"It's just a movie..."
Good grief. My husband seemed to be overreacting way too much to my plan to meet up with one of my deaf clients (Steven) and his friends to watch the movie "CODA" at the local theater.
"And besides," I told him, "it's not like I'm meeting up with only him - there will be other people there too."
My husband still wasn't convinced: "I know... I still think that's weird, though. Married women don't usually arrange to meet up with a young single guy to watch a movie."
He had a point. I asked him: "Ok, fine - do you want to come along?" I knew the answer.
"Not really."
I smiled. "Ok then. I figured as much. It's no big deal... it's just a movie."
Against his better judgment, my husband eventually relented, especially after I convinced him that I was practically old enough to be Steven's mom; his friend group would be more likely to see me as their chaperone than as their peer.
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We arranged to meet a few days later at the movie theater for the 8pm showing. I always arrived early for things, so I stood out front waiting for Steven and his friends to arrive.
About ten minutes later, I saw Steven walking down the sidewalk toward me... alone. As he approached, I signed to him, Where are your friends?
They couldn't make it, he signed back.
A hiccup of uncertainty surged through me - knowing that my (and my husband's) comfort level with this idea was based on the expectation of this being a group activity. Before I could react any further to that, though, Steven had reached me and abruptly - startlingly - gave me a hug. A tight hug.
So good to see you, he signed with a big smile stretched across his young face.
I felt even more uncomfortable now... but I also didn't want to be rude. To distract from the awkwardness, I used a quick diversion: Well, let's get our tickets! He nodded and followed me inside.
I verbally ordered the tickets from the clerk, but when I went to pay, Steven quickly brushed my hand inside and handed over enough cash for both of us. Surprised, I looked at him, a quizzical expression upon my face.
My treat, he communicated, again with that eager smile.
What a nice young man, I signed back, genuinely impressed at his unexpected generosity.
He briefly touched my elbow as a gentle gesture, and then responded: I want to thank you for the many ways you have helped me. I really value you.
My initial feelings of awkward discomfort were quickly melting away into warm thoughts of gratitude and a wonderful feeling of being appreciated. With a sweet smile on my face, I signed back: Awww - thank you so much, Steven!
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I had actually seen the movie once before - at home on Apple TV - but I had forgotten about how many crass sexual jokes it included. At one point, shortly after yet another reference to oral sex, Steven leaned forward and got my attention: You are married, yes?