Signing His Life (complete)

Notes and Signs 7

So im thinking bout changing things up a bit. This chapter will be done in ASL (American Sign Language) only. Hehehe.

As always sign on dear readers!

Emily POV

I snuggled into my purple furry blanket, and watched the weird worm come out of the ground. Me and Jonathon were still watching Beetle Juice, when I heard the phone ring.

The Tanners had to go out and get some groceries for dinner tonight, and Alyssa was asleep.

I let out a yawn, when I felt something fall onto my leg. I looked down and saw Jonathon asleep. I giggled and began making small braids in his hair. He moved a little, before huddling back into the couch. I bit the front of my lip, trying not to laugh.

I took a small rubber band off my wrist, and put it around the small braid I made in the lower area of Jonathon's hair. I paused the movie and carefully pulled my leg out from under Jonathon's head. I saw Jonathon's hands flicker as if he was signing in his sleep. I covered my hand with my mouth, trying to stop the escaping giggle.

The front door opened and in walked the devil. She was carrying a bottle of champagne in one hand and two plastic bags, in the other. The bottle was already half empty. Already in a giggly mood I hastily smiled. The devil stumbled a bit causing Mr. Tanner to warp an arm around her waste. He guided her to one of the stained wood stools, next to the counter. She sat heavily, and a loud burp escaped her mouth. I let out grunt and stood from the couch.

Ignoring the drunk, I crouched down over the couch next to Jonathon. I unzipped one of the brown pillows and took out a feather. I began tickling Jonathon's ear. He swatted at my hand. I laughed and continued. Finally his eyes snapped open, and he grabbed the feather. He shook his head with a grin on his face. He sat up and picked me up. He lifted me over his shoulder and began walking. I pounded on his back laughing. I managed to bring my hand in front of his face.

"Let go!" I made my signs faster and harder on the word "go" as if emphasizing it.

He shook his head no. I grunted began kicking and punching him, playfully. He sat me down on the carpeted stairs. I glared at him, with a deadly stare.

I looked over at the dining area to see Mr. Tanner, frowning at some mail. I got up, now in a more serious mood. I walked to the table and peeked over his shoulder at the the letter.

Dear Emily and Alyssa,

I had to go through much trouble finding your address. Kelly was being quite stubborn. When I did manage to find a picture of the two of you, I was full of such joy! I miss you very much, and I wish things weren't this way. I had to make a choice, but I want you to know it had nothing to do with you. I was going through a rough time, but I got over that. I was hoping I could see you sometime. I live in England, and if you agree I can send money over for the flight tickets.

I love you very much, mom.

My entire face went pale. I tried to find words, but my mouth was numb, and my throat felt dry. I felt Jonathon approach me. Mr.Tanner seemed to be in shock. He didn't speak instead he took the letter and walked into his room with Mrs. Tanner waddling behind him.

I didn't know if I wanted to see her or not, I mean she left us. I never had gotten the chance to really meet her... I just don't know. The last time I saw her I was tiny, I barely even remember her. And why would she have a second child if she couldn take care of me? It was lucky enough Alyssa got paired with me after she was put into the system. So many unanswered questions. I clutched the edge of the table, causing my knuckles to turn white. A headache gathered in my left temple.

I felt Jonathon place a hand on my shoulder for comfort. His comfort only dented my state of being. That's when I felt the tears gather. As if someone turned the water up on a facet, I began to cry. I leaned into the table for extra support. Jonathon pulled a stool out for me to sit on. I gratefully sat down, still crying.

Jonathon POV

I tried the best I could to help her. I didn't exactly understand why she was crying. It seemed like she was crying out of sadness, but at the same time a speck of joy shown through. Like any friend I would have been trying to sooth her with quiet nonsense, but I couldn't. Instead I was limited to rubbing her back and grabbing her a blanket.

After a long time of crying and cuddling, she wiped her tears away. I could tell she didn't want to talk, instead she began to sign to me.

"I've grown so close to the fact that I have to take care of me, and Alyssa. I've had to be independent for so long, yet I don't know how to respond to something as simple as this." She signed still wiping at her tears. He sleeves were now wet from rubbing her eyes so much and her eyes red. "No one would be able to take care of this. It's not your fault, and this is not simple." I signed back, in response. She nodded her hand "yes". "Let me help you." I pointed to myself. Then I put one hand in a thumbs up motion on top of my palm. I then lifted my hands forward towards her. "Okay.." She signed, tears still falling.

We stood up and I followed her up the stairs.

"When do you need to get home?" She signed. "No time. I don't exactly-" I stopped, not wanting to tell her about my parents. "What?" She questioned. I waved her off. "Tell me." She now showed sympathy. I guess I owed her, considering I saw the note her mom sent.

"I guess you'd better sit down."

Pic on side is Hannah from a few chaps ago. =)