The Words I Never Said [editing]

1.8

[jonas]

"Jeff! Jeff! I have some exciting news!" Aunt Crystal says, running into the dim, musty garage.

"What is it?" my uncle turns around to face her.

"Jonas is bringing a girl over! Isn't that exciting!" she says.

"Is she your girlfriend?" Uncle Jeff asks me.

"No, she's just a friend," I say.

"But he has a crush on her," my aunt whispers loudly.

"No I don't!" I lie.

Or do I? Do I actually like Danielle?

"What's her name?" Uncle Jeff states, leaning against his work table.

"Danielle McAdams," I say.

"Like Rachel McAdams?" he asks; I shrug.

"Wait, her name sounds familiar." My aunt thinks for a second, "Oh, I remember! I think her father died a couple years ago, and I guess the trauma from the experience made her mute. I don't think she's talked in 4 years. Bless her heart."

"So she doesn't talk?" Uncle Jeff says, "How is she going to answer all the dad-like questions I have for her?"

We all giggle.

"She replies to me with sticky notes at school, so I guess that's probably what she'll do," I say, "but she also knows some sign language."

"I guess I can talk with her that way," Aunt Crystal says.

"What do you mean?" I question.

"Well, over my years I've actually picked up a little sign language, so it's so cool I can finally brush up my skills," she says. "But I'm going to go to the grocery store and pick up some stuff for the dinner. I'll be back in a few hours. See you boys later."

She walks back through the garage door, a car engine can be heard starting. She backs out of the driveway seconds later. My uncle just continues his work sanding a boat with a hand sander.

As he works, he asks me, "Do you honestly like this girl?"

"I don't know," I reply, "She's beautiful inside and out, she makes me laugh, and she has the warmest heart. I just... I don't know."

"Well, from what I've heard, it seems like you do. So, once you come to that realization, don't hide your secrets from her, okay? She doesn't deserve to be lied to," he says.

"I know," I whisper.

Uncle Jeff turns round, patting me on the back. He smiles, then begins sanding his boat again.

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edited.