Silent Love [Watty Awards 2013 Finalist]

Chapter 5

 Over the next two weeks, Shane has not uttered a word to me. Sure, he’d mumble a quick hello but I think he got the idea that I didn't want to talk to him. Stephanie says that he’s like this at home, so i figured he wouldn’t bother me ever again. Brooke would be ecstatic.

One thing I did learn was that Shane was the golden bad boy of Lakeside High. I’ve heard all the facts about him; captain of the soccer team, basketball star, hottest boy in school, player, etc.

When I asked Stephanie about all of his attributes, she actually confirmed it was true. It was all her step-father talked about; how Shane was becoming just like him in high school. She, however, warned me that he was a big player. Not that I didn’t already figure that out.

On Friday, Stephanie mentioned, seeing a movie. I agreed to go with her on Saturday, and then we could go to the beach afterwards.

I met up with her at the Movie Theater; we planned on seeing Warm Bodies. Funny movie I have to say. It was great.

Once we left the theater, we took a short trip down to the beach to grab lunch. Stephanie just mostly talked about her sister, while I listened on.

It was weird listening about another person’s life. I didn’t know how hard other people had it. I mean, with what happened to me and all, some people had to live a harder life afterwards.

As we reach the pizza stand, I couldn’t decide what to order. After a few moments, I point to the Hawaiian pizza and held two fingers up.

“Girl, I don’t understand you. What do you want?” He bellowed out at me. I turn red, in anger that the guy didn’t even look up from his magazine. Hmph, I didn’t know staring at Hugh Heffner naked with a playboy bunny suit was entertaining, but to each his own.

“We’d like two Hawaiian pizzas,” Stephanie ordered, sensing my agitation.

After we ate, we walked on to the beach, laid out on a lounge chair and soaked up the sun.

. . .

This weekend was going to be a fun one. Stephanie had invited me over for dinner, and I had decided to accept, seeing as she was my new friend and all.

I just go home and I jumped on my bed, sprawling out and grabbed my book bag. Sitting up, I took out my statistics textbook and notebook. I began working on the problems that I had been assigned.

After an hour of working on the math, I heard my phone beep.

You still want to come over? I have a dance private tonight with Libby. – Stephanie

Sure, I would really like to meet your mom and sister. –Taylor

Okay, see you at six. – Stephanie.

After replying back, I heard the front door open and my mother calling me.

“Lori, come here for a minute,” she called out.

Putting down my iPhone, I got up and slightly stretched my back. I walked out of my room, and down the stairs. I went straight for the kitchen, assuming that’s where she’d be.

My mom was taking off her jacket and putting her purse on the counter. “You have plans tonight?” she asked.

I gave her a slight nod to confirm to her question. “Good, me too. I going to shower and leave. You have your keys right?” she asked. Man she was full of questions today.

I nodded my head. I was glad she was getting out as much as I was. When I was homeschooled by her, she didn’t leave unless we both had to leave the house.

My mom smiled at me gratefully, “Taylor Ree Lewis, you have been making progress. You went out last weekend for a whole Saturday and it wasn’t to Starbucks. And now you’re going out again. I’m so proud.”

I grimaced at her next choice of words as she continued, “But the mute thing has to go! I can’t stand it. I moved on, and so should you. What happened happened. You can’t change it. So grow the fuck up and let go of it!”

Getting up from the stool, I stormed away from my mom and went straight up to my room. I couldn’t let her see me upset. She doesn’t know the burden I live with every day. For her, she needed the comfort of family to move on from the past. But because I was still living in it, I was her daily reminder. Me, however, I moved on, but I wasn’t letting go.

I decided to get ready for tonight as I got into the shower, quickly rinsed off, and grabbed my towel to dry myself. I toweled dried my hair, to let it dry naturally into its loose curls.

I decided to put on something casual. Pairing up white skinny jeans, a bright blue tank top and a navy cardigan from Hollister, I looked in them mirror. I fix up nice, if I do say so myself.

Grabbing blue toms, I flicked off the light switch in my room and headed down stairs to grab my keys.

“You’re leaving?” My mom asked, as I walked into the living room. “You look nice.”

I smiled in appreciation. “Okay, have fun,” she said.

The drive to Stephanie’s house was actually short. When she said that she lived around the corner, I thought she was exaggerating the closeness but, it was only a bout an eight minute drive.

I parked on the side of the road, admiring the house in front of me.  Walking up the driveway, I noticed it was a lot like mine, except it was on the beach.

As I reached the door, it swung open and a lady stood in front.

The woman in front of me had chocolate brown hair and was as short as they came. She looked really nice and had a small welcoming smile on her face.

“Hi, you must be Taylor, Stephanie has told me a lot about you, I’m Justine,” she said, opening the door widely so I could walk in.

I smiled shyly as I felt the oncoming blush. I didn’t know Stephanie talked about me.

“Oh don’t be shy honey; my children will love you, especially the youngest.”

 “Mom! Is Taylor over yet so we can eat? Riley says she’s hungry,” a familiar voice asked.

I heard the footsteps of multiple people stop behind me.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” a male voice asked. Hey! I know that voice too. No way! It couldn’t be. Stephanie said he wasn’t going to be here.

I jumped back, obviously frightened at the voice.

Justine was probably wondering what the hell was wrong with me because my eyes had turned the size of beach balls as I took in the person in front of me. I didn’t want him to be here. Shit, I didn’t want to be here.

 . . .

AN: to the side is Stephanie. this is it? Faboulous? Comment Vote, Fan

Thanks,

T.L.