We don't need words - Lilo Paynlinson (AU)

Chapter 15 - Doctor's meeting

We don't need words - Chapter 15

♥ Louis' POV ♥

Yesterday Liam and I got back together! And he said he would come with me to the hospital today. I was really nervous, even though it was only talking -on the doctor's part- and listening -on my part-. I was glad Liam was coming with me. I had also asked Mum to come with me, something I had been avoiding for the past few years because it's just awkward if your Mum comes with you to the hospital. When you're twenty years old.

"Are you sure you want me to come with you, Boobear?", Mum asked concerned. "Yes, I want you to come with me and Liam, because if it is important, it's not really easy for Liam to explain everything again. Plus, doctors always talk in this medical language which you understand because you were a nurse before I was born", I said.

Mum chuckled. "That's true." "Liam will be here in ten minutes. Are we going with his car or with yours?", I asked. "I think mine, that way you and Liam can sit next to each other. And Liam can calm you down because you're nervous already", she smiled. I looked down, embarrassed because I was nervous for what the doctor had to say.

Would they really have found a method to fix my hearing, or was I being delusional, wishing for that? I don't think it was delusional. Every deaf child has at least wished once they could hear. Listen to music, talk to people, have an actual conversation with words... Those were the wishes deaf children made, either at their birthday, at 11:11 or just on an average day.

And I was no exception.

Other wishes were, for example, have friends and find someone who loves you for who you are, someone who doesn't leave when it gets complicated. I never made those wishes though. Harry, Niall and Zayn had been my friends since kindergarten. And now I had Liam. He loves me for who I am and I love him back. I still can't believe he wants to be with me, out of free will.

Another disadvantage of being deaf: according to normal standards, being deaf is different amd that is a valid reason to bully a deaf person. What they do not realize is that you damage someone permanently by bullying and calling names. But they still haven't realized it yet. They don't understand that it can drive people as far as committing suicide.

Only when they're gone, people start caring. Talking, about how things like this should never happen again. While at the same time, they casually carry on bullying people because they are or dare to be different. Only caring again when someone else gives up. Because that's what it feels like: giving up. Too tired to keep on fighting with bullies, with your heart, with the voices in your head.

"Liam's here", Mum said. She, obviously, had left me alone with my thoughts for ten minutes. That's why I loved Mum: she always knew when I needed some time for myself. I nodded. "I'll open the door for him", I said. I stood up and walked to the front door, opening it for Liam, who just parked his car on our driveway.

"Hi Li!", I said enthusiastically. "Hey Lou, how are you feeling? Nervous?", Liam asked. "Is it really that obvious?", I said, blushing. "Only to people who really know you, like me and your Mum", Liam shushed me. I breathed relieved and pecked his lips. "Love you", I mumbled.

Liam grabbed my hand and took me to the car. I was already wearing my coat and my phone was in the pocket of my jeans. Harry had demanded I would text him as soon as we had news on any surgery whatsoever. Liam and I got in the back of the car and Mum drove off. I rested my head on Liam's shoulder and he stroked the back of my hand soothingly with his thumb.

I knew he could tell I was nervous, but hell, you would be nervous too if there would be a possible possibility you would be able to hear for the first time in your life. And that was one hell of a sentence. My thoughts seriously flail around when I'm nervous.

Way too soon for my liking, the car stopped and Mum had parked the car on the parking lot of the hospital. Liam was still holding my hand and I was almost radiating with pride because he wanted to be seen with me in public. We got out of the car and into the hospital. It was pretty easy to find the ear specialist department; I had been there numerous times before.

Mum said to the receptionist we arrived and we sat down in the waiting room. After a few minutes, Mum and Liam got up and I assumed it was my turn to go inside. Liam grabbed my hand as we sat down in doctor Johnson's office. He greeted Liam and my Mum and shook my hand as some sort of greeting.

You would think an ear specialist had at least learned sign language in college. Nope. He explained something to Mum and Liam and no one translated it. I guess that wasn't really important then. But suddenly, Mum pressed her hand to her mouth and Liam got tears in his eyes and squeezed my hand. What was going on? Doctor Johnson smiled.

I patted Li's arm. "What's going on?", I asked once I had wriggled my hand out of Liam's tight grip. "They have developed implants and you will be able to hear when you have them", Liam managed to sign. I froze. This was an enormous step forwards. A year ago they told me this wouldn't be possible for the next five years. And now it's all fixed. I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. I wanted to ask doctor Johnson the disadvantages myself.

There must be disadvantages. What are they?

I scribbled on the piece of paper. Doctor Johnson smiled and took another pen.

We can place the implants in one surgery, but you are going to have to stay in hospital for two weeks, and after that you must keep the bandages on for six weeks after surgery. We will cut open the back of your ears, where they are attached to your skull so you will have two large scars there. Furthermore, you are going to need to learn to talk and understand what people say to you, but I'm sure your boyfriend and family will help you to the maximum with that.

I couldn't believe what I had just read. No real big disadvantages? Nothing like 'It might destroy your ears permanently'? Only the bandages, scars and staying in hospital for two weeks? I grabbed the pen and scribbled down another note to doctor Johnson.

So, nothing dangerous? Only scars and bandages?

Doctor Johnson was swift in his answer.

Nothing dangerous, just scars and bandages and the ability to hear.

Mum burst into tears and so did Liam. Unlike me, I just sat there with the biggest smile on my face. I would be able to hear, no matter how tough surgery would be. I wrapped my arms around Mum and Liam and buried my face in Liam's neck. We were gonna need a moment to let this all sink in.

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Author's note:
7000 reads! Thanks a bunch everyone <3 I had a little trouble writing this chapter because it's just pure theory and not a lot of Lilo. Also, I decided to shorten this story and squish chapter 16 and 17 together, so after this, there is only one chapter and the epilogue left. :D It will be finished on Sunday, since I only need to write chapter 16, which is not that hard because I have experience with surgery.

LOL, my parents are arguing about downloading movies for Christmas. THANK YOU ONE DIRECTION FOR DROWNING OUT MY PARENTS <3

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