You had a speech, you're speechless

02

Taylor's POV

When I rolled up the girls shorts I saw a lot of scars on her legs that looked like she did them to herself. I chose not to mention them so I won't make her uncomfortable. I cleaned her wounds and put plasters on both of her knees while feeling her gaze land on me. I choose not to look up because I recognize her being unable to make eye contact. I don't know what's wrong with this girl but I feel the need to protect her. I know she's not a chatterbox, she seems to be a shy girl. I even thought she was deaf but after she nodded to my questions I realized she's not. I'm sitting next to her: "Can I give you a hug sweetheart?" I look at her while waiting for her response. Her gaze is straight to our feet and she seems frozen. I see how she slowly nodded her head so I decided to give her a side hug and lay her head down on my chest.

After staying like this for about fifteen minutes I slowly stand up and face the girl: "Sweetheart what's your name?" No reaction again. "Hey, are you feeling better? Are you ready to go home?", I ask. She nods much more visible this time. I started to think: "Do you want me to bring you home?" She shakes her head. "Okay, so what about we exchange numbers and you write me as soon as you enter your home." She nods and gives me her phone so I can write my number in. I save it with the name "Tay<3" I take the girls hand and walk with her to the door. She quickly looks at me as she smiles and walks away. That was it. I'm not sure if I will ever see her again. I'm hoping she will write me but I keep my hopes low.

Alana's POV

I'm out of Taylor Swifts house. What the fuck. I fell over THE Taylor Swift. My favorite singer, my lifesaver. I can't believe this happened. I started my maps app to direct me to the group home I live in. While walking I remember I ran away from my therapist before falling over Taylor. Fuck. My therapist and social workers are probably so worried about me right now. I checked my missed calls and saw five from my therapist and seven from the social worker who runs the group home. I wasn't able to call back, my anxiety wouldn't let me. I just started to walk a bit faster hoping I'll be home soon so they don't have to worry anymore.

About half an hour later I reach the house I live in. I'm ringing the doorbell because my key is still in my therapists office. Mara, the social worker opens the door with relief showing on her face. "Alana where were you? God we were so worried about you! Come in." I stay silent. Even though I live in this home for three years now, it's still impossible for me to talk to the social workers because they're adults and I didn't grew up with them. I give Mara an apologetic smile for a second after looking down at my shoes again. "Alana there's blood on your shorts. Are you okay?" I nod. "I know you're not a girl with many words but can you at least say if you're okay or not? Please? We know each other for so long now and I still don't know the sound of your voice." I want to talk to Mara but my mouth is locked. I'm on the verge of tears because I hate this goddamn illness. "Okay fine, what about you go in your room and write everything down that happened today?" I nod at her.

As soon as I'm in my room I hop in my bed still confused about everything that had happened today. Should I tell Mara about meeting Taylor Swift and visiting her apartment? Maybe all of this didn't really happened and were just a fantasy of mine. I remember Taylor giving me her number so after I finished the letter for Mara in which I explained everything that has happened I grab my phone and go to contacts. There's a new one called "Tay<3" I decide to write her so she doesn't have to worry about me anymore and can forget about me.

Taylor's POV

It's been two hours since the girl has left my apartment. Who was I to think she would write me when she's home? Is she home tho? What if something happened? I start to worry more every second when my phone buzzes. I look at it and I'm seeing a number I don't know.

Anonymous
Hey Taylor it's me Alana. I'm the girl who bumped into you and had bloody knees. I'm home for about 90 minutes now I'm sorry I didn't write you earlier. You don't have to worry about me anymore I'm home save.

Anonymous
Oh and before I forget. I have a mental illness called selective mutism that's why I didn't talk to you. I am not mean or stubborn. I just wanted you to know that because many people think I am when they get to meet me. It's just like the words I want to say never find a way out. I'm sorry I was a burden for you today. Thanks for helping me but you didn't have to.

Oh that's why she didn't speak to me. I feel bad because I was indeed thinking she's mean at the beginning of our conversation. I'm thinking about what I could write back because I really want to write back. I want to get to know Alana.

Tay<3
Good evening Alana. First of all your name is really beautiful. I'm glad you're home and don't worry about me being worried okay? I'm just checking if you're okay. I'm sorry to hear you've selective mutism that must be so hard. I actually never heard of it before so I'm apologizing if I said something that hurt you. And sweetheart please, you wasn't a burden at all! I enjoyed spending time with you. I was hoping we could hang out again soon. You seem like a very nice girl!

Al<3
I don't think you wanna hang out with me. Forgot, I'm not able to talk. No one would like hanging out with someone who never talks to them.

Authors note

What do you think about the story so far? So you guys think Taylor will still meet Alana again even if she isn't able to talk? And if, will she mention Alana's self harm?
-Emely