The Loudest Silence

Isabella

My eyelids feel heavy as I push my head farther into my pillow. I can hear the distant sound of voices in the background as I slowly force myself to wake up. My blurred vision slowly clears up as I sit up in my bed. Across from me, I can see Isla's freshly made bed. Glancing around the room, I see that the bathroom door is shut with the sound of the shower running.

I let out a small yawn as I rub a fist over my eyes. Although I got home at a reasonable time last night, I had spent the last remainder of the night tossing and turning. I was only able to fall asleep during the early hours of the morning, but even then, my mind was wide awake.

I didn't know how to feel about last night. I had gone through an array of emotions, all ranging from excitement, fear, confusion, and hope. I had never developed a connection with someone the way I had done with Mason. I had spent the majority of my life alone, and had lost hope of ever making a way out. As the days progress, my life begins to feel more and more like a fever dream. I was excited and hopeful of what was in store for Mason and I. I didn't want to get too excited, but for the first time, I had felt seen by someone.  

Though a large part of me was happy with the outcome of last night, there was always a small voice in the back of my mind that reminded me that this could end poorly if Rick even had the slightest hint of what was happening. Usually, I would listen to that voice and try to put an end to whatever was happening, but I had tried that with Mason before, and somehow he always managed to get through to me. It was something I admired about him; his patience and willingness to continue trying with me even when I wasn't the most reachable person.

The sound of the bathroom door opening caught my attention, and I watched as Isla emerged. She was changed out of her pajamas, and was dressed and ready for the day. She wore a bright smile on her face as she wrapped her wet hair in a towel, before heading over to her desk where her makeup was.

"Good morning sleepy head!" She greeted as she began to apply moisturizer on her face. Her skin was tinted with a beautiful rosy color from the heat of her shower, as she began to apply random products on her face. Isla had attempted to explain her skin routine to me a few times, but I always got lost once she made it past a few steps. 

I let out a small yawn in response before giving her a small smile, "Good morning!" I hadn't gotten back home super late last night, yet my eyes felt heavy and my body wasn't ready to begin the day. I continued to watch as Isla hummed to herself as she brushed through her wet hair.  She had a unique beauty to her, that wasn't exactly defined by her physical traits. There was no denying that Isla was beautiful externally, however, the way she carried herself, her mannerisms, and the joy within her was where her true beauty lied.

"Alright! Now that I'm ready for the day, you are going to tell me everything. Every teeny tiny detail from last night!" Isla demanded as she plopped down on the bed in front of me. Her eyes were brightly lit, and she wore an infectious smile on her face, that I couldn't help but mirror. 

Letting out a deep breath, I decided to get comfortable, because for once in my life, I wanted to confide in someone. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, and if talking to Isla would help ease my mind even a little, then I was more than willing to do so. 

Settling into the bed, I made myself comfortable before beginning, "His little sister was accepted into a dance academy, so he brought me over to their house where they were having a celebration. I got to meet his mom and sister, who were so kind and welcoming." I started as Isabella nodded her head happily. I could tell she wanted to drop comments here and there, but refrained, and let me speak uninterrupted.