Mandy was visiting Janey. Frank wasn't home.
I have a boyfriend. Mandy signed.
A boyfriend? Janey signed surprised.
Yeah. Mandy signed. His name is John.
How long have you two been together?
Four months.
You're just now saying something?
I know you won't be happy about it.
Well it's not like you're dating another hearing man. She signed jokingly.
I am.
What?
I'm dating a hearing man.
Mandy. She signed disapprovingly.
See, I knew it.
Didn't you learn anything from dating that other hearing man?
His name was Randy.
How did that turn out?
That was because Randy wanted kids and I didn't. John and I both agree, we don't want children.
Your dad and I tried to tell you it wouldn't work out with Randy, you didn't listen to us. It won't work out with John either.
Thank you for your positivity mom. She signed sarcastically.
What does John do?
He's a professional wrestler and an actor.
Another professional wrestler?
I know, you don't approve of that either. She signed rolling her eyes.
I just don't want to see you get hurt again.
Yeah, you would've rather had me stay with Blaine, even though he treated me like dirt. She got up and left.
Two nights later Mandy was at home making dinner for her and John. Her lights blinked and she went to answer the door. John was standing there.
"Hi." She said.
"Hi." He went inside. They kissed. "I've been waiting to do that."
"Me to."
After dinner they were sitting on the couch.
"What are your plans for Thanksgiving?" John asked.
"I don't have any."
"Do you want to come to Massachusetts with me?" "My parents want to meet you."
"They do?"
"Yeah."
"Did you tell them I'm deaf?"
"Yes." "They've been practicing signing."
"Aw, that's so sweet." "Ok I'll come."
"Great." "I'm sure you have but, have you ever heard of something called a cochlear implant?"
"Yes."
"I've been researching it." "Have you ever thought about getting one?"
"Yeah."
"From what I understand you wouldn't be able hear just like me but you would be able to hear."
"It would send signals to my auditory nerve and up to my brain to allow me to hear sounds." "It takes time learn sounds." "I wouldn't just hear everything immediately." "It costs a lot of money though." "I could never afford it." "I can't even afford a decent running car."
"How much?"
"Fifty-thousand dollars." "I'd never have that kind of money."
"I do."
"I can't let you do that."
"What if I want to?"
"I still can't let you." "It's sweet that you want to, but no."
"Ok."
"You're so sweet and caring." "That's two of the reasons why I love you."
John smiled. He was so glad she felt the same way he did. I love you too. He signed. Come here. They kissed.
Two hours later Mandy went back into the bedroom from the bathroom. She was naked.
"Brr, it's cold." She said.
"Well get back in bed." John pulled back the covers. He was naked to. She got on top of him. He covered them both up. "Tell me again."
"I love you." She kissed him.
"So, your parents for Christmas?" She got an uncomfortable look on her face. "What?"
She got off on him and laid beside him. No. She signed.
I want to meet them. He signed.
No you don't. They don't like you. I won't put you through what I put Randy through. They were mean to him and they'll be mean to you.
How do you know?
I already told my mom about us and she said we won't work out.
"I have to meet them sometime."
"If you ever ask me a very specific question one day, maybe I'll consider it."
"A specific question huh?" He asked smiling. "What specific question would that be?
"I think you know."
"Is it, do you want to have more sex?" He said jokingly
She laughed. "John."
"What?" "That's not it?"
"No." "Goofball." "To answer your original question." They kissed