This story is based off of the "double date" in the episode "Fraternity." This is when Jack just so happens to be running in the same park as where Sue, Lucy, and Amanda are. They invite Jack to go to a deaf movie theater with them. This is what happens on that date.
As always, please read and give me feedback. I would love to hear your own ideas for stories.
Sue felt Jack's hand on the small of her back, where he normally placed it when they walked together. She never told anyone this, not even Lucy, but that small gesture warmed her heart every single time he did it. Over the course of the last few years, she had come to treasure these little moments that they had together.
Jack touched her arm gently, and when he had Sue's attention, he spoke. "So, what movie are we going to go watch?"
"Oh, I think that they're playing The Princess Bride tonight. That one is a classic and good for all ages. You know, sword-fighting, pirates, true love, and everything that makes a story good."
"Sounds good to me. Are we doing dinner as well? Cause, I know a great place that just opened not too long ago."
Sue pretended to think about it for a minute, but she was absolutely willing to go to dinner with him to any place. "I guess that could work, if Amanda and Ben can come along. Since Lucy just happens to be busy tonight, I need to keep an eye on Amanda."
Jack looked at the young deaf girl walking beside Lucy in front of him and grinned. He couldn't think of any other teenager he would prefer to join them for dinner. Amanda was a lot like Sue, full of life and unwilling to let her deafness define her limitations. "I would be delighted to have them join us." His answer was rewarded with a dazzling smile from Sue.
There were few things in his life that could stir his heart into a frenzy than Sue's smile. It was the kind that made the sun shine on rainy days and the clouds part. It lit up her whole face, making her seem to glow with some kind of light. Angelic, Jack thought. Her smile makes her look like an angel.
They spent the rest of the afternoon roaming the park together. Sue threw a ball for Levi to fetch, but when he brought it back, the loyal dog pranced straight to Jack. "Levi! You betrayed me!" she said in a hurt voice, but with a smile on her face.
"Nah, he just knows who can throw farther," Jack said. Sue raised her eyes at that and took the ball from Jack and chucked it. Levi, barked once and took off after the ball, running almost the length of a football field, before he found his toy. Jack gave a slight bow. "I stand corrected. You are obviously the master of throwing a slimy ball."
"When you put it that way, you can throw that slimy ball all you want." Sue smiled and let the man take over with her dog. They spent an hour or so playing with Levi, before it was time for them to head over to pick up Ben. The restaurant they went to ended up being owned by a couple from Lebanon and greeted Jack like an old friend.
The wife came and spent some time talking to the four guests. "So, Jack, is this lovely young woman your girlfriend? It's been some time since we've seen yu here with anyone besides Bobby."
"No, she's a coworker, and I am helping chaperone a date. I figured it was only fair that I take them to the best food in DC."
"Jack helped us when our daughter went missing a few years ago. He has always been a charming young man." The woman leaned down and whispered conspiratorially to Sue, "He is a good catch. And you two would make a lovely couple." She stood back up and spoke to everyone at the table, with Sue providing translation to the two kids.
"Now, I am going to surprise you all with a few of our special dishes. Is there any food restrictions that I need to know about?" They all shook their heads and the woman clapped in delight. "I'll bring out your food shortly. For now, we will just start with hummus and fresh pita."
The group spent an enjoyable evening eating delicious food from the Middle East and speaking with the owners as they frequently came to see how they were doing. Eventually, though, it was time to head to the movie. Amanda and Ben both settled down in the theater with a large popcorn in between them. Jack and Sue watched them for a moment, both thinking about how sweet the two teenagers were.
Jack touched Sue's knee to get her attention, then signed in the dim theater, I'm glad I ran into you at the park. This has been fun.
Sue smiled and signed back, It has been. And you get to enjoy a deaf theater for the first time.
Hopefully not the last time, signed Jack. Then the two adults turned back to the movie and spent the evening wishing that they could behave like Amanda and Ben and hold hands.
