A/N: Sorry it's been a while since I've updated. I went on a vacation that turned out to be not much of a vacation at all! So, I needed recovery time when I got back. Anyway, I'm going to try to update more often now that I'm home and mostly recovered! Thanks for your patience, loyal readers! Again, there is still some slowness, but it's important to the overall story.
As the plane landed, Jenny breathed a sigh of relief. She had some concerns about flying and her power surges, but nothing happened. Tommy looked at her curiously. Okay? he signed.
Yes. I was worried that I might have a power surge during the flight. she signed back.
Nothing?
Nothing.
Tommy nodded. He had thought about it too, but hadn't said anything. They rose from their seats and collected their briefcases. Jenny caught Tommy's arm. You will have to be my ears out there. she signed. I've learned to be more aware when I'm like this, but there are still things I'll miss. Okay?
Yes. he signed back. They collected their luggage, headed toward the car rental office and received their vehicle. Tommy tossed their bags in the trunk. He was surprised when Jenny headed for the driver's side. He thumped his fist on the roof of the car to get her attention. When she looked up, he signed, You're going to drive?
Jenny spoke in response. "Do you know where we're going?"
Tommy shook his head no. She continued, "Then I have to drive. I can do it - I've done it before. Besides, hundreds of deaf people drive everyday."
Tommy shrugged, opened his door and got in the car. An hour later, they pulled up to the hotel, parked the car and went in. Jenny handled the paperwork and they headed for the elevator. As they stepped off the elevator, she felt one of her ears pop and then the other. "Ouch!"
Tommy turned toward her to find her holding her ears and a pained expression on her face. She explained what had happened and he winced in sympathy. They continued down the hall until Jenny stopped at a door and pulled out a key card, which she swiped and the door popped.
"Which room is mine?" Tommy asked.
"This one."
"Okay, then which one is yours?"
"This one." Jenny swung the door open and stepped inside with Tommy following as she explained. "It has two bedrooms as well as a kitchenette and living area. It was cheaper than connecting rooms."
"Wow. I would have thought it would have been more expensive."
"Normally, it would be, but they had a last minute cancellation on this room and now they can book our two rooms and make more money even with giving me the discount."
"Which room do you want?"
"It doesn't matter. You choose."
Thirty minutes later, they were settled in. They decided to order room service rather than go out. After a light hearted dinner, Tommy and Jenny opted to watch a movie. They sat on the couch, turned out the lights and began watching the movie. About half way through, Jenny began dozing. Tommy glanced at her and smiled, realizing that she was asleep. He knew that she would have a kink in her neck from the odd angle. He scooted a little closer, gently pulled her over on her side and rested her head on his lap. He assumed he could move before she woke up. Tommy smiled down at her and admitted to himself that he had strong feelings for her, but he wasn't sure just what they were. Believing that he would know when the time was right, he returned his attention back to the movie.
Jenny woke slowly. She became aware that someone was stroking her hair. As she came to full alertness, she realized that her head was in someone's lap. Jenny assumed that the lap belonged to Tommy - if not, she was in real trouble. She listened carefully and concluded that the movie had ended and that he was channel surfing. She was torn between the desire to stay where she was and following her common sense and letting him know that she was awake. She knew that staying where she was could be dangerous to her heart. Jenny understood herself well enough to know that if she allowed it, she would fall completely in love with him. It would hurt too much to fall in love with him and discover that he didn't feel the same. 'Still, it's nice to feel safe and cared for.'
The hand stroking her hair slowed and then stopped. Jenny wondered if he knew that she was awake, but a soft snore put an end to her wondering. She waited several minutes and then carefully got up. She went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, went to her room, changed to her pajamas and returned to the living room. Gently removing the remote from his grasp, she switched off the television and softly called his name.
"Tommy?" A little louder this time. "Tommy."
"Hmm?"
"Time to go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm."
"Come on. I'll take you to your room." She walked him to his room, sat him on his bed, removed his shoes and after he lay down, covered him with the sheet. Jenny looked at him for a long moment then returned to her room and, after several minutes, fell asleep herself.