A Door in the Wall (Converted Camren)

Chapter 7

Later in the evening, Camila called  Ashlee via Skype.

Hi Ash! She signed when Ashlee appeared in front of the screen.

Hi Mimi, that's a surprise! How are you?

Ashlee, as well as Camila stayed close to the English syntax when signing. And even though not all words that were usually pronounced in spoken English were signed in ALS, Camila pieced the words together in her head so it actually seemed like a full sentence.

Ash, I need to ask you a favor.

Ashlee noticed a flush on her  best friend face. She seemed somewhat changed. There was a little color back on her cheeks. Or was it just the screen?

Of course, what is it?

Camila hesitated a moment. Then she picked up her mobile phone that lay next to her computer.

Ash, I ... I have received a voice message. From Lauren. I... I know what she says. It's just... she paused her hands and bit her lower lip. Then continued hesitantly.

I want to know how it sounds like, her voice. I mean how did Lauren say it.

She emphasized the word "how" with a stronger motion of her hand and paused a second before continuing with the rest of the sentence.

Ashlee swallowed. So that was it. Lauren had finally tried to contact Camila. Even though Camila had never much talked about how hurt she had been, Ashlee had noticed how badly it had affected her when she decided to leave the group and by doing it leaving Lauren. Usually - well, at least before the accident - Camila had shared almost everything with her. The fact, that she kept unusually quiet about wha Lauren's absence and disregard had done to her, told her enough. This must have hurt her best friend deeper than she had let on.

Ashlee knew that she would have to do this right. Camila would not have asked if it was not important to her. She also knew it must have cost her a lot of strength to come up with that request. For one, because it involved Lauren and for the other, acknowledging that some other person had to listen to something and interpret for her, was not something Camila would ask lightly.

She nodded.

Of course.

Camila activated the voice mail and held it close to the microphone. She intently watched Ashlee's face for any reaction while she was listening to the message. She closed her eyes to concentrate better. The transmission was probably not the best. Could she hear it all right? She tried not to fidget while she waited. Oh, how much she wished she could hear that voice herself!

When Ashlee opened her eyes again Camila guessed the message was finished. She tried not to look too hopeful. Though she did hope that her best friend would convey the emotions behind the words in a way she could comprehend. Her ASL was not really fluent. She did not blame her. Rachel knew Ashlee was trying at least.

The language was so complex and involved so many layers, such as facial expressions, body composure and many more. Even though she herself had taken up lessons on a daily basis for the past five months now, she nonetheless felt that there was still so much to learn. And like every other language, there was a difference between learning it as a child and having to learn it as an adult. As Camila had no other choice, she put in a great effort. Not that she currently had much chance to express herself in her self-isolation. But should she ever feel ready to break out of that containment field, she wanted to be ready.

Camila was drawn back to the screen in front of her. Ashlee waved her hand in front of the camera to get her attention.

Mimi, you ok?