Love is Deaf

Chapter 3

Kylie wakes up to the sound of her alarm. When the hell did she fall asleep? She turns it off and looks around. Why is sitting at her desk? She looks at the open tab. Oh yeah. "Oh crap." She jumps out of her seat and runs to the bathroom. She turns on the shower and goes to get her clothes. Normally she doesn't care what she wears. But today was different.

Today, she was meeting up with Malia. She hurries in the shower, trying to remember all that she self taught herself last night. It wasn't much, probably just the basics for any new beginner. But it was something. Hopefully she can surprise her. She gets out and gets ready. It was fairly hot today so she threw on a jean zip up bra and cargo pants.

She checks herself one last time in the mirror and runs out the door. The cafe was fairly close but she still ran like her life depended on it. Thank god for dance and her stamina. She opens the door and looks around. Malia wasn't here yet. Oh good. She finds a table and takes a seat. She takes out her phone and texts her.

Kylie - saved us a table

Malia - thanks, on my way, almost there

Kylie puts her phone down and takes a deep breath. Maybe she shouldn't have run. Ugh, her hair is probably a mess now. She soothes out her hair and runs her hands through it, suddenly self conscious. And she's never self conscious. She's usually an aura of self confidence, yet today she was a mess. Malia made her a mess, and she doesn't even know the girl. What's gonna happen when they become closer? Friends? Maybe even dating? She didn't have time to dwell on it as the door opens and Malia walks in.

She waves at her and smiles. Malia spots her and smiles. She waves as she walks over. She hesitates for a second but eventually gives her a hug. Kylie's breath hitches as she feels Malia's arms wrap around her. Thank god she couldn't hear her. That would have been embarrassing. They both let go and sit down. Kylie rubs her sweaty palms against her pants. She tries her best to sign. How are you? Malia looks at her with wide eyes and smiles. You learned to sign? Kylie nods. Not very well, though. Malia laughs. Kylie feels her heart clench in her chest as her breath hitches again. Goddamn this girl. It's ok, it's the thought that counts. It means a lot to me that you learned to sign. Kylie understood about half of it since Malia was signing too fast. She holds her hand out telling her to slow down. Malia blushes. Sorry. I got excited. I just wanted to say thank you. It means a lot. Kylie nods. Of course.

So, I'm going to assume your sister isn't deaf? Malia shakes her head. She's hearing. Kylie nods. Can i ask what happened? To your hearing? Malia sighs. I was five. We went swimming in the local swimming pool, i thought i had swimmers ears but it just kept getting worse. My mom took me to the ER, i had an ear infection. Turns out there were parasites in the water. I lost my hearing in both ears. I wear hearing aids but that only helps me hear ambient noises. I can't hear when someone calls me, I can't hear when they talk, I can't hear what they say to me. Nothing. Malia sighs. Kylie reaches over and holds her hand. I'm sorry. Malia shrugs. You said you were five, did you ever learn to speak before you lost your hearing? Malia nods. A little. It's not the best so i just choose not to speak. But i can talk. Kylie nods. Malia smiles. Can i just say I'm very impressed with your signing? Kylie laughs. Thank you. I was hoping i learned enough to at least keep a conversation. I stayed up all night teaching myself. Malia looks at her with wide eyes. What time did you go to bed? Kylie shakes her head. I didn't. I passed out in front of my laptop. Malia felt like crying. No one has ever made an effort to communicate with her before. Let alone with this much determination and dedication. Are you ok? Kylie asks. Malia nods. Yes. Thank you. It really does mean a lot. Kylie nods.

So, what's your sister's name? Kylie sips on her water. Ivory. Malia smiles. Don't tell me you have another sister named Ebony. Malia laughs out loud. She throws her head back and laughs without a care in the world, clearly not knowing just how loud she's actually laughing. They got a couple looks but Kylie didn't care. She would do anything to hear her laugh like this. No, i promise i don't. It's just me and her and our mom. Kylie nods. I don't have any siblings. I'm an only child. Malia frowns. I don't know if i should feel sorry or jealous. Kylie laughs. Malia stares at her for a moment. I wish i could hear you laugh. Kylie's smile drops a bit. I wish you could too. Malia sighs as she smiles back. I bet you have a beautiful laugh. Kylie blushes but quickly recovers. Not as beautiful as yours. Malia blushes and looks away. Thank you. Kylie tilts her head as she watches her sip her drink. Malia looks up and sees her staring. What? Kylie shakes her head. Nothing. You're just very beautiful. Malia blushes. Are you flirting with me? She smirks. It may come off as flirtation but she truly was curious.

Kylie was pretty, had a beautiful body, and hearing. And she could probably speak normally. So why would she want Malia? Yes. Kylie smiles. Malia shifts in her seat. Kylie notices. Unless you don't roll that way? Malia sighs. It's not that. I've never been with anyone. I don't even know if I'm into girls or guys for that matter. Kylie nods. You wanna give it a shot? We could count this as a date if you want? Malia looks at her. You're into girls? I honestly didn't get that vibe from you. Kylie glances down before looking at her. Actually this is my first time with a woman. Malia raises her eyebrows. First time? You make it sound like we're about to have sex or something. Kylie blushes. You know that's not what i meant. Malia laughs and nods. I know, i just wanted to see you blush some more. Kylie looks at her with a shocked face. Malia laughs at her expression. Kylie soon joins her and laughs as she stares at her. Would you go out with me? Like an actual date? Malia feels her heart quicken and she wasn't sure if it was good or not. She smiles and nods. I'd love to. Kylie smiles. Tonight? Malia smirks. It's like you can't get enough of me, Kylie. She blushes before she smirks back. Maybe i can't. Malia smiles and nods. Tonight. Pick me up at 7? Kylie nods. You got it.