Echoes of Silence (Unquiet Mind Book 1) by Anne Malcom Read Free Book Online

But I would gladly fail calculus if it meant I got to spend every lunch break with Killian.
    ****
    “Hello?” I called to the cavernous room.
    No one answered. I paused for a second longer, just to make sure I was alone.
    I wasn’t necessarily hiding, per se, but Jordan had promised he’d save a seat at lunch for me, with a weird twinkle in his eye. I so didn’t want to see what that was about. His friends and he seemed nice enough, on the surface. I didn’t miss the pointed comments about people that walked past and didn’t fit in their parameters of “cool.” Nor did I miss the way Kyle had purposefully tripped a small, skinny redheaded boy who had scuttled past us the other day.
    I especially didn’t miss the comments Stacy had been handing out to me whenever I found myself in that group.
    “Lexie, I love your skirt. It’s so cool how you, like, don’t even care that the whole boho look is so... done. You like it and don’t let things like fashion stop you. It’s groovy,” she said sweetly yesterday.
    I had failed to let that barb puncture me anywhere. I was comfortable with how I looked, and I wasn’t going to let one comment from a petty girl affect me.
    I had bitten my tongue when I really wanted to say, “I’m not one to be a blind fashion victim; otherwise, I’d be bumping into doors. How’s your eyesight?”
    Instead, I gave her a wide smile and thanked her. Then I’d made my escape as quickly as possible.
    It was Wednesday. A week to the day I’d walked home with Killian. I’d spent four glorious lunch breaks in his presence, trying not to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spoke in his rough and low tone. Not that he spoke overly much. In between helping me with calculus, he asked me more questions about my life back in DC, and my favorite books and movies.
    “ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , that’s your favorite book?” Killian asked on the fourth day, his eyes light and teasing.
    I nodded, trying not to focus on how close his body was to mine. “I wish I could say it’s Ulysses or The Grapes of Wrath . They’re great, don’t get me wrong, but it’ll always be Narnia in my heart,” I told him, failing to be embarrassed. “See, it was the first book Steve and I read together. Mom isn’t exactly... into reading to put it lightly,” I joked. “But Steve was the reason I found the love of my life.” I paused to think about music. “Well, second love,” I corrected. “So it’ll always be the book that started it all.” I looked at Killian, whose eyes were burning into mine, his face blank. I felt my neck redden. “You think I’m a big dork, don’t you?”
    Killian’s expression turned intense and he shook his head slowly. “No, Freckles,” he murmured, “the more I find out about you, the more you fascinate me.” His voice was dark.
    I had never looked forward to lunch more than I had those four days. I could barely concentrate in classes. It was ridiculous. I saw girls basically lose their minds over boys throughout my teenage years, and I’d always considered them silly for doing so. I’d been somehow proud of myself for not letting such things mess with my goals.
    I had goals, but I wasn’t exactly sure of what I wanted. I knew I loved reading. That music was my soul. That writing songs made the world melt away. Strumming the guitar felt like I was going into another world. I was also a realist. Love of music, talent for strumming a guitar, and a half-decent voice didn’t guarantee a future.
    Mom told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I didn’t particularly want to be famous or rich. Sure, it would be nice. More than nice, I guessed.
    I mainly wanted to be happy. Mom and I were far from rich. There were times in my childhood that I knew even giving me a dollar for a hot dog was impossible. I knew it was hard. But I never remembered being unhappy or feeling like I was missing out.
    I didn’t need money to be happy. I needed family. My books. And I