Amy wasn't sure when a communal dinner was supposed to happen, so she got ready by six in the evening.
Too early—probably.
She paced her apartment, worrying herself into nearly cancelling the whole arrangement. She didn't even have anything to bring with her.
That was, until a knock sounded at her door.
Her body tensed immediately. It's time.
She stood frozen for a moment, then noticed a piece of paper sliding under the door.
Are you having second thoughts because of me?
-Malcolm
Amy rushed for her pen and replied just as quickly.
More like cold feet.
On the other side, Malcolm smiled in relief and slipped another note under.
Do we scare you that much?
No, Amy wrote firmly.
Malcolm chuckled.
"That was quick," he commented, making Amy blush- thankfully, out of sight.
She opened the door to find him smiling.
"I was starting to get worried."
Amy feigned annoyance and wrote, You broke the magic!
Malcolm frowned slightly. "What magic?"
The silence magic, she added, smiling.
"Oh," he said, finally catching on.
"Shall we?" Malcolm offered his hand like an old English gentleman. Amy took it, playing along.
"So," Malcolm began as they walked, a little unsure, "I heard you're interested in working with us?"
Amy nodded, embarrassed.
If you'd have me, that is.
"Like I could afford to lose you," Malcolm chuckled, awkward but sincere.
Can I hear the mission and vision of your programs?
Malcolm stopped walking. "We… need to have those?"
Amy laughed- hard.
So what exactly do you want from the channels?
"For exposure," Malcolm replied, thinking aloud, "and somewhere students can debate and express their opinions about the school so far-"
He paused. "I sound stupid and unprepared, don't I?"
I think it's great, Amy wrote, but I was hoping to know my role in it.
Malcolm brightened. "You'd mostly be their supervisor."
So it's a class?
She laughed again.
"Not really," he defended himself quickly. "It's not official yet- let's call it a club?"
They didn't even get a chance to knock before April flung the apartment door open.
"She's here!" April announced, throwing herself at Amy and catching her completely off guard.
"Well, come on in then," Elijah called from the dining room.
Amy teared up immediately, overwhelmed by the warmth.
"Okay, that's enough," Malcolm said, gently pulling April off her. "You're smothering her."
April pouted. "She didn't say anything!"
"Well, she's mute- what more can she say?" Elijah shot back, snarky as ever.
Amy laughed at that.
She waved at Elijah, who responded by feigning disgust when he took her in. "Honey, what's wrong? You look tired."
Malcolm wasn't prepared for how openly affectionate the twins were with Amy- but he was relieved that she understood their humor and went along with it.
"I gave back the edited music sheet to the student," Elijah said as he passed Amy her plate. "He was ecstatic, to say the least. He even wants to take me out this Thursday."
Good for you, Amy signed. You were starting to emit depression.
Elijah laughed- but the table fell silent.
"What?" he asked, suddenly self-conscious.
"You know ASL?" April asked, surprised.
"Since when?" Malcolm added, confused.
Elijah froze.
Was he embarrassed?
Or had he simply never trusted them with something like that?