Chapter 178: Sisters
Genevieve’s heart thudded so loudly as she stared at Abigail, while her hand stayed on the doorknob, unsure if she had really heard those words from her lips or if she had imagined it.
Slowly, she turned fully to face Abigail. "You spoke," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "You spoke to me."
Abigail gave a small nod but didn’t look away. She knew that Genevieve knew now that she could speak, but Genevieve didn’t know that she was aware, so she figured it would be a big deal to Genevieve if she opened up to her.
"Thank you, Genevieve," Abigail said again, her voice was quiet. But it was clear and warm.
This time, there was no mistaking it. Genevieve saw her lips move. Genevieve’s throat tightened as a wave of emotions washed over her.
The last time she had heard Abigail’s voice was twenty years ago when they were kids. At first when Abigail had lost her voice she had felt sorry and sad, but then she had also felt annoyed and frustrated when she had been unable to grasp the sign language and so she had channeled the feeling of inadequacy and anger at Abigail.
She let go of the doorknob as she took one slow step back into the room, and then another until she was standing by the desk.
"I... I don’t know what to say," she whispered. "Do you feel comfortable talking here or you want us to go somewhere else?" Genevieve asked, and Abigail shrugged.
"You said he wouldn’t bug my office or put cameras here," Abigail reminded her. "So, I guess we can talk here."
Genevieve nodded and sat down again opposite Abigail. "Dad actually told me earlier that you can speak now," Genevieve confessed, "but I’m surprised you chose to talk to me."
"I was also surprised you chose to tell me about his plan with Pete," Abigail said, and Genevieve smiled.