The Loudest Silence

Mason

I run a hand through my messy hair as I glance down at my watch which read 8:21 a.m. I was leant against the wall a few feet from the classroom door awaiting Isabella Wright's arrival. It would be in my best interest to introduce myself to her today to get the plan in action as soon as I could. 

Though she and I didn't share every class together, a good majority of her schedule matched mine, courtesy of Mrs. Harris who had made that happen. 

Just as I turned to make my way towards the classroom, my gaze landed on two familiar faces. 

Both Isabella and Fletcher were walking side by side towards the building where various other students were also headed. Taking a step back to remain hidden from their line of vision, I leaned against the wall causally and bowed my head as they made their way up the steps to the entrance. From where I was standing, I could hear the sound of Fletchers voice mixed with a softer one which more than likely belonged to Isabella. 

How did Fletcher know Isabella?

Could he also be affiliated with Rick Wright and his crew?

Making a mental note in my head, I reminded myself to look into Fletchers background to ensure he too wasn't a part of the illegal activity, though I doubted it. Fletcher seemed like the type of person who wouldn't even think of driving above the speed limit, let alone illegally smuggle and deal drugs whilst murdering and wounding others. 

The same however could also be said for Isabella Wright who appeared to be nothing like the girl I had envisioned when learning of Rick's daughter. 

Cocking my head to the side, I studied her. Dressed in a simple top and a pair of jeans, her dark locks curtained over her face as she timidly approached the classroom door. Her frame was tiny and frail, and she walked with a lack of confidence. She most certainly did not look the part of the daughter of a strong drug lord.  

But I didn't let that fool me.

Criminals had a thing for concealing their true selves behind a fake persona. 

I waited until a minute or so after she had entered the room before following behind her. Fletcher had entered a room a few doors beside the one we were in, meaning Isabella was now alone.

I watched as she took a seat in an almost empty row towards the center of the room. Looking around, I watched as students began to settle in their seats and pull out supplies. 

Watching the giddy students brought back memories of a younger version of myself who had been in their places not too long ago. 

College had been a good time in my life before everything in my life began to go downhill. 

Shaking the thoughts that were threatening to creep in, I made my way across the room towards the seat beside Isabella. She was oblivious to my presence as I loomed over her. 

"Is this seat taken?" I questioned as I stared down at her. Startled at the newfound presence by her, she looked up at me with wide eyes.

She stared up at me silently for a few seconds before silently shaking her head. 

I flashed her a smile to which she shyly turned away from before dropping into the seat beside her. I pulled my backpack under my seat before leaning back against the seat. Silence loomed over the two of us as we awaited the arrival of our professor.