Chapter: A Morning of Softness
Billie woke up slowly, her body still warm from sleep. The soft weight of Odessa’s arm was draped over her waist, and for a moment, Billie just lay there, taking it all in. The steady rise and fall of Odessa’s breathing, the gentle morning light filtering through the curtains, and the lingering comfort of last night’s happiness made everything feel peaceful.
She let out a small vocal tic—one of her newer ones, a soft “Whoop!”—and Odessa stirred beside her, mumbling sleepily, “Morning, love.”
Billie turned to face her, signing, Morning.
Odessa smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Billie’s face. “Did you sleep well?”
Billie nodded, then signed, Best sleep in weeks. She couldn’t help but stim a little, tapping her fingers against her pillow.
Odessa chuckled. “Good. Want to stay in bed a little longer?”
Billie gave a dramatic nod, snuggling closer, and Odessa wrapped her arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
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A Slow Start
Eventually, the two of them made their way to the kitchen, where Billie’s mom was already making breakfast. “Good morning, girls,” she said with a knowing smile.
Billie blushed slightly and signed, Morning, Mama.
Her mom slid a plate of pancakes onto the table, and Billie’s eyes widened with excitement. Pancakes were one of her safe foods, and today, with everything feeling so calm, it was a perfect start to the day.
As they ate, Odessa chatted about a funny dream she had, making Billie giggle silently while tapping her hands against her legs. Every now and then, Odessa would squeeze her hand under the table, and Billie would squeeze back, feeling so utterly content.
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A Surprise Outing
After breakfast, Odessa turned to Billie, signing slowly, I planned something for today. But it’s a surprise.
Billie raised an eyebrow. Surprise?
Odessa nodded. “It’s nothing big, I promise. Just a little something I think you’ll like.”
A small pang of anxiety twisted in Billie’s stomach. Surprises were hard for her. They meant change. They meant the unknown. But she trusted Odessa.
She took a deep breath and signed, Okay. Just tell me if it gets too much.
Odessa kissed her knuckles. “Always.”
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A Cozy Bookstore Adventure
An hour later, they arrived at a cozy little bookstore tucked away in a quiet part of town. Billie’s eyes widened as she took in the walls lined with books, the soft glow of fairy lights, and the scent of old pages mixed with fresh coffee from the small café inside.
She immediately began stimming, rocking on her feet and clapping her hands together excitedly. This is perfect! she signed rapidly.
Odessa grinned. “I thought you’d like it.”
They spent the next hour wandering through the aisles, Billie running her fingers over the spines of books, occasionally letting out little vocal tics as she got excited. She found a section on autism and neurodiversity and signed to Odessa, Look! It’s me!
Odessa laughed. “Want to get one?”
Billie nodded enthusiastically, picking up a book about embracing neurodivergence. She hugged it to her chest, feeling a deep sense of pride.
YOU ARE READING
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.
