Page 26 of Muted

His smile drops when I mention her, and he points his thumb toward the street. “Did you know that she’s been bussing it every day to and from work?”

Yeah… Just learned that today myself.

“Yup. Well, I didn’t know before, but found out today after you left to take her home.” We’re both scowling, which I find a bit humorous, just not enough to lighten my pissed off attitude over it.

“How the fuck does she think that’s safe? She’s this fucking big!” Chaz exclaims, holding his hand four feet from the ground.

I burst out laughing. “I mean, she’s taller than that, but agreed. Don’t scold her about it. She didn’t react kindly when I tried.”

Huffing, he mumbles, “Too late. Wait, when did you scold her?Howdid you scold her?” I know he’s asking how since she won’t talk to us, which has really been eating at me. Whywon’t she talk?

“Might have texted her tonight. Cliff was looking for you and mentioned you took off with her, so I lit her up about the bus. Didn’t end well and now she’s ignoring me.”

“Huh. How’d you piss her off?” He’s amused with how I’ve been brought down by a little girl.

Swallowing down another mouthful of beer, I admit my mistake. “Told her only weird people ride the bus. Might have also added that people likehershouldn’t put themselves in those situations.”

“Smooth,” he says, snickering at my dismay.

“Yup,” I agree, popping my p. “Listen, I’m gonna head home. Today has been shit and I just want to go to sleep.”

He agrees and we pay our bill, then head off in separate directions. I’m confident that tomorrow will be a better day. First thing will be apologizing to Susu for responding so gruffly to something she obviously doesn’t have control over right now. She isn’t wrong. Cars are expensive, and I shouldn’t have made her feel bad for her inability to afford something that’ll run her at least a few thousand dollars.

Once I’m through my front door, I hear my phone ding. I’m surprised to find how relieved I am. It was really bothering me that she was staying silent through textandin person. That’s too much quiet for one person to live in.

Susu: I did.

Me: I made it home as well. It was a long as fuck night.

This time, she leaves me on read when she chooses not to respond, so I push her a bit. Sending another text which is read immediately by her, I strip my clothes off and get ready for bed.

Me: I’m sorry I upset you earlier. It really wasn’t my intention. It just makes me nervous to think about you riding the bus home late like that. I don’t think you’re weird… truthfully.

Susu: Forget about it. No harm done.

I smile at her response. Flipping off the lights, I crawl into bed and prop myself up against the headboard, readying myself to keep our conversation going a little longer this time. I never should have cut her off so abruptly that first night.

Me: I don’t like the idea that you’re upset with something I’ve said.

Susu: I’m not.

Me: I don’t believe you.

Susu: Sounds like a you problem.

I snort when I read that. She’s definitely not shy when she’s hiding on the other side of her phone. Susu is actually quite mouthy, and I find that I enjoy the bit of banter she’s laying down for me.

Me: You’re fucking sassy, aren’t you?

Susu: Not really.

Me: Yeah… you are. You’re right, though. It’s not your problem, and I’ll take you at your word.

I purse my lips, thinking, then decide to say fuck it and try to get some answers from her.

Me: Can I ask you a personal question?

Susu: You can, but I don’t promise I’ll answer.

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