A Gray Place Between Black And White

Chapter 2

Karina's POV

You're insecure, don't know what for. You're turning heads when you walk through the door. Don't need makeup, to cover up, being the way that you're is enough. Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else bu...

My frantic search ended as my hand finally located my phone beneath my red and extremely fluffy teddy bear Loco. I had woken up with a start when I heard my phone ringing, so much for being a light sleeper. It was my best friend Carmela calling...
"Finally, you picked up, I was torn between whether you had been hauled to Jupiter by an unimaginable alien thing or you were in the middle of transforming into some mutant." Carmela's first sentence when I picked up.
"Hello to you too Carmy, and no, I haven't been hauled to Jupiter neither was I in the middle of a mutant transformation. You've been watching too many Sci-fi movies lately."
"Well, yeah I agree. I've called you three times already."
"Lo siento, I was asleep."
"Oh I see, well mum is due for her last doctor's appointment and I'm taking her since dad has been hella  busy this whole week."  My eyes moved to my clock, 1:00pm. I had been asleep for almost three hours.
"That's great Carmy, in a few weeks the baby will be born and your mum's raging hormones and inexplicable cravings will finally ride with the winds."
"You don't say, it's always worse when dad is not around. That man should receive an award for The Most Patient Husband During Pregnancy  because he does it so well"
"Yeah, definitely. Can we meet at the park when you're back? There's something I need to tell you, and I would prefer it in person."
"Did you get laid?"
"Ewww Carmy, no that's not it"
"Oh I know, you finally decided to try that dating site I recommended and found someone" she said dreamily
I face palmed while groaning
"No, I didn't and never will, thought I already told you that"
"Okay, how about this, Jasper sent you roses?"
"Carmela!" I fake shouted while chucking
"You know, I would win a lot of money if I bet on you being the worst at guessing in five million people"
"No way"
"Yes way, and what is it with you and your match making. You know I only like Jasper as a friend, we're not even that close and I have told you countless times that Jasper definitely has someone."
"Well I know that's not true because Jasper hasn't told me that himself, and besides he's always sorta shy the moment he lays eyes on you, and that happens with only you. I have seen him speak with a couple of girls all natural but the moment you come in the picture he speaks like he's melting ice" I rolled my eyes forgetting we were making a voice call and not face timing.
"There's a reason for that, and I can't tell you because I promised Jasper."
"You're no fun at all Rina. Anyway whatever it is you need to tell me I hope it's great but if not I guess I may have to break some bones" Carmela, always one to fight but she actually does know how to fight and she's been teaching me a few tricks.
"Miss Vandamme, always ready to fight huh?"
"Yeah, the joy in breaking bones"
We laughed simultaneously.
"Carmela, I'm all done." I heard from the other side. "I will be with you in a moment mum. Gotta go girl, see ya"
"You too Carmy, give your mum and the baby a kiss for me."
"Will do, te amo"
"Yo tambien te  amo"  I smiled thinking of Carmela, she was the first real friend I had. We met at a sign language club meeting: Silence Is Golden, we were both new members at the time and the only ones who were Spanish.
"Hello everyone, my name is Karina Luz García  Ortiz, I'm 18, I just graduated high school, I like reading and learning new things. I'm very excited to be a part of this club." I introduced myself as asked by the lady with strawberry blonde hair and deep dimples, Samantha as I later came to know.
"It's such an awesome day everyone, my name is Carmela Ines Hernandez Ruiz, I'm 18, I just graduated high school, I like gymnastics, reading and totally love chocolate. I'm happy to be here, nice to meet you all." As we introduced ourselves, a guy around our age acted as interpreter for the benefit of the deaf members since the club included both deaf and hearing individuals, he's Drew our other friend, he's deaf but not mute albeit he only speaks to people who are close to him. She took a seat beside me and said in Spanish, "Hey girl, you're the first Spanish person I've met in this part of West Virginia aside my family. Can we be friends?"
"Yes we can" I replied with a huge smile on my face. I was happy I had made a friend, my high school mates were never really friends with me, they didn't bully me though but no one tried being my friend and I never tried too. I had my dad, books and chocolate. And that was the start of our very beautiful friendship. Time to get ready for Mrs. Hanson and Taylor. 

"Granny she's here, she's here!" Taylor said excitedly while jumping up and down at the front door like a puppy would to welcome it's owner just minus the tail.  Their doorbell transmits vibration in addition to sound to enable Taylor know if someone is at the door when his grandma is busy. He's seven and very beautiful. He has curly black hair and sky blue eyes and a dimple on one cheek which appeared when he was showing positive emotions. "Come give me a hug"
I signed, I ruffled his hair after the hug and offered him his favourite snack; peanut butter cookies. " Thank you Miss Karina " he said while stuffing his face.
"Taylor,what have I told you about talking with your mouth full?" Mrs Hanson signed when she saw Taylor in that state as she came from the kitchen".
"I'm sorry granny, I won't repeat it." "Good boy"
"Good afternoon Mrs Hanson"
"Good afternoon dear. Please get started with Taylor on the lessons, I will join when am done in the kitchen."
"That's fine by me. Let's move to the porch Taylor and come along with your homework. I'll go prepare the place."
"Yes miss"
I moved to the porch and started setting up.
Taylor is deaf but can speak just like Drew. I teach him and his grandmother sign language to help their communication with each other. They live two streets from mine and I love them like family. I've been teaching them sign language for two years and am proud of myself with the progress I've made.
2 hours later
"There's a quiz next lesson" I wrote on the board.
I finished packing and said goodbye.
"See you soon Miss Karina, I'll miss you"
"You as well Taylor"
"Please take care Mrs Hanson"
"You too dear"
I left and texted Carmy to meet me at the park. She had texted me 15 minutes ago that she was back.

Loco - Crazy
Lo siento - I'm sorry
Te amo - I love you
Yo tambien te amo - I love you too