Speak To Me
Chapter 54 –

(Gabriella)

I turned on my feet, my eyes watching Jamie carefully as I began jogging backwards. It was such a nice day out and the sun was shining so brightly...this is the type of life I have always dreamed of having..being able to go outside whenever I wanted..not being constantly isolated at

home.

This was freedom..and I got to experience all of it with my husband.

I lifted my hand before beckoning to Jamie as he breathed out heavily. We have started running for the past week at Central Park and apparently I'm good at it. The first few times I didn't really keep up very well but today, I seem to have hit my stride. "Okay..let's take a break.." Jamie finally panted, sweat dripping down his neck as I couldn't help but stare. He looked yummy..

"Wow..you really picked that up fast." He grumbled before taking our bottle of water and chugging it.

I smiled brightly as I stepped closer to him and lifted on my toes, kissing his lips quickly. The taste of him made my tummy flutter as I couldn't help but admire his muscular chest. Seeing the cotton sticking to his skin made me stare longer than I probably should have...especially in public.

"I-I'm a f-f-fast l-lear-n-ner." I stuttered as Jamie laughed before grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes you are baby..you don't need to remind me of that." He teased, making me hit his chest playfully before Jamie gripped my arm and pulled me closer.

Just then a group of guys ran by, almost trampling me over as Jamie gave them the death glare.

"We should probably turn around and head back..we need to shower before we head to the office." He stated lowly, that look in his eyes one that sucked me in immediately.

I swallowed hard and glanced away from him..about that..

"What? What is it?" Jamie asked curiously as I cleared my throat and pulled my phone out.

"I was wondering if I can stay home today? Jolie offered to take me to that bead store downtown..I forgot to tell you last night." I smiled sheepishly.

I was going to tell him..but before I could he yanked the phone out of my hands and proceeded to bury his face between my legs, making me forget about everything..

"Gabriella.." Jamie groaned while running his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Baby, I think it's okay if you start leaving me at home. I just feel so useless at the office." I typed out and braced myself for his reaction.

"What? You're not useless.. Remember how you organized those papers for me? And everyone there loves you..in fact...I think they like you more than me at this point.." He grumbled as I let out a sigh and placed both hands on his chest before peering up at him. "J-Jam-mie." I stated his name as he searched my gaze anxiously.

Going to the bead store wasn't the whole reason I wanted to skip work..Jamie's birthday is coming up in a few weeks..and I want to surprise him..I think I'm ready to start working on my speech again.

I want to try..Jamie makes me want to try..

Jolie has been researching places and she found one that wasn't too far from home..it's so hard for me to keep things from my husband..but I feel like since it's a surprise..that isn't wrong, right? "How about I take you to the store after work..or better yet..we can go at lunch!" He tried to persuade me but I shook my head no.

I told Jamie about my jewelry making and how I wanted to get into it again..so this was the perfect excuse.

"I think I want to start getting into it again and try selling my stuff online." I typed, my eyes darting up as I saw his face fall as he read it.

"Can't you do it in the office? I can set your desk up in the corner again and give you everything you need."

Damn..why is he so good at problem solving? I don't think I can say no..it will seem too suspicious if I do..he might've won this round.

"Okay, but can I go with Jolie today? The store is only open during the weekday and she is already expecting me." I explained on the phone and Jamie nodded his head before letting out a sigh. "Yeah, of course, baby. I will have Ray drive you." He added as I stiffened once again..crap..I forgot about Ray.

"Okay." I typed out, trying to choose my battles wisely..I knew this would be hard for Jamie.

I think he has been extra protective lately considering I haven't gotten my period yet..neither of us has been brave enough to mention it..but I did feel some cramping over the last few days..so I wondered for a moment if it's that thing that happens when you stress yourself out and delay your period..or..yeah..I might be pregnant.

We have an appointment in two days though..Dr. Stevens called to schedule it when we got back from our honeymoon..he said it was just a routine check up..but I knew better than that. I'm sure Robert was behind the whole thing.. "Fuck, why do I miss you already?" He pouted before sliding his hands up to my face and proceeded to kiss me deeply.

"I w-w-will m-m-miss y-you t-t-to." I stuttered against Jamie's lips..to be honest..I already felt so much more confident trying to speak than I have my whole life. Jamie just does something to me where I feel like I don't have to hide who I am..

I can see how proud he is and the encouraging looks he gives me..that's what keeps me going because I never had that..even with my dad growing up..whenever I tried to speak with him, he would either complete the sentence I was trying to say or give me a look of pity..but Jamie, he just waits patiently and encourages me to finish.

After finishing our break, we started making our way back to where Ray dropped us off and I couldn't help but feel excited.

I was going to prove to everyone that I could do this..learning to speak won't be just a gift for my husband, but it will be a testimony to all that I have overcome..Regina, Cecelia, Katrina, and Grandma Georgie..they never gave me a chance..they never saw how hard I tried to fit in and be the perfect daughter or granddaughter to the best of my abilities..and this will be a way to show them I wasn't those names they called me.. Freak, idiot, mistake..a stain in their family..no, I am much more than that, and I will prove it to everyone.

"I can't wait to get you in that shower..I need to make up for all the time I will lose today." Jamie said before turning and raining kisses down on my face and neck, making me laugh. Then we got closer to the car, my eyes scanning Ray's face as he looked serious and stiffer than usual.

Jamie followed my gaze before taking my hand and leading us over.

"You get in first." He whispered while opening the door for me. I nodded my head and slid into the back seat, my eyes staying glued to Jamie's face I peered through the window.

Jamie walked towards the front of the car and began speaking to Ray. It was hard to tell what was going on..considering their backs were facing me, but by Jamie's body language..something was wrong.

Then they ended the conversation and Ray slid into the front seat as Jamie came to the back, next to me.

I looked at him with confusion, sensing something horrible might've happened as I reached over and tugged on his wrist.

"Just work stuff..don't worry about it okay?" Jamie whispered before leaning over and kissing me sweetly..

Work stuff? It doesn't seem like work stuff..but Jamie wouldn't lie to me, right?