mute

chapter 13

Chapter: A Second Chance

The next day, Billie’s family was determined to give the restaurant another try. They had talked things over at home and come up with a plan to make the experience less overwhelming for Billie. This time, they would bring along her ear defenders to block out the noise, her favorite fidget toys to keep her hands busy, and, most importantly, Odessa.

Odessa had become an important figure in Billie’s life, someone who understood her in ways few others could. She knew how to communicate with Billie when things got tough, and that made all the difference. Billie trusted her completely, and the idea of having Odessa there for support made the prospect of returning to the restaurant less scary.

As they walked up to the familiar entrance of the restaurant, Billie was already feeling a little anxious. The memory of her tic attack and meltdown from the previous day weighed on her. But with Odessa at her side, holding her hand, and her ear defenders around her neck, ready to be used, Billie felt a small sense of control return.

“Are you ready?” Odessa signed, her face full of calm and reassurance.

Billie nodded, slipping her ear defenders over her head. The world around her became muted, the clinking of dishes and murmur of conversations now a distant hum. She took a deep breath, feeling the smooth surface of her fidget toy between her fingers, and followed her family inside.

Maggie and Patrick had made sure to pick a quiet corner of the restaurant, away from the busiest areas. They were mindful of Billie’s needs, always keeping her comfort in mind. As they sat down, Billie could feel her body tense slightly, but she immediately began squeezing her fidget toy, letting her hands focus on the repetitive motions that calmed her.

Odessa sat beside her, keeping an eye out for any signs of distress. She had seen Billie go through difficult moments before, and she knew how to help without making it obvious or drawing attention to her.

The first few minutes passed smoothly. Billie’s head twitched a little, a few minor tics surfacing, but nothing unmanageable. Whenever she felt the tension building, Odessa would give her a soft nudge, signing small messages like “You’re okay” or “You’re doing great,” and Billie would relax again.

When the server came over to take their orders, Billie’s tics spiked a bit—her shoulder jerking and her hands tapping against the table—but Odessa reached out and squeezed her hand gently, bringing her focus back. Billie breathed through the moment, feeling the calming effect of her ear defenders and Odessa’s presence.

Dinner proceeded without any major issues. Billie fidgeted with her toy, her fingers moving rapidly as her tics continued to flare up occasionally. But each time, Odessa was there, a quiet and comforting presence, helping her through it. Billie’s family watched with relief and pride, knowing that this was a big step forward. They could see how much Billie had grown, how much she was learning to manage her challenges, especially with the right tools and support.

As they finished up dinner, Maggie smiled at Billie, signing, “You did so well, sweetheart. We’re so proud of you.”

Billie smiled back, her hands shaking slightly from the leftover tension, but she felt a sense of pride swell in her chest. She had done it. She had made it through the meal without any major meltdowns or overwhelming tics, and that felt like a victory.

When they returned home, Odessa was invited to stay the night, something both girls were excited about. Billie’s room was a safe haven for her, a space where she could relax without fear of being overwhelmed. After changing into comfortable clothes, the two of them settled in Billie’s room, ready for some fun after a long day.