Love is Deaf

Chapter 17

Malia woke up the next morning, nearly having a heart attack. Kylie's alarm woke them up, and being new to hearing, it gave her a fright to say the least. Kylie quickly turns it off and turns towards Malia. She can tell she's feeling a bit overwhelmed so she decides not to say anything. Are you ok? Malia nods as she catches her breath. "I'm ok." She whispers. "Sorry, i forgot about my alarm for work." Kylie sighs. Malia nods. "It's ok. Can i come with you? I could just hang out at the coffee shop during your shift?" Kylie nods. "Yeah, if you want." She smiles.

They get out of bed and Kylie gets dressed for work. They walk out of Kylie's room to find Mel and Ruby making out on the counter top. "Oh ew! People eat there, you know!" Kylie teases. "I am eating, or well, i was about to." Mel smirks at her. "That's gross, come on! Let's go, we gotta get to work!" She grabs Ruby's hand and shoves her away from Mel. "Oh come on! Like you and Malia are any better?!" Ruby smirks at her. "At least we have the decency to do it in our room and not in the kitchen!" Malia follows them to the car as she repeats what Kylie said. Our room. The thought makes her smile. They all get to the coffee shop as Kylie and Ruby clock in. Mel and Malia sit at a table near the front counter. They go to order, which Kylie and Ruby already know their orders but they still gotta pay. Once they grab their drinks, they sit back down and Mel starts signing.

How are things? How are you adjusting? Malia sighs and shrugs. It's alright, it just takes some getting used to, i guess. Mel nods. I get it, that's why i chose to sign instead of just asking you. Malia smiles and nods. Thank you. Mel nods. You're welcome. Despite not actually saying anything, Malia still feels a ringing in her ears on occasion. The bell of the front door opening. The whistle of the tea pot going off. The indistinct chatter of the other customers around them. Kylie or Ruby's voice calling out the orders as they finish making them. Malia tries her best to drown them out. She does. But it was all too much. For once in her life, she can't turn off her ears anymore. Mel taps her leg. You ok? Malia shakes her head. I need to get out of here. She suddenly stands and quickly leaves. "Malia?" She hears Kylie call to her but she ignores her. She feels bad but she can't be in there right now. It was too overwhelming.

Kylie quickly follows her as she takes her apron off. She taps her shoulder as Malia turns around. "What's wrong?" She whispers. Malia shakes her head. It's too much. I can't take it. Too much noise, it was too overwhelming. Kylie nods. Ok, did you wanna get out of here? We can go somewhere. Somewhere quiet if you want? Malia shakes her head. What about your job? Kylie shrugs. I'll have Ruby cover for me. Malia shakes her head. No, Kylie. You can't go back to work. I'll just be sitting out here. Please? Kylie stares at her and sighs. You promise? Malia nods. Promise. Kylie nods. Alright, I'm gonna go get Mel so she can stay with you. Malia nods. She goes back inside before Mel comes out.

Hey, feeling a little better? Malia nods. It helps to be away from the chaos, at least.  She shrugs. Mel nods and sits with her, placing her drink in front of her. Thank you. I almost forgot about my drink. Malia blushes. No problem. They sit in silence for a bit. The sound of footsteps passing and birds chirping was actually quite relaxing for Malia. "Can i....ask you something?" She looks at Mel. "Sure." "How.... serious are you....about Ruby?" Mel was taken aback. "Um, why do you ask?" "Cause i saw...how she was...after Morgan, i just..want to make.. sure." Malia nods. Mel smiles. "Well, you don't have to worry about that, trust me. I....really like her. And I'm not gonna hurt her. I promise." Malia nods. "I know I'm not....her best friend....i haven't....known her...as long as....Kylie has..but i care..about her." Mel nods. "I know. I can tell. I do too. Does your speech always get like that after you....?" Malia shrugs. "I don't know....this is the first time in a while that.... it's happened." Mel nods. "Well, it seems to be getting better already." She smiles. Malia nods. "Yeah, i think i was just.. overwhelmed in there." She makes a mental note to talk to her speech therapist about this when she gets the chance.

They don't know how long they were outside for. But soon, Kylie and Ruby join them. "Hey, our shift is over. Did you guys wanna go somewhere?" Ruby asks them as she hugs Mel's side. Mel looks at Malia. "You up for it?" Malia nods. "Yeah, I'll be fine." She smiles. "You sure? You kinda scared me in there." Kylie wraps her arms around her. Malia nods. "Yes. I promise."