UnMuted (Sequel to Mute)

~6~

You

Since I couldn't sleep, I decided to go out for a walk. The sun was just starting to rise, making the sky glow in beautiful oranges, purples, and pinks in the horizon. The air was warm, but comfortable and I couldn't help the smile on my face with my favorite song in my ears.

My past will forever haunt me, but it's my decision if they'd mess up my future. I kept thinking about the last memory; The Hour I Left, is what I call it. When Ari told me what she told me. I was barely 15, I didn't know what to do.

Though, I knew it was best if she stayed. There wouldn't be steady meals and running water where I'm going. Which was nowhere. I've lived on the streets for a while until one day, I found that slip of paper my mother gave me some time ago.

A part of me knew it was hopeless; maybe the address changed? Maybe she doesn't know me? A lot of things like that were in my head.

But after years of saving up for a bus ticket, I finally came here from Y/HT. I arrived at the address well pass midnight and knocked. Uncle Mike opened the door and was confused, but Aunt Clara almost immediately recognized me, and it was refreshing honestly.

Though, that same week, I got surrounded by Lauren and her friends, and I got a little overwhelmed at first, but they were patient with me and treated me like they've known me for years.

Deciding to finally talk to them was my best decision. The fact I trusted them that much to find my voice to speak is something I can't believe myself. It's beautiful, really, coming from a kid with a fucked up past.

Losing everything at such a young age, to jumping around foster families, to landing in a foster center only to escape and find my true family. And a few added members.

Though, Ariana never left my mind.

But I don't regret leaving her back at Rydell's. I just hope she has somewhere to lay her head nowadays since she's now out of the system as a child.

Being in my head so long, I noticed that the sun was out and heat was slowly drenching my skin. I jog the rest of the way back home only to see Uncle Mike was up and ready to leave.

"Morning, Y/N, I guess you couldn't sleep since you were just out jogging," I shrug with a small smile. "Well, I'm off to work. You have a good day," he grabs his keys then pulls me into a side hug.

"I love you, kiddo," he says, kissing the top of my head. "Love you, t-too, Tío," I reply. He looks down at me with wide, happy eyes, "Wow, I don't think I've ever heard you speak."

I shake my head, "No, you...d-didn't. But you should... g-get going." He releases me, "You're right. Well, take care." He wore this big smile on his face while exiting the house. It warmed me up knowing that everyone was happy that I was speaking again.

I go upstairs quietly as to not disturb Mani and took a quick shower before going back downstairs for a bowl of cereal. As I ate, I hear someone coming down the stairs. I turn to see that it's Aunt Clara, with her purse in her hand.

"Good morning," she says brightly and I simply wave since I had a mouthful of Y/F/C. "I'm going on a Cosco run. Wanna go?" I nod, earning a laugh, "I bet since you've eaten all of your cereal." I nod shamelessly, finishing off my breakfast and washing my bowl and spoon.

"Ready to go?" She asks and I nod.

———-
Once at Cosco, Aunt Clara told me to pick out a few things for Lauren and I while she gets stuff for dinner. Taking a separate cart, I venture off to the snack aisle and picked out a few things I like and she likes as well as something we both like and something Mani likes.