Muted

Chapter 6

Hannah was in art class. She sat next to me and looked at my paper. So far there was a person chained down by words. It was supposed to represent me and how I feel trapped by him. “I love the idea! It’s going to look super cool.” Hannah exclaimed. “We need to get out of here.” She said in a low voice. “I know that they are doing something. I have an idea, just, be you.” She raised her hand. “Mrs. Roades, can Sadie and I search for inspiration?” Mrs. Roades clasped her hands together. “Oh, of course Hannah! That is an excellent idea. Find those scared teens and paint them!” I gave Hannah a confused look and she just shrugged. I was given an extra sketchbook by Hannah and I grabbed a pencil. I followed her back to the English wing. We peeked through the door. Mr. Halone and Laine were talking. “Tom, I think Hannah knows. Her remarks in class were pointing out that I had just had sex.” “Elaine, now why are you so ashamed by our relationship?” “I’m not ashamed. Do you know how much trouble you could get into? You could lose your job and have to register as a sex offender!” He picked up her hands. “Then, Elaine, I’ll quit at the end of the year. You are all I need, I can find another job at another school district.” “No, we just have to keep it quiet until I graduate.” “That’s in just a few short months. Then you’ll be attending Brown University. I’ll still be here.” They embraced and I saw Hannah take a picture. She pulled me away. “Let’s go before they find us.” I consented and we retreated back to the art room.

I got a ride home from Riley who had to stay after for her tutoring session. Monroe was also in the car. “Hannah texted me a surprising picture.” Riley said from the driver’s seat. She took out her phone and showed us the message. “Is that Mr. Halone?” Monroe asked. I nodded. “Dude, he must be trying to swallow her whole or something. Does he know how much trouble he could get in? That’s just dangerous.” Monroe added. “Boy, it always ends badly for Laine. All of her relationships aren’t healthy.” Riley sighed and pulled up to her garage. I pulled out my phone to see a message from my mom telling me not to come home. “Do you want to stay Sadie? We could go to the mall. We could look for a prom dress for you!” Monroe shook his head and went through the door and up the stairs. When we walked inside I smelt vanilla and heard angry music. “Martha’s on a potpourri kick. Oh and that’s Hollywood Undead. You get used to it when you have an emo step-brother!” She yelled the last three words up the stairs. Monroe replied back with “it’s better than the shit you listen to!” “Hey, it’s called Top 40 for a reason!” “Yeah, as in the Top 40 worst songs I’ve ever heard.” Monroe shut off the music and came downstairs. “Can we go to the mall? I need a new CD.” He asked. “I’m taking Sadie to the mall, so I guess you could join us, but you have to give your opinion on the dresses I force her into.” He sighed in defeat. “Sure.” I took out my white board. ‘We really don’t have to look for a dress. I’m probably not going.’ “No, you’re going. I’ll find you a date before ticket sales next week.” I shook my head. I really don’t want to go. I wear long sleeves for a reason. “No, stop it! I’m bleeding!” I look down at my arms and they are covered in blood. I’m about to faint from blood loss. “Just give in and you’ll be fine.” I silently gave into my tormentor.

“What color do you think would look good on you? Do you think Ian Michael will ask me? Or will Dan because he is my opposite in the play? You need to wear something different, aren't you hot or at least warm?” Riley went through a million questions all regarding prom and my clothing. “Riley, calm down. I’m sure you’ll get a date, but you are right. Sadie does need to stop wearing these long sleeved shirts. It’s too hot for them.” Riley parked in a spot close to the door and we all walked in. I usually don’t even go to the mall with my mother. I used to buy my clothes from a corner store in my old town. I barely even walked into the mall. I’m guessing Riley came here a lot because she dragged me to a dress shop in one corner, where she knew the owner by name. “Vickie! I have a new victim!” A lady with vibrant red hair and piercing green eyes walked out from behind a dress stand. She was wearing a purple shirt with a pair of blue jeans with paint on them. “Sorry, I’ve been working on painting the back room. I’m going to turn it into a showroom with a 360 degree mirror for the girl or boy. Well, well, who is this?” She spun me around. “This is Sadie.” Riley said. “Hey, I’m going to run next door and buy my CD.” Monroe said and left the store. “Finally, we can talk like women. Okay, well Sadie come here. We will look at dresses. Do you have a color in mind?” Vickie asked. I shook my head. Vickie scoffed. “Does she ever say anything?” “No.” Riley replied. “She doesn’t talk.” “Okay, words aren't necessary to fashion!” Vickie examined a few racks. “What about a tangerine, or a bright orange?” I made a face of disgust. “Yeah, I didn’t think so either. Hmm, what about olive? You know what, we’ll try it. Lavender would also look nice on you, do you think?” I shrugged. Riley held up a gold dress. “Hey, what about this?” Vickie gasped. “That’s a beautiful dress. I forgot to ask, what is your dress size.” I held up a circle fingers. I don't eat, so I don't weigh much. I guess it makes perfect sense. “A size zero, perfect. We’ll try the gold, the olive, the lavender and what else. What about this navy dress?” She held it up and I liked it. It was medium length and had one sleeve. “We’ll try it. You know, my cousin is mute. She uses sign language to communicate. Do you know sign language?” I used my thumb and my forefinger as to say a little. “Well, I’ll know what you’re saying. Okay so try on these dresses and Riley and I will judge them.” “Runway style!” Riley cut in. I walked into the fitting room and took off my shirt. Instantly, you could see the scars. I slipped on the olive dress. It was sleeveless and had gold buttons going down the front. I heard a guy’s voice and I assumed that it was Monroe. I walked out with my hands behind my back. “Oh, I love that one!” Riley exclaimed. “I’m not sure. I don’t think that it’s fancy enough.” Vicki said.  “Lift up your arms. You know what just try on another one.” I turned around and put my hands in front of my body so they couldn’t see my arms. “Wait, stop.” Monroe said. I heard his steps come closer to me. He spun me around and grabbed my arms. “Vickie, um can we have a moment alone. You too Riley.” Riley had a mischievous look upon her face. He pushed me into the fitting room. “What the hell is on your arms?” He whispered. I kept my head down. “Sadie, what the fuck is on your arms?” He hissed. I turned away and held out my arms. Scars covered them. They went to my wrists and up to my shoulder. “Are these the only scars?” I shook my head. “Where?” I didn’t respond. “Where are they?” He grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away but his grip was strong. “Let go of me. You’re hurting me.” “Ha, this is the least of your worries, baby. I want you so badly.” “You’re drunk. Get away, you’re hurting me. You’re squeezing my wrist!” “Where the fuck are the other scars, Sadie?” I pulled up the dress so he could see the scars on my thighs and I pulled it up even higher so he could see the scars on my stomach. I pulled it down. I took out my phone and opened up the text-to-speech app on my phone. ‘Wait it’s not what you think.’ The little robotic voice said. “It looks like you are cutting yourself. Or were at least. I used to cut myself. Sadie, I don’t want you to kill yourself. I’ve kind of enjoyed your presence. I don’t want you to die.” He grabbed my other hand and lessened his grip. “Sadie, I’m sorry for my actions. I just don’t want to see you dead.” He gave me a hug. “You have to explain the scars though. They will see them.” He left me in the dressing room and I changed into the navy blue gown. I looked in the mirror. I liked it. I walked out. They weren’t there. I walked into the store and I saw them. I heard a gasp. “Sadie, that looks so pretty on you!” Riley exclaimed. “I agree, it is perfect for her.” Vickie said. Monroe looked at me dead in the eye. “She’s perfect.” I quietly walked back to the dressing room and put my clothes back on. I looked at myself in the mirror. I hated it. My hair was frizzy, my clothes were baggy and made me look bigger than I actually was. I put my sneakers and walked outside. “You have to get that dress!” I put it on the rack. ‘I don’t have too much money.’ I made the robotic voice say. “Well, how about this: I’ll give it to you because I like you. You’re quiet and not as sarcastic as this one over here.” Riley threw her hands up. “It will be part of a total makeover.” Riley shrugged. “I think that there is room for improvement. I mean your hair is a bit ratty, your clothing is very baggy and you could use a bit of color in your cheeks.” Riley lifted up my chin. “And maybe a bit of mascara. Plus, you have gotta stop wearing long sleeves and these baggy clothes. Martha’s a hairdresser, she could do your hair! Monroe, do you think your mother could give Sadie a new hairstyle?” He shrugged. “She’s your mother too. Why don’t you ask her yourself?” “Fine, I will. Now, let’s get you some new clothes. There’s a TJ Maxx down the street, we can get you some new clothes that are well, more fitting.” “Well, maybe we should just go home.” Monroe said. “No, I’m gonna call Martha, she can do Sadie’s hair after we go shopping! Come on!” Monroe gave me a defeated look. I just shrugged. He mouthed to me. ‘We gotta talk Sadie.’ I was then pulled in the opposite direction.