Chapter 35: Creepy

Chapter 35: Creepy Abigail’s heart slammed against her ribs as Jamal’s words hung between them. She had spoken. Out loud. And he had heard her. She quickly reached for her phone, pausing her music, before snapping her gaze to him. His brown eyes held hers, sharp with surprise and something else— something lost between curiosity and amusement. Her mind scrambled for an explanation, but she knew there was none. Instead, she exhaled sharply and raised her hands to sign, [I don’t share personal details with strangers.] Jamal snorted, shaking his head. "That’s rich coming from someone like you that asks strangers personal questions. What kind of person pretends to be mute when they can talk?" Abigail frowned at his bluntness but didn’t react beyond lifting her hands again. [It’s not your business. Just ignore me like you did earlier and focus on yourself.] Jamal sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Unfortunately, I can’t ignore you just because you’re asking me to." He leaned back against his seat, turning his head slightly to face her fully. "You’re the one who bumped into me, ran after me to ask for my number, and then lied about being mute. I believe I deserve an explanation. Now you better speak because I’m not interested in reading your sign language anymore." Abigail’s hands froze midair, her fingers curling into her palms. A hot rush of frustration swept through her. He was impossible. But she wasn’t about to be drawn into a conversation with him no matter how tempted she was to talk to him. Not here. Not now. Not when she still didn’t know if her father had planted someone on the plane to watch her. Without another word, she turned away from him, jammed her EarPods back in, and restarted her music. She squeezed her eyes shut, determined to ignore him and focus on the music flooding her ears. There was no need to talk to him anyway. He was in a relationship and there was no point in setting herself up for any disappointment or further heartache. But then... he poked her. Her brow twitched, but she ignored it. Another poke. Her fingers tightened around her phone, but she kept still. A third poke. She inhaled sharply, yanked out an EarPod, and snapped her hazel eyes open to glare at him. [What do you want?] she signed, exasperation clear in her movements. Jamal didn’t hesitate. "I want you to speak. I want to hear you talk." Abigail’s lips parted slightly before she closed them. She inhaled deeply and signed, [I can’t.] His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why not? Are you a selective mute?" She stiffened. [It’s not your business. Leave me alone.] A beat passed. Then, his lips curved slightly. "Do you still want my number?" Her heart skipped before she could stop it. She hesitated, then lifted her hands again. [You didn’t want to give it to me before because you thought I was mute. But now you do because I can speak? Are you an ableist?" "Do you think I am one?" He asked, and then exhaled heavily, rubbing a hand down his face. "You’re no longer much of a stranger to me so I thought maybe I’d be more friendly now. Why did you even ask for my number?" Abigail hesitated again. The truth sat heavy in her throat, but she swallowed it down. [It doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t want it. Just let me be.] Jamal tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Do you think I don’t want to let you be?" She rolled her eyes. [Then do so.] He let out a low chuckle. "I can’t." He shook his head, looking mildly irritated. "I don’t even understand why I was brought to sit next to you of all places." Abigail’s gaze flicked toward Stefan, who was watching them from his seat a few rows away. His lips were curled in a smirk, eyes glinting knowingly. She turned back to Jamal and signed, [If you’re so uncomfortable, swap with someone else. Your bodyguard can sit here instead.] Jamal followed her gaze to Stefan and let out a groan when he saw the way he was watching them. He suddenly remembered what Cal had said about him always being drawn to disabled females. He could tell that was the reason Stefan was watching him that way. "Stefan’s not my bodyguard. He’s my friend and assistant." he muttered under his breath before returning his gaze to her. Abigail gave him a skeptical look. [Could’ve fooled me, judging by how protective he is.] Jamal laughed at that. A deep, rich sound that sent an annoying shiver down her spine and made her heart flutter in response. Then, his expression shifted slightly. "What’s your name?" Abigail stilled. If she said Abigail then he might be able to guess. [You don’t need to know.] "Why not? Still mad about how I talked to you earlier?" Jamal asked and she shook her head. [No. I just don’t want to talk anymore. If you don’t mind, I’d like to return my attention to my music. Leave me alone.] Jamal studied her for a moment, disappointment flickering across his face. Then, without another word, he leaned back in his seat and turned away. Abigail closed her eyes again, finally allowing her thoughts to drift. The text she had received earlier resurfaced in her mind, making her stomach twist. Would the person be at the airport when she landed? Would she finally meet the anonymous texter? Was she walking straight into a trap? Beside her, Jamal sat in silence, watching her from the corner of his eye. Something about her felt so familiar. But he knew they had never met before. He would remember if they had. Wouldn’t he? He mused as she watched her peaceful face. Just then, she opened her eyes and froze when she caught him staring. Her brows pulled together slightly. [You’re being creepy.] she signed. Jamal cocked a brow. "Are you creeped out?" [No. But that doesn’t make it less creepy.] she signed again. He arched a brow. "Why would you say it’s creepy if you’re not creeped out?" Abigail shrugged. [If someone else was doing it, I’d be creeped out.] Jamal leaned forward slightly. "So why aren’t you creeped out by me?" Abigail paused, realizing she had answered wrongly. Not knowing how to correct that, she simply shrugged again and turned away from him. Jamal let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Why were his feelings always all over the place when it came to women? First it was Dawn, and then Abigail, and then the podcaster, Nobody, who he had a crush on, and now this stranger from no where, who intrigued him. What was it about her that was making his head spin? Before he could dwell on it further, the air hostess approached their seats, offering them refreshments. Jamal turned his attention away from Abigail, but even as he accepted his drink, he couldn’t shake the strange feeling settling in his chest. Something was off. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew something was off about her.