Paradise

Chapter Nine

It was over quickly, ending with the portal spitting us onto a cushion of bright green grass. Possessed by a wave of adrenaline and fear, I jumped to my feet ... only to hit the ground again when my legs gave way. I wriggled on the grass, trying to get back up, but feeling wobbly-legged, like a new-born calf.

Ms. Albert came at me, her mouth wide and rounded, like she was shouting at me ... Her arms flashing through the air, motioning for me to get to my feet. As animated as she was, however, no sound came from her lips. It was like she was mute.

"W-Why aren't you talking?" I asked breathlessly. "What happened?" Had her trip through the portal harmed her? Somehow stripping the sound from her vocal cords? Was that even possible? It felt like I couldn't think straight.

She withdrew a sheet of paper from her satchel and thrust it into my hands, pointing behind her to the portal that still hummed and buzzed with life. When I only stared, she gave the paper a hard jab with her index finger, then pointed to her throat, wiggling her fingers, floating them away from her, as if to symbolize noise leaving the vocal cords.

I sat up on my knees, feeling the paper shaking in my hands as I looked into the portal. I couldn't believe we had just come through ... there. It had been frightening to say the least, but just when I'd felt I couldn't take anymore, it'd ended. I was thankful for that, but still ... I knew I'd have to go back through it if I wanted out. I couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance of the portal malfunctioning while traveling through it. That thought was enough to leave me breathless.

I shook my head as if to clear away unwanted thoughts, and looked at Ms. Albert. "You want me to ... sing this?"

She nodded vigorously, the ghost of a smile warming her lips.

I glanced between the portal and her, frowning.

If I sang the words on this paper ... the portal would most likely close, and I wouldn't be able to leave ... at least not right away.

Something just felt wrong here, and it wasn't just because this experience was supernatural. Ms. Albert and Yvette had practically forced me here ... and for what? Ms. Albert didn't seem to be able to speak, so I definitely wasn't going to get any answers from her.

Ms. Albert's eyes narrowed, and her mouth moved open and closed quickly, making no sound. She jabbed sharply at the paper, and then behind her again.

No. This definitely didn't look good. And if I didn't act right away, she'd force me to close the portal, and that would be it. I'd be stuck here on her terms!

Breathing hard, I jumped to my feet, finding my balance this time, and raced toward the portal.

But Ms. Albert was quick. She stifled my pace by grabbing my shoulder from behind.

"Let go of me!" I cried, thrashing in her grasp, but unable to free myself, because just as I pulled away, she grabbed me by my other arm.

Her eyes flashed, mouth snapping open and closed. I couldn't usually read lips, but I knew instantly that she was telling me to "stop".

"N-No!" I cried, "I want to go back!"

Her eyes narrowed, and she jerked me back so hard that we both lost our balance and tumbled sideways.

I hit the ground, and rolled to my right, getting to my feet and starting toward the portal again. This time, Ms. Albert caught my ankle, and jerked my leg out from under me.

I gave a shrill cry as I hit the ground stomach first, knocking the breath out of me.

Ms. Albert was on her feet quickly, thrusting the forgotten paper in my face. "Sing. Now," her lips read.