One Word

Chapter Two~ The Interview

I woke up to the sound of shuffling in my apartment. I heard the opening of curtains and I could then feel the light burning my eyes through my lids. I opened them slowly and at first it was blurry. As my vision cleared I saw Jeremy, the boy from before, shirtless and walking around the small room. What the heck?! Why is he in my apartment? His skin was tan and water was dripping down his lean stomach from his hair. He obviously worked out because he had definite abs. Like a legit six pack. Good thing he wasn’t looking at me because I was probably drooling.

“Take a picture it will last longer,” Jeremy said smirking. Drat. He was looking.

What are you doing in my apartment? I signed to him. He green eyes showed that shock they showed last time. It’s seems as if the fact that I sign frazzles him. One again the shock was covered up quickly by indifference.

“Your door was unlocked so I came in,” Jeremy replied with that oh so delicious smirk. I can’t believe I just thought that.

Still… why did you come in? I questioned. He rocked slowly back and forth on his feet while debating his answer. His wet hair was still dripping water droplets onto his abs. He was dripping water onto my new floor but I couldn’t find the mind to care.

“Well,” he said looking straight at me, “I’m here to interview you. You applied to babysitting my sister, didn’t you?” he smirked again. What?! HIS little sister is the deaf girl?

I thought her mother was going to interview me… I told Jeremy. He smiled an almost genuine smile. ALMOST being the key word here. In my book it was technically still a smirk.

“There was a change of plans,” he replied. “My mother had a sudden call from work and had to get down there immediately and there is no knowing when she will get back.” His emerald eyes were glowing, making them look even more like gems.

Well then lets get started I surrendered. He gazed at me amused.

“Don’t you want to get out of bed first?” he asked me knowingly. I looked down and my cheeks heated.  I was indeed still in bed and it was noticeable that I was only wearing my boxers. I was sitting up in my bed and I had just noticed that I wasn’t wearing a shirt. Great my flabby stomach was showing the whole time.

Uuuuum nooo I responded. His amusement just seemed to heighten.

“And why not?” he asked. My cheeks blushed an even deeper crimson. I turned my head away from his knowing looks and glanced down at the floor.

Um I’m… only wearing boxers… I signed without looking at him.

Jeremy’s P.O.V.

I smirked as Mason blushed deeper than I thought possible. I mean, why was he being so insecure? It’s not like I haven’t seen guys in just their boxers before.

“So?” I asked. I knew it would just make it worse but I couldn’t help myself. Mason was just too adorable. I wish he was gay… he’d be so much fun to manipulate. The problem was that he was so obviously not gay. I mean, come on! He blushed when I flirted with him, but that means nothing, he probably is just uncomfortable. Mason could probably easily tell that I myself enjoy the tasty guy variety. His face was just too adorable and he was too self-conscious to not be straight as a pole.

Well… I… ugh fine… he signed indignantly hopping out of the bed. I’m so glad he finally obeyed me because the sight was brilliant. His longish blonde hair swept back across his forehead showing his green eyes. They were similar to mine but a much more lighter color… mine were the color of emeralds while his were more um… sea green. His naked torso was lanky but fit, showing the beginning of a six-pack that wasn't quite there. His boxers were red plaid and were fruit of the loom. Hmm… that was my personal favorite brand.

It’s a good thing I’m wearing my skinny, ripped jeans and not my own pair of boxers because that would make Mason freak out and run away. That must be saved for another day. Mason rushed to his little bag and quickly pulled on a pair of jeans. He then found a chair and dragged it over to wear I was standing and sat down.

“Where am I supposed sit?” I asked. He slightly smirked.

On the floor he replied. Mason has a little tough guy in his shy boy personality. Nice.

“Ok let’s begin,” I said while sitting down. “Do you have any experiences with children under the age of ten?” Mason pondered for a second.

I used to babysit my eight-year-old cousin he answered. I nodded slowly. My hair was getting in my eyes, hmm maybe I need a haircut.

“Any experience with deaf children?” I asked. It seemed like he would because he could sign but you never know.

No. I just took sign language to appease my mother was his reply. Hmm, interesting.

“Do you think you have what it takes to take care of my seven-year-old sister? She can be a handful” I questioned giving him a hateful glare. He smiled.

I love children. I almost got to have a baby sister. I want the change to bond with your sister so it will almost be like she’s my own sister. I will make sure I take the best care of her that I can. The way Mason signed those words it felt like a whisper. I could feel the sadness flowing out of pores and could see it in the way he moved his hands. What did he mean by ALMOST getting a sister. What happened? And why was Mason alone in this apartment when he was clearly still young enough to be living at home with his parents. I knew he wouldn’t tell me willingly what happened, but I would find out. Eventually.

Mason’s P.O.V.

I looked at Jeremy hopefully. I had to get this job otherwise I’d have to work in the kitchen or something. Jeremy was staring off into space with a thoughtful look on his face. His eyes were glazed over and he had his lips were squished together. I leaned foreword and poked him knocking him out of his trance. He looked over at me questioningly.

Do I get the job? I asked. He thought about it for a couple minutes and then slowly nodded.

“Yes… don’t screw it up,” Jeremy said. Then I remembered something important to ask.

What’s her name? His eyes lit up as he spoke.

“Her name is… Oxie”