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Lynn adjusted the weight of the grocery bags on her arms as she strolled through the aisles with her mom, Rita. They were engrossed in a lively discussion about the upcoming birthday party for her sisters Lola and Lana.

"So, Mom, I was thinking we could do a surprise theme for their birthday this year," Lynn suggested, her eyes scanning the shelves for snacks.

Rita nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "That sounds like a great idea, Lynn! What kind of theme were you thinking?"

As Lynn was about to reply, she felt a sudden bump against her shoulder. Turning to see what had caused it, she found herself face-to-face with Gwen Gutierrez. Lynn's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Gwen, her crush since a month ago.

"Oops, sorry about that," Gwen signed with a sheepish grin, her eyes meeting Lynn's briefly before flickering down to the grocery bags.

Lynn quickly tapped Gwen's arm to get her attention, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Hey, it's no problem at all. We're just... uh, talking about... uh, the party for Lola and Lana."

Gwen tilted her head slightly, trying to read Lynn's lips as she spoke. Despite being deaf, she made an effort to enunciate her words clearly. "Oh, a party! That sounds like fun. What's the plan so far?"

Lynn couldn't help but smile at Gwen's effort, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest. "Well, we're still figuring it out, but we want it to be a surprise. You know, something big and exciting!"

Gwen grinned back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sounds intriguing. I'll be looking forward to it."

Just then, Lynn surprised Gwen by signing a few basic words she had been learning recently. Gwen's eyes widened in surprise before a soft blush colored her cheeks. Lynn explained how she was still learning sign language, hoping they could understand each other better.

Gwen's gratitude was evident in her eyes as she signed back, "That's really sweet of you, Lynn."

Lynn's cheeks flushed at the compliment, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. It was rare for her to have a moment like this with Gwen, and she cherished it deeply.

Unbeknownst to Lynn, her mother had been watching the interaction with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She could see the telltale signs of her daughter's infatuation with Gwen, and it warmed her heart to see Lynn making an effort to connect with her crush.

Just then, a vibrant woman with a dazzling smile approached them, her long blonde hair swaying with each step. It was Inez Roche, Gwen's mother, and she greeted the Louds with exuberance.

"Greetings, dear friends!" Inez exclaimed, enveloping Susan and Lynn in a warm hug. "What a delightful surprise to see you here!"

Gwen looked on in astonishment as her mother exchanged pleasantries with the Louds. She hadn't expected her mom to know Lynn and her family, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unexpected connection.

Lynn's eyes widened in astonishment as she turned to see Inez approached them. Before she could utter a word, Gwen, tapped her mom's arm and signed a quick question about how she knew the Louds.

Inez chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, darling, it's a small world after all," she signed back to Gwen. "I used to know Rita from a few community events, and our paths crossed again today."

Meanwhile, Inez greeted Rita with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Rita! It's been too long. How have you and your kids been?"

Rita smiled warmly in return, launching into a lively conversation with Inez about her children. As they caught up, Lynn and Gwen watched them intently, exchanging glances every now and then.

When Gwen turned away from Lynn's gaze, she bit her bottom lip for composure.

''Is it your twins' birthday in two days?''

''Yes! We have been preparing for it.''

''Oh my God! I will gladly to have my daughter go, unfortunately, I have to manage my delivery partners. I apologize.''

Lynn widened her eyes and her hands had stiffened as she glanced both to Gwen and to their moms.

''It's fine, I will take good care of your daughter in my loud household.''

Lynn couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth in her chest as she observed Gwen trying to follow the conversation between their mothers. It was moments like these that made Lynn appreciate the bond they were forming, even if it was through indirect interactions.

Interrupting their conversation, Inez turned to Lynn and Gwen, her gaze curious yet friendly. "Gwen, do you know Lynn?"

Gwen nodded with a smile, her hands moving in fluid motions as she signed and spoke her response. "Yes, Mom. Lynn is a star athlete at school and... a friend of mine."

Lynn felt her cheeks flush at Gwen's words, a mixture of excitement and disbelief swirling within her. She couldn't believe her crush was referring to her as a friend.

Friend. Ouch.

Inez's gaze lingered on Lynn and Gwen for a moment, a slight frown creasing her brow as if something about them seemed familiar. Before she could dwell on it further, Gwen cut in, explaining how Lynn was learning ASL to better communicate with her.

Inez's expression softened immediately, her eyes brightening with gratitude as she turned to Lynn. "Thank you, Lynn. That's incredibly thoughtful of you. I appreciate your efforts to bridge the gap."

Lynn smiled shyly in response, feeling a surge of happiness at Inez's words. Before long, their conversation came to an end, and Inez and Gwen bid their farewells to the Louds, promising to catch up again soon.

As they walked away, Lynn couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment settle over her. She glanced at Gwen, who met her gaze with a warm smile, and Lynn knew that their bond was only growing stronger with each passing day.

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author: "it's been so long"