Love is Deaf

Chapter 4

Kylie was getting ready for her date. She had Switched at Birth playing in the background. She made an effort to pay attention when there wasn't any dialogue. She quickly turns her attention towards the tv and pauses. She rewinds for the bit of dialogue she missed and plays. She watches as they sign the entire conversation, every once in a while glancing at the caption to understand what they're saying. She takes mental notes and even practices the signs as they have their conversation. She was determined.

She doesn't want Malia to have to rely on her phone to type out whatever it is that she couldn't express with her hands. She didn't want her to have to read her lips all the time whenever they had a conversation. She wanted her to be comfortable just being herself. Her signing was nowhere near the signing on the show and definitely nowhere near Malia's. She was way too fast. Then again, she's been doing this her whole life. She checks the time and turns off the tv. She grabs her purse and keys and leaves. She gets in her car and drives to the address that Malia texted her. She parks her car and walks up the steps. She rings the doorbell and notices flashing lights inside.

It was a nice apartment complex. Not a bad neighborhood either. She starts to wonder Malia did for a living or what was she in school for? How does she afford this place? Was it her parents money? Does she live with her sister? Does she live alone? The idea of Malia living alone didn't sit well with her. While she has a right to live her own life and live alone if she chooses, it was just the thought of something happening and Malia not being able to hear it, worried her. What if someone broke in? What if there's a fire? Then she felt bad for thinking this way. Of course Malia has a right to be independent if she chooses to. She can get a job, she can live by herself. She can do whatever she wants. She blames Switched at Birth for making her think these things. While albeit they were a bit ignorant, some of it did raise a bit of a point. The door soon opens. "Oh, hi Ivory!" She smiles.

"Hi Kylie! Come in, Malia is just finishing up." Ivory lets her in. Kylie walks in and looks around. It seemed like any other regular apartment, the only difference was the flashing lights that was on the wall and the wires that ran all along the house. Probably to more light around the house. She feels a tap on her shoulder and turns around. She swears her heart stopped. "Holy shit." She mumbled. Ivory smirks. "I heard that." She tells her. Kylie glares at her. Malia turns to her with a questioning look. Ivory shakes her head. Nothing. Malia eyes her suspiciously before turning back to Kylie. Ready? Kylie nods. She holds out her hand, which Malia happily takes. They both walk out the front door. "Use protection!" Ivory shouts behind them. Kylie doesn't bother turning around, simply flipping her off with her other hand. "Well that's a sign everyone knows, isn't it?" Ivory laughs.

They walk to Kylie's car, she opens the door for Malia. Thank you. She closes the door behind her and goes to the driver's side. She drives them to a restaurant. She parks the car and gets out and opens the door for Malia. You're really going all out, aren't you? Kylie shrugs. Maybe but you deserve it. Malia blushes and holds her hand. She nods towards the restaurant and they head inside. "Table for two please?" Kylie asks the host. "Let me see...." Malia looks around as Kylie whispers something to the host. He nods and whispered something back. Kylie nods before he grabs two menu's. "Right this way." He shows them to their table. Malia nudges her. What was that about? Kylie smiles and shakes her head. Nothing. Malia eyes her suspiciously but brushes it off. They reach their table and Kylie pulls out the chair for her. Malia smiles before she sits. They look over their menus.

A waiter comes over and smiles at them. Hello, what can i get you this evening? Malia looks at Kylie with wide eyes. Did you do this? Kylie shrugs. She smiles and turns back to the waiter. She orders, as well as Kylie. I'll be back with your appetizers. He walks away as Malia turns back to Kylie. Did you take us here on purpose? Kylie nods. I wanted to take you somewhere where the waiters know sign language. I didn't want you to have to rely on anyone tonight. I wanted you to be able to be independent and do everything for yourself. Malia smiles as tears well up in her eyes. Thank you. You're too good to me. Kylie shakes her head. Absolutely not, you deserve the world, I'm just glad i get to be the one that gives it to you. Malia leans over and kisses her cheek. Thank you. Their food arrives and soon they eat in a comfortable silence. "Damn, look at that hottie." Kylie hears some guy tell his friends as they walk past. "Yeah, I'd definitely like that for my dessert." "The other one's not bad either." "Hell, I'll take both, chocolate and vanilla." They laugh as they drink their drinks. Excuse me? Kylie stands and walks over to them. "Hey, hey, Vanilla's coming this way." One of them failed miserably at whispering. "Hey." She fakes a smile. "Hey hottie." One of the guys smirks. "What did you need?" Kylie steps up. "I need you...." She whispered. "Yeah?" He smiles. She leans forward and knees him in the balls. "Oh, fuck...." He doubles over in pain. "I need you to keep me and my girlfriend out of your mouth." Kylie whispered in his ear. "Unless you want me to knee you in your other testicles. If you even have any. And by the way, I'm Hispanic....puto." She straightens up and walks back to Malia, who was completely oblivious to the situation.

Hey, everything ok? Where'd you go? She asks when she sees Kylie sit. Restroom. Kylie smiles. The rest of the dinner was pretty uneventful, Kylie paid and soon she was taking Malia home. She parks the car and rushes over to her side and opens the door. You know, you don't have to open my door every time. Malia smiles. Kylie nods. I know, but i want to. Malia laughs as they walk up the steps. They pause at her door. I had a great time tonight. Thank you for taking me out. Kylie nods. Anytime, Malia. Malia nods and smiles. She leans forward and kisses her cheek. You're very sweet, Kylie. Kylie blushes. I try. I'll text you? Malia nods. Definitely. Kylie leans in and kisses her cheek. Goodnight. Goodnight. Kylie goes back to her car and waits for Malia to go inside and lock the door before she drives off.

She gets back to her apartment, Ruby was long asleep, thank god. She goes to her room and changes into her pj's. She pulls out her phone and texts Malia.

Kylie - I hope u had fun tonight

Malia - i had a great time, Kylie. Thank you again

Kylie - of course, always

Malia - can i ask you something?

Kylie - anything

Malia - what made you ask me out?

Kylie thinks for a second, she wasn't entirely sure. It's not that she didn't know, it was that there's so many reasons, it's hard to pinpoint just one reason.

Kylie - cause i like you

And it was true. She liked Malia. But it was more than that. She adored that girl. She admired her. She couldn't get enough of her. She just wanted Malia in her life. Now that she got to know her a little bit better, she couldn't imagine not knowing her. Not having her in her life.

Malia - i like you too

Malia wasn't entirely sure she was ready for a relationship. She's never been in one but she knew that she liked Kylie. She wanted to get to know her better. She could see herself hanging out with her all the time, she could draw her some time. Oh, she should ask her that.

Malia - i was wondering, could i draw you some time?

Kylie - draw me like one of your french girls? 😏😉

Malia - oh god, no. Not like that 🙈

Kylie - haha i know what you meant. But yes, anytime you want

Malia - tomorrow? Around noon?

Kylie - it's a date 😊😘

Malia - great! 😊 See you tomorrow, goodnight

Kylie - goodnight Maliki 💋

Malia blushes as she stares at her phone.

Maliki - goodnight Kylie-boo 💋

Kylie-boo - getting brave now, aren't we? 😏

Maliki - omg! 🙈 Goodnight!

Kylie-boo - goodnight