Disclaimer: I own nothing of Switched at Birth. It belongs to the incredibly creative minds at ABCFamily.
A/N: I have not written a story in many years, and this is my first non-Harry Potter story, so bear with me as I attempt to hone my rusty writing skills. I was just inspired by all of the wonderful Switched at Birth stories and wanted to create one based on the sneak peak for next Monday's episode. My story continues from the end of the sneak peek, to be more exact.
Bold indicates signing; bold and underlined indicates signing while speaking.
As Ty walked away from her, Bay crumpled to the ground and pressed her face in her hands. She couldn't believe how out of control everything had gotten in the last 24 hours. Wasn't it just last night that she and Ty were cuddling on a blanket in the park, looking up at the stars, relishing in the moment?
She felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder and looked up. Emmett stood there, worry evident in his eyes.
Are you okay? He asked.
No. Ty and I got into a huge fight. Bay sighed and shook her head. I don't know where he gets these ideas. I've never given him reason to doubt me.
He sat down beside her. Do you want to talk about it?
I don't know…it's complicated. I don't want to burden you with the details. She looked down at the ground, tears welling in her eyes.
Emmett placed his hand under her chin and turned her head to face him. Bay, you never have to worry about burdening me. If something's troubling you, I want to help you out, if you'll let me.
Her eyes met his, and she felt exposed. It was like he could see right through her and know what she was feeling without her having to say it. It wasn't a bad feeling. In fact, she had longed to feel this way again for a long time. Before Emmett, no one had been able to, or even tried to, understand her completely. She had never let anyone in the way she had let Emmett in.
Well, Ty stormed off before you arrived because…wait, why are you here?
I accidentally left a Deafenstein poster here after the showing, so I came back to pick it up.
Oh, okay. Anyway, Ty thinks that something is going on between…us. He thought that I had an ulterior motive for wanting to host a Deaf Day here. I didn't. I just wanted to raise awareness about the Deaf community and bring something new to Maui.
Emmett's heart dropped upon hearing that she had no other intentions for hosting Deaf Day, but he brushed it off. Bay's happiness was what mattered right now.
Does he know what happened between us? What I did? As he signed, he lowered his gaze. He was still disgusted at himself by his betrayal of the one person who understood him, even across communication barriers, and fought for him, even when the rest of the world had turned its back. If you just explain it to him, he'll understand. You said it yourself; you could never be with me again after what I did.
Bay was startled by his words. She did say that, but she didn't think he would bring it up again.
I haven't told him about that. It never came up, and I figured some things were better left unsaid.
They sat in silence for a few moments. Bay wondered why Ty had never asked her the reason that things ended with Emmett. She also wondered what she would have said to him had he asked. Would she have revealed the whole story? Ty would probably have pummeled Emmett vigorously if she had. As much as she wanted to be completely honest with Ty, she felt like she couldn't. When she was around Ty, she drove herself to act more mature because of his level of maturity. She wanted to impress him, to make him realize that she wasn't an innocent young girl who was unfit for his worldliness. Sometimes, it felt so tiring to have to put on a constant façade. She didn't want to admit that she couldn't be herself around him, but the truth was that she couldn't. Not completely. Not the way that she could when she was with Emmett. With Emmett, she felt carefree. From the beginning, she never had to worry about being judged because he had accepted her wholly, despite her flaws and quirks.
Emmett stole a glance at her. She was deep in thought. He could tell because of the small crease between her furrowed brows and the way that she bit down on the right corner of her bottom lip. Her hair was tied in a messy bun and dark circles framed her eyes, but she still looked beautiful to him. It hurt so much to be so close to her but be unable to hold her in his arms.
Bay felt Emmett's eyes on her, drawing her out of her musings. She tilted her head and looked at him.
It's getting late; you should go. I don't want to keep you here. I'll just set up a bit for tomorrow's shift and head home too. Thank you for listening to me.
Anytime. I'll always be here for you. Never feel like you're "keeping" me because your company is one of the things I enjoy most in this world.
Bay's heart jumped. She silently cursed the ease with which her cheeks flushed whenever Emmett said something that took her breath away. No, Bay. It doesn't matter what he says. It doesn't change what he did. You're with Ty now. You're happy with Ty. But was she?
Emmett stood up and held out his hand. Bay took it without hesitation and he pulled her up. Unfortunately, amidst her pondering, she didn't realize that one of her legs had fallen asleep. She wobbled and he caught her around the waist, steadying her. She had instinctively grabbed onto his upper arms, and they were now in a position that would have confirmed Ty's suspicions about them.
Bay saw her reflection in Emmett's striking blue eyes. Her heartbeat quickened and her mouth suddenly felt dry. Her reflection grew larger as Emmett slowly closed the gap between them. She placed a hand on his chest.
Emmett, I can't. I'm with Ty now. I don't know where he and I stand after tonight, but I can't take the chance that I might hurt him for the same reason that I was so hurt.
Emmett stepped back and sighed, letting go of Bay's waist.
I understand. You are an amazing person, Bay. He paused. I know I told you that I was no longer going to wait around for you. The truth is, every part of my being contradicts that statement. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. When I see Axe Girl, I think about our first nighttime adventure at that once empty billboard. When I feel upbeat rhythms, I think about the time that we danced to Angelo's CD. When I smell freshly cut grass, I think about our lazy afternoons in the park. Bay, I miss you so much. I will never forgive myself for what I did to you but I hope that one day, you may be able to forgive me. I will wait for you as long as I have to. He stopped signing and took a deep breath.
There is no one for me but you, Bay Kennish. His voice shook but his tone was resolute.
He leaned in and lightly kissed her forehead, picked up his poster, and walked toward the parking lot. Bay stood silently, watching his retreating figure as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading!