The Unknown Hand

010

Lance

It was five by the time Lance finally got to Margaret's house. The moment he got home, he set out to finding his mom's favorite tea. She always claimed it made her feel better, no matter what type of sick she was. He made some, putting it into a thermal cup, and set out to her house. It was absolutely freezing outside, paired with several inches of snow. He knew it was stupid. He knew it was ridiculous. He knew he would feel bad for not going to visit her if he didn't. He didn't know why he felt this way. When he reached her house, he rang the doorbell, then knocked twice on the door. He still felt ridiculous for his last message to her, but he didn't regret it. He just almost wished he could have told her in person. Almost.

When Margaret opened the door, her eyes widened immediately. "Are you crazy?" she signed. "Get in here!" He followed her orders, stepping inside. She shut the door behind him. He could tell she was a little slower today.

When she stepped back in front of him, he finally got to see what she was wearing. He couldn't help but smile and try not to laugh. She was wearing grey sweat pants that were far too long, rolled up at the bottom so she wouldn't trip. She wore thick socks, a sweater, and a jacket. Her hair was piled on top of her head, flyaways going in every direcrion. It was perfect.

"Are you ready for your surprise?" he asked her. Her eyes widened again.

"You brought something for me?" she aksed. Her face was surprised. Was he not clear when he said he had the perfect idea?

Removing his backpack, he pulled out a movie and the tea. Placing the bag back on his shoulders, he handed the movie to her.

"What's this?" she signed.

Placing the mug under his arm, he replied. "The best show ever made."

One of her eyebrows rose skeptically. "Oh really?" she signed.

He nodded before adding, "I also brought you this tea. My mom always claims it helps her feel better." He held the thermal cup out to her. She hesitantly took it from him.

"Thanks," she signed slowly. "Shall we go watch the best show ever made?" He couldn't help but laugh a little. He nodded, unable to hold back his smile.

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Margaret had taken Lance down to the basement. Down there, there was a tv with two small couches faced toward it. She had placed the dvd in the player, then began the show. About halfway through, she randomly tapped him on the shoulder. He looked over at her, happy to notice she had had some of the tea.

"I have a random question for you," she signed, chewing her lip. He nodded, telling her to carry on. "How long is your hair?"

He couldn't help but laugh at this, though it wasn't anything that would make a sound. If anything it was more like a silent chuckle. "Nowhere near yours," he signed. She squinted her eyes at him, which made him smile more.

"How long, though?" she signed. "Because mine is rather long. 'Nowhere near yours' is not specific enough."

"A few inches past my shoulders," he admitted after a few seconds.

"Can I see it?" she asked. It was an odd request, but he didn't see why not.

Reaching up, he began pulling the tie out of his hair. He took it out, sliding the tie onto his wrist. He ran his fingers through his hair, getting it to stay at its full length. He suddenly felt self conscious, almost wishing he hadn't followed through with her request. His hair wasn't a tight curly, but it was definitely past wavy. He watched Margaret observe him. He was nervous for no reason at all, just her looking at him for so long.

"You look different with your hair down," she signed. His stomach dropped, suddenly feeling heavy.

"Is it bad?" he signed, though he didn't know where he had gotten the courage to do so from. She shook her head, continuing to look at him. After what felt like minutes, she reached a hand forward. He hadn't realized how close they were sitting until that second. His heartrate sped up and he was scared she could feel it.

Her hand eventually reached his head, moving a piece of hair from his forehead. He couldn't help but watch her every move as she did this, almost scared of what was happening. His skin burned where her finger had grazed him. Before his thoughts could go too far, he noticed her face grow to a milky, pale color. Before he knew what was happening, she was running off the couch and into a side room. He didn't realize it was a bathroom until he walked over and saw her bent over a toilet.
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Chapter Summary: Lance walks to Margaret's house in the freezing weather. He brought tea and a movie, which they watch together.

We have reached the double digits, everyone! Thank you so very much if you have made it this far! You have no idea what this means to me. I hope you have a great day, you gorgeous person.