The Loudest Silence

Isabella

I clenched the rough material of the duffle bag that lay on my lap tightly as I stared out the window. Blurred colors whisked past me as I focused my gaze on foreign world that swept past me. Tension was thick in the air. Not a single word was uttered, the only sound coming from the cars engine. My lips were set in a straight line, and my shoulders lay tense. I ran a few fingers down my dark locks as I pushed stray pieces of hair behind my ear. I kept my stare focused on the various trees and buildings we passed, studying the beauty and uniqueness each upheld. 

Because my mind was engrossed elsewhere, it came as a surprise when the car came to an abrupt stop. Looking outside, I recognized the familiar building of the college I would be attending. 

"Get out." His gruff voice muttered as he lit a cigarette and brought it towards his mouth. No other words left his chapped lips as he continued to puff out smoke from the cigarette. 

Wordlessly, I picked up the tiny duffle bag with my only belongings and began unlocking the door. A surge of excitement bubbled inside me as I awaited my freedom. Despite the fact that I wasn't fully free from his hold, I was grateful for whatever opportunity I had. Allowing my hair to curtain over my face, I hid the smile that threatened to erupt on my face. Any sign of happiness from me was a red flag to him. A signal for him to torture me and erase all the joy from my soul. I would be lying if I said he wasn't half way successful. 

I barely had one foot out of the car when I suddenly felt someones hand roughly grip my shoulder. I turned back to a furious looking Rick who glared daggers at me. His thick eyebrows were furrowed and stubble covered the length of his face. Pieces of dirt covered his face indicating his lack of showering in the past couple of days.  

"If I find out that you are doing anything sneaky here, I'll make you regret even being born." He seethed quietly. The smell of beer and cigarettes emanated from him as he set his icy stare upon me. I merely nodded my head as his grip on shoulder tightened. A sting of pain went though my shoulder where he continued to squeeze. Bruises littered the course of my body and I would be surprised if another didn't appear within a couple of hours. 

"I'll be back to check on you later, I trust that you're aware that even though you may be living here, I will still have all eyes on you Even when you least expect it." He sinisterly informed as a sick smile spread over his face. His yellowing teeth were on display as he held a look of triumph on his face.

"I know." I whispered so lightly so that only he could hear. There was no denying that Rick had connections with all types of people, especially those who committed illegal crimes. It wouldn't come as a surprise if he had arranged for people to keep an eye out for me. 

"There is no escaping me." Were his last words before he released his grip from my shoulder and revved his engine. I stepped out of the rusting vehicle and moved farther into the sidewalk as I watched him speed out of the car lot. Hoisting my duffle farther up my unscathed shoulder, I began taking slow steps towards the vast campus. I shuffled past numerous buildings and mini shops before making my way towards the center of campus. 

As soon as I arrived at the main portion of campus, I was instantly met with buzzing people, bright smiles, and laughter. Dozens of families stood beside beaming students as they made their way to their new dorms. Pure happiness radiated off everyone and I felt like the dark cloud on a sunny day. I watched as parents hugged and kissed their children as they sent their loved ones off to start a new chapter in their lives. As I stood there staring at nothing in particular, I caught the eye of a young child who stood beside what appeared to be her mother. I flashed her a weak smile and she shyly looked away, a blush appearing upon her cheek. She held a lollipop in her tiny hands and shyly sucked on it as she shyly avoided my gaze. My smile heightened at her reaction, her innocence instantly brightening my dull mood. A distance ache resounded in my heart as I thought of my own family, and the biggest milestones I had passed in my life without their presence. Casting my gaze downward to conceal the flood of tears that threatened to seep down my cheeks, I began making my way towards my dorm building in hopes of diverting my attention from the depressing thoughts.