"We do not want a dumb person here. Leave." Her frustration wasn't that they declined to employ her; it was how they always mistook her for a dumb person when she was only mute. They often assumed she was deaf as well, and even though she had tried countless times to prove she wasn't, it was often a fail. Hence, every job interview had ended with the employer saying they didn't wish to employ her. It had been tough for her, coupled with her friend pressuring her about her sex life.
It was the only topic her friend brought up whenever she arrived from yet another failed job interview, retiring to the fast food restaurant she worked at. "See, this is a very beautiful opportunity to take action," she had said one hot afternoon after Melody returned from a job interview with a courier service, where the man had not only turned her down but offered her a position of cleaning after his dog's mess instead.
Melody had only one way of showing she was pissed, and that was constantly tapping her foot on the floor. She had been doing that ever since her friend, Nicola brought up the topic again. Despite Uncle Matthew, Nicola's father and the one who ran the fast food restaurant, noticing it and signaling to Nicola several times, she still pressed on, ranting on and on about how she was in her early twenties and it was the appropriate age to lose her V-card.
She did a sign language gesture to her in frustration, telling her to let her be, but no one got it. Nobody understood her sign language except one person – her breath of fresh air. As if on cue, the restaurant door flew open, and his tall frame sauntered in. Melody raised her gaze and immediately felt a rush of relief – relief not only from Nicola's torture but also from the fact that she got to hold him again. With her apron in her grip, she ran to him and jumped into his embrace, melting into him as he hugged her back. She inhaled his smell, feeling her tensed muscles relax instantly – peach and sandalwood, that rich scent that sent her spiraling.
She withdrew from him and signed to him, "I've missed you." He smiled at her and mouthed, "I've missed you too." Nate had been gone for two weeks; he had gone to Georgia for training for his internship days ahead. He had informed her earlier that month that he would be moving to Georgia for his internship. When he relayed the information to her, she broke down, taking his decision as a breakup. However, he had told her he planned to take her along with him, and they would start a new life in Georgia.
It was something she thought deeply over for days, but she came to a conclusion when he gave her his grandmother's ring, promising to marry her as soon as they settled in Georgia – she was going with him. That's why she felt the need to thoroughly search for a job; she needed money to get herself a few things and to have enough money to support him before she set off for a new life in Georgia with the love of her life.
She watched him move gracefully, his tall frame obstructing Mr. Matthew's view as they exchanged words. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw Nicola smiling gently at them as well. Nicola was probably excited about Nate's return, since she had been the number one supporter of their relationship, even before it started.
Later that day, in the evening during the restaurant's closing hours, they all sat around the table for a little bonding. Mr. Matthew brought up the fact that Melody had been rejected in every interview, and they all joked about it while Melody clung to Nate's arm, leaning against his shoulder. "Poor Melody. She believes this job is not enough for her."
Melody eyed him and signed to him, "You pay me $10 per hour; you shouldn't be talking!" Mr. Matthew frowned, and he and Nicola looked to Nate waiting for him to translate.
He smirked and said, "She said she's grateful for the support." Melody lips parted and she slapped Nate's arm playfully. She signed to him again, "He's lying!"
"She also said she'll surely repay you." Nate translated wrongly again. Melody raised her arm to playfully slap him again, but Nate was faster this time. He caught her arm in the air and stamped his lips on hers.
Mr. Matthew cleared his throat. "Both of you should get a room and not blind us. Don't you think, Nicola?" Nicola was mute while Melody returned the kiss, moving her lips over his slowly.
Mr. Matthew shook his head and got up from his seat, followed by Nicola.
But the kiss didn't continue. "I miss these lips so much." Nate whispered into her lips. She smiled back in response.
Suddenly, a thought crossed through her mind. She swallowed nervously and withdrew to sign to him, "Nicola told me about something. She said it's already the appropriate age to lose my virginity. What do you think? Do you think she's right?"
"Do you want to lose it?" He breathed.
"No. Not at all. I want to keep it till we get married." She signed back to him.
"Then it's settled. We'll wait."
Her face lit up. "You mean you'll wait for me?" She signed excitedly.
"Yes, I will. Anything for my woman." He pinched her cheek playfully. Melody smiled brightly and sealed his lips with a kiss once more. This time it was a little longer, but it was interrupted by Nicola making her presence known again by kicking a chair intentionally.
Later that night, before Melody retired to bed, Nicola snuck into her room and told her about a job opportunity in a casino in Austen City.