Author's Note: Huge thank you to Jester Dreams who gave me this story idea.
I am using it because it's brilliant, and it gives this story direction. You, my friend, are wonderful.
Everyone, enjoy, and please review! I'd be more than glad to consider other people's ideas as well!
Blessings,
Sarah.
School? Keith signed, hardly believing his eyes. I can go to a real high school?
You can. The nurse in charge of his small ward signed back with a huge smile. We just needed to see if it's something you would be interested in.
I would kill to go to a real school-Which one can I go to?
The school that would work best for you is one right across the street from us. One of the reasons we chose it is because you'd have a familiar face there.
When Keith was about to ask who, Natalie walked in as if on cue. He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face quickly; hugely.
You go to the same school?
I sure do. She signed excitedly. I get to show you around! That is, if you go.
There's no doubt I am going. Have you told me Dad?
Yes, he knows. The nurse signed back. You get to start Monday.
Keith grinned widely as the nurse stepped out, telling him she had a few papers to go over for him and sign.
Natalie turned to face Keith once the nurse had left and offered him a dazzling smile.
I cannot believe you are going to school with me!
That excited, huh?
I am…You aren't?
I am. Really.
Good. Natalie signed happily. So I get to take extra care of you, don't I?
Keith sniggered. Do not. If I don't know where a class is, or need a lunch partner, fine…but no following me around like a hound dog. Not cool.
Natalie laughed. Okay deal. And, partner? Lunch partner, really?
Yes, partner. Are you making fun of my slang words?
Slang? That's hardly slang!
Oh, whatever. Keith brushed his hand in her face dismissively, turning away to walk over to his bed.
Anyway, you must be excited to go to a real school. I heard they're going to send you with an interpreter?
Keith shrugged. I just found out about all of this, so I don't know.
Well, I figured I was interpreter enough, you know? No one else signs in my school, so we have to stick together this year.
I'd like that.
Natalie just smiled, having nothing to really say to that, and grabbed the blanket he was trying to fold out of his hands.
I know I fold the men way.
Natalie laughed, but signed nothing, having her hands full with the folding process. She squared the piece of fabric into a perfectly folded blanket and then handed it back to him.
All it needed was a woman's touch.
I'm glad it was yours, woman.
Natalie studied him for a moment. I have always wondered why Jesus called His mother that, you know. It's never Mary; He refers to her as woman.
Keith thought on this for a moment, then smiled slightly. I'm not an avid book reader.
You mean you aren't an avid Bible reader?
Both. He grinned.
Anyway, it was just an observation. What are you most excited for about school?
Just being around people. Normal people. The hearing.
The hearing, Natalie re-signed. It sounds like a cult.
Why is everything religion with you? Keith laughed.
Natalie rolled her eyes. I'm done talking to you today! She huffed.
Keith stared into her eyes, waiting for her to crack, and she did. She burst out laughing, giving her cover-up of annoyance away.
Want to grab some lunch with me?
Maybe.
Keith quirked an eyebrow at her. Oh, you're gonna play this game now?
What game? Natalie asked innocently.
Keith stared at her once more, but this time she didn't crack. Sighing, he groaned out his frustration before signing: Alright, Ok, you win.
Natalie just clapped before yelling "Yay for me, then!"
Keith took her hand into his own gingerly, then, and they exited the room, walking down the hall to the lunch area. Natalie wiggled her hand from his grasp gently as he opened the door for her, and he barely noticed that she had meant to remove her hand seeing as he smiled at her brightly and allowed her to enter first.
Ladies are always first. He signed as the door shut behind him.
That's very gentlemanlike.
You just signed womanly, he rested a hand on her shoulder in comfort before continuing. But I know what you mean.
Natalie blushed and followed his lead to the spread of various food on elongated tables towards the front of the large cafeteria.
What do you think you want?
Not sure, Natalie signed back as Keith handed her a plate and got a tray for them to put both of their plates on.
I love everything here. Even the salads- Usually I'm not big on vegetables, but theirs are the best.
Natalie slid the tray in front of them as Keith flailed his hands to and fro, explaining things in vivid description. Half of the words she didn't catch, since she wasn't so advanced in the art of signing yes, but most of it she did and she couldn't hide the smile that graced her lips as they both went to find an empty table to drop their food at, and sit down to enjoy it.
Would you like to say grace? Keith asked, bringing her mind back to their previous discussion. His smirk could not be hidden on his face and she smacked him on the head with her plastic fork.
No, you stupid jerk. Eat.
She laughed too, and then they were able to eat their lunch in amiable silence. Once in awhile, they even glanced up at each-other…
And their eyes said everything that their sign language and hidden words couldn't: they displayed so obviously the love for one another they had as friends in that moment.
It had blossomed drastically already.
Author's Note: What would you like to see next chapter? A line? A sub-plot? A verse? A word that Natalie's signs for the first time? I will consider all ideas, I just want to get you guys involved in this story!
Please review and I hope you enjoyed. I had a lot of fun with this chapter!
Blessings,
Sarah.
