Thanks to Akane Kuran for the title. XD Seriously. I've been stressing over this because I couldn't think of a title. -_-'
Anyways, this is a test with deaf Magenta...um...I'm not exactly very well educated about ASL/deafness/muteness...I mean, I tried studying a bit about it, but I just am unsure about writing with a deaf character...but if it goes well and gets good reception, I have a story planned kind of like this. x)
Well, here it is. Trying to focus less on dialogue (...this is part of the reason I liked writing with a deaf character) and scenery/feelings, but I'm not really good at that...-_- Sorry.
It was a snowy day in January, shortly after Columbia's sixteenth birthday. She and Magenta were walking hand-in-hand, something they did without thinking, through Denton. Columbia smiled, finally happy that Magenta's mom agreed to let Magenta go walking around with Columbia without Riff Raff.
Magenta, on the other hand, looked nervous and hesitant. Every so often, she would stop walking and stare at the ground. She would resume walking not a moment later, hoping that Columbia didn't notice that she stopped.
To put it simply, Columbia noticed.
But she didn't dwell on that fact too long. She had a plan, a plan that she had to go through with. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was forcing her best friend out into something she obviously didn't want.
Columbia, Magenta signed, stopping suddenly and pulling her hand away from Columbia. Columbia turned around and forced herself to look into Magenta's green eyes. They had become increasingly dull over the years, something that Columbia blamed on the constant teasing and bullying.
She blamed herself for not being there to protect Magenta. Not being there to fight.
Columbia…where are we going? Magenta signed, crossing her arms over her chest once she was finished. She narrowed her eyes and Columbia couldn't deny how positively adorable she was. I want to know, Collie!
There was a silence between them, Columbia unable to find the words to explain where they were going. She blamed it on the fact that the snow was falling on, and blending into, Magenta's beautiful red hair. She felt her cheeks grow warm and noticed Magenta's bright red lips curl upwards into a beautiful smile.
Collie. Seriously. Where are we going? Magenta signed, still smiling at Columbia. If you don't tell me, I'm going home. Though it probably wouldn't be the best idea…
Somewhere…we're going somewhere that you know... Columbia responded before holding out hand, patiently waiting for Magenta to hold it. Magenta rolled her eyes and placed her hand on Columbia's. They started walking again.
Another fifteen minutes passed before either of them stopped. Magenta was the one to stop, not that Columbia could blame her.
Collie…where are we going? I really want to know now! Magenta stomped her foot on the ground and frowned. If you don't tell me, I'm turning around and leaving! And don't think I won't!
Columbia sighed. Just five more minutes. Please, Genta. Five more minutes and we'll be there! she signed, desperately hoping that Magenta would continue to walk with her.
Why are we going so far from our houses though?
You'll see.
Magenta started walking again, refusing to respond to Columbia. Columbia couldn't keep from smiling, running after Magenta and stopping when she was just a few steps ahead. It started snowing harder, blurring Columbia's vision.
The park was practically empty, except for a few teenagers and families. Columbia reached back behind her and felt Magenta grab her hand. She pulled Magenta down the barely visible path, heading for their favorite tree.
When they stopped, Magenta frowned.
Why are we standing here, under this tree? she signed.
Remember? This is where we had our first conversation without Riff Raff with us. It's also where we used to sit after school, doing our homework together. Columbia signed. She noticed Magenta's eyes started sparkling, brightening to their original jade color for the first time since fourth grade. Then we stopped spending so much time together and…I feel really bad about it…
Don't! It's not your fault! Magenta signed quickly, her cheeks turning a bright red color. It's my fault! I pushed you away because I felt like I was being a burden and-!
Columbia grabbed Magenta's hands in midair, stopping the red-haired girl's signing. She shook her head, letting Magenta's hands drop to her sides.
Stop. Don't blame yourself, Magenta. I should have been there to protect you. You didn't push me away; I willingly left you alone because I was so confused and embarrassed. Columbia held her breath. Her chest felt tight and her hearts was beating against her ribcage. She felt like she was going to be sick.
What? Magenta's eyes grew to the size of saucers. What…what are you talking about?
Columbia shook her head.
What's wrong?! Tell me! I'm your friend and I want to know what's wrong, Collie! Magenta pursed her lips. Please tell me, Collie…I-!
Columbia grabbed Magenta's hands and leaned in closer to Magenta, kissing her before she could back out. Columbia's heart sped up until she thought her heart was going to pop out of her chest. She stepped back away from Magenta, reluctantly breaking the kiss.
Magenta had a look of pure horror frozen on her face. Columbia suddenly felt embarrassed, and slightly hurt. She'd been trying to form her feelings into words for a long time, but she couldn't, so she decided to use actions to tell Magenta.
Obviously, that was a bad idea.
Magenta, I'm sorry…I shouldn't have…it wasn't right for me to… Columbia smacked herself in the face, not able to decide how to apologize to Magenta. Please don't be angry with me…I…
I love you.
Columbia blinked, half hoping that she'd misunderstood Magenta. It was believable, not understanding Magenta correctly. She had only been learning sign language for a few years…it was just like English…
But something about the way Magenta looked at her told her that she hadn't misunderstood. Columbia couldn't keep from smiling.
I've loved you since…well…since we first met in second grade…I didn't understand much then, I still don't understand much now, but I know for sure that it's love. I wanted to tell you…but I was so scared…I didn't want to ruin our friendship… Magenta signed quickly, a smile creeping onto her face. Columbia loved it when she smiled. She was so beautiful. I was…content…with just being your friend…until I started distancing myself from you…from everyone…and now…I just…
Magenta looked at the ground, rubbing her eyes with her hands. Columbia felt bad for her, feeling as if part of this was her fault. Suddenly, Magenta looked back up at her, smiling despite the tears in her eyes.
I was scared that you would reject me because we can't talk normally…but…
I would never do that! How could you ever…Magenta! Columbia tried her best not to laugh, but ended up laughing loudly.
Magenta grabbed Columbia's hand, wanting her to stop signing. She pointed at the tree and back at herself and then to Columbia, her smile growing a bit bigger. Columbia blinked, trying to figure out what Magenta was saying. Magenta rolled her eyes and let go of Columbia's hand.
Me, you, this tree…everything significant between us has happened here… she signed quickly. Columbia nodded. But there's one more question…I mean, yeah, we kissed. We told each other that we love…each other…but…um…are we girlfriends…?
Columbia took a minute to think. She wasn't exactly sure what to say…
Um…hello?
Columbia nodded. Yeah, I guess we're girlfriends now…
Magenta threw her arms around Columbia, smiling bigger than Columbia had ever seen her smile before. And for once, Columbia knew that Magenta was happy.
I feel like the ending is...BLEH. Sorry. :'c
Anyways, please please PLEASE tell me how I did with the whole deaf thing. I don't care how you tell me, lord, SEND ME SNAIL MAIL! XD I just really need to know if I did it right, or what I need to fix, or whatever.
Thanks for ready this. :D I really do hope you enjoyed it.