," I had
written. I didn't put what I wanted to, in case anyone else looked at the card.
I wanted to write something long and romantic. I could see disappointment on her
face at the simplicity of it. I smiled, knowing she'd get over it when she saw
the billboard. Bay opened the box, finding the scarf/blindfold. Okay, so it
wasn't the best looking thing in the world, but it's not like I expect her to
wear the hideous looking thing! I have better taste than that. I know her
style….
"It's a.... scarf," she said. I saw the disappointed look again. I smiled
wider, giddy with the secret I held.
"Thank you," she signed to me. I waved, like it wasn't a big thing. Inside I
laughed. Next up was my gift to Daphne. Would Bay get angry when she sees what I
got for Daphne?
Daphne read her card and started laughing. When she got really excited, I
knew it had clicked in her head. "Oh, no you didn't!" she exclaimed. She ripped
into the present. "You did! You did! I can't believe it!" she said, pulling out
the shirt. Next she pulled out the poster that had "Deafenstein" written across
it. "And, you got Charles Dane to autograph it!"
I smiled, pleased she liked her presents so much. But, her happiness was
minimal compared to how happy Bay would be when she saw her real gift.
"What's "Deafenstein?" Bay asked. I should have told her before now I
suppose. If she was going to be with me, she would be seeing it a lot….
With a huge smile on her face, Daphne told her, "It's an all deaf version of
"Frankenstein" done all in ASL."
Toby pulled out the DVD I had also gotten Daphne and read the back.
"Deafenstein- he can't hear you scream." Everyone laughed. "This looks
terrible," he continued. It is pretty corny..
"It's so bad and the sequels are even worse," Daphne said, still laughing. I
glanced at Bay. She looked…left out? Now I was feeling bad. I was basically
ignoring my girlfriend. My only relief was knowing I would be making it up to
her later.
Mom signed, "They're obsessed." That's an understatement.
John mimicked her. "What does this mean?" repeating "obsessed."
Daphne translated, "She said we're obsessed." Mom nodded, agreeing with
Daphne. Maybe I was imagining things, but mom sure seemed to be siding with
Daphne more than usual. Why couldn't she just give Bay a chance?
Daphne asked me how I got the autograph. I told her how I went to Springfield
6 months ago, to a horror convention there. That was when I got the autograph.
Kathryn said that my gift was thoughtful. Sure, but Bay's was over the top.
The rest of the presents went by quickly. Bay's parents gave her money and
clothes. Toby got her a CD. Adriana got her a sweater vest. Daphne got Bay
another CD. Even Regina got her new paint supplies.
Daphne also got clothes and money from the Kennishes. Toby bought her a
really heavy metal CD. Adriana gave her new earrings. Where was Regina's gift?
And Bay's?
A little bit later, I saw Bay slip into her garage. Perfect! I waited a few
minutes and then followed after her. Boy, was she gonna be surprised!
#-------------------------
As I wandered around my garage, I contemplated breaking something. I was so
angry and hurt. How could he do that? How could he get her that "thoughtful
gift" as mom had called it earlier, and get me an ugly ass scarf? I am his
girlfriend! Aren't I a little more important than the best friend?
I had just picked up some brushes and placed them in a can when I heard a
knock on the door. Turning, I saw Emmett standing there. He gave a little wave.
Sure, of course he's happy.
Deciding not to show how hurt I felt, I said, "Oh, hey." Act cool Bay. Don't
show the pain. "Thanks again for the....a.....scarf."
Emmett gave me a little smile and picked the ugly thing up off the table I
had set it on. Does he expect me to wear it now? Then, he surprised me. He held
it up and shook his head. Huh? All right….
"It's not… a scarf," I said as Emmett signed. Okay then, what the hell is it
then? Then he held it up to his eyes. "Blindfold," he mouthed.
"It's…a blindfold?" Blindfold? Then it hit me. "It's a blindfold!" This just
got more interesting.
Emmett signed and mouthed, "And it's not…your real gift." Huh? What have you
done, Emmett?
He motioned for me to turn around. Skeptically, I did as he bid. He put the
scarf/blindfold over my eyes. Next, I felt him putting my coat on me. Coat? He
pulled me outside. I followed behind him as he crossed the driveway. When we
stopped again, I felt him put a helmet on my head. HELMET! Is he insane?
I can't ride his bike BLINDFOLDED!
Apparently he did not share my thoughts, because he situated me on the back
before he got on. I grabbed hold of his waist tightly. I felt him chuckle.
Sure, laugh now. You won't be laughing when I fall off this damn
thing!
He started the bike and took off. I think I'm going to be sick….
Let me tell you right now, riding on the back of a motorcycle with a
blindfold is not an experience I ever want to have again. Every time
Emmett turned a corner, my stomach dropped down to my toes and my heart went
into my throat. How much longer?
A few minutes later, he finally stopped the bike. Thank God! He got off and
helped me. I wobbled a second, since my head was spinning a little. Grabbing me,
Emmett held on till I got my balance back. Once he was sure I wouldn't be
falling over, he led me a short distance away. As I stood there patiently,
Emmett removed the blindfold.
It took a second, but my eyes adjusted to seeing light again. Then I saw it….
"My art? How?" The poster that we had tried to put up last night was now up
on the billboard. I didn't put it there. The only other person that knew about
it was….
Turning to face Emmett, I said, "You did that?" His whole face lit up in a
giant smile. Oh my… He had come back and put the poster up, knowing how much it
meant to me. I was beyond happy. I wanted to shout from the roof how awesome my
boyfriend is!
"It's perfect," I said, pulling him into a hug. He hugged me back, just as
tightly. When he pulled away, he signed, "Happy Birthday."
This was definitely worth getting the crappy scarf first! Ha ha, Daphne. Eat
this!
"This is bad ass," I said, using my new favorite sign. Emmett smiled.
Emmett tapped my arm. When I looked at him, he mouthed and signed, "I'm sorry
I haven't told Daphne about us yet."
"It's okay. Maybe it's better coming from me," I said. He nodded his
agreement.
We went back to staring at the billboard. After a time, Emmett said we should
get back so I didn't get in trouble. Reluctantly I agreed. Before we left,
Emmett pulled out his camera and took pictures of the billboard and then one of
the 2 of us.
Now, this is a birthday present!
When we got back to my house, Emmett kissed me again. This kiss was sweet and
soft. It reminded me of our first kiss. He waved and headed home.
Now came the part I was dreading…telling Daphne about Emmett and I. Please,
let her take it well…..
#--------------------------
I stood by the door of Bay's studio, watching her move around inside. Her
body language was stiff. Was she mad? I hoped not. I hoped she realized I would
never get my girlfriend something as stupid as a scarf. She had to know I had
something better in mind. Didn't she? Bay had just picked up some brushes and
placed them in a can when I decided to make my presence known. I knocked on her
door. She turned and caught sight of me. I waved. She did not look happy.
"Oh, hey." Bay said. Hey? Really? "Thanks again for the....a.....scarf."
Ha ha, here we go…
I gave her a smile and picked up the scarf. Holding it up, I shook my head.
Now she looked confused.
"It's not… a scarf," I signed as Bay followed. Then I held it up to my eyes.
"Blindfold," I mouthed.
"It's…a blindfold?" Then it hit her. "It's a blindfold!" Now she looked
curious. Good!
I signed and mouthed, "And it's not…your real gift." Bay eyed me, probably
wondering what I was up to.
I motioned for her to turn around. Slowly, she did as I asked. Once she was
facing away from me, I put the scarf/blindfold over her eyes. Next, I grabbed
her coat and helped her into it. I pulled her behind me outside, across the
driveway to my bike. I put the spare helmet on her head. She stiffened and I
fought the urge to laugh. She looked too cute with the helmet and blindfold on.
I helped her onto my bike and then got on. The second I was on, Bay grabbed hold
of my waist tightly. I couldn't stop the chuckle that time.
I started the bike and took off. Hold on tight, Bay!
The ride to the billboard was an interesting experience. Every time I would
turn a corner, Bay would tighten her grip. I would never let her fall off.
Didn't she know that by now?
A few minutes later, we reached the billboard. I got off and helped Bay. She
wobbled for a second, probably from riding blindfolded. I grabbed her and held
on till her balance came back. Once I was sure she wouldn't be falling over, I
led her the short distance to the billboard. As she stood there patiently, I
removed the blindfold. Please let her like it….
It took a second, but her eyes adjusted to seeing light again. Then she saw
it….
I saw the shocked look on her face. The poster that we had tried to put up
last night was now up on the billboard. She knew she hadn't put it up. That only
left me. I watched her face as recognition hit.
Turning to me, she said and signed, "You did that?" I gave her a huge smile.
See, I'm not a terrible boyfriend. "It's perfect," she said, before pulling me
into a hug. I hugged her back, just as tightly. When I pulled away, I signed,
"Happy Birthday."
This was definitely worth giving her the scarf first!
"This is bad ass," Bay said, using her new favorite sign. I smiled. I had to
tell her something else though.
I tapped her arm. When she looked at me, I mouthed and signed, "I'm sorry I
haven't told Daphne about us yet."
"It's okay. Maybe it's better coming from me," Bay said. I nodded my
agreement.
We went back to staring at the billboard. After a time, I signed that we
should get back so she didn't get in trouble. Reluctantly she agreed. Before we
left, I pulled out my camera and took pictures of the billboard and then one of
the 2 of us.
When we got back to Bay's house, I kissed her again. This kiss was like our
first kiss, sweet and soft. Waving goodbye, I headed home.
Now came the hard part…Bay was going to tell Daphne about us. Please, let her
take it well…..
#------------------------
I stood outside Daphne's room. Deep breath, Bay. You can do this. You need
to do this…. I was trying to gather my courage before talking to Daphne.
Just tell her. Be straight forward….
Emmett and I are dating. Emmett and I are dating. Emmett and I are
dating.
Here goes nothing…..
I opened her door and peeked inside. Daphne saw me and motioned me inside.
She was smiling. Oh good, she's in a good mood. That will make this
easier….
"I just wanted to make sure you made it through the day in one piece," I told
her, buying myself a little time.
Daphne laughed. "Thanks."
"Weird day, huh?" It's about to get weirder, at least for her.
Daphne looked down and said, "Yeah." Is she blushing?
My curiosity peaked, I sat on the bed. "What's up?" I asked and signed.
"It's just, I always thought my mom would be the one constant in my life. The
one person I could always rely on. But, I was wrong."
Had to agree with her there. "I know. It sucks," I told her.
Then she curve balled me. "No. There is one person who's always been there
for me. I just can't believe I never saw it before now." Oh, god. She's not
talking about….
Dreading her answer, I asked, "Who are you talking about?" Please, not….
Daphne got a sappy smile on her face. The same kind I got whenever I thought
of…..
"Emmett," she said softly.
Oh, god! Why now? "Are you saying you're in to him?" No, please….no.
Then my world shattered. She nodded and said, "Yeah. I think I am."
I could only stare at her, my mind in shock. If she liked Emmett, and he
found out….
I didn't stand a snowballs chance in hell….
Daphne noticed my dazed look and said, "What?"
Don't show the pain…. "Nothing. Just, uh, "Happy Birthday!" I told her.
"You too," Daphne said with a smile.
How could she know that she had just unknowingly ripped my heart out?
#---------------------------
After I got home, I waited for Bay to text me that she had told Daphne. I was
dying to know how she had taken it. While I laid on my bed, I thought back to
the billboard.
Bay had been so excited to see the poster up there. I was so glad I did that
for her.
I stayed up a couple more hours, but Bay never texted me. Finally, I was too
exhausted to stay up anymore. I fell asleep with Bay's beautiful face on my
mind.
#------------