Safe and Sound

Chapter 9

“Yeah! I know ASL too, don’t leave me out of this.” Wade crosses his arms.

    “I have severe anxiety, and specifically something called selective mutism.” I write this, as it’s faster than trying to sign it, “Essentially I physically can’t talk around anyone but my aunt, Ned, and MJ.” I show them the paper and they read it, seeming to take a moment to process the information.

    “That sounds pretty bad, kiddo. You have a therapist or something right? No offense, I mean most of us have therapists too.” she shrugs. I shake my head. A therapist? Yeah right, May would kill me. Possibly literally.

    It’s starting to get cold, even in this shirt. The air conditioner must be on pretty high. An inability to thermoregulate can be problematic.

    “So…” Wade says. “What are we doing today?”

    “I don’t know. I guess we’re just hanging out. I’ve got nothing to do today, and I don’t know where Tony went.” Clint explains.

    “We could watch a movie?” Thor is sitting on the floor in the corner, still looking guilty. I forgot he was in the room for his lack of talking. My phone starts to ring. Ned? I hang up, knowing I won’t be able to talk in front of them, but text him instead.

    Peter- Hey Ned, can’t talk now, I’m at my internship. What’s up?

    Ned- Hey just wanted to make sure you were okay after last night. MJ has been trying to ahold of you too.

    Peter- It was fine. I’ve just been busy, something’s wrong with my ears, I’ll make a group chat to explain.

            -MJ has been added to the group-

    MJ- Wtf Peter why haven’t you been answering your phone I’ve been worried as shit!

    Peter- I’m sorry I’ve been busy. I got hurt pretty bad on patrol last night. Mr. Stark and the others have been trying to help. Did you know pretty much everyone here knows sign language? I think it’s because of Mr. Barton.

    Ned- That’s so cool but what did you do?!

    MJ- Peter what happened? Are you okay? Do you need help?
    Peter- They don’t know I’m Spiderman and are trying to get my identity for “security purposes” and Clint shot at me with an explosive arrow. I was caught up in the blast and I’ve had a ringing in my ears since.

    MJ- Damnit Peter! Can you hear at all?

    Peter- Yes but loud noises really hurt. Mr. Stark gave me mostly noise cancelling earbuds and access to Spotify. But Thor is pouting because he nearly made my ear drums explode so I’m gonna try and cheer him up ttyl.

    “Mr. Thor Sir?” I write, “would you like to pick the movie?” Thor’s face lights up as he gets to his feet. Wade scoots over so he’s sitting next to me to let Thor sit on the other end of the couch. I think I like Wade… Like, he’s cool.

    We watch Lady and the Tramp for the rest of the morning, on low volume. And then Lady and the Tramp 2. Thor seems to like the sweet, animated movies. Throughout the second movie my phone keeps buzzing. I ignore all the messages I get from May.

Until I get a call with the local area code. I decided to answer it, not knowing what else to do, considering I’ve developed a program to block most if not all spam. The program automatically replies to the call with “You have reached a classified number. The consequence for this is a five hundred dollar fine and-” usually they hang up right after that.

“Hello, is this Peter Parker? I’m calling from Marc’s Coffee Shop, in response to your dishwashing application?” I quickly hang up but go to my recent calls and message the number instead.

Peter- I’m sorry, I’m actually mute. This is Peter Parker. You called about the application?

    Marc’s Coffee Shop- Yes, Mr. Parker, we called because you seemed like a good fit for the job. You said you’re mute?

    Peter- That’s right. I do know ASL and can communicate through pen and pad though. Or messaging or anything else.

    Marc’s Coffee Shop- I’m sorry Mr. Parker I see you even put that in your application. I’m afraid you’d be too much of a liability for the shop. We refuse to hire someone disabled as that does but us in a rather vulnerable position should something happen. Have a nice afternoon Mr. Parker.

    I hang my head. I’d never thought about my mutism as a disability. A liability? I’m perfectly capable of washing a few dishes.

    “Peter?” Wade whispers, “Here’s my phone number.” I look at his phone to see the digits, and shrug, putting his number in my phone.

    Peter- What’s up?

Wade- Couldn’t help looking over your shoulder at your reaction there. Wanna talk about it?

Peter- I just got laid off and really need to find another job. The one that’s reached out to me doesn’t want me because of my “disability”. I guess I never thought about it like that.

Wade- Why do you need work so bad? You’re only seventeen.

Peter- I need it to help pay rent, and eventually move out. Money’s been tight lately. Not a huge deal.

Wade- No offense but if you have to help pay rent that kind of sounds like a big deal. Also, Spider-man, are the others really after you?