Listen Closely (Victor Puentes/McFarland USA Fanfic)

08. New Girl

I was sitting in class when a white girl walked in. I had never seen her before at the school so it seemed she was new. The teacher pointed to the chair next to me and she sat down.

I didn't give her much though as I continued writing notes. At the end of class, I felt a tap on my arm as I was packing up my stuff.

I looked up to see the white girl talking and signed that I was deaf. She seemed to apologize and turned away.

I swung on my backpack and joined the others by the door. When the left, I headed toward the cafeteria for lunch. I sat at my normal table and waited for Josephina and Thomas.

They joined me and I noticed the new girl had sat near us. She glanced at us occasionally.

I tapped the table to get the attention of Thomas and Josephina. "That new girl over there keeps looking at us."

"I noticed," Josephina signed. "Do you know her name?"

"Julie White," Thomas answered. "I ran into her this morning. I accidentally knocked her books out of her arms."

"Good job," I said. "How'd you get her name?"

"She's in one of my classes," Thomas said. "The teacher introduced her."

"She's in one of my classes too," I said. "I must have missed the introduction."

Josephina and Thomas burst out laughing. We continued talking and I noticed Thomas kept looking at Julie.

I tapped his arm. "Did you catch something for the new girl?"

Thomas scrunched up his face. "No, of course not."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I see the way you look at her."

Thomas scratched his ear. "A little bit but it's nothing."

"Are you sure?" Josephina asked. "You should ask her out."

Thomas shook his head. "I can't. She'll say no."

"She'll say yes," I said. "Trust me. Ask her out."

Thomas shrugged. "I guess but Maybe later. You know, when I'm ready."

"If you say that, you won't do it," Josephina said. "Tomorrow, at lunch, you'll ask her. No hesitations."

Thomas rolled his eyes. "Fine. If you insist."

"She's cute," I commented. "I can see why you like her."

Thomas smiled, glancing over at Julie and smiling slightly. "She is, isn't she?"

"You do!" I exclaimed.

Thomas chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "I already told you. A little bit."

I smiled. "You are too cute, Thomas. I love it."

Thomas became even shyer. "Thanks, Athena. You guys want to hang out this Saturday?"

I nodded. "Of course. Where should we meet?"

"My house?" Thomas offered.

Josephina nodded. "That would be nice. I can ask if I can go but I'm pretty sure I can."

Thomas got up. "The bell rang."

I nodded and got up. I walked to class and Victor joined me on the way. I smiled and grabbed his hand. Victor smiled and kissed my cheek. I giggled and we walked into our class.

Victor kept a hand on my leg the entire class period. When the class ended, Victor walked me to my next class. He kissed me before leaving. I sure did love having him as a boyfriend.