Perfectly Crafted For You

11.

"Wow this is amazing!" Mitch signs and talks. I guess everyone knows ASL, I wonder if Brody has been Deaf since he was born. I don't think so because is voice is the same way a hearing person's voice is. What I mean is Deaf people that were born Deaf or became Deaf very young, can't m hear themselves talk so their voice is a little different. But many who become Deaf later in life, will sound completely the same. And many Deaf people choose not to talk, but Brody talks whenever he is around other people or his family. When it is just me and him, he just signs.

"Thanks" I say with a small smile. Mitch has been starring at me all during dinner. And honestly it's kind of annoying. Like I know I'm not supposed to be here, but you don't have to look at me like I'm an alien. I think Brody is good at reading me, because he keeps glaring at Mitch and trying to have the other kids talk.

I learned that Mitch and Brody have been best friends since they were 4 years old. They meet in preschool and haven't left each other's side since. I also learned that Mitch lives on the other side of town so he goes to the other high school. The one Brody used to go to. I'm guessing he changed schools because they moved, but I don't really know.

I also learned, or I guess I've gathered that their mom isn't around anymore. I don't know for sure, or why but it seems to be that way. Also Maci is in kindergarten and Simon is in 4th grade. And Brody is a Junior, which is a pretty big age gap of having kids. But whatever.

Dinner has basically just been small talk between them. But besides Mitch glaring at me, it was really nice. I feel strangely comfortable here. Like I almost fit in. After everyone is done I start to clean up and Mitch offers to clean instead. I know he wanted me to join him so he could talk to me. But honestly I would rather not. So I tell him thanks and let Maci pull me upstairs.

"You are like the best best friend ever!" Maci coos at me.

"I think you have me beat on that one"

"Want to play with me in my room?" Maci asks with big eyes. It is already 7 and I can't imagine her bed time is too far away. So I agree.

She wants to play princess, which is just her getting dressed up and me taking pictures. It is really cute. She is very bubbly little girl, she always has something to talk about. She is currently going on and on about how she wants to be just like me when she grows ups.

Knock Knock.

The door cracks open.

"Maci, it's time to get ready for bed" Brody signs sticking his head and chest into the room. "Plus I think Amzie might be ready to leave." He looks at me to try to get a read. But there is nothing to read. I'm fine with going home or staying here. I feel safe at both places.

"No amzie is my best friend and she loves me! Can she get me ready for bed?" Maci looks at me, so does Brody.

"I would love to, tell me how to help!" Maci explains her bed time routine and I help her pick out her pjs, brush, floss and mouth wash. She decides to leave her hair braided. She goes to the bathroom one last time and I read her three books. Brody is just standing in door frame smiling. Once I finish the last book, she hugs me goodnight and I turn off the lamp after Brody gives her a hug and kiss.

It is now 8:30, and dark outside. I don't really want to walk home in the dark...

Brody heads to Simon's room and tells me he will be right back. I take the minute to try and find a bathroom. I'm lucky and the first door I try is the bathroom. After I'm done with my business I look at myself, and I am a reck. Eww.

I try to fix what I can, but there is no hope at this point. And don't know where Brody is so I head downstairs to pack up my stuff. Really just grab my backpack.

I left it in the kitchen so I head there but I notice Mitch sitting on one of the barstools. Great.

I pray Brody comes down in any second so I can leave.

"So you are what taking pity on the poor Deaf boy?"Mitch spits at me as soon as he sees me.

"Woah what?"

"You heard me." He sends daggers with his eyes.

"You don't even know me. Why are you acting like I'm some monster?" I walk to grab my backpack next to him. I'm not staying here.

I pull my backpack but he grabs it with his hand. "I'm not playing around. Don't fuck with him because it's funny or a joke. He's not some cool experiment for you. Or for anyone. So back the fuck off." He shoves by backpack at me. What the fudge?

I honestly don't know what to say. I whisper "I'm not" and grab my backpack and run out. Why does this kid hate me so much? I didn't do anything? Nor do I plan to. He just assumes I'm trash he can be a jerk to. I get he is trying to protect his best friend but honestly he's not. He is being an a-hole. I can't help but let a few tears fall.

I am basically running home at this point. Really just fast walking but I feel like I'm running. I whip my tears and stop anymore from falling. I thought this was a really good night. That maybe Brody and I could actually be something. But never mind. If that is how Mitch feels, Brody probably feels the same.

After 5 minutes I make it home. I beeline for my room and luckily I make it. I jump in a hot shower and get ready for bed and lay down.

All I want to do is sleep. But my mind won't stop racing. Stupid Mitch.

~~~~~