The Loudest Silence

Isabella

"Wake up!" A loud voice boomed in my ear. Rubbing my throbbing ear, I sat up to stare at Isla who wore a cheeky smile on her face.

"Its the first day of classes which means you and I need to get ready and find our classes in approximately 1 hour." She informed, glancing down at her wrist where a nonexistent watch sat. Before I even had the chance to muster a response, she swiftly turned on her heel and made her way towards her bed where an array of makeup items lay sprawled out. 

Rubbing a fist over my eyes, I let out a yawn and a stretch to ease the strain from sleeping the night before. The clock hung up on the wall read 6:45 a.m as I got up from the bed. Quickly fixing the sheets, I made my way to the bathroom to shower.

The first couple of days with Isla were odd seeing as she was bubbly and open, whereas I was quiet and closed off. Despite my attempts to ignore her and her free spirit, she was relentless. Soon, I just accepted her cheerful attitude and agreed on a quaint friendship. Though she was a great friend so far, I couldn't help but feel a pit deep in my stomach each time she spoke of her family. Eyes shining with love and happiness, she constantly boasted about her loving parents and siblings, whereas I could barely muster a decent phrase to describe my life with a deranged father. 

Though Isla was nosy, she understood that some things were better left unsaid and stopped her incessant questions about my childhood and family. Despite this, I knew she was curious yet respectful of my wishes. 

"Do you want me to do your makeup? Better yet, let me do both your makeup and choose your outfit." Isla offered as soon as I stepped back into the room. She was sat criss cross on her bed as she held various brushes in her hands to apply powders onto her already flawless face.

"Oh no, its alright, I have a t-shirt and some jeans I can throw on." I waved her off as I got up towards my duffle. Sadness overcame me as I fumbled around with the three shirts I had acquired over the years and two pairs of jeans. Rick never allowed me to buy new clothes so the few items I had from over the years was all I brought with me.

"Nonsense! I just bought a closet full of new clothes so feel free to borrow whatever you like anytime you want." Isla exclaimed happily. Placing her stuff down onto her bed, she made her way towards the stuffed drawer beside her bed. Yanking it open, she stared down at the pieces of cloth before pulling out a black floral tank top. Horror ran through me as my mind flashed to the blue and yellow bruises that littered my arms that would surely be on display if I wore that shirt. 

"I can't wear that." I quickly said just as Isla turned around. 

"Why not?" She asked as her brows furrowed in confusion. Fear coursed through me at the thought of Isla possibly discovering my bruises and the reasoning behind it. If Rick were to ever hear of a police report filed against him, he would surely take me down first before allowing anything to happen to him. Despite this though, Rick always managed to get away with any filed complaints or reports. He had numerous friends that worked with the law enforcement which meant he had eyes and ears everywhere. It was also one of the reasons why I could never turn to the police for help. Running away also wasn't an option seeing as I had no money, and the streets were littered with Rick's minions. 

No matter what, I would always end up back in Rick's possession.

And there was nothing I could say or do to stop it.

"I get cold really easily." I lied, forcing out a small laugh to divert any suspicion she may have had. 

Isla simply shrugged before turning back around. She shuffled through the drawer for another minute or so before finally pulling out a long sleeve olive green top.