Unspoken

Chapter 10

The sky outside had already begun to darken, and the warmth of the sunset was fading as Mia and Jake approached her family's house. A familiar sense of comfort washed over Mia, but there was a flutter of nerves in her chest too. She was used to the rhythm of her home, but she knew this was all new to Jake.

She turned to him, giving him a reassuring smile. Her hands moved quickly to sign, "It's okay. My family's not scary. They're really cool. Just be yourself."

Jake exhaled, clearly trying to hide his nerves. "I'm trying. I just... I've never met anyone's family like this, especially a family that signs. What if I can't keep up?"

Mia smiled softly, offering him a quick squeeze of reassurance. "Don't worry. They're easy to talk to. If we go too fast, just let us know and we'll slow down. You'll be fine."

She paused for a moment before adding, "They'll like you. Trust me."

Jake nodded, though the nerves were still evident in his eyes. Mia reached into her bag, pulling out her key, and with a soft turn of the handle, the door creaked open. The familiar warmth of home filled the space—dinner cooking, the dim glow of lamps scattered across the room, and the quiet comfort that had always surrounded her.

Mia stepped inside, Jake following close behind, and led him toward the kitchen. She spotted her mom standing at the stove, her back to them, stirring something in a pot. Mia smiled and stomped the floor twice, the soft vibration getting her mom's attention.

Jake gave her a confused look, clearly not understanding what she was doing. Mia gave him an apologetic grin, but before she could explain, her mom turned toward them with a bright smile, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she moved over to greet them.

"You're here! Welcome!" her mom signed, her hands moving fluidly with warmth and excitement.

Mia's heart fluttered a little as she watched her mom sign. The gesture felt so familiar, so comforting. She smiled, stepping forward and introducing Jake. "Mom, this is Jake. My boyfriend."

Her mom's eyes widened, and she grinned even more. "It's so nice to meet you, Jake. I'm Mia's mom" She signed the words enthusiastically before stepping forward and wrapping Jake in a quick, warm hug.

Jake looked a little surprised at how easily her mom embraced him, but he recovered quickly. He smiled, signing slowly but clearly, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Harper." His hands weren't as quick as Mia's, but they were steady.

Laura waved it off with a grin, her eyes sparkling. "No need to be so formal, Laura is fine. We're happy you're here." She gestured toward the kitchen table, inviting them to sit.

Mia felt a wave of relief. She knew her mom could be a little overwhelming at first, but her warmth was so easy to return. She smiled, giving Jake a gentle nudge toward the table. They both sat down just as her dad walked into the kitchen, carrying a stack of plates.

"Hey, sweetheart, how are ya?" Matthew signed with a smile after setting down the plates, his face lighting up when he noticed Jake. "You must be Jake, nice to meet you. I'm Matthew, but call me Matt."

Jake quickly stood up and signed, "Nice to meet you, Matt. Thanks for having me."

Laura raised an eyebrow, smiling teasingly at Matt. "He's polite, isn't he?"

Matt chuckled. "Definitely. You've got good manners, Jake."

Mia's brother Max, who had been in the living room, joined them at the table just then. His usual playful grin appeared as soon as he saw Mia and Jake. "M, how's it going?" Max signed, his hands fast and fluid as he approached them. He then turned to Jake with a teasing smile. "So, this is the infamous Jeff?"