Read Online Pieces in Chance by Juli Valenti - Free Book Online Page A

him. Despite all that though, she still wanted him to kiss her. She would have stopped time itself if she could have, if it meant she’d feel his lips on hers.
    “Happy birthday, beautiful Drew.”
    Though she couldn’t hear his words, despite wishing with all her might she could, she felt his breath soft on her skin. Before she could even thank him, he’d gently kissed her cheek and stood. She wanted to scream, to grab him by the shirt and pull him back to her like she’d read of women doing in romance novels, but she didn’t, she couldn’t. 
    Instead Drew watched as he quickly shook hands with Dean, clapping him on the back in farewell. He said what she assumed were goodbyes to the remaining hospital staff and, as he reached the doorway, he turned to glance at her. A slight smile, along with a wink, were all she got before he turned and disappeared.
    It seemed much larger in the small hospital space without the policeman inside. There was suddenly more oxygen, more air to breathe, but it also seemed darker, like a light had been switched off. That’s corny, Drew, seriously. Besides, like I already said: he’s not into you.
    “What was that about?” Dean signed as he sat in the exact spot Officer Marks had been occupying.
    “What was what?” she asked aloud, answering his question with a question. Her brother looked surprised she hadn’t signed, and so was she, but, honestly, she didn’t have the energy anymore to sign. Even the thought of lifting her arms was too much to contemplate. Still, Dean continued.
    “With Marks? You two looked awfully cozy.”
    Drew sighed. She didn’t want to try to explain, not that she knew either. Plus it wasn’t any of his business. “Nothing,” she lied, resorting back to half-hearted ASL. “He ensured me I wasn’t going to be in any trouble is all.”
    For once, luck seemed to be on her side because he didn’t question her further. Usually he could see straight through her, their twin link giving her away. Still, whether he believed her or not, he didn’t call her on it. He did, however, continue on.
    “There’s something about him, Drew. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he liked you. But,” he hesitated, “that doesn’t make sense. You’re freaking seventeen. You’re in the hospital wrecked to hell and you can’t…”
    Her brother must’ve realized he crossed the line, long before his hands stopped moving – not finishing his sentence. She hadn’t needed to be reminded that she looked awful – she already knew. Add to that the cruel non-mention of her deafness … Sure, he hadn’t finished the statement, but he didn’t have to. It was written on his face, along with regret and pain of his own.
    Realistically Drew knew he wouldn’t intentionally hurt her, with words or otherwise, but his callousness was harsh. Everything, all her wounds – both visible and not-so-visible ones – were simply too fresh. Unbidden tears filled her eyes and trailed unchecked down her cheeks. Drew hated that she was so weak she’d cry like this, and that hate turned her sadness into anger.
    “Everybody out!” she demanded, no longer caring how her words sounded or if she was shouting. “Thank you for my party. I appreciate it, really, but get out … please.”
    Manners peeked through her emotions but they didn’t make her words less real. She didn’t want to entertain anyone or even see anyone anymore. It amazed her how quickly she could go from happy and hopeful, enthralled, to depressed and angry in such a short amount of time.
    Everyone nodded as they left, all shooting her looks of understanding or sympathy as they passed. She tried to express some semblance of grace and gratefulness, but probably failed. None of them seemed to mind.
    Soon it was just her and Dean. Clearly he hadn’t thought she’d included him in her dismissal. Raising his hands to sign, she shook her head and raise a hand of her own to silence him.
    “No, Dean. You too. I love you,