The next few days after that were uneventful. Absolutely nothing was exciting or engaging in anyway possible. The closest thing to exciting was cleaning out my neighbor's cat's litter box, because she had gone on vacation. Friday was the day when I finally got a text from Phil. It read "Hey! It's Phil! Just thought I'd text you so you can have my phone number!" I honestly didn't think I'd have ever have gotten a text back from him, but there I was. So many thought ran through my head on what to say back to him. I don't even remember any of them except the one I sent in reply. "Hi, how are you? Is your jacket clean? We should get together so I can pay you back." After that we had a long conversation about money and if I had to pay or not.

I was so persistent for two reasons. One, I felt bad and honestly wanted to compensate for what I damaged, and two, I wanted to get to know Phil better. He seemed incredibly interesting, with his tattoo sleeves and a smile. A non-stereotypical combination. My mind was curious about who he is.

We set a date for the following Wednesday, to get together at a small coffee shop that I had never been to after about an hour or two of texting back and forth, he finally finished the conversation with "I've gotta go work, but thanks for everything! See you Wednesday!" With him gone and the date set, all I was left to do was nothing. So with a different mindset from the last time I did this, I went online and looked for a job. Nothing stood out to me so, I went to twitter for entertainment.

Halfway though my scrolling session, I remembered Phil and I exchanged twitter handles. So I found him and without hesitation followed him. His twitter was funny stories of thing that he did or that happened to him, Including our coffee shop incident. The best thing about that tweet is that he didn't mention how I was mute. I know for many, they always seem to focus on how I can't talk. Where as Phil acted as if I was left handed. I knew he wouldn't forget it, or make a big deal of it, which is a big deal to me. I know it's just a decent human thing to do, but most people don't agree.

I distinctly remember not being able to fall asleep very easily Tuesday night. At the time, I chalked it up to something I ate, but now I know it was because of my nerves about meeting Phil again. I was thrilled to see Phil again, even if I wouldn't admit it back then.

When I had woken up, the nerves were almost unbearable. It was a deadly combination between excitement and fear that caused me to be moving constantly. By noon I had cleaned my bathroom, bedroom, and my whole kitchen. Eventually I looked at the time, and saw that I had to get ready. I showered, straightened my hair, and put on my new favorite shirt, and jeans that I always wear. Nothing that looked overly fancy, but It made me feel confident, so that's all that really mattered.

I made sure I grabbed my keys, bus pass, and a small notebook so I could talk to him. Writing down is easier than trying to just use hand motions to explain myself. Not a whole lot of people know sign language. As depressing as that is, it just happens to be true.

Wondering if Phil knew any sign language, I left my flat and go to the underground. The whole trip I kept thinking about what that would be like. Every couple minutes I had to remind myself that it's not a first date, but I continued to daydream. But eventually I got to my stop that I need to be at, and got off. I walk slowly to the coffee shop, not wanting to get there completely early. The cute little shop was called Notes, and I arrived there right at 1:58, Almost perfect.

Ordering my espresso, I waited at a small table with two seats. It was a nicely lit room, with the feeling of being really open. I was impressed at how cosey, yet large the space felt. My name had gotten got called, so I walked up to the barista, and extremely carefully got my coffee and went back to my table.

Sipping the delicious coffee, I checked my phone to see what time it was. 2:12. He's just running late, I thought to myself. I gave it 5 more minutes, then I started to get worried. Did he forget. No, he doesn't seem like the type of person to do that. After a few more minutes, I finished my espresso and got up, deciding He either forgot, or ditched me. Whatever.

With a shrug of my shoulders, I start to grab my keys and pass, making sure I had everything that I needed so that I could leave. I pushed in my chair and look up, just in time to see Phil walking in. He had a soft smile on his face. He turned his head to look at me and grinned. I immediately smiled and waved. Walking over to me I heard him say "HI! How are you again! So glad we could set this up. I was looking forward to meeting you." Omg he wanted to meet you again! Holy fuck! I smiled and signed thank you.

"Wait what was that?" Phil asked about what I had just done with my hand. I grabbed my notepad out of my pocket and wrote "Thank you". I shows him again slower. Touching my chin with an open hand, and brought it down about 90 degrees towards my stomach. He copied me, and I smiled and nodded. It was adorable to see him do sign language, especially with his long tattoo'd arms. He was just so cute and sexy at the same time. It was honestly frustrating at the time.

"So what is your favorite colour?" he asked me after we ordered one coffee each. I sipped my coffee and wrote down "Black" People don't usually like when I tell them that but I don't care. I grabbed the paper again and wrote beside it "Wbu?" He responded with "Blue" question went on like this for about another 20 minutes. During this I also had taught him a few basic signs, including sorry, and both of our names.

After that I wrote on the paper, "How much do I owe you?" With a laugh he replied, "You don't have to worry about that, as long as we do this another time, because I had a ton of fun." I nodded and agreed, and with that we left. It had felt as if I was on cloud 9. I walked to the underground, and I knew I must have looked insane, Grinning and smiling uncontrollably. But whatever, I just had had the best 'not a date but almost' of my life.

Thanks for reading! I will try to upload frequently!