Love Is Forever

The Girl Who Doesn't Speak ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I was silent as I walked through the neighborhood. I had a basket of supplies for my parents and was heading back home. "Hello, Lauren," my crush, Harlan, greeted. I smiled and waved hello. He was use to this. I haven't spoken to anyone (except occasionally Harlan) since... well... I was little. Even as a small child, I was quiet. I spoke for a year when I turned five but found it pointless and haven't spoken very much since. "Do you want me to carry that for you?" I shook my head no and grabbed his hand instead. This was normal for us. We usually held hands or kissed each other on the cheek or hugged or even stared into each other's eyes for a while. At first, it was a bit odd, but we both had feelings for each other. Even though it was obvious to both of us, we never said anything about it. Harlan Halpheus Hepburn was the only person who ever made me want to talk. It was weird. I had said a few words very softly to him, but only when we were at the lake and it was just the two of us and our dogs. When we reached my doorstep I turned to give him a hug. Like always, the hugged longer than necessary, and I turned to kiss him on the cheek. Almost immediately after, he kissed my cheek. We hugged a few more seconds before pulling away. I opened the door and took a step in when something tugged my sleeve. I faced Harlan. "Um, Lauren?" I nodded once. "Would you like to, um, go on a date with me?" He asked, nervously, playing with his foot while waiting for my response. He would have been staring at the ground if he hadn't had to watch for my answer. I wanted to answer him with my voice though. I cleared my throat and whispered, "I would love to," as loud as I could, which was pretty soft, but loud enough for him to hear. His face instantly brightened up, and he picked me up and spun me around. "Yippy! Ya hoo!" he cheered while I giggled. He set me down but kept me in his arms. "I-" he froze. He placed his hand gently on my cheek and started to lean in slowly, to see how okay I was with it. I closed my eyes and leaned in a bit. He took this as a yes and pressed his lips to mine. Or, at least, he was about to. Until . . . "HEY, HARLAN!" Martin called. "Hey, pretty," he said to me as he walked up. It was one of Martin's nicknames for me. Pretty and various other terms containing the word 'Mute'. Harlan groaned but pulled back, turning to face his irritable cousin while keeping an arm around my waist. He also glared at him but Martin didn't dare call me anything other than pretty, so Harlan managed. And besides, I am very beautiful. Not the prettiest, but I am beautiful. "What, Martin?" asked Harlan, annoyed. Martin, of course, didn't notice what he had disturbed. "Your dad wants you. He's at his office. He said it shouldn't take long, though." "Okay, thanks." But Martin was already off. Harlan turned towards me. "I should be going. But, hey," he said, gently, using his index finger to push my chin up. "You still owe my that kiss," he said meaningfully but also playfully. "Dad is usually right when he says something shouldn't take long. Are you busy tonight?" I shook my head no. "Wanna have the date tonight?" I smiled and nodded quickly. "Great," he kissed my forehead. "I'll pick you up at seven?" I nodded. "Great. For now, farewell, and I shall see you tonight, love." I giggled at his nickname for me and went inside to prepare to tonight. I wore a simple shirt and pants with my favorite fur sneakers for the date. I predicted he would take me to the lake, since I loved it there, and packed a bag just for that scenario. I would ask when he arrived. It didn't take me long to get ready, and I still had time to prepare dinner for my parents. I gave them a note telling them that I was going on a date with Harlan. "Good for you, sweetheart," my mom smiled. "Congrats, pumpkin. He's a good kid," my dad said. I thought he would say more embarrassing stuff but was thankful when he didn't. When the knock came from the door I jumped up and dashed for it. My parents chuckled, happy to see me happy. I opened the door, thankful to find Harlan in black denim pants and a normal green shirt and light jacket. He smirked, "I knew you wouldn't dress up. And you don't even need to, because you're always beautiful." I blushed. "Hey, Harlan. Have fun on your date tonight!" my mom called. "Have fun, be safe, bla, bla, bla," my father said. He kissed the top of my head and followed my mom back to the kitchen. "Lake?" I asked, in a whisper. Harlan smiled and nodded. I reached over and grabbed my bag. "Ready." "Good." He took my hand, leading me down the familiar path to the lake. When we arrived, Harlan guided me to a picnic he had set up. Well it was a good thing I didn't eat dinner with my parents. My eyes widened, I grabbed his wrist and ran to the picnic giggling. I enjoyed the food he packed and when the meal was done I whispered a quick, "Thank you." Again, his eyes brightened. "You're talking a lot today. That means so much to me. Are you gonna keep talking?" I pointed to the ground and nodded. "On this date?" I nodded. He was spot on, like always. "Will you talk on other dates as well?" I shrugged. "Please?" "If-" I coughed, "if you w- want." "Here's some water," Harlan offered. I took it, gratefully. After years of saying a couple words or so a year, this much talking was making my throat dry. "You," I pointed at him and continued talking even though my voice was hoarse, "make me," breathe in, "wanna talk," another breath, "a lot." His eyes shone brighter than the sun. "I do?" he asked, hesitantly. I smiled and nodded. Suddenly, he kissed me. It was gentle at first but soon it was passionate. When I pulled away for air I put our lips back together a few seconds later. This time I fought for dominance. Harlan won and slid his tongue into my mouth when I gasped, not expecting for my back to gently hit the ground. I didn't even realize I was leaning backwards. He broke away panting, but stared into my brown orbs as I stared into his green ones. "I love you, Harlan," I said, my voice barely a whisper. His eyes widened with happiness and he said, "I love you, too. So much," before pressing his lips to mine again. Over time, I got use to talking and could talk clearly within two months after our first date. But I only talked when I was alone with Harlan. Harlan loved hearing my voice. And while he wanted me talking frequently no matter the place or amount of people, he never pushed me to do something I wasn't ready for. Encourage? Yes, all the time. Push? Never. My parents were pleased when I at least said "Good morning" and "goodnight" to them. They even pulled Harlan aside during the day and thanked him. I was surprised when he told me about it later. Other people were surprised when I started saying the basic "thank you." At first, it was only when Harlan was around and deathly quiet but people were pleased that I was coming out of my shell. Even Alastair, Harlan's father, noticed when I whispered a "hello" to him. When we were alone, Harlan would encourage me to talk and talk and talk. He tried to get me to babble on about stuff, but it didn't last long. He really appreciate me trying for him though. And he always gave me many kisses. Never enough, though. All in all, though I never talk as much as others, I was finally talking. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~