This Ain't A Scene ~ Sequel to Can You Hear Me? (COMPLETED)

Super Fade

A few days later, Mom and I were in the car in front of the therapist's office. We'd been here for half an hour, and Mom was all but begging me to go inside.

My chest ached as I looked at Mom. Her eyes pleaded with me, hands on the wheel. 

"Eve, we don't have to stay here for more than one session. If you don't like it, we don't have to stay," Mom mumbled. 

I nodded, sighing. She smiled at me, patting my thigh. We got out of the car quickly but moved slowly into the office.

Mom and Dad found a woman about half an hour from the house named Dr. Ashton Casaceli, who was apparently younger but rated really high. Mom told me the only reason why they weren't trying to help me with my speech currently was that they had no idea how to. I understood that bit, but I was still insanely nervous. 

I sat down in one of the waiting chairs while mom got me signed in. We still had a few minutes until my appointment started, so I started scrolling my phone as Mom came and sat next to me. It was silent for a few minutes as we waiting, but soon my hearing aids picked up on the fact that my name was being called. 

I stood, following Mom over to the woman who was now standing in the doorway with a smile on her face. 

"Hi, Eve! I'm Doctor Ashton Casaceli, I'll be your speech therapist for a while. Do you want your mom to come back?" She asked, a gentle smile gracing her features.

I nodded.

"Alright, come on back guys," She made sure to state this as well so that Mom could hear. We followed her back to her office, and I was surprised to see that it was decorated in the style of Disney. I tilted my head, sitting down gently.

Dr. Casaceli noticed my confused look, "I use Disney movies to help with speaking, or hearing the words. I'm also qualified to be your run-of-the-mill therapist, so sometimes when someone is having a hard time we'll watch a Disney movie until they feel better."

I nodded, looking at the little figurine of a blonde girl on her desk, with really long hair. Dr. Casaceli sat behind her desk and pulled out a little file, and I noticed immediately it had my name on the little tab. I realized with a start that I really hadn't watched that many Disney movies, but at least I could recognize when something was Disney owned. 

"Ok, Eve, would you prefer if I spoke at first? Or would you rather I signed?" Dr. Casaceli asked.

"Signed," I replied with no hesitation. She nodded, smiling as she cracked her knuckles. I laughed a little, watching as a smile broke out on her face. 

"So, what we do is we work through some of the basic words first, like restroom, food, water, just the essential stuff for living, and then we'll move onto basic sounds and other words so that you can read words out loud on your own without practice. Sound good?" Dr. Casaceli asked.

I nodded.

"Alright, let's get started."

I walked out an hour later near tears. I wasn't able to make much noise, especially the words that Dr. Casaceli was asking me to try and say.

Mom started the car as I furiously wiped away tears. It was just a diagnostic test. I wasn't supposed to ace it. But why was I so frustrated about it? 

I felt Mom rest her hand on my leg, "Do you wanna go out for lunch? Or just head back to the house?" 

"Back home," I signed sadly.

Mom nodded, "You want me to order pizza?"

I nodded quickly, making Mom laugh. She pulled up her phone, passing it to me. "Put in whatever pizza you want, add a cheese and a pepperoni so we can feed the boys."

I scrolled through the options, adding pineapple and ham slices. I hesitated for a moment, before making sure to remove the sauce and add extra cheese. Afterward, I made sure to include a cheese and a pepperoni pizza. I made sure to show Mom the total before placing the order. 

"Thank you for helping with that," Mom said, turning onto a street. 

I nodded, watching as she pulled into a Starbucks. We pulled up to the window, and Mom turned to me, "What do you want to order?"

I began to sign, asking for a frappuccino. As soon as I started, though, the screen behind Mom came to life. A barista stood on the screen, waving already.

"Hello, welcome to Starbucks! How can I help you?" 

I was a little stunned, blinking. Mom saw my expression and giggled. "Go ahead."

"I'd like a grande matcha tea frappuccino with caramel and salt on top please!" I signed quickly.

I could see the barista laugh a little, "Do you want that creme based?"

I nodded my head, watching as she punched in a few things.

"Anything else?" She asked, looking back at Mom and I. After Mom ordered herself and Dad drinks, we were off to pay.

"That was so cool!" I signed quickly, watching as Mom pulled up. Mom chuckled a little, pulling out her wallet.

"I was thinking we could come here after your appointments, is that alright?" Mom asked, pulling out some cash.

I nodded quickly, watching as she approached the window. I thanked the barista who had helped us, who laughed as she was handing us our drinks. Soon, we were off to the house.