learning to trust. (scomiche au) // COMPLETED

twenty one.

"What happened, Mitchy? Tell me all about it," Kirstie says excitedly, her and Mitch finally sitting back down once they celebrated. Of course people had been staring at them but Mitch didn't care for once because this was a really big thing that happened to him.

Well, I went to the bathroom and Avi was there...

"What? Avi was there?" Kirstie asks, sitting up angrily. "That little..."

Scott's head snaps up the second Kirstie mentions Avi's name. "Did he hurt you?" He asks.

Mitch takes a deep breath and then shakes his head.

No, he didn't hurt me. He was trying to talk to me and I was trying to get away from him. He grabbed me and I screamed at him. I told him no. I couldn't believe it. The doctor said that I might be able to talk again but I've always been too afraid to try. I don't know what came over me but I'm glad I did that.

"Wow, that's amazing. I mean, not the Avi part but the fact that you talked," Kirstie smiles.

"Will you be able to talk again?" Scott asks hopefully.

Mitch bites his lip and he goes to open his mouth. He takes a deep breath but then quickly closes his mouth. He wants to talk and wants to be able to say something to Scott but he's still afraid.

I can't... not right now. I'll try another time. I don't want to disappoint you.

"It's okay," Scott mumbles as he looks down at his hands.

Kirstie frowns and then she looks over at Mitch. "So, what did you sound like?" She asks.

I sounded... almost like a girl. My voice is really high but it's probably because I haven't spoken in so long and I'd have to practice. You know... puberty and everything. I just want to be able to sing again. That's all I've ever wanted.

Kirstie gives him a reassuring smile. "I'm sure you'll be able to sing again one day. You just have to really practice and don't give up. I mean... you never thought you would speak again but here you are!"

Mitch blushes and nods. He looks over at Scott, and then he walks around over to him and hugs him.

Scott blinks a few times as he looks up at Mitch. "What was that for?"

Mitch just smiles down at him and then sits next to him, holding his hand.

Kirstie grins as she watches them. "You two are so cute," she squeals, clapping her hands.

Scott blushes as he glances over at Mitch, squeezing his hand.

Mitch looks over and takes a deep breath when he sees Avi walk into the cafeteria.

"If he dares come near this table I will throw this fork at his head," Kirstie grumbles.

Scott looks up and instantly glares when he sees Avi staring at Mitch. He holds onto Mitch's hand tighter, making sure Avi sees them holding hands. He doesn't want Avi anywhere near Mitch anymore.

Why can't he just leave me alone? I don't want to have to get another restraining order.

"Well, just ignore him and don't say anything to him. Eventually he'll leave you alone... hopefully. And, if it does get too much then just tell your mom and you know she'll do something about it," Kirstie tells him.

I just hate that I have to go to my mom for everything. I'm so useless.

"Don't say that, Mitchy. You aren't useless. That's what moms are there for," Kirstie says.

Scott flinches slightly, his heart hurting a little at what Kirstie told Mitch. He knows that she doesn't know what happened so she didn't intend to hurt him at all but... it still hurts.

But, Mitch instantly notices Scott's reactions, and wishes he could give him a big hug but he can't.

Scotty, can I come over to your house today?

Scott blinks a few times and then he looks up at Mitch. "Sure, I guess. If you want to," he says.

Mitch nods quickly. He wants to be able to comfort Scott... he'll just have to wait until he actually can.

After school, Mitch runs straight home to tell his mom about what happened before he goes over to Scott's house. He's too excited and he wants to learn how to talk again straight away. He's in a real relationship now and he wants to be able to talk to Scott, get to know him better. He already cares so much for this boy.

"You did what?" Nel asks, her eyes widening after Mitch signed to her what happened during school.

Mom, I spoke. I spoke for the first time since I was ten.

"How did that happen?" Nel asks, pulling him into a warm hug. "I'm so happy to hear this."

Avi cornered me in the bathroom during lunch. I didn't want him to bother for me and I was kind of desperate so I just shouted no at him. I squeaked it out just barely but I still said something.

"That's wonderful. The doctor did say there was a chance you could speak again," Nel smiles.

I want to sing again, mom. I want to learn how to speak better again. I also want to be able to tell Scott how much I care and appreciate him. I know that he wants to hear me speak to.

"We'll put you in speech therapy and get you the best teacher to help. It'll be a lot of work but if you work really hard at it then you could be speaking again in a few months, maybe a year.

Mitch claps excitedly. He couldn't wait to be able to talk again. It's been too long and he has a lot to say.