Taciturn (Niall Horan)

CHAPTER 4 - Laura The Fangirl

Italic words indicates Nona's speaking through sign language.

*****

Nona's POV

 

"She's a mute."

I saw how Niall is so shocked about the revelation he had heard. I look away, avoiding his eyes. I could feel tears threatening to spill.

I keep asking myself why fate should always bring us together. We've met in Toronto, back at home in London and now here in Sydney. Why should he know about my disability?

I know he's looking at me right now, having that pity in his eyes and I hate being pitied. I shouldn't have save him from that mob in the first place so he won't know anything about me. But I still did and I don't know why I did so.

"You mean she's deaf?" Niall asked for clarification.

"No, not exactly a deaf; she's just a mute." Laura told him.

"How come she's a mute when she's not a deaf?" he kept on asking.

"I don't think it's my own story to tell, Niall." I heard my best friend said.

I raised my head and looked at the worried Laura. I know she wanted to tell him about it but she respects my story.

"I'd be in the counter to check some customers." Mario declared as he stood up and left.

"May I know it?" Niall asked me as he takes my hand. There's something in his touch that makes me tense up and it's not in the bad way.

He's waiting for my confirmation. My heart is beating fast. I'm overthinking on how Niall would react on this when he learn about it. But who am I to worry? I mean, he's a member of the world's greatest boy band while I'm just a dumb girl who has a disability to speak. Who am I for him to care for? I look up to him as an artist. I'm a fan. We're not even friends. Not even acquaintance as defined. He has nothing to do with me so why would I tell him about it? Nothing would change in my life if I tell him.

I look up at him and I saw how those blue orbs were straightly looking at my brown ones; as if he's staring onto my very soul. His eyes read concern but why?

"Please, I want to know." He begged.

I mouthed 'sorry' as I'm shaking my head. He let go of my hand. He looked so broken that I denied letting him know my story.

"But maybe I can tell you about her not being deaf." Laura intervened as he gives hope to the blonde. "Can I, Nona?"

I made some hand gestures and I know she understands them since she knows sign language. I told her that just tell that part; no more, no less.

Niall looks at me then to Laura as we communicate. He looked amazed.

"Okay, Niall." Laura trails off. "Nona is just a mute which means she doesn't speak. She can mouth words but there's no sound. About being deaf, she isn't. She could clearly hear you. She's not inborn with this disability."

"Wait, you mean, she could speak before?" Niall asked curiously.

"Exactly." Laura nodded contended with her answer.

"But how come she— Yeah. Sorry. I should stop there." Niall stopped himself from asking further.

"Let's say," Laura looked at me. "Her voice box is damaged."

I got relief. But Niall seems to think deeply. What's in his mind?

"Are you available tomorrow night? You see, we'll be doing a show tomorrow night. Can you come?" Niall asked.