Saturday morning. Mami had already made the payment with the real estate agent that she had spoken to, so the house was all ready for us to walk in. Gabe, Jamie, Al, Mami and I were all getting dressed and ready to leave. I had told Mrs. V about the new house yesterday in Leadership. She called Mami's cell that evening, and asked if she could come by with Simone. Mami agreed.

Mami was the first one downstairs, and then followed Al, Gabe, me and Jamie. We were all set and packed and Mami did one last head count, despite that we had everybody. I guess I know where I get my cautiousness from. Leana and Tia Jianna were in the doorway.

"Alright," Mami said. "We have everyone, and we're all packed."

"House is all yours," Gabe added. We said our goodbyes, and hugged the both of them.

"I'll see you at school," I signed to Leana.

"See you, cuz," she replied, smiling softly.

And with that... we were out the door.

~ In The New House ~

"Wow!" Jamie exclaimed as we walked inside. There it all was. The two staircases, the chandelier, entrances to the bar, everything. "I'm gonna go look around!" Jamie said, putting her things down and going straight for the either staircase. I chuckled at her excitement.

"Jamie, you have to... put away your... things..." Mami trailed off, then looked at me. I smiled.

"No one even knows where they're sleeping, Mami. You can't expect us to just come in here and NOT explore the place," I signed knowingly. She shrugged.

"Good point," she signed. I smiled and put my arm around her.

"Thanks."

"For what?" she signed, raising her eyebrows. I kept my smile.

"For thinking about all of us," I answered. Mami seemed to chuckle.

"You're welcome," she signed, and kissed my temple.

"I'm gonna go look around." Mami smiled knowingly at me.

"First stop, balcony?" she joked. After a slight pause, I nodded, and we laughed. "Go on," she signed, and I headed up the stairs.

I went up a certain amount of stairs until I got to the balcony. The view was... pretty amazing. Almost as good a view as the one from East High's rooftop garden. I took in a breath of fresh air, and smiled softly, closing my eyes. I let out a blissful sigh, taking in my surroundings. Well, same city, but just a completely different house. Not as much of a culture shock, huh? Think again. I still can't believe Mami was able to afford this place. But, then again, she's also gonna have to pay for it every month. Therefore, she needs a job.

I snapped out of my thoughts, as I felt a light tap on my shoulder, and I whipped around.

"Whoa! Hey, take it easy, it's me."

I let out the breath that I was holding, and brought my hand to my chest. "You scared me!" I signed.

"Sorry," Reese replied.

"What are you doing here?" I signed.

"Uh, well, I went over to Leana's, looking for you, but she said you moved... here," he explained. "I was hoping if you were free to... hang out?" he asked. I raised my eyebrows.

"So... you wanna... hang out?" I signed. He nodded. "Wait... who let you in?"

"Oh, uh... your Mom," he said. My eyes widened, but he put his hands in front. "Don't worry, she didn't assume anything. I told her we were friends," he added quickly. I sighed.

"Okay, good. Thanks," I signed.

"No problem," he replied. There was a slight pause. "So... would you wanna hang out today? I mean, unless... you're busy... unpacking." I thought for a second.

"I'll ask my Mom," I signed to him. "You wait here." Reese raised his eyebrows.

"I wait here while you ask your Mom?" he clarified, and I smiled, nodding. "Okay, uh... nice view, by the way," he added, smiling over at the balcony view. I smiled happily.

"Yeah. I know." I went back downstairs to find Mami in the bar, looking around, and went up to her. "Hey, Mami."

"Hi, sweetie. This place is amazing, huh?" she asked, excitedly. I nodded.

"Yeah. So... I'm guessing you... already met... R-e-e-s-e, huh?" I signed hesitantly.

"Yes, I did, and he... seems like a nice guy." I was about to sign something, but Mami stopped me. "And don't worry, I'm not trying or going to play 'Matchmaker', alright?" she chuckled. I smiled softly.

"Well, he was... actually wondering if it was okay if we... hung out... today? I can... let you know if I need a ride later," I signed, pleading in my mind for her to say 'yes'. "C'mon, Mami. No one's really unpacking right now, and I'll be SUPER careful," I added. Mami thought it over for a few seconds.

"You let me know as soon as you need a ride home," she warned. I smiled widely, and hugged her.

"Thank you!" I signed as I pulled away.

~ A Few Minutes Later ~

I came downstairs, ready to go out with Reese.

"You ready?" he asked. I nodded.

"Let's hit it," I signed, smiling. We went over to the door and opened it, and we saw...

Simone and Mrs. V. And they had luggage.

"Mrs. V... S-i-m-o-n-e," I signed.

"Hi, hon. Is your Mom home?"

"How did you-?"

"J-i-a-n-n-a told us you moved... here," Mrs. V explained. I looked over at Simone.

"Hey, it's nice to see you again," she said, smiling softly.

"What are you guys doing here, and... what's with the luggage?" Reese asked.

"Well, I actually need to talk to-"

"Katie," Mami said, coming out of the bar. "Uh... what are you doing here?" she asked, signing.

"Uh... M-a-r-i-a, this is... my daughter, S-i-m-o-n-e," Mrs. V said, introducing Simone. That's right. Mami never met her.

"Hi," Simone said, lending her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"You, too," Mami replied, taking Simone's hand. "Uh, so... what's up? What's with the luggage?" Mami asked, looking at Mrs. V's and Simone's bags.

"Uh... well, I actually wanted to... ask you something. It's okay if G-a-b-r-i-e-l-l-a is here. It's not exactly private," Mrs. V replied. Mami looked at me then back at them.

"Okay... well... ask away," Mami said.

"Alright, well... we were hoping if it was okay if we... moved in with you," Mrs. V said hesitantly.

"Really?" Mami asked, her eyes raised.

"Yes, you see... we told our therapist about how much YOUR family has been helping US. So, Dr. M-i-l-e-s thought that it would be a good idea if we could... 'expose ourselves to an environment with a model family' for our... dysfunctional relationship," Mrs. V explained. "Does that make any sense to you... G-a-b-s?" she asked, looking at me. I smiled widely.

"It... makes perfect sense! I can't believe you're moving in with us!" I signed happily, while Mami interpreted.

"Wait, so... is that a 'yes', M-a-r-i-a?" Mrs. V asked Mami. Mami thought it over for a little, until... I saw her nod.

"I don't see why not," Mami said, smiling.

A/N: Hey, everyone! So... that's the end of "Hearing Loss is My Gain". Sorry for those of you that enjoyed it that I had to end it a little early. But... lucky for you, I have a sequel book, just like I promised! It's entitled "More Than You Know". I won't have it ready too soon, but I sure hope you'll be anticipating reading it as much as I'm anticipating writing it and getting the first chapter published! So... that's all for now, and please look forward to my next story! I love all you wonderful readers!