Silent No More

Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

I

'm standing in front of the windowpane, looking out at the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The water is beautiful and serene. It's a scene that always seems to put me at ease, settles me. It's probably why I love taking photographs on the beach. Every wave is different. They come to the shore, cleansing all the imperfections away. There is something peaceful and calming about the ocean. It's my kind of perfect.

A rapid knock at the door takes my gaze from the window. I turn my head to look at the clock on the nightstand. It's been an hour and a half since I got off the phone with Stacy. I'm impressed she didn't take longer. The girl never leaves the apartment looking anything less than immaculate.

I make my way to the entrance to my room. Without looking through the peephole, I swing the door open and I'm immediately enclosed in an almost vise-like hug by Stacy.

"Katelyn would have come too, but she has rehearsal all day." Katelyn is an actress. Not the kind you see on TV or in movies. She's into the theater. I've seen her perform a couple of times. She's fantastic.

"Okay, so now tell me. How are you holding up?" Stacy continues. I'm getting the most sincere look I've ever seen from her. Emotions aren't her thing. She avoids them at all cost. As I expected, she is dressed to perfection in a purple, fitted sleeveless dress that comes right above her knee. Her short, blond hair comes down just below her jaw. Stacy is "Megyn Kelly" kind of beautiful.

I ignore her question again. Yeah, I'm probably going to piss her off. I don't care.

"Are you hungry? It's almost eleven o'clock and I'm starving. Eat lunch with me at Mint downstairs." I wait for her reply as I take the bag of clothes hanging from her shoulder. Mint is one of my favorite restaurants. It is not expensive and serves great food. I eat there at least twice a month, usually with Allison.

Why did he pick my best friend? Of all the females that populate this world, why her?

Stacy brings me back from my negative thoughts.

"No! I want to know how the hell you're doing. You don't look broken up like someone who walked in on her asshole boyfriend and best friend getting it on twenty-four hours ago. Shannon, I've been so fucking worried about you all night. Why didn't you call or come over?" Stacy pouts while placing her hands on her hips. As I look at her, I realize I'm so grateful she is a part of my life.

"I know I could have come over, and maybe I should have." Maybe then, I wouldn't have gotten drunk and ended up in a stranger's bed.

"Yes, that is exactly where you should have come, so why didn't you?" she asks, exasperated, as I toss the bag on the bed. I turn back to Stacy and shrug. I don't have a plausible excuse, at least not one she'd like. I don't want to talk. I want to be alone and drown in myself. Well, I guess I sort of accomplished that.