Page 8 of The Sound Of Silence

“Good,” Sara says in her loving tone. “Now tell me, how’d today go?”

I sigh because I know she’s referring to my designs, and I still haven’t had any luck with the damn clasp I’ve been working on. Although in fairness to me, I was pretty great at procrastinating all day. “It’s not quite done but I’m close.”

“You’ll get there, and it’s going to be perfect.”

I wasn’t even sure I wanted to tell Sara about my new venture into the world of jewelry. She’s an amazing friend and I love her, but I keep all my cards close to my chest. This town likes gossip more than they like money, and the topic of Willow is always worth its weight in gold.

Regardless, I took a chance and placed my trust in her beautifully moisturized hands, and she hasn’t let me down. In fact, she’s never let me down, on anything, and it’s about time I completely trusted her.

“I’ll be in tomorrow afternoon," she says, as I head back to our store. "I’m not going home until you do.”

“I know." I hold back a laugh. "And because I’m nice I might actually leave on time.”

Sara stays on the phone while I pack up my things, and by the time she hangs up, I'm keying the alarm.

As I walk down the main street, there’s a buzz around town that usually only comes in the winter. It seems everyone from my childhood is back, and now I’m forced to reflect on the fact thatI never left,wondering what it would be like to be a visitor here after seeing the world—or at least seeing another part of it.

What’s sad is that I can’t even imagine it. I can’t even see myself outside this small town. Not that anyone has ever encouraged me to fly.

“You can do anything you want, Willow, but why not do it here?”

“You’re such an important part of this community, we couldn’t imagine it without you.”

“This little shop can be anything you make of it. The world is yours.”

Is it? Is the world really mine? Or just the world between the mountains?

The welcoming light of Darla’s Diner comes into view, just as the heavens open up with a rare summer downpour, making me inwardly scream.Dammit.

I run toward shelter, reaching for the door as it flies open, propelling me back toward the road.

Everything happens so quickly as I squeeze my eyes shut and brace for impact, only to be jerked to a stop, my arm almost ripped from its socket as I’m pulled back up.A strange feeling hits me as another silent scream fills my mind, only this one is more panicked and doesn’t at all feel like mine.

My heart pounds in my chest as the adrenaline flows, and it’s only when I’m able to focus that I realize I’m still being held. Whoever caught me isn’t letting go.

Rain cascades down my face, soaking through my clothes, making me wince before finally opening my eyes.

The first thing I notice is the unfamiliar features that have my breath hitching. From his strong, chiseled jaw to his rough stubble and perfect mouth. A mouth so close, I can feel his breath as our lips almost perfectly align.Not that I’m thinking about that. Why would I be thinking about that?

I nervously nibble at the inside of my cheek, watching his lips part before he speaks.

“What?” I whisper and the word comes out breathy, making my face heat as I blush.

“Are you okay?” he asks and I quickly nod, feeling oddly comforted in his arms.

His chest rises beneath my palms, and my eyes flash to where I have my hand splayed over his pecs, further adding to my embarrassment. My entire body warms this time, and a strange feeling takes over.

This is a completely new experience for me, and I have no idea what to do with it.

Taking a deep breath, I finally lift my gaze, and my heart stops.

Chapter Five

Jesse - Twelve Years Ago / Age Sixteen

Tatelightsupacigarette and I cringe before punching him in the arm.

“Fuck, that one hurt,” he says with gritted teeth, rubbing the spot where my fist connected. “Are you seriously going to do thateverytime?”

---