Chapter Ten

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CHAPTER TEN

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.

- John Buchan

"She is awfully pretty," Kathleen said, putting her arm around her son's side.

Jason and Kathleen had a very good relationship with his mother. He went through the rebellious teen years where he thought she was the most embarrassing person in the world. He eventually learned this was completely untrue. His sister was the most embarrassing person in the world. At least, when it came to embarrassing him. Together, Kathleen and Lexie where a force to reckon with. Jason learned, however, to make the most of it, and he was already prepared for what the day was going to bring.

"I know," he said, putting his arm around his mom and gripping Kale's carrier a little tighter.

"So what did y'all learn at Caleb's doctor visit?"

"He is going to have to get hearing aids. He only really hears muffled sounds as far as I can tell or nothing at all. His mother never regards him at home. She is simply a drunk who loves alcohol more than him. Lucy couldn't help herself from taking him under her wing. He is a great kid, just got dealt a sour hand, and Lucy is just a giver mom. She just gives and gives and gives. She can't help it."

"Sounds like you couldn't either," Kathleen said, nudging him.

Jason couldn't. He knew what it was like. Without his mother, he knew his childhood would have been completely different. Being deaf was different, but she helped him cope with it. He knew which side to have people stand on and he adapted. He learned to read lips when necessary. His mother was his support system. She took sign language classes and was always patient with him. Without her, he would have been on a completely different path. He felt a little obligated, but he knew Caleb deserved to have someone who has his back.

What really killed him was Lucy didn't even take time to consider helping him––she just did it like instinct. He wished he was like that. He thought he had to plan out everything. Lucy just did what she felt was right, and he truly, truly loved that about her.

"I am proud of you, Jason," Kathleen said.

"Thanks, mom," he said, kissing her on top of the head.

Kathleen, Jason, and Kale walked inside to join Lucy and Caleb. It wasn't long till they heard someone else pull into the gravel driveway outside.

"Oh my goodness I've been dyyyying to meet you," Lexie exclaimed, hurrying into the house and embracing Lucy into a hug.

Jason shot her a look, and Lexie winked at him over Lucy's shoulder.

"It's nice to meet you too. Jason's told me a lot of stories," Lucy said, laughing at the sudden embrace.

"All good things I hope––aww is that little Kale?" Lexie asked, immediately walking into the living room where Kale was playing with Caleb.

Jason took a second to exhale the breath he was holding since Lexie pulled into the driveway.

"Uncle Jason!!" Max yelled, running inside the house with a backpack full of toys.

"My man," Jason said as Max tackled into his arms.

"I've missed you," he said, putting his scrawny arms around Jason's neck.

"I've missed you too, buddy."

Hope in Our Hearts by Lydia ProffittWhere stories live. Discover now