The Big Bad Wolf
Chapter 5
Jacob was grateful for the invention of hearing aids, especially in moments like these. He was at home with his daughter, Jasmine, who was animatedly recounting her day.
Her sparkling eyes and rapid speech were clear indicators of her happiness and growing circle of friends. She was considerate enough to use ASL as she spoke, knowing her father’s condition.
Jasmine had shown interest in learning ASL when she was just three years old, after realizing her father was different from other kids’ parents.
She didn’t see her father’s deafness as a disadvantage. Instead, she viewed it as a unique way to communicate with him, their own secret language.
Jacob and his friend William had taught her the basics, and she had quickly picked up the rest on her own after her godfather introduced her to YouTube videos when she was four.
Jacob had been diagnosed with congenital hearing loss, a result of his mother contracting rubella during her pregnancy.
Being the youngest of three children, his parents had done everything in their power to ensure he led a normal life.
Medical treatments were frequent, doctor visits outnumbered playdates, and nurses and specialists were his companions until he was four.
At six months old, he heard his mother’s voice for the first time. He didn’t remember the moment, but he had seen the video of his reaction.
His mother had cried and held him close, unwilling to let him go. Even his father had shed tears when Jacob responded to his voice.
Jacob would forever be grateful to his parents for providing him with the best speech therapists and teaching him ASL and speechreading.
They had enrolled him in a school that catered to his needs. His family, including his older brothers’ friends, had learned sign language to make him feel loved and included.
Now, as his daughter communicated with him using ASL, he felt an overwhelming sense of love.
“And she gave me a gold star because I finished before everyone and got everything right. Are you proud of me, Daddy?” She spoke and signed simultaneously.
“Daddy is always proud of his princess,” he signed back.
Jasmine’s face lit up at his words, and she climbed onto his lap.
They were both in their PJs, sitting in front of the TV, ready to watch Tangled for what felt like the millionth time as part of their weekend movie night tradition.
Popcorn, juice, and junk food were spread out beside them as they settled in to start the movie. As the movie began, Jasmine recited the lines along with Flynn Rider.
Jacob couldn’t help but roll his eyes as she perfectly mimicked every rise and fall of the narrative. It was a typical Friday night, and he was indoors watching a Disney movie.
He had never imagined this would be his future, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Daddy?” Jasmine’s voice interrupted the third movie, Brave. She tapped his hand twice to get his attention.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Do you miss Mommy?” she asked softly, her fingers playing with the engraved gold band on his left hand.
“Every day,” he replied without hesitation.
“Would she be mad if I asked for a new one?” she asked, her voice filled with apprehension as she studied the conflicting emotions on her father’s face.
“Do you really want a new mommy?” he asked cautiously. Jasmine was aware of her mother. He had made sure to keep Annabella’s memory alive for his daughter over the years.
She had been only three months old when she was last held by her mother.
In her room, he had placed two pictures of both of them beside her bed and one in the living area, where they could see her every day.
The question of having a new mommy had never been raised before, but he knew the day would come, and it seemed that today was that day.
“Only if you want. I’m happy it’s just the two of us, but…,” she began, then stopped when she saw her father’s eyes well up with tears.
William was right, Jacob thought to himself. It was time to get back out there. The date a few weeks ago had been a trial run because he wasn’t truly ready to step out of his comfort zone.
He had gone on the date because of his friend’s encouragement, and out of curiosity. Now, looking at his little girl, he decided it was time. He twirled a curl of her hair around his finger and gave her a watery smile.
“It’s okay, Princess,” he reassured her.
She was growing up and needed a female presence in her life. He prided himself on being both parents, but some days were challenging. It would be nice to have some help.
“You won’t forget your mother, right?” he asked.
“Never,” she replied earnestly. His brave and bold little princess.
Entering the dating world, he would have to tread carefully. Not every woman could be a mother to someone else’s child.
He wouldn’t allow every woman he met to be a part of his daughter’s life, only to disappoint her later.
Jacob pulled his baby girl into his arms, inhaling the scent of her floral bubble bath and kissing her head. “Daddy will find the best mommy ever for you,” he promised.
Jasmine tightened her tiny arms around his neck in response.
Monday morning arrived quickly. Jasmine and Jacob were in the kitchen, eating breakfast in silence while watching old Sofia videos on the kitchen iPad.
They were on schedule; their daily routine was like a well-oiled machine.
He had been blessed with a well-behaved child from birth until now. The only time he had faced any trouble was during her terrible twos. From then on, it had been smooth sailing.
He had followed parenting books and incorporated his own techniques during her upbringing.
His family couldn’t provide much help as they lived overseas. They visited for a month during the summer, then returned to Germany.
Jacob had first come to America as an exchange student for his senior year. It had been a significant change for him, but his family had supported his decision.
The family that had hosted him had been wonderful and had become his surrogate family even after the program ended and he decided to stay for college.
William had immigrated to the States, and Jacob joined his friend for college to start a new life. Both men had never regretted the decision they had made years ago.
A loud beeping sound interrupted the Sofia video, followed by a pop-up. Jasmine tapped it to open it, revealing an icon of an ear and a stethoscope and the time of 9 a.m.
“Daddy, don’t forget, okay?” she reminded him, a stern expression on her face.
He chuckled and nodded in response. Jacob knew if she had her way, she would be the parent and not him.
Her small hands reached up, touching the device tucked behind his ear. He wore one on each side, with a receiver nestled in his ear canal. It allowed him to fine-tune the sounds of the world around him.
Every three months, he needed a checkup to ensure everything was functioning properly and to clear out any accumulated debris.
“Does it hurt?” she asked, her fingers tracing the clear wire from behind his ear to the speaker.
“It used to when I was younger, but now it’s just part of me,” he replied.
“Why can’t I hear like you, Daddy?” It was a question she’d never asked before. She was usually so easygoing about it all.
“Because when Mommy was carrying you, she wasn’t sick,” he answered. That seemed to satisfy her curiosity, and she returned to her TV show.
Jacob chuckled to himself and left her at the table to go run her bath. He was half-dressed, and everything they needed for the day was already by the door.
Jasmine joined him soon after. He pointed to her toothbrush on the sink, then to the bathtub. “Thank you, Daddy,” she signed before he left to check her room.
Her school clothes were already laid out. He smiled at her organization. His mornings were easy; all he had to do was tidy her braids and give her outfit the thumbs up.
His six-year-old was incredibly independent. Fifteen minutes later, she came into her room to get dressed. “I’ll see you downstairs, Princess,” he signed, leaving her to it.
While he waited, Lexi called. “Hey, Jacob,” she greeted, her voice bubbling with cheer.
“Hey, what’s up?”
“Just confirming I’m picking up Jazzy later.”
“Yeah, same as always. You got plans?”
“Not really, but would you mind if I stayed for dinner? It’s been a while since we hung out.” Her cheerful tone didn’t falter.
Jacob considered her words. They used to spend time together, but only when Annabella was around. Their interactions over the years had been solely about Jasmine.
Dinner with a friend wouldn’t hurt.
“Sure. I’ll let Jazzy know you’re staying for dinner. She’ll be thrilled,” he replied, smiling.
“Great,” she squeaked, then quickly ended the call.
Checking the time, he realized they needed to get going.
Grabbing their things, he waited at the start of the hallway leading to the front door for his daughter.
A minute later, he heard her footsteps bounding down the stairs. Dressed in a hooded Princess Jasmine dress and teal Vans, she was ready for school.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Your Majesty,” he said, bowing to her.
Jasmine giggled and took his hand as he led her outside.
Drop-offs were easier now. She no longer needed him to walk her in. She was comfortable going in alone and meeting her new friends.
But she always made sure to kiss her father goodbye and tell him she loved him.
Mothers who witnessed the exchange often cooed in delight and tried to catch the eye of the handsome father. That morning, one was particularly successful.
“Good morning, Jacob,” the red-haired woman called out, approaching him as he watched Jasmine run up to the boy she’d met on her first day.
“Hello. Good morning, Betty,” he replied, out of courtesy.
“How have you been?” she began.
“Fine, thank you. And you?” Jacob didn’t have time for this. He could tell from her eyes and body language that this wasn’t a quick hello.
“Good. Good. I was thinking, since our girls are getting along so well, maybe we could arrange a playdate?” she suggested, moving closer to him.
He tried to recall her daughter’s name but came up blank. “I’m sorry, but which one is your daughter? Jasmine talks about so many of her friends,” he asked.
Betty bit her lip, taken by the deep, sultry tone of Jacob’s voice. His blend of German and American accents was incredibly appealing.
“Ellie,” she offered. He searched his memory for any mention of Ellie but came up empty. He’d have to ask Jasmine about her.
“Why don’t I talk it over with Jasmine, and I’ll give you a call?” he suggested smoothly. And just like that, he was handed a card with her number on it.
Looking at the card, he noted her profession—a real estate agent. “Don’t wait too long,” she said, winking at him.
“Sure. Have a good day,” he replied, quickly getting back into his car.
Women are like wolves these days, he thought to himself as he merged into the morning traffic.
Continue to the next chapter of The Big Bad Wolf