Homecoming for friends (Catherine Novella + open))

[Shane Williams]

((Must apologize to anyone who stalks this thread lol, I have been away from writing for about 6 months... so it'll be a little rough around the edges))

Shane pulled up to the light and ran a hand through his hair. He was exhausted, ready to fall over in his seat but this was the last signal before the school and he could make it. Smiling as the Hammel sign greeted him back home. Following the signs he made his way to the school parking lot and managed to find one rather close to the school, a luck he was sure would not last the entire school year. Pulling out his phone he sent a quick text to his parents. Made it safe, unpacking love you lots

He’d driven 2 of the 3 days back with his mother dropping her off an airport in Wisconsin yesterday. She was worried about him making the drive all on his own, especially since he’d only just gotten his license in the last six months. His car did make him smile though; he’d been completely surprised to get his little Ford Focus for Christmas and even more surprised that he was allowed to take it with him.

Turning his car off, he headed for the office. He was getting a new room assignment and wanted to know where he was headed before he loaded up with a bunch of boxes. Finishing up in the office with his schedule and assignment he wished the desk lady a good day and almost ran straight into the very person he was after next. His face lit up as he picked the smaller woman up in a tight hug before setting her down. Cat, the first person he’d met on campus and made friends with and the very person he’d missed the most this break. No it wasn’t a romantic interest or missing of a crush… she was more of a sister and friend that meant a great deal to him. Shane stepped away his hands moving slowly for her. She’d been doing decently with ASL when he’d left and her letter said she was getting better. Come on you have to see what I got for Christmas! He didn’t even mention being here early since his last letter didn’t suggest his arrival for another few days, he was too excited to show her his car. Yes such a silly boy and a trivial thing but as a person so confined by his disability the independence of a vehicle was amazing.

[Catherine Novella]

Cat had stayed at the school over break. It wasn't feasible for her to go home when she was only having to come back soon after. Instead she and her grandmother had mailed each other their gifts. Plus she had been super surprised when he grandmother had come to see her on Christmas. It was a pleasant day and she cherished it, after all she didn't know how many more she would have. She had to cherish everyday she lived. There was a lot to be grateful for.

She was worried about her grandmothers drive home, though her grandmother would probably swat her over the head if she knew Cat was worrying. That was something that had always gotten Cat. Ever since she was little Cat had worried over her grandmother and her grandmother had brushed the worry off. For all she knew her grandmother was her last living relative. She didn't know where her mom was and she didn't know who her dad was. Her grandmother was all she had, and Cat wanted to make sure nothing could ever hurt her. She hoped that she was going to be able to get home safely. That was the major worry.

Cat honestly hadn't been looking where she was going again. She had really gotten into the Nancy Drew books again and had been reading them like crazy. It seemed though that she had wandered along into the main office building. The people didn't actually care where she went and that was part of the reason that she got lost so easily. She was all bundled up, since it was fairly cold outside. It had been snowing on and off and Cat didn't want to take a chance of getting lost in the snow with no warm things. She had a thermos of hot chocolate and a few provisions in her bag. That way she was prepared.

Her mind was jolted out of the novel when she almost bumped into someone. Was that Shane? She squinted and looked up at him and nodded. Shane was interesting all right. But what was he doing back so soon? Before she could get a word in edgewise she was being picked up. He was too tall She frowned grimacing at the sudden invasion of her personal bubble. Eventually she got used to the hugging, but it was still weird. She smiled as he signed and worked her way through it nodding. Again before she could say anything she was being pulled along but this time she was smiling. It seemed she was going to be shown something. Something for Christmas?

Right Christmas. She still had to give him his gift. She could do that afterwards. Smiling at the thought she looked over at Shane before slowly singing the words. How was your Christmas?

[Shane Williams]

Shane grinned grabbing his bags from the back of the car. Christmas was great, this was my great surprise. Oh and mum loved the books you suggested. He stopped a moment blinking. Were you headed somewhere? Or do you have time for us to unload my car and get some food? I'm starving.

A brisk cold wind rushed by them and Shane shivered. You must be cold too... how about food first then unloading

[Catherine Novella]

Cat smiled as she was holding the bags that Shane was giving her. She eyed the car and shrugged. She had no need for a car.She supposed though that Shane would enjoy it, that was all that mattered correct?

Smiling Cat nodded her head when Shane talked about how his mom liked the books she had recommended. That is good, she was glad that she did, as it was nice to see someone at least liked the books she recommended.

She watched as Shane stopped blinking before signing once again. She was trying to keep up with his hands, her brow furrowed. I had been a while. She had slowly gotten it and shook her head slowly signing back. I wasn't heading anywhere. I was just sort of wandering with my book. She smiled over at him. I'll help if you want it.

Cat shivered as the wind came and shook her head at the things Shane was signing. Cat didn't know how to sign all of the wrds of what she wanted to say so she tapped his shoulder telling him to look at her as she spoke. "Unload then food, we wont have to go back out in the cold then."

[Shane Williams]

Shane smiled grabbing the last bag. He still had a few boxes and his guitar that he'd have to run out and grab. The walk to the dorm was quiet... well... communication less since they both had their hands full. He was in the male dorms this time around but didn't think he'd get in trouble if she was just helping him unload packages. Free hands again he smiled. your right getting the cold stuff out of the way is the best idea. One more trip and we'll be all done Shane was slowing his hands for her, If I get too fast please let me know we can always go back to writing if it would be easier for you. You are doing great by the way

They made the last trip quickly grabbing the box of books and his guitar, they ran it back up to his room and dropped it all off. Ok so now how about some hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Something hot

[Catherine Novella]

Cat had her hands full of bags and packages. She wanted to get everything done quickly so they could get something warm. Maybe hot chocolate? They each didn't talk and each was busy on the trip back and forth to Shane's new room. It wasn't curfew yet so it was ok for her to be in the guys dorms, at least that's what the rules said. She followed the rules.

Cat set the bags she had down on his floor and looked over at her friend. When he too set his bags down she smiled happy that almost all of the stuff was here. She looked towards his hands as they started to sign.

Carefully she began to work through what he was saying. She thought she had missed some of the words but over all she got the jist of it. Smiling in return she slowly worked her way through the signs,

Its okay, I'm getting the hang of it. Just takes me a little to see the signs. I an work my way through it it just takes me a bit. we will write when we sit down. Easier that way. Or would you rather I speak and you answer?

She went with him to get the last batch of things smiling all the way. They were soon done with the trip, and everything was back into place. Shane could sort it all out later, right now they had a meeting with something hot to drink.

Nodding at his signing of words she quickly rubbed her hands together hoping to get some warmth into them. They had gotten cold from all the signing and carrying of boxes. Slowly she looked to what he said then began to sign a reply.

Ok, what would you like, I have Hot Cocoa in my room and cups, but I'm sure Ms. Wilson will let us use the microwave in the lounge for the Hot Cocoa. I have marshmallows.

Cat grinned before signing the next part.

I also have to give you your Christmas present, as well. You left before I could give it to you. I need to go to my room to get it first though.

[Shane Williams]

Shane grinned. Alright you get the cocoa and we'll meet in the lounge in a few moments, I have to grab some things here. Shane watched her leave and frantically glanced at the boxes around the room... where was it???

Tearing into his pile he pulled clothes, books, toiletries, shoes... AH! Shane pulled the small bag from the bottom of a box of shoes. He couldn't for the life of him figure out why the bag had ended up there... thank god the box of shoes had been cleaned so non of it smelled but still... really? Glancing that the contents were still there Shane grabbed a note book and hurried from the room down to Cat.

He hoped she'd like her gift as he set the bag down on a table near the fireplace.

[Catherine Novella]

Cat nodded an affirmative and went to her own room. She was able to get the hot cocoa, the cups and the marshmallows all in one go. She then grabbed the two presents that were for Shane and made her way down to the lounge.

She set down the few things and set the two bags down on the table. She had gotten him a green guitar strap as the primary present and then for the more creative present she would need his Ipod. She hoped he had remembered to bring it, if not she would find another way. Smiling she made the hot cocoa and set the cups down on the table plopping one huge marshmallow into each cup. She sat down to wait for Shane to get here, hoping he wouldn't take that long.

She smiled up at him and pushed the green bag forwards a bit, as that was his present then pointed to the chair across from her for him to sit.

[Shane Williams]

Shane smiled pushing her bag towards her as well. It was a simple gift but it had certainly taken Shane and his mother the entire visit to locate the items he wanted. Cat was a dear friend that had helped him through the break up with Syn, she'd been there for him when he'd suffered the flu, hell she'd been one of his first friends since he'd come here always keeping an eye out for him. Again his mind wandered through his affection towards her. She was a sister, a friend, and nothing more, he wouldn't loose her if she were to be anything more. Besides they were both still young and friends was so much less complicated in the long run.

Shane took the cocoa mug from her with a smile. He liked hot chocolate a lot, there were so many different variations that made cocoa so versatile. He liked it plain with marshmallows, hot with chili's, smooth with caramel, then there was perky with raspberries, tingly with peppermint, the list just goes on and on... then of course there is white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate variations.... ok perhaps Shane had spent a little too much time on his hot chocolate addiction.

Taking her bag he smiled and slowly started to open the first one. A smile filled his face. This is amazing! Shane ran his fingers across the fabric taking it all in. He'd needed a new strap for his guitar for some time now and this one was perfect. Thank you His hand fluidly moved finger tip to chin down leaving his palm up as his smiling face bowed to her. He appreciated her gift because it was thoughtful.

Setting the bag aside he waited patiently for her to open his gift hoping she'd enjoy the little ones. The scarf was from his mother, the book necklace from him, the book markers from his father... they were all packaged in two antiqued book boxes he's randomly found.

[Catherine Novella]

Cat smiled at the bag that was pushed her way. She wasn't sure exactly what was in it but she knew that it was nice of him to get her anything. Honestly he didn't have to and she knew that it was most likely friendship that got him to give it to her. He always seemed to be there and Cat couldn't thank him enough for that fact alone. She honestly didn't know what she would do without him. She had to smile at the time they got purposely lost, that was fun, even though they ended up no where near the campus. Eventually they got back that much was good.

Cat liked hot cocoa, it was good and tasty and didn't have caffeine in it, which sort of made her stay up all night. Since she had been friends with Shane it appeared that she had become quite the expert on hot cocoa. It was basically the only drink they had when it was old out and he seemed to like the way she made it with milk instead of water. He had gotten her to try more then she would ever admit, and she still wasn't sure how he did it.

Cat smiled as she watched him open the gift, only nodding when he thanked her and looked it over. It had taken a bit for her to find him something he would use, and would want. She wasn't going to get him socks, that was just wrong, but she figured he could use a new guitar strap. It was that he liked his gift that made her smile.

Cat smiled as she slowly took out the two boxes, then folded the tissue paper back up, there it was reusable. After that she slowly opened the smaller box, a smile lighting up her face as she saw the necklace and the bookmarks. She delicately lifted the necklace out of the box, which in itself was beautiful, and lifted it up so she could see it. It was really quite perfect. Cat looked over at Shane and smiled, and smile only really reserved for him. "Thank you."

Before she opened the second larger box, she got out a small USB drive and handed it to him. "This is the second part of your present..." She had thought long and hard, but finally settled on Grimm's fairytale's as what to record. She had gotten a techno path's help with the project and smiled as she thought of it signing. "Download it onto your Ipod then listen."

[Shane Williams]

Shane very much remembered getting lost with Cat those were some of his greatest memories, turning getting lost from a terror to a joy. Not to mention they'd found a great ice cream shop that he was looking forward to returning to come spring when it was ice cream weather again.

The joy on Cat's face was enough of a thank you for him. He grinned with pride that he'd found a good gift for her and that she liked it. He would have to be sure to pass the thanks on to his family members as well.. later of course when he was unpacking his room.

Shane looked at the zip drive with quite a bit of curiosity. He really wanted to know what the second part of his gift was but his computer was still safely packed upstairs. Again, he knew it would be something he'd liked... there was just something about the gift that made him sure it wasn't going to be comparable to grandma's scratchy wool sweaters they were right up there with socks... ok maybe not cause he didn't need the wool sweater but he did need socks... rather desperately it was a good thing his mother knew him. He smiled as he thought about the striped black and yellow socks he had on right now. Ok.... so he liked colorful socks it was just another ... thing of his.

So how was your break did you start any good books?

[Catherine Novella]

The ice cream shop was just an added bonus. Cat couldn't wait until spring when they would go again. This time she would get twist, as it had both vanilla and chocolate, two of her favorites. That was the game plan anyway.

Cat really liked it. It was unique and well thought of. She also liked the bookmarks, she could always use them, and they were quite handy. Smiling she slowly took the other box giving Shane an ever bigger smile then before when she found the scarf. Grinning she wrapped it up around her, relishing the warmth and the softness of it. Slowly she signed towards Shane. Thank you

She hoped he would like her gift. It wasn't the most...fun, but it was piratical and a bit original. She had literally spent hours trying to find good stories, and recording herself reading them. It had taken quite a bit, noting how technologically challenged Cat is. At Shane's question Cat nodded and smiled.

"Actually I've started to re read the classics, Animal Farm, Clockwork Orange, Great Expectations, its more fun to read them again, now that im older. I understand more of it."

She wasn't signing her answer, if only because her hands were preoccupied with the hot cocoa, but she was speaking slowly enough that Shane could read her lips.

What about you?

[Shane Williams]

Shane smiled and nodded, I'm glad you like it He was really glad actually it meant a lot to him, not to mention it was a great color on her. For the first time in a while Shane found himself wondering again if he might be gay. After all gay men have a strong fashion sense and women like them. Sure he'd had a girl friend and she was beautiful, but she had seemed more interested in relationship things than he had been, was it because of her or because she was a woman? Shane wasn't really more attracted to one body type than another. Shane shrugged closing those thoughts for now.

I understand, I got a hold of The complete works of Lewis Carrol this break, I'm amazed at how weird it is. I'm only half way through. Shane sipped his drink and thought about how to answer. Spent the time reading, learning to drive, hanging out with my parents, Dad and I learned a new song for the guitar it's a cool duet. um... ya that was about it Shane hadn't really done much, mostly just sat and enjoyed being home for a while.

[Catherine Novella]

Cat nodded at him and smiled. How could she not like it. It was blue and pretty. Not to mention warm. Just what she needed. Warmth. It always got cold in the winters in Vermont. Something that she had wanted for a while was more scarves. While Shane was addicted to socks and hot cocoa she was to scarves and books. She loved the two of them and had many just lying in her room. "How could I not? It is extremely pretty."

Cat gasped as he mentioned that he had gotten a hold of the works. " OH my, I love his books." They really were awesome and she couldn't wait to read them again. He had just reminded her. "Well I'm glad you had a good time." Cat smiled at him and took a sip of her hot cocoa. "It must have been nice to go home." Secretly Cat wished she had a family like his. It would make things easier. Sometimes she felt so lonely. Plus her grandmother was getting on in age. She didn't want anything to happen to her. If it did she really would be entirely alone.

How is your family doing? Cat signed this with a bit of sadness hidden behind her smile. Hopefully they would be doing okay.