Page 288 of Champagne Nights

“I love you so much, Ellie Scott.”

“I love you too, Henry Walker.”

“You went to the doctor by yourself? I would have gone with you.”

“Don’t be mad at me. Promise.”

“Mad about what?”

“Promise!”

“I promise.”

“Your dad went with me. He found one of the best doctors here in Manhattan and arranged the appointment.”

“Wow. I’m going to have to thank him for doing that for you.”

“You’re not mad?”

“No, sweetheart, not at all. I’m incredibly happy.”

“Good. Now it’s time for your other birthday gift.” The corners of my mouth curved upward as I tore off my nightshirt and climbed on top of him.

Three Months Later

“Are you ready, Ellie?”the audiologist asked as Henry tightly held my hand.

“Yes. I’m ready.”

“I’m going to turn it way up and then lower the volume until it’s comfortable for you.”

“Okay,” I spoke as I nodded my head.

My belly was tied in knots, and I was nervous as hell. I was so nervous that my legs were shaking. I prepped myself for the electrical shock I’d felt the first time I had the implant. But to my surprise, there wasn’t one.

“Oh My God. That’s way too loud,” I said.

“I know. I’m turning it down. How’s this?” she asked.

“Still too loud.”

“Okay. And this. How’s this?”

“That’s okay. Still a little loud, but manageable.”

“You need to remember you haven’t heard a sound in over twenty some years, so anything you hear will initially be loud until you get used to it.”

“Ellie?”

Tears stung my eyes as I heard Henry’s voice. Turning my head, I looked at him.

“You heard me call your name?”

I couldn’t speak because I was filled with so much emotion, so I just nodded my head as he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into him.

I had to wait approximately four weeks after my surgery to have my implant turned on since the incision needed to heal first. It was the longest four weeks of my life. It wasn’t easy at first when my implant was turned on. My brain had to relearn all the sounds I’d missed out on since I lost my hearing. I wouldn’t lie and say everything was perfect when we left the audiologist’s office that day because it wasn’t. I had a lot to overcome and a lot of struggles to get through. I had consistent appointments I needed to attend. But as the weeks went on, and with Henry’s love and support, I made it through just fine. The best part for me was being able to hear his voice and the fact that we didn’thave to sleep with the nightlight on anymore. We could talk in bed without having to sign before we went to sleep and before I took my device off for the night.

The most surreal part of it all was when I could hear him call my name or talk to me in the distance. I still signed, and so did he because it was a habit. Signing would always be a part of my life, and I wasn’t willing to ever give that up.

---