Presley

 

“Seriously girl, I’m telling you I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I know it didn’t go exactly how you planned, but he came and was touched, I can tell you that much. Overwhelmed is the only way I could describe it, and when I said you weren't there he was clearly disappointed. I think that’s a pretty good outcome.”

“I know, you’re right Jodi. It’s just all that work and planning gave me something to focus on, you know? Tonight was so bitter sweet. It’s over now and I didn’t even get to see how he felt.”

“I know for a fact your eyes were glued to him the whole time you were lurking in the shadows like a creeper.” She throws a pillow at me laughing and catches me off guard.

“I know, I just can’t believe it’s over.”

“It was amazing Presley. You did it. I’ve never seen anything so awe-inspiring. You have a lot to be proud of.”

“Thanks Jodi, I am. It’s the beginning of an amazing outreach, and I guess there always needs to be an ending before a beginning can happen.”

“It’s too late for you to be so deep. What we need is M&M’s and a horror flick.”

“Horror?!” She laughs at the look on my face.

“It’s better than romance, isn’t it? Plus, it will make your problems look like nothing.” Well she has me there. There’s a knock at the door and we both look at each other.

“Jodi, I can’t deal with Zeek tonight, I love him, but I really can’t.”

“It can’t be, Zeek left as soon as it was over to go home for the weekend.” She says as she makes her way to the door. She hardly opens it when she shuts it again. Well, that was odd.

“On second thought, the only chocolate I have is the regular M&Ms. You know that peanut is really the way to go. I’m heading to Target. I’ll be back later.”

She grabs her purse and goes tearing out of the room before I can even blink, leaving the door wide open, and the most handsome man I’ve ever seen standing on the other side. He gives me a shy smile and my stomach drops to the floor.

“Hi.” Wow, I haven’t seen him in way too long and all I can think to say is ‘hi.’

“Guy open door, let in. Okay?” He looks as uneasy as I feel and somehow that sets me at ease.

“Yes, always welcome you.” I step out of the way and motion for him to join me. I take a seat on Jodi’s bed and motion for him to do the same on mine. We are now staring at each other. He’s taking me in as much as I am taking him in.

“Thank you P…can’t…Words have not tell you deep effect me.”

“Happy me.”

He stands abruptly and walks over to me, leaning down and grabbing both of my hands in just one of his.

“Sorry.” His eyes say more than his hands ever could.

“No. Sorry not. Nothing wrong you.”

“You give everything tonight. For G A B B Y, for A J…For me. Expect nothing you. Special you P. Very special. Most people see deaf as weak or lacking. Look down on us, or sad for us. Try baby or help. Never try to make even ground. Tonight P, tonight you make equal. Tonight, you take sound away. You give music free. Want nothing return for gift. Always afraid me hold back you will. Afraid resent me, or miss out you.”

“Never.” I sign adamantly. Even if we never got back to what we were, I'd never feel that way. He smiles at my admission and nods once.

“Know me. Song touch me, move me….change me. But not why here.”

“Why?” I ask trying not to allow myself to hope.

“Here because after read letter finish, know can’t live without you. Just see now, feel complete. Need you P. You say make you better person me…But you make me person. When mom die become robot me. Go school, go work, take care Cody. Stop feel. When Cody die, become ghost me. Stop function, stop care, stop dream. Just here.”

He reaches up and wipes the tears that run down my face. Then kisses my forehead gently before he continues.

“When meet you slowly change me, not only make person but make me happy person. Can feel again. Love again, dream again. But scare me P. Feel nothing to feel everything. Scared what happen if lose you. Not want change you. Not want make sacrifice for me be happy.” I stop him by taking his hands in mine and shake my head.

“No.” I mouth. He smiles and nods back once.

“Know now me. After see song…understand me. You make me feel, make me whole again. I give you perspective. Give passion for job.”

“Good for each other.” I state.

“Good for each other.” He agrees.

“No more running? No more breaks?”

“No more. Dream together.”

Before he can finish the sign, I’ve launched myself at him, knocking him over backwards causing him to laugh. I chuckle softly too as I lean down and take in his beautiful face. His tortured features are completely gone now, replaced with happiness.

He grabs my hand in his and I slowly raise my pinkie, pointer, and thumb fingers. He smiles looking down at my hand raising his three fingers to meet mine.

“I love you.” I mouth making sure there’s no mistake.

“Love you.” He mouths back before he pulls me down kissing me soundly, making sure he never lets go of my hand.