learning to trust. (scomiche au) // COMPLETED

twenty three.

"N-N-No..."

"Very good, Mitch!"

Mitch smiles proudly as he looks up at his new teacher.

"I know it's not going to be easy but as long as you keep practicing... you'll be talking in no time,"

"How are things going in here?"

Mitch looks over and sees his mom walk into the living room.

"Pretty well. Mitch just said 'no' but that is something that he said previously," Tommy tells her.

"That's awesome. Can I get you two anything to drink?" Nel asks.

"No thank you, I'm fine,"

"Mitch?"

Mitch goes to sign something to his mom, but Tommy quickly stops him.

"Why don't you try saying something, Mitch?" Tommy suggests.

Mitch frowns as he glances at Tommy and then looks over at his mom. He takes a deep breath and then he opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

"Take your time, Mitch," Tommy says softly. "We have all day, so no need to rush."

Mitch tries again, and again, and again.

"Pe-" Mitch coughs after the sound comes out of his mouth. He's determined more than ever to say this damn word so they can move onto something else. "Pe-Pe-Pep-si." He coughs more. His throat hurts but Tommy says that would happen because it's been so many years since he's said anything. He remembered his throat hurting after he yelled at Avi.

Nel smiles and claps excitedly. "Mitch, you did it!" She says excitedly.

Mitch rubs his throat, but smiles as he looks up at his mom.

"Pepsi it is. I'll be back in a few moments," Nel says before leaving the living room.

"It's day one and you're already talking," Tommy grins. "How do you feel?"

Mitch holds up his hand and gives Tommy a thumbs up.

"Okay, how about we try saying easier words? No was pretty easy for you. How about yes?"

I want to learn how to say Scott.

"Scott?" Tommy raises his eyebrows. "Do you have a friend name Scott?"

Scott is my boyfriend but don't tell my mom. We haven't told her that we're dating yet.

"Oh, I see. So, you want to be able to say his name?" Tommy asks.

Mitch nods and a smile forms on his face.

Scott really wants to hear me speak. He's only heard me sing but I was like ten and it was a video. I know how much it would mean to him to hear me speak.

"I think we can manage that but let's start with easier words and then we'll move onto names, okay?"

Mitch sighs but nods, not wanting to argue with the teacher.

At least he said two words today, and that's two more words than what he said yesterday!

This teacher seems nice enough so Mitch is excitedly about learning to talk again. And hopefully one day he will be able to sing again because that's the one thing he loved to do as a kid.

And so Mitch continues to sit everyday with Tommy for six months straight. They practice every day for a couple of hours each, luckily Tommy is very patient and doesn't mind sitting with Mitch every day. Mitch learns new words and learns how to speak full sentences again.

Mitch has learned that he loves talking. He loves being able to talk to his mom and ask her simple things, even if they are small sentences. Mitch knows his parents loves hearing him speak again too.

By the time Scott's birthday comes around, Mitch is speaking his full name.

Mitch squeals excitedly as he rushes into the school building, wanting to find Scott to surprise him.

Mitch looks around the school and smiles when he sees Scott at his locker, trying to grab some books but he seems to be having some trouble reaching up. Mitch takes this opportunity to say something.

And actually say something.

Mitch takes a deep breath as he walks closer to Scott. "Need help?"

"Huh?" Scott blinks a few times and looks beside him, and then looks back further. His eyes widen when he sees Mitch standing behind him with a smile on his face. "Mitch? Did you just...?"

Mitch giggles and excitedly runs up to Scott, hugging him tightly.

"Mitch, you talked?" Scott asks, hugging him back, still shocked. "Was that you?"

Mitch pulls away but only to kiss Scott. "Happy birthday," he whispers.

Scott gasps. "You sound beautiful," he whispers, hugging Mitch again.

Mitch pulls away from Scott and pulls down the book that he had trouble getting.

"Thank you," Scott says as he takes the book from Mitch.

"You're welcome,"

"This is tripping me out," Scott says. "I... how are you speaking so well?"

"I have been practicing... still learning," Mitch says. "Have troubles..."

"It's okay if you don't want to talk," Scott says. "I love you no matter if you talk or not."

"I... I want to. I want to talk today. As much as I can," Mitch says. He frowns and rubs his throat again, hating the way his throat hurt still after talking so much but he just wants to talk all the time.

It took him six months to learn how to talk full sentences, so he's going to talk while he can.

"Do you need water or something?" Scott asks, worried about Mitch.

Mitch shakes his head. "Class?" He asks.

Scott nods and starts wheeling himself but Mitch quickly grabs the wheelchair and starts pushing him.

"You know, you don't have to do that," Scott says as he looks up at Mitch.

Mitch grins and continues pushing him, making their way to first period class.

The bell rings and all the students are sitting in their assigned seats.

"Mitch?" The teacher looks up to see if Mitch is there.

"Here," Mitch grins as he speaks clearly and loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Oh, hello Mitch. Good to see you've been working on speaking. Lovely to hear your voice,"

Mitch giggles and glances over at Scott, who is only smiling proudly at him.

"So, you can speak?"

Mitch blinks a few times and looks over at the girl who had spoken to him.

"Mitch is learning how to speak again," Scott says, taking Mitch's hand protectively. "He couldn't talk, but he's slowly learning how to. He never lied about not being able to talk."

"Oh, cool," the girl said. "Good luck with your speaking."

Mitch smiles and mouths 'thank you' to her before turning his focus back to the teacher.