Page 114 of Quiet Beautiful Things

Those words physically hurt as if they’d punched me in the gut. I’d forgotten that it was just a short time they’d known each other, all while she was confined to a hospital bed.

She wipes away the tears that now coat her cheeks. “I was lucky. He took me back after I came to my senses. I can’t imagine my life without him. You and I wouldn’t be who we are today without Kyle Stone.

“So, sweetie, you better think long and hard about what you’re doing here. Be honest with yourself. Can you imagineyour life without Blake? Will you regret it next month, or next year, if he’s moved on with someone else? And that adorable little girl you’re always texting me pictures of, could you live with yourself if you cut her out of your life? She needs you. He needs you. You need him. That’s why it works, Ellie. You all need each other. You all love each other. What else is there in life? It’s not fair to punish him for things out of his control. So you’re deaf. Who cares? I’m glad you’re deaf, Ellie.”

Surprised to see her say it, I can only stare at her in confusion.

“It took me a long time to admit it. But, yes, I’m glad you’re deaf. You wouldn’t be the amazing woman you are today if you weren’t.”

She’s glad I’m deaf.

No one has ever said that. I mean,I’mgood with it. Once I got past all the shit from high school and found my place in the world, I embraced it. But deep down, I guess I always thought everyone else in my life would be happier if I could hear.

But could my new place in the world really be with Blake? A hearing man? It would be a giant leap of faith I’m not sure I’m ready to take. Maybe Blake was right and Grant screwed me up so badly I’m incapable of truly loving anyone.

Mom’s incessant waves get my attention and I look back at the screen. “Do you love him?” she signs.

Being stubborn, I shake my head. Mom just stares. I shrug. She stares some more. I sign, “Maybe.” Then I momentarily close my eyes and sign, “Yes.”

Her expression softens. “Then you need to ask yourself an important question. Would you think differently about all this if Blake were deaf?”

Immediately I know the answer. I know it because I’ve often wished it to be true. Sometimes in my dreams he’s deaf and we have an amazing life and go on to have a gaggle of deaf kids.

“You don’t have to answer,” she signs. “It’s written all over you. Ellie, you’re punishing the man for the simple fact that he can hear. You, if anyone, should know how wrong that is. He loves you. His daughter loves you. Don’t be afraid to be happy just because your idea of happiness ended up coming in a different package. The best things in life can be everything we didn’t expect.”

My eyes dart to the kitchen counter where the tiny slip of fortune cookie paper still sits where he left it.Your heart knows the right answer.

I wipe my eyes. “Mom, I have to go.”

She smiles. She doesn’t have to ask where I’m going. Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

“Go find your happiness, baby. And when you get it—don’t ever let go.”

“Love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, baby.”

The screen goes blank and I can see my pitiful reflection in the glass. Red eyes. Streaked makeup. And I probably smell from the run home. Quickly, I shower and dress and fix my face. I’m contemplating where I can find Blake when a text comes in.Is it him?My heart flutters.Is he coming after me?

But when I look at my phone and see Sierra has been texting me for the last twenty minutes, my world comes to an abrupt halt.

Sierra: Ellie, I really messed up. I need to talk to you.

Sierra: Are you there?

Sierra: I’m at the airport on standby. Please answer me. Oh, God. I have to know you and Mom are okay.

My heart pounds as I respond.

Me: I’m here. What’s wrong?

Sierra: Oh, thank God. You have to go find my mom. She’s not responding. Then you both have to go somewhere safe.

Me: I’ll find her. But what happened?

Sierra: It’s my fault. I made a horrible mistake. I accidentally texted Mom’s old phone instead of her new one. I did it 2 days ago. I didn’t realize it until today when I got concerned that she hadn’t texted me back. Ellie, he knows. I asked how her job was going and if she’d seen you and if she knew any gossip about you and Blake. I’ve put everyone I love in danger. You have to find her, Ellie.

Me: I’ll find her. If you didn’t mention where she worked, I’m sure she’s okay.

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