Mute (M.C.)

s e v e n

After playing Xbox with Harry and Liam I was very confused on Leslie's message. Did I have any idea where she lived? No. But did I know a friend that might? Yes. And he was driving me home, as well as planning to invade my kitchen for food. 

I waited for Harry to park before handing signing to him that I had a question. He ignored me of course and made his way into my house. I looked at the time and it was close to 4pm which meant I, Michael Clifford, had an hour or two to find Leslie's house. 

I got out of the car and followed Harry inside into my kitchen where he sat eating my mom's banana pudding from work the other day. I signed if he was going to answer or not. 

"Michael... I swear if this is a question about the last game..." He held up his hands and shut his eyes before sweeping his hands over his heart. "I did cheat using Liam as a body double to attack you." 

I blew out air and sat in front of him. I knew he did that and I was not upset for the way they executed the plan. Do you know where leslie lives?

He dropped his hands and looked at me with his very judgy eyes. "Do I know where Leslie lives? DO I? How many times am I going to have to tell you that this girl isn't going to be into you. Have you not payed any attention to the last few weeks?"

Harry rose and crashed the empty bowl into the sink before leaving. He slammed the door on his way out, sending a vibration through the house. I know Harry doesn't like the fact that I am still chasing Leslie even after this project. I had asked to meet at her house several times and she always said that her family would "flip their shit" if they saw me there. I never argued because her family might be irrational and I didn't know that so I never asked after the 10th time. 

I texted Leslie.

To Leslie:

Tried to find out where you live. Did not really go as I had planned. 

From Leslie:

I didn't think you would figure it out, kid.

To Leslie:

Meet me. 

From Leslie:

The point of this whole conversation was to not meet you, clifford. 

I reread the last message and felt a tug on my heart.