28th October, 2013
I tried to delete yesterday from my mind. All I seeked the last few days was confirmation from Silas that I was not insane, that we saw the same things, but all I got is guilt and anger. I can't live like this, I can't keep being stressed out, angry and on the verge of breaking down.
This weekend is the last of the Fall Fest sand I convinced myself I really need a cinnamon chai latte. And my dad insists it would make me happy to be there, considering I'll be missing it. It usually does. I enjoy being surrounded by autumn's colors and smells.
I throw a cozy sweater on and walk down the stairs, on my way to the car. Dad is already gone, as he had some work to do in town in the morning.
Once I park my car near the town-square, I step into the vibrant atmosphere of the Fall Fest. The air tings with the crisp scent of fallen, wet leaves, and the soft glow of string lights are weaving through the trees.
I look around and everything is painted in orange, yellow and red, the warm hues reflecting on everything that stood near them. The lively sounds of kid's laughter and melodic tunes of the live band harmonize the image laid ahead of me. The wind is slow, but cold enough to send a few shivers to my skin, and make me more present again. Are these people looking at me because they know what I did? Maude, no one knows who you are.
The aroma of cinnamon-spiced treats and freshly baked apple pies wafts through the air, pulling me towards them like a magnet. For the first time in two days, a smile grows on my face as I'm handed my hot chai latte.
"Thank you, to whoever invented coffee and everything related to it" I mutter under my breath, as I took a first sip of my drink.
As I'm walking through the crowd, I stop under a tree close to the scene, as the mayor came to talk about things only he understands.
"...to keep this town alive and well. Talking about it, I wanna give my personal congratulations to a young, devoted hunter, who saved the life of many other citizens with her noble act of strength..." As I'm sipping from my drink, I'm caught off guard by what I hear that I nearly choke with it.
"Oh I didn't know it was your coronation day" a familiar voice raises from behind me, his voice laced with amusement.
I jump and spill part of my drink on my hand.
"Oh, fuck me" I mutter under my breath, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, as I turn around to face Silas leaned against a wood pillar, his grin growing wide on his face.
"No thanks" I wish I could punch his grin away from his face.
"Wasn't asking you. When I'll be desperate enough to resort to you, I'll let you know. But you'll probably die before getting to that" I snarl back at his stupid assumption.
"Please, the desperation can be seen from miles away" why is he in a good mood?
"Silas, don't forget I'm the one that knows how to handle a gun, and I'm not, by any glimpse of empathy, bothered to use one on you" my lips curved in a smile.
"Careful, love, you don't wanna ruin your reputation" he points at the mayor still going on about the health and whatever of the citizens and I cringe at the word.
"Careful what names you're calling me, Silas, I think the desperation was actually reeking from you" his grin widened and he doesn't let up "Wait, are you drunk right now?" I raise my eyebrows in shock at the realization.
"No" he puffs. "Don't look at me with those judgy eyes. Weren't you telling me to get out of the shadow or whatever?"
"That didn't mean getting drunk at 12 in the morning, in the public eye, Silas" I snap back at him.
"Well" he leans towards "be more explicit next time" and his gaze lingers on mine for more than it should, our eyes locked together as I feel a jolt of electricity through my veins. I slowly push him with my index finger.
"Get out of my face, Silas. I'm still pissed at you and I can't stand your face either" he rolls his eyes and takes a step back.
"..Maude Willow. Carrying the legacy of Gilbert Willow, who is no longer between us. I'm sure he's so proud of such a dedicated, talented nephew" stop it. I feel the energy change between me and Silas for a moment as I gulp down at the mention of my grandpa, and Silas can probably feel the tension in the air. The mayor's congratulatory speech feels never-ending, each word amplifying my discomfort. I shift on my feet, wishing for an escape, but there's nowhere to hide in this sea of people.
Finally, the mayor gestures for me to come forward. The crowd quiets down, their expectant eyes fixed on me. I take a deep breath, plastering a smile on my face as I step onto the stage. "Is this really necessary?" I mumble under my breath.
The mayor leans in, his voice dripping with false enthusiasm. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a round of applause to our very own Maude, the brave huntress who rid our town of the ferocious wild pig!"
The applause erupts, echoing through the square. I feel the weight of their attention, their eyes boring into me. I stand there, my smile frozen in place, my mind racing with embarrassment.
Silas, unable to contain himself any longer, breaks the silence with a barely suppressed chuckle. "Speech! Speech! The crowd demands a speech!" I shoot him a death glare, my cheeks burning with humiliation.
"Thanks, but I think I'll spare everyone the agony of hearing me stumble through a speech."
The crowd laughs, their amusement mingling with my mortification. I quickly retreat from the stage, eager to escape the spotlight. Silas catches up to me, a wide grin on his face.
"Well, look at you, the mighty huntress. I'm surprised they didn't throw a parade in your honor" I grit my teeth, my face growing hotter by the second "you handled that like a true... hero! as they say" he quips. I roll my eyes, unable to fight a smile.
"You're enjoying this a bit too much, don't you think? I thought you were supposed to be mysterious and quiet" I point out.
"I gave it a thought and I realized I might enjoy making fun of you sometimes" he admits, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Do you think the mayor takes proposals? I have the perfect place for a statue" I punch him in the chest.
"Stop it. Don't pretend you're my friend. We're nothing even close to friends. And you're drunk. You talk too much when you're drunk" my energy shifts as I realize I don't want to get too close to him.
"Oh, I'm sorry" he rests a hand on his chest "you said you were going insane and I thought making fun of you would help the process" his eyes gloomy, the biggest smile I saw from him, plastered on his face.
"Goodbye. And oh? Maybe stop following me around. Once it's nothing, twice a coincidence, and thrice is creepy and considered stalking. I'll call the police" I fake smile and turn around to leave the embarrassing scene I had to encounter.
"Yeah, I know you have experience in that" he said louder, making me want to go back and punch his face this time.
"Just go home, Silas" I say in a disappointed, angered tone and I could see his expression shift to a saddened one and can't help but feel bad about it.
opinions about silas and maude???
wish u luck 🦋
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