mute

chapter 8

Chapter: A New Friendship

The following week, a new rhythm settled into Billie’s life. Homeschooling in the morning, piano with Finneas in the evenings, and dance in the afternoon. The structured routine, though flexible, gave her something to rely on. Each day she felt a little more in control, her anxieties lessening as she threw herself into dance. The movements allowed her to express her emotions, especially those that she struggled to communicate in words or even through music. But something was still missing—Billie often felt isolated, despite her progress. Dance had become her emotional outlet, but she hadn’t made any real connections with the other students. Most of them didn’t understand her unique challenges, and Billie often found herself on the sidelines, separate from the others.

That all changed one afternoon when Billie arrived at the dance studio to find a new girl warming up at the barre. She was tall and graceful, her movements flowing effortlessly as if she was born to dance. Billie felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. New people always made her anxious. She was used to feeling out of place, and the thought of introducing herself, even through sign language, felt overwhelming.

Billie made her way to the far side of the studio, finding her usual spot near the back. She didn’t expect anyone to talk to her, especially not someone new. But as she began her stretches, the new girl glanced over, her face lighting up with a friendly smile.

"Hi," the girl said, her voice cheerful but not overbearing. "I’m Odessa. Are you Billie?"

Billie looked up in surprise, her body freezing mid-stretch. How did this girl know her name? Before Billie could react, Odessa continued.

"The instructor told me about you," Odessa explained, as if reading Billie’s thoughts. "She said you’re amazing at expressing emotions through dance."

Billie blinked, a little taken aback by the compliment. Most people didn’t notice the depth of her emotions, especially when her tics made her movements so unpredictable. Unsure of what to say, Billie gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

Then, something unexpected happened. Odessa lifted her hands and began signing. "My brother is deaf," Odessa signed smoothly, her hands moving with practiced ease. "I know sign language because of him."

Billie’s eyes widened in surprise. This was the last thing she had expected—a girl who not only spoke her language but understood the complexity of nonverbal communication. Billie felt a sense of relief flood over her. She didn’t have to struggle to find words or feel like an outsider; this girl could understand her in a way no one else at the studio could.

"I didn’t know you signed," Billie signed back, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. It was rare for her to feel comfortable enough to engage with someone new, but there was something about Odessa that made it easy.

Odessa grinned. "I figured it might help. And honestly, I’m glad we can communicate this way. My brother taught me a lot about how important it is to have someone who understands."

From that moment, an unexpected but deep friendship began to form between the two girls. Odessa, with her easygoing nature and understanding of sign language, was exactly the kind of friend Billie had always needed but never knew how to find. Odessa didn’t treat Billie like she was fragile or different because of her Tourette’s or autism. She accepted Billie exactly as she was, without hesitation or judgment.

In the days that followed, Odessa and Billie spent more and more time together at the studio. They warmed up side by side, Odessa always checking in with Billie through sign language, ensuring she was comfortable. Billie felt a sense of ease she hadn’t experienced before. For the first time, she wasn’t the outsider in the group. She had someone who understood her.