Screaming in the Silence by Lydia Kelly Read Free Book Online

pushed myself up onto my elbows, breathing heavily, but not wanting him to see me in a completely submissive position. I couldn't apologize because I didn't want to appear weak. I couldn't admit what I had done, because I didn't want him to think he had that much persuasion over me. So I stared at him, challenging him to make the next move.
    Kaden opened his mouth to speak and then shut it, pushing away from the mattress and running up the stairs. The door slammed, shaking the banister. I threw myself back on the mattress, staring at the clouds of dust raining down from the ceiling.

Chapter 8
     
    I slept very little that night, replaying the kiss in my mind, each time creating a new outcome and willing it to be true. But I knew what had happened. Kaden had kissed me and I had kissed him back. I was such a fool, so caught up in the moment, and now he had something to use against me.
    I wasn't at all surprised to see Marshal tiptoeing down the stairs to deliver my breakfast the next morning. Did he think I would hear him? The kid handed me the oatmeal looking confused and shy.
    Thank you,
I signed, smiling more at his awkward demeanor than his act of bringing me breakfast.
    "You're welcome," he replied, though he looked as if he were asking a question with his eyebrow raised and his head tilted slightly to one side.
    You're welcome,
I signed back.
    Marshal grinned back at me as he repeated the motion. I nodded in approval and his smile widened. He quickly turned to leave, shutting the door on his way out.
    And so the days passed. On my way to the bathroom and again on my way back to the basement I would see Kaden and Ray sitting in the living room, rarely doing anything that looked productive or strategic. Kaden never looked at me and, although it pained me to admit it, I was upset by it. So I spent the days in the basement, lying on my mattress, imagining possible escape scenarios, all of which I deemed implausible or too dangerous.
    My meals became fewer and farther between; often all I received was my morning oatmeal, usually delivered by Marshal. I took to rationing it throughout my day. On my infrequent trips to the bathroom, I could see myself wasting away, my skin turning grey and my spirit draining. Showers were the worst because I noticed see my hipbones sharply jutting from my waist. My hair started to fall out in small clumps when I ran my fingers through it and the veins on my arms and hands protruded from my skin.
    I'm not sure how much time had passed since Kaden had spoken to me. I lived in silence and the lack of conversation was torture. I didn't dare speak out loud to either Marshal or Ray, choosing to believe that Kaden wouldn't break his promise. I found myself, unable to talk with anyone else, having conversations with my reflection. I would sign, of course, not trusting my voice enough to whisper. Some days I would encourage myself to stay strong, others I would retell my favorite childhood memories or favorite fairy tales. It was during one of those stories that Kaden decided to speak to me again.
    I saw the door open in the mirror, my hands instantly becoming rigid at my side. I turned to face whoever was interrupting me. Kaden stood on the other side of the doorframe, his face a mixture of confusion and frustration, his body tall and stiff.
    "I came to check on you. You've been up here a while."
    Afraid I slit my wrist or hung myself with shoestrings?
    "You can speak, they've left for the day."
    But I didn't want to say anything to him. I turned around and picked up my brush, running in through my hair and wincing as it pulled out strand after strand of blonde curls. Kaden stared at my reflection in the mirror, his face appearing concerned. He turned slowly and left, leaving me to finish my daily routine alone.
    I couldn't decide if I wanted to stay or leave once I reached the living room on my way back to the basement. The light coming through the windows was pleasant, but Kaden's muscular body on the