In the stars. | A collection of short stories: B.E

I...I I lo- love you

A/n: Octavia has nonverbal autism: A form of autism that is characterized by a lack of or limited use of verbal communication. This can include difficulty using words to express needs or desires, speaking in single words or short phrases, and difficulty understanding language. However in this story, Octavia has never said a word in her life, her parents did not care whatsoever about teaching her how to speak, well they tried when Octavia was 4 but she just wouldn't learn... so she never did learn.

★Omniscient★

The night was a blanket of darkness, punctuated only by the soft glow of Billie's phone screen as she huddled in her dimly lit room. Her fingers danced across the virtual keyboard, sending messages that transcended mere words. Billie had always been a source of unwavering support and love for her girlfriend, Octavia, who had non-verbal autism. Their love story was one of patience, understanding, and a unique form of communication that went beyond spoken language.

That evening, a special sleepover was in progress. Billie, Octavia, and her older brother, Finneas, along with his girlfriend, Claudia, had gathered in the cosy living room. They had made a nest of blankets and pillows, settling in for a night of movies, popcorn, and whispered secrets.

As the night wore on, the familiar routine played out. Billie would turn to Octavia, her eyes filled with affection, and softly say, "I love you." Octavia, in her own way, would respond with gestures, smiles, or the occasional written note. But this time, something extraordinary happened.

Octavia mumbled a reply, her lips forming the word "love." It was a single syllable that hung in the air, laden with emotion. Billie's heart skipped a beat as her eyes widened in astonishment. Octavia had never spoken before, not a word in her entire life.

"Wait..." Billie's voice trailed off, tears welling up in her eyes. She leaned in closer to Octavia, her voice trembling. "Say... love you," Billie whispered, almost pleading. Her hope hung in the balance as she waited for Octavia's response.

Octavia, her determination shining through, looked deep into Billie's eyes. With a voice that was still mispronounced and unclear, she repeated those three special words, "I...I I lo- love you." It was more like a childish babble than a clear enunciation, but it was words, and it was a moment that would forever change their lives.

Billie couldn't contain her emotions any longer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rested her nose against Octavia's. Her body trembled with a mixture of joy and disbelief, and she couldn't help but let out a heartfelt chuckle.

Across the room, Claudia and Finneas remained blissfully unaware of the significance of the moment. Finneas, puzzled by Billie's intense reaction, finally spoke up. "Hey, what's going on? Why are you crying?"

Billie, still gazing at Octavia in awe, momentarily ignored her brother's question. She turned back to Octavia, her eyes filled with gratitude and love. "Vee," she whispered, "Baby, can you try one more time? You don't have to if it's too overwhelming."

Octavia, determined to make her love known, looked deep into Billie's eyes once more. Her voice remained mispronounced, but she repeated those three magical words, "I...I I lo- love you."

Billie's heart swelled with pride and adoration. She cupped Octavia's cheek gently and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Your voice is beautiful," Billie complimented her girlfriend, and Octavia blushed, her cheeks taking on a faint rosy hue.

Claudia and Finneas continued to watch, perplexed by the unfolding scene. Claudia leaned toward Finneas, whispering, "What's happening?"

Billie finally turned to her brother and Claudia, her eyes still shimmering with tears. "Vee just spoke," she said, her voice filled with wonder and amazement. "For the first time in her life, she said, 'I love you.'"