Page 64 of Muted

Nothing. I hear nothing, no matter how hard I strain. I look wildly around for another door, wanting to go out there and save her from the monster that’s been hunting me. Haunting me every night with undeserved vengeance.

I spin around when I find an almost imperceptible door hidden halfway behind a bookcase and run toward it. My body slams into Mrs. Ashe, who is standing in front of me now.

She digs her fingers into my upper arms, and I wince at the pain her nails are causing as they dig in. “You need to listen to me, Susanna.”

I close my eyes and turn my face away, not wanting to look at the woman who just sacrificed a child to my nightmare. She shakes me so hard that my teeth bang together and the ache spreads into my head.

“That child is nothing. Do you hear me? She’s the past to your present. You need to run now. Understand?”

I shake my head violently, not wanting to hear what she has to say, but she doesn’t stop.

“She’s gone. But you’re not. You have to go… NOW!” Dragging me as she walks backward toward the hidden door, she uses her foot to kick it away. The books lining the shelves topple out as the wood slams to the ground.

She spins us around until my back is to the exit and slams me into the wall. Then, letting one arm go, she turns the knob and pushes it open. The air from outside slams into me, chilling my skin until I’m shivering.

“Go. RUN. And listen to my advice. He won’t find you if you stay quiet.” Holding her finger to her lips in a shushing motion, she whispers, “Silence.”

Then she lifts me and throws me out the door.

Chapter 18

Silenced

Susu

“Silence.”

Grasping at my throat, I ease the pain as I roll my head from side to side.Fuck me, these dreams need to fucking stop!

Wiping away the sweat from my forehead, I try to ignore the ache in my throat caused by my screaming.

After yesterday’s mess with Chester and Theo, I ended up having a phenomenal evening with Vance. Apparently, being pissed off means I nail every single note. Vance and I killed it and the tips we received were the most I’ve ever seen since I started there, including when the other guy used to play with him.

The drive home with Chester was uncomfortable, but that was my fault. He attempted to be playful after he explained again how sorry he was by handing me his phone to play DJ once again. Instead of giving in, I took the rest of the evening to be angry and played some heavy metal as loudly as I could tolerate. It drowned out everything he tried to say, so he eventually gave up until I got out of his car with a half-assed acknowledgement of thanks.

I still needed to thank him because hedidgive me a ride home. Figuring I’d be over it by the morning, I let myself sulk.

Theo isn’t giving me the same courtesy that Chester did. After falling asleep almost immediately, my head dove into chaotic dreams, reminding me that my past is always going to be there, waiting for me.

It’s like Theo knew I was awake because my phone buzzes over and over until I finally pick up and look at the time. I’ve only been asleep for an hour. These are all a follow up to the messages he sent on the drive home, which I read and promptly ignored.

Theo: Come on, Susu. You’ve left me on read for five messages now. I really am sorry for snapping at you and lecturing you today. I won’t excuse it, but I truly was worried.

Theo: Do you need gifts? How do I get you to respond to me? I have no problems laying on a bit of guilt, Maybe you’ll pity me over here. I was an ass. It WON’T happen again.

Theo: You’re my favorite part of my evenings. The texts back and forth.

The eye roll is real and almost gives me a headache. But seriously, both of them really fucking pissed me off. I’m actually surprised I didn’t dissolve into a panic attack when Chester barked out at me and stormed toward me. Itshouldhave caused a different reaction.

Instead, I found myself absolutely fuming. And pouting. I’ll admit it. I fucking pouted and stayed angry. Chester’s immediate apology was kind and heartfelt. I think I just needed some time to let my fury ebb before I could let it go.

Sighing, annoyed that I’m not mad at either of them anymore, I finally text the man who just won’t give up.

Me: If I forgive you, you’ll just STOP. Yes?

Theo: Absolutely.

Me: Fine. You’re forgiven. Don’t treat me like the child I’m not.

---