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John awoke the next morning and smiled as he looked over and saw Melody asleep next to him. She was curled into a little ball facing him. John kissed her forehead lightly and quietly slipped out of bed. He began to tiptoe around the room trying to be quiet because he didn't want to wake her up.
John slipped on a pair of sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt so he could go down and get them coffee. He walked out of the room and as he quietly closed the door he burst out laughing….he had just tiptoed around a deaf girl sleeping. It didn't matter how noisy he was…she didn't have her hearing aids in, she wouldn't have heard a thing!
John laughed the whole way down to the kitchenette area. He filled two cups of coffee and grabbed a few creams and sugars because he wasn't sure how she liked her coffee.
He got back to the room and realized…he didn't have his key on him. Without a second thought, he began banging on the door. Yet again it finally dawned on him…he was trying to wake up a deaf girl by being noisy….it wasn't going to work.
By the time he had finally gotten the front desk to let him into his room, the coffee was cold and he was frustrated. He set the coffee aside and looked over at the bed and stopped in his tracks.
Melody looked so unbelievably sexy…she was fast asleep with only the sheet barely covering her naked body. The sun was shining in on her and she looked absolutely angelic.
John could feel his manhood stirring…he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and make love to her.
John slid his clothes off and slipped back into bed with her. He began to trace his fingertips along the contours of her body. He gently kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, then each cheekbone, then he leaned in and kissed her lips.
Melody's eyes fluttered open and she lovingly kissed him back. "Mmm…you keep that up and we're never getting out of bed."
John smiled and winked at her, "I like the sounds of that." And he began kissing her again.
Melody slid her arms around him as he moved in closer. Soon their bodies were entangled amongst the sheets. She couldn't resist, he was breaking down her walls.
The two made beautiful, passionate love right there in the rays of the sunshine. This was completely different than the night before, and it was bringing the two of them closer together.
Finally they climbed out of bed and made their way to the shower. As they washed up, there weren't many words spoken, but lots of stolen kisses and snuggles.
On their way to go and pick up Melody's interpreter she squeezed his hand, "So, have you told your parents about us?"
John nodded, "Yup, they know that I'm seeing an amazing girl that I can't wait for them to meet."
"And what did they say when you told them this girl you were seeing just so happened to be deaf?"
John looked away, "Well, I'm not sure…I haven't told them yet."
"WHAT? John, are you serious?" Melody replied exasperated. "Why didn't you tell them? This is something that needs a forewarning."
John held his hand up, "Let me explain, I didn't want them judging a book by its cover. There is so much more to you than just being deaf and I don't think you give yourself enough credit. So I didn't want them to sit and dwell and create their own fake imagery of you, I wanted them to meet you first."
"That's very sweet John, but this isn't something you can just spring on someone. Let alone a whole family. I had this whole conversation planned out in my head, but it all went out the window and I just blurted it out to you, and look at just how weirded out you were at first."
"Yeah for a minute. Then I got to know you, trust me they'll love you." John said reassuringly.
As they pulled up to the interpreter's apartment building, Melody's phone vibrated. "Shit! Violet's sick. She has the stomach flu and can't interpret for us."
"Seriously?" John replied. He knew damn well Melody would need an interpreter because if you get the family together, Melody would be lost. "Is there anyone else you could call? What about your dad?"
Melody looked at John, "My dad? Seriously? You've met my dad…do you think your family is ready to meet my dad yet?"
John thought about it for a minute, "Well…maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. Then he could interpret and we could introduce our parents."
She looked at him skeptically, "Gee…moving a little fast? Remember, I'm not just any other girl."
John shrugged his shoulders, "Ok, so you're right…I've never been with a girl like you. But one thing I can promise you is a love that's true. And we know we have a connection. And we're willing to make a few changes in our lives to be with each other. So why not get the families together?"
Melody shook her head, "Ok, but I'm telling you that you're going to scare the crap out of your parents…or should I say that my dad will."
Melody text her dad to see if he would be willing to do it. As John sat there watching Melody text back and forth almost violently he could tell they were arguing. Finally she looked up, "Ok, he'll do it."
"Is everything ok?"
She nodded, "Yeah, he was just in the middle of working on a project so he was going off on a tangent about it and I had to reel him back in and make him focus on what I was asking of him." Melody didn't want to have to tell John that Jim actually didn't want to do it because he felt they were moving too fast.
Finally they picked Jim up and headed to Boston, Massachusetts. They wouldn't have enough time for a tour of John's hometown of West Newbury just because of the house show timing allocations but that was ok. John was much more excited to have his family meet Melody and her dad Jim.
A little over four hours later they pulled into John's favorite Waffle House. John took Melody's hand and Jim walked a step behind them. It almost looked as if Jim was Melody's bodyguard, he was wearing all black and his aviator sunglasses. Big black, leather gloves and his black leather duster.
John walked in and there was lots of cheering. Melody couldn't almost hear the cheering it was so loud. Then she realized it was only his family, there wasn't anyone else in the place. But there was a lot of them!
A woman came up to Melody and Jim quickly stood behind the woman so he could sign over her shoulder to Melody. "You must be Melody! I'm Carol, John's mom. It's so great to meet you." She said excitedly and very quickly.
Melody smiled and glanced over Carol's shoulder to read Jim's signs. "Hi Carol, it's very nice to meet you too." She replied.
Carol hugged her and then called John's dad over. "This is Melody."
John Sr. smiled and first shook her hand and then hugged her, "It's so nice to meet you Melody, I've heard a lot about you."
Melody smiled, "It's nice to meet you too. John's told me a lot and I saw you guys on a couple of his dvd's. And I would like for you guys to meet my dad Jim."
Carol and John Sr were both a little shocked by Jim's appearance, but they smiled and exchanged greetings just the same.
John was shocked, all of his brothers and their families arrived too. Plus, his best friend Matt Sullivan was there also.
John whistled very loudly. Then he climbed up on a chair and grabbed Melody's hand and pulled her up on another chair. "Ok everyone, first off, thank you for coming. It means the world to me. I'm going to do one massive introduction, then we'll have some lunch and we can all get to talking."
As John spoke, Jim signed every word to Melody. Melody was relieved she had someone to interpret for her, there was such a large group.
John began to sign as he spoke, "Everyone, this is my girlfriend Melody. Melody, this is my family. My mom Carol, My dad John Sr, My brothers Dan, Steve, Matt and Sean. And that's one of my best friends' Matt, and my cousin Marc. Guys, this is my girlfriend Melody. She's from New York originally and yes she is deaf. She can speak, but she cannot hear you. Her dad is here to help interpret for her, but she can read lips also. Please just speak a little slowly and make sure you get her attention before you start talking away to her or she won't know that you're talking to her."
Melody stood there blushing many shades of deep red. She was so embarrassed. She was glad that John was being honest, but talk about being put on the spot!
John pulled Melody close and kissed her and they climbed down. Soon everyone was sitting around the tables and ordering food and were busy gabbing.
Marc walked over to John's chair and pulled him aside, "Are you fuckin' nuts? Why are you boinkin' a deaf chick?"
John looked at Marc astonished, "Excuse me?"
"Dude, you could date any chick out there. And you know Liz has been asking about you."
John held up his hand, "I know Liz has been asking about me. She's called me a few times. But I feel something amazing with Melody. And I have to be true to that right now. I've never felt this way and it's great."
Marc shook his head, "Yeah, it's called novelty. What do you think, you're gonna wife her? Have kids with her? Great, you'll be married to someone you can't go home and have a conversation with and have kids with someone who can't even hear them cry. Nice to know you're working on having a miserable future, good luck with that."
John's temper was reaching it's boiling point, "I'm going to say this one time, and one time only. You don't know shit about her, you don't know what it's like to be with her, and if you continue to talk shit we're gonna be beefin' now knock your shit off."
"You're right John, I don't know what it's like to be with her. I don't know what it's like to fuck a deaf chick. But I bet I could walk up behind her, kiss her on the neck and she wouldn't even know it wasn't you." Marc challenged him.
"This isn't a contest and if you touch her I'm knockin' your ass out. Now either be happy and supportive or get the fuck out." John said as he turned and stormed away.
Melody saw that John and Marc were getting heated. She was trying to catch John's eye so she could ask him if he was ok, but it wasn't working.
Everyone was coming around and introducing themselves to Melody and were pretty decent towards her. There was a lot of conversation that if it wasn't for Jim interpreting she would have been totally lost.
Carol and John Sr. went over to Jim and began talking to him. They were very interested in knowing about Melody's background.
Carol looked at Jim, "So, what was it like raising a deaf daughter?"
Jim shook his head, "I didn't raise a deaf daughter. She was raised hearing. She was hard-of-hearing until she was a freshman in college, then she lost her hearing altogether. I didn't want her being treated deaf."
"So how come you never got her a cochlear implant?" John Sr. inquired.
"Because there were a lot of side effects and she's been hesitant about getting one. I think she was trying to figure out if she would really need one or not." Jim replied a bit defensively.
"Do you honestly think that a deaf person and a hearing person can be together? Get married, raise a family?" Carol questioned Jim.
"John's on the road a lot, and he has a very demanding career, he's not going to be sidelined by having to babysit her at all, will he?" John Sr. inquired.
"Can she drive?"
"Can she live alone?"
"What happens if someone breaks in to the house?"
Jim had had just about enough. Jim finally held up his hands to the both of them, "Look. I don't know you guys from Dick and Jane. And I'm sure you want the best for your son. And I'm sure him having a deaf girlfriend is a worrying concept. But, what I do know is that Melody is a woman who has never let anything stand in the way of her achieving anything and everything she has wanted to do. And I've gotten to know John, and he seems like a very sincere young man who has a good head on his shoulders. There comes a time where you have to take a step back and let them pave their own road. Melody doesn't need to be babysat. And the same could be asked about John. If Melody is on the road, would she have to hold herself back to make sure that John isn't running around doing God knows what with God knows who. I know you guys are concerned and trust me, I am too. BUT…give them a chance." And he turned and walked away from the group and headed outside.
Soon John's parents had them each separated and were talking to them one-on-one. John's dad had John cornered and John's mom had Melody cornered.
"So, tell me about how you grew up. How come your mom isn't here to meet all of us?" Carol inquired.
Melody swallowed, "Well, my mom died when I was little. So that's why she isn't here. And we travelled a lot. So I've seen a lot of the world. It sounds like you had quite the house full with five boys."
"Oh yes. How many kids do you want to have?" She asked.
"Well, I don't know. I don't have a number in mind." Melody replied nervously.
"What about for a wedding? Do you know what you want?" Carol asked.
"Nope, I never really sat and dreamed about it." Melody confessed. "I always wanted my wedding to not just be MY wedding, but me and my husband to be's wedding. I feel both parties should have say."
Carol smiled. Melody sure was nice…but did she have to be deaf?
"So are you nervous that your kids will turn out to be deaf?" Carol asked without hesitation.
"Well…anyone can have a child that is deaf. But for me, my deafness is a result of my illness, not genetics. Both of my parents were capable of hearing. Even if John was to have a child with someone else, there's still a possibility that the child could be born deaf. But I don't look at deafness like a death sentence either. Being deaf you learn to be very aware of your surroundings and the world around you. Not to mention that the deaf culture is fascinating. So no, honestly I'm not nervous that my kids would be born with special needs because every child is a gift. And not something to be taken lightly." Melody replied back confidently. Knowing that her parents hadn't exactly viewed parenthood as a gift, Melody was always very headstrong about her stance on children.
Carol nodded and then heard someone calling her name and walked away. John walked up to Melody and wrapped his arm around her and kissed her cheek, "Are you doing ok?" He signed.
Melody shrugged her shoulders, "I guess. What about you?"
"Well, my parents are being incredibly nosy, and probably overstepping their bounds, but I'm really glad that you and your dad are here."
Melody smiled, "Yeah, I saw Dad getting agitated awhile ago, and he stormed off outside. But now he's eating so he must have cooled off. So far I've talked to almost everyone at least a little bit."
John smiled, "Let's eat, we're going to have to take off soon."
Melody nodded and the two of them sat down by Jimmy and ate their food. Around the table people hollered out various things and they all laughed and talked. Jim interpreted a lot and even he came around and was smiling and laughing.
As they were getting around to leaving, Jim headed to the bathroom. John and Melody were saying their goodbyes to everyone when Marc walked up behind Melody. "Hey Johnny. Do you realize that I could stand here and call your girl a slut and a whore she wouldn't be able to hear shit?"
John turned around visibly pissed, "I warned you, shut your mouth before I shut it for you. You're not going to talk shit about my girl."
Marc shook his head, "I'm out. I hope you get your head out of your ass soon. All you're going to be doing as holding yourself back with this one."
John clenched his fists and turned around. He knew if Marc ran his mouth anymore he'd come to blows with him.
His brothers surrounded him and were talking him down. They let John know that they were there for him and supported his decision and would be more than happy to welcome Melody.
Melody was busy talking with John's best friend Matt and could see John getting heated but didn't want it to be obvious that she noticed. She made a mental note to talk to John about it later.
After all the goodbyes were said and hugs were hugged everyone loaded up the vehicles.
Melody looked over at John, "Who were you fighting with?"
"My dumbass cousin. He's always a prick when I start dating someone, I think he gets jealous that I won't be at his house playing video games on my days off." John replied angrily.
Melody turned around and looked at Jim, "Thanks for coming Dad. It means a lot to me."
"You're welcome Melody." Jim said patting her shoulder.
"Did mom and dad bug you too much?" John asked Melody.
At first Melody hadn't been paying attention, so after making him repeat himself, she finally answered, "No. They asked me a lot of questions that I skirted around. And I think I might have been slightly bitchy when your mom asked me if I was afraid of having a deaf baby. But overall I think it went well."
John and Melody dropped Jimmy off at the airport and then rushed to the arena.
"So, do you think you could handle my family?" John asked Melody as he took her hand in his.
Melody nodded, "Yeah, they weren't that bad. It's their first time being around someone who is deaf. Trust me, this wasn't anything I haven't handled before. Your sister-in-law is really nice, and your other brothers' girlfriends were nice. Matt is a riot. Marc ignored me the whole time. Besides, if my crazy life hasn't scared you away, what makes you think your family would scare me away?"
John laughed, "So, can we get rid of the word trial and just be with each other?"
Melody smiled, "I'd like that."
They arrived at the arena and quickly found a parking spot. There were fans already lined up out back waiting to see if they could catch a glimpse or a picture or an autograph of their favorite superstar. As John turned the car off, Melody sat back and pulled out her phone to check her texts.
John tapped her shoulder, "Come on babe, I've gotta get in there."
"I know, but there are fans out there. I'll wait and come in later so they don't see us together." Melody replied.
"Why would you do that?" He asked curiously.
"Because I know how it is. You won't have to explain anything this way."
John leaned over and passionately kissed her. "Babe, you're my girlfriend. I'm proud to say that you're my girl. I don't care who sees."
Melody smiled and blushed, "Really? Are you sure?"
He nodded, "Now come on, let's go."
Melody got out of the car and right away the fans were questioning who she was, then John got out of the car and took her hand in his. He smiled and waved to the fans as they were walking in.
"I'm running late guys, I'll catch you on the way out." John said to the crowd as they walked past them.
Inside the arena, Melody headed to the green room as John headed off to go work out his match. She smiled to herself, today had been a really good day.
**Please read and review! Now that John will be in California shooting his new movie, what will it be like when they're together a majority of their time? Will it make them closer? Or make John realize just how different their lives are? And is the difference something they can overcome? Please read and review!**
