The next day unfolded quietly for Billie until she felt herself slipping back into her regressed state. The safe, comforting feeling was a welcome escape from everything weighing on her. Odessa was quick to notice Billie’s demeanor shifting; her eyes grew wider, her movements smaller, and she began clinging to Odessa’s hand a little tighter. Odessa gently led Billie to her room, sensing the need for a quiet, comforting space.
Odessa helped her into her favorite oversized hoodie and draped a soft blanket around her shoulders, settling her on the bed. She gathered a few of Billie’s favorite things: her well-loved stuffed animal, a sensory fidget ball with soft textures, and a cozy, dim light. Billie reached immediately for the stuffed animal, holding it close to her chest, her hands moving in slow, repetitive strokes along its soft fur as she let out a little hum.
In this regressed state, Billie communicated mostly through simple gestures and a few signs, pointing or signing small phrases like “more please” or “want this.” Odessa knew just what each gesture meant and responded with calm, steady patience, making sure Billie felt fully supported. She stayed by Billie’s side, whispering softly and maintaining a gentle, grounding touch on her arm.
After Billie had fully calmed and returned from her little space, the two sat quietly, and Billie began opening up about her feelings. Signing carefully, she expressed her thoughts about the more intimate side of their relationship. “Sometimes… I don’t know what to expect,” she signed, hesitating slightly. “It’s all new to me, and I don’t know how I’ll feel.”
Odessa responded with a reassuring smile, signing back, “We’ll go at whatever pace feels good for you. There’s no rush. I’ll be here, however you need.” Billie felt a weight lift; Odessa’s understanding and patience wrapped her in comfort, reminding her that their relationship was built on mutual care and respect. The trust between them felt unbreakable.
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That evening, Odessa joined Billie’s family for dinner, a special occasion to celebrate Odessa’s presence in Billie’s life. The family had gone all out, setting the table with Billie’s favorite dishes and adding small touches to make Odessa feel welcomed. Billie sat close to Odessa, her hand resting on hers for reassurance as the room filled with laughter and conversation.
As the evening progressed, however, the bustling activity started to overwhelm Billie. The overlapping conversations, clinking silverware, and even the shifting lights in the dining room felt like they were closing in, making it harder to process her surroundings. She tried to steady herself, but her tics began to surge, first with small, sharp hand jerks and then with louder vocal tics like, “ah!” and “mmm!” Odessa squeezed her hand gently, but the tics kept escalating, building into an intense tic attack.
Soon, Billie’s tics grew more forceful. Her head jerked repeatedly, her hands clapped uncontrollably, and her legs kicked out in spasms. The energy drained her quickly, leaving her exhausted, but the tics wouldn’t stop. Odessa and her family stood by, giving her space but also remaining close enough to offer support. Odessa placed a reassuring hand on Billie’s back, her voice soft and steady as she whispered words of comfort.
The effort to control her tics, combined with the sensory overload, finally became too much. Billie’s breathing became ragged, and she pressed her hands to her head, trying to block out the noise and sensations swirling around her. She was on the verge of an autistic meltdown, her mind flooded by an overwhelming mix of sounds, movements, and emotions that she couldn’t process.
Sensing Billie’s distress, Odessa led her carefully to a quieter part of the house, sitting with her on the floor and wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. Billie rocked back and forth, her hands shaking as she fought to ground herself. Her family watched with concern but understood the need to give her space, trusting Odessa to help Billie through the storm.
Eventually, as the meltdown deepened, Billie found herself regressing once more. Her breathing slowed, and she clutched tightly to her stuffed animal, curling up in Odessa’s arms, seeking comfort. She signed simply, “safe” and “stay.” Odessa held her close, offering a soft, grounding touch as Billie slowly began to relax. She whispered comforting words and hummed softly, helping Billie feel secure until she was ready to re-engage.
In her regressed state, Billie didn’t communicate as much verbally, relying instead on simple gestures and signs to express her needs. Odessa carefully observed, making sure Billie had everything she needed—water in a sippy cup, her favorite fidget toys, and her ear defenders to block out any lingering sounds. Every now and then, Billie would point to something or tap Odessa’s arm, and Odessa would respond instantly, attuned to Billie’s needs in every moment.
Billie’s family took turns sitting with her, creating a circle of support around her, whispering gentle reassurances or simply sitting quietly to make sure she felt loved and secure. Odessa, however, remained closest, Billie’s constant anchor as she gradually returned to herself. When Billie finally started to come out of her regressed state, she felt calm, surrounded by people she trusted most.
By the end of the night, Billie’s heart felt a little lighter. The night had been challenging, but knowing she had her family and Odessa by her side reminded her that she could navigate even the hardest days with their love and understanding. As she lay in bed later, with Odessa by her side, Billie fell asleep feeling safe and comforted, reassured that no matter what, she was not alone.
Just a short one today.
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mute
Fanfictionbillie has severe autism and is mute. as she grows old she meets a friend. Billie is always bullied in school for being mute and having Tourette's.
