Start fresh Next Semester ( Adopted by Tyler Joseph)

Chapter 3: The Stranger and an unexpected surprise.

3 Years later:

Steph's PoV:

Remember how my nurse said that I would have a better time soon? She didn't even know half of it. From bullying, to discrimination and harassment due to being mute in front of others. There was only one little thing that gave me joy in my time so far...

1 year ago

„OMG! I can't believe, that I'll see my favorite band in 1 hour!" I say excitingly to myself, while walking to the venue. I really hoped that I would have a fun time.

When I arrived at the venue I gave the security guard my ticket and was let in, and I immediately relaxed when I saw all the other „Clikkies" mingling around and having a fun time. I wished that I could join them and just sing and dance without worry, but I didn't speak in front of strangers since that day all those years ago. I am just terrified of rejection and not self conscious about my voice at all.

Suddenly I heard one of my favorite songs „Ride" start to play, and I really wanted to sing... so I just closed my eyes and reminded myself why I shouldn't do it.

They would laugh at you!

I know

They don't want to hear you anyway.

„Hey there. Why aren't you singing? Don't you know the words?" I heard beside me. I jumped, because I was shocked out of my mind and whirled at the direction of the voice, and what I saw took my breath away. There before me stood a stunning blonde haired, hazel eyed girl. I just shook my head and pointed at my throat and made a thumbs down „Oh gosh. I am sorry! I didn't know! So you do know the words?" she asked me kindly. I nodded and smiled at her, and pulled out my pen and paper „Yes I know the words, it's just I haven't talked in front of strangers for a few years. So my voice would be atrocious anyway." I wrote, totally bewildered when I realized that I shared that detail about myself and my „Muteness", but I just had a feeling that I could trust her. „Oh, wow. What happened?" she asked, but immediately slapped her hands before her mouth when she realized what she said „Oh my gosh. Great job Emy. You tremendous moron." the newly discovered „Emy" said to herself. I just shook my head and hugged her, trying to show her that it's ok, and that I am not mad at her. „Come with me" She said lowly in my ear, and I swear that my heart nearly stopped beating, because oh my god, that felt intense and intriguing.

When we reached the bathroom and checked that we were alone, I immediately helped her with her makeup, since it ran a bit. „ I... am... sorry" I got out with fear and anxiety rampant in my voice and in me „What if she hates me now?! I shouldn't have said anything. I better leave her alone" I shook my head and tried to leave, but I got pulled back gently by my wrist. „Why were you leaving? Was it something that I did?" asked Emy worriedly, I just shook my head and grabbed my pen and paper „My voice is bad. It leads to bad things... atleast that's what my parents used to tell me... shit. I don't even know why I tell you this, I normally don't trust people... I am still writing, am I..." „Dammit! Way too seem like a creep Steph! You shouldn't have came here tonight." and I was again surprised when I felt a hug, because I wasn't aware that I deserve to feel that kind of kindness ... the only treatment that I got after speaking or even talking to strangers was either mocking laughter or beatings or emotional abuse.

After calming down, I heard the soft tones of „Tear in my heart" playing, and decided to just go for it „Sometimes you gotta bleed to know, that you're alive and have a soul. But it takes someone to come around..." I couldn't sing anymore, because that's the longest that I spoke since many years, even when I was living with my parents I often went months without uttering a single word. „ Oh my gosh! That was beautiful. You have a really lovely voice. Oh, and uhm... what's your name?" she asked and blushed heavily. I wrote my name on my paper and showed her „Steph... that's a pretty name." she said kindly, before checking her watch „Oh my, we better hurry up! The concert starts in a few minutes." she said hastily, and before I could react she dragged me out of the bathroom and to the stage.

„Ok, for this next song, we will do something different, we want one of you on stage with us. You can bring another person if you want to. And I am really looking for a special person, because this next song is about someone special in your lives. So, do we have any volunteers?" Tyler asked, after he and Josh just finished playing „Fake you out". Suddenly my hand was yanked into the air and I heard a voice next to me shout „HERE!" and I looked at the person who did that with panic in my eyes. I just shook my head at Emy, but I heard three words that made me freeze up with nerves

„That girl there" Tyler said „Come on, help her out with this." and before I was lifted up Emy gave me a hug and whispered „You got this." in my ear. Before I noticed it, I was on the stage. „Hey there. So what's your name?" he asked me, and I felt like I was floating, like I could do anything „OMG. I am on stage with my favorite band. Do something! Say something you dumb dumb!" I just grabbed my pen and paper and started writing „My name's Steph. I am selective mute since basically forever, because of my parents. But you guys really helped me find my voice and express myself, without needing to talk, and even helped me sing a bit, when I was alone. Can I sing, while looking just at Josh? I won't be able to do it, if I need to look at everyone... or I would need to just close my eyes" „Oh my god. Of course sweetheart. You can just close your eyes." Tyler whispered to me

„Give it up for Steph! She's gonna help me with a song right now. This is „Tear in my Heart" he announced and the crowd clapped when he said my name. Soon the song began, and while I was nervous to begin with, the second verse was sung with more confidence from me, and my voice came out stronger, and it really showcased when I helped Tyler with the „You fell asleep in my car" part. And when both Tyler and I sang the last chorus together, I actually managed to open my eyes, and give Tyler a small smile.

When the song was over Tyler was the first to congratulate me and give me a standing ovation, which the crowd mirrored and even started a „This was beautiful" and a „Steph" chant. It was truly one of the happiest moments in my life up until that point... and I didn't know that these two random encounters would help me shape my future in a way better path than I ever imagined.