Fate must really play a hand in our lives. That day, things went off script right from the start. My alarm didnt ring, and as I was about to leave, I realised Id forgotten to turn off the tap in the kitchen, so I had to rush back. The next thing I recall is watching my bus pull away without me, so I decided to try my luck hitching a ride.
A sleek Range Rover stopped beside me; something about it caught me off guard, but I was late and jumped in. I told the driver where I needed to go, but he didnt seem to understand. I repeated myself, adding a well-known landmark that everyone in London would recognise.
The whole time, the driver stayed calm, and when we reached my destination, I tried to give him a tenner, but he quietly shook his head, letting me know it wasnt necessary. By that evening, Id already forgotten all about him. Work had worn me out, so I just longed to get home.
But as I stepped outside later, I spotted the same car, and by it stood the driver from earlier. He handed me a bouquet and a card: Hi, Im Adam. Im deaf and mute, but Im a genuinely nice bloke. Lets get to know each other. I couldnt tell if it was some sort of jokehed even added: I can lip-read.
I turned away and left without taking the flowers. If it was a prank, it wasnt funny, and if it was true, I didnt want that kind of relationship. Deep down, I did want a relationship; Id been single for a while, but at that moment, I was just very confused. The next day, he was waiting for me again, and the day after that. Two weeks later, I gave in. I walked up to him and said Id go with him to a coffee shop.
He turned out to be a truly remarkable guy. I spoke, and he carefully watched my lips to catch my wordswhich felt odd at first, but I soon got used to it. He quickly typed his replies on his phone. The hardest part was the way many people stared at us.
Those four months of dating were the happiest Id had; every spare moment I practised British Sign Language. Sure, sometimes I felt unsure, but I became pretty good at it. Then, Adam asked me to marry him. I agreed.
Meeting my parents was a struggle. My mum didnt take to him, nor to the news of our wedding. When we were alone, she tried to talk me out of marrying Adamothers did too. She said itd be tough to communicate with him in company, difficult for our children, and so on. To me, his disability was just a small thing, it didnt affect how I felt about him, but for them, it was insurmountable.
We got married. Only a few friends of mine showed upmy parents refused to attend, saying Id betrayed them.
Life hasnt really changed since then. Social situations can still be tricky, since most of our friends dont know sign language, and it takes a while for Adam to type out his reply on his phone. I do translate what he says, but its awkward for our mates.
Weve been married eight years nowour seven-year-old son understands sign language and chats with his dad easily. He has no issues with his speech or hearing. My mum started visiting only a few years after her grandson was born, but I can see shes still uncomfortable communicating with Adam. I wish she could have accepted him from the very start.
