One Less Lonely Boy

• Chapter 4 - Crush •

CHAPTER 4

He pursed his lips as I scooted closer to him, but didn't object.

"Are you right or left handed?" I asked.

"Right." He answered shortly.

"Okay, so we're just going to focus on the first 10 letters of the alphabet today."

I took his right hand in mine, guiding it to the piece of paper where the 6 dots representing each letter are arranged alphabetically from A to Z. I lowered his hand on the first letter of the alphabet, which is represented by just a single dot on the top left corner.

"So this is an A, which is only one dot right here. Basically, all the first 10 letters of the alphabet only fills up the top four dots." I explained. He nodded, absorbing my words.

I continued slowly, going progressively faster the second time after we have skimmed through the set of 10 letters completely. With his eyebrows furrowed and a fully concentrated look on his face, Damon was able to learn braille as quick as lightning.

"I'm so proud of you! You're getting so good at this." I exclaimed happily, noticing his improvements as we skimmed through it repetitively. He looked up at me, his eyes shining brightly in happiness, as if he couldn't believe that someone was actually proud of him.

He grinned and I stared at him, starstruck at how beautiful he looked. "Thanks, Haley." He said warmly.

I grinned, hugging him briefly and pulling away before he got uncomfortable.

"Okay, now try to read what it says."

I guide his hand to a set of 3 letters, starting off with a simple word.

He furrowed his eyebrows in concentration, "Age?" He asked hesitantly.

I squealed, excited that he got it right. He grinned, already knowing that he was right from my reaction.

"Now this," I said as I guide him to a set of 4 letters.

"Face," he answered, less hesitant than the first try. "Yes!"

This continued on until I couldn't think of anymore words using only the first 10 letters of the alphabet. He got most of them correct, with a few mistakes which was understandable as this was only his first lesson. I'm sure he will be able to master it in no time.

I hugged him to me tightly, wrapping my arms around his back. "I'm so proud of you," I repeated, making sure he believed me.

Instead of pushing me away like I thought he would, He laid his head in the crook of my neck and breathed deeply, wrapping his arms loosely around my waist.

He didn't say anything, but I was okay with that. The more time I spent with Damon, the more I realized that his actions speak much louder than his words.

* * *

"Hey best friend," I greeted Damon who was already sitting in his usual spot in a sing-song voice. He rolled his eyes slightly, "I'm not your best friend."

I bit my lip to hold back a smile, knowing not to take his words to heart.

Before I could say anything else, the history teacher entered the classroom and I was surprised that for the first time since I attended this school, she is actually on time.

"Alright class, in today's lesson, you will discuss chapter 6 with your deskmate. If you have any questions, feel free to ask but make sure you discuss it together first." She instructed in a smooth British accent.