Just a Newsboy

Chapter 9

Richmond, Virginia

•••••Cricket's Perspective

"So, he's your best friend now?" Nat inquired, her mouth twisted into a playful smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Only because I got tired of ignoring him. Besides," I shrugged, "he's gonna be a complete mess when Ben leaves. I might as well try to help take the edge off of it for him."

Her eyebrows lifted. "You mean, you're actually worried about him?"

"I don't know." I shrugged, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose. "Guess he grew on me a little."

"Wow." She blinked, a pleased yet astonished smile dancing across her lips. "You know, I always hoped that you really did have a heart."

I would've smacked her if she hadn't been over one hundred miles away, speaking to me through a computer screen. "Anything interesting happen while I've been away?"

Natalie stuck her lips out, something she did when she was thinking hard, or trying to make it appear that she was thinking hard. "Nothing too important,"

Sighing aloud, I crossed my arms atop the table. "Spill it."

"Really, it's not a big deal." She shook her head.

"Would you just tell me?" I asked, my hands portraying exasperation. "I do have a bus to catch."

A beaming smile burst into her expression, making it clear that she'd been trying very hard to hold it back. "You know my audio specialist?"

I nodded.

"Well, He's been looking for affordable hearing aid options, and he just told me that he found something within our price range, if I wanted to get fitted for them."

My eyes widened and my heart began to pound against my ribs. "And, are you going to..." I paused, biting my lip, "are you going to do it?"

She shrugged, practically bouncing up and down. "I thought I'd give it a try. We haven't decided on an appointment date yet, but I'll let you know as soon as we do."

I shook my head, hardly able to process any of what she'd just said. "Nat...that's incredible."

"You might not be able to sneak up on me as well anymore, will you?" She teased, offering an excited giggle.

"I guess not." I replied.

"If I can hear music, you have to promise to let me to listen to all of the musicals that you like!" She demanded. "Maybe I'll even be able to hear Aiden play her violin!"

"I'm sure Aiden will play an entire concert and a half for you." I assured her. "And I'll let you listen to all the musicals you want."

She smiled. "You promise?"

I nodded. "I promise."

"Alright," she gave me a satisfied nod, "you should go. Text me when you make it to the next tour stop, so I know that you got there safely."

"Will do. Bye."

"Bye." She responded, waving briefly before cutting the connection.

Shutting the computer lid, I sat back in my chair and let out a breath.

Natalie hadn't been able to hear for as long as I could remember.
The concept of her possibly being able to hear again, even a little bit, was almost too good to believe.