Grace's Bookstore

Chapter 3

Luka matched their grins, sky blue curls hanging into his eyes, crooked teeth flashing in his smile. His grin was so wide it showed his pink gums. He gave a sound of excitement, a cheer from deep in his throat, and the sound rang louder than the bells and the squeak of the door as it closed.

Damien swung around and darted over, held out his hand. "High five little man." He was excited, but he spoke slowly. Luka obliged, slamming their hands together, and Damien pretended to wince, shake his hand as if in pain. "So strong!" Luka grinned wider.

How was school? How was Nick's? Noah signed. His brother gave a thumbs up, an answer to both questions. Have you eaten? Luka shook his head no.

"What's up?" Damien asked. He knew enough to speak slowly so Luka could understand him, but he didn't yet know much sign language. He knew a few signs, the important ones, and could sign the alphabet, but most of the time he had no idea what Noah and Luka were saying.

Luka was born with impaired hearing and went completely deaf when he was four. He and Noah learned sign language together and Noah taught their mom. Luka could read lips, though it helped when people talked slow, and Noah was fiercely protective of his younger brother. He was ten, a proud fourth grader, and would visit the store often after he went to his friend's house.

"He hasn't eaten yet." Noah said aloud and Luka nodded. Damien grinned.

"We have muffins." He said and walked back to the bag. Luka stepped deeper into the store. "Noah and I have to work on a project together, do you have something to do?"

He nodded, glanced at his brother. Homework. But I might need your help.

What is it? Noah replied and almost smirked at Damien as his eyes flicked between their silent conversation. He was failing to keep up and confusion reigned in his eyes. Noah noticed the snow was once against tangled in his thick black hair. His clothes were wet from it, Luka's too but at least he was smart enough to have a thick coat, and Noah watched the snow fall heavy outside. It was beginning to pick up, piling on the sidewalks and streets, a thick blanket enveloping the city.

Math. Luka replied.

Did you take the subway here? Alone? He asked, eyes sharp, Luka hung his head as he nodded.

Mrs. Jameson was busy. He signed back apologetically, and Noah rolled his eyes. He stepped forward and set his hands on his brother's shoulder. They were six years and six inches apart. Luka tipped his head up.

"Just be safe." Noah said aloud. "The trains are dangerous."

He nodded, smiled. There was a cop on the train today!

Noah arched a brow. "Was there? What were they doing?"

He was just riding. Luka replied with a shrug. Will you help me with my homework?

I can when we get home. Noah nodded as he signed back. I have my own math homework, but I should be able to help!

Thanks. Luka stepped around his older brother, darted over to the muffin as he slipped his bag from his shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. He beamed up at Damien as he ripped off a small piece and nibbled it. Did you get this?

"Did you get this?" Noah translated and Damien nodded, Luka's gaze flicked back and forth, watching their conversation.

"I did."

"What do you say?" Noah asked and Luka glared at him. Damien smiled in amusement. The two brothers had mastered the art of dirty looks, killing with their glares.