The Sound of Satan

The Addiction

~A little bit of advice for reality: If you have the ability to hear the voices in your head, you must listen to them, but NEVER obey them. The only thing you obey is your heart.~

     "JACK! GET THOSE DAMN EAR BUDS OUT OF YOUR EARS NOW AND LISTEN TO US!" 

     "Ugh, FINE!" My name is Jack. The one who just yelled at me, my mother. And in case you didn't notice, I have an addiction to ear buds. This gets me into trouble more than I'd like, but if I have to get in trouble for trying to have peace alone with my music to block out the world then it's worth it.

     "What do you want now?" ...Uh oh. I forgot. ...It's report card day. Oh well. Just another undying lecture about my failing grades. At this point I don't care if I die or not. As long as I can be away from the world with music to accompany me. I'm already deep enough in the hole without a way out, so I might as well just give up.

     "JACK, WE'VE TOLD YOU A MILLION TIMES!" She blew up with pure anger. 

     My dad began to speak in a harsh but firm tone, "Son, I've had enough of your foul behavior and lack of effort to bring your grades up. You practically failed every single class this semester. I think it's about time you learn your lesson. No earbuds for a month." 

     "Bu-" 

     "No buts. And no phone either," my father interrupted. 

     "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" 

     "Yes," my mother stressed, "we can. We're your parents. Argue any longer and the consequences will be greater." Looks like I have no choice here. I reluctantly gave them the devices I was holding to their open hands. Those open hands weren't for holding anymore. That's for sure. I let out a snarl and clenched my teeth as I quickly turned my head and walked away.

     I ran up the stairs to my room and slammed the door shut. I flung myself face-first onto my bed. "Damn parents," I said, my voice muffled in the sheets. "Go to Hell or leave me alone." 

     "I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you. Would you mind saying that again, Jack." The voice was deep and despicable. It was creepy. It was...familiar. 

     "I said my parents should go to Hell or leave me alone." 

     The voice let out a slow evil cackle through clenched teeth. "Well then, we'll see which one they choose." The perfected evil laugh echoed in my mind. Somehow, ...I...felt his presence. Somehow, ...I knew...he had a smirk growing on his lips. Somehow, ...I knew...his eyebrows were furrowed and his eyes were narrowed. Just like the one and only smiling devil emoji.

     Suddenly, my eyes shot open and I sat upright. What? I...I was asleep. So It was just a dream then. Thank God. Wait! Does that mean I never had my ear buds and phone taken away! I look over at my nightstand. Nope. Nothing. My most prized possessions are gone. I...was grounded. Nothing's gonna change that. Ugh.

     COME ON! There has to be some sort of listening device I can use! I got up and dug through my closet and the bin beside my nightstand. Nope. Nothing. Wait a minute. I remember hiding an old MP3 player I had in my dresser. It's been a while, but maybe it's still there! I dug to the bottom of all the clothes in the top drawer. "Yes!" I whispered with enthusiasm. There it was. My old MP3 player with a pair of ear buds wrapped around it. The screen was scratched and the buttons were tarnished. It's been so long that it would be a wonder if it still works. I pressed the power button. The screen lit up. What the... Okay...maybe things can actually get better today. I really have to keep this one hidden. If I ever get caught with these it'll be game over. 

     I socked myself down on my bed and waited for it to finish powering up. I lay there staring at the small square screen. The pure white screen flickered red. Almost a fiery, blood red. I figured it was just because it was worn down and as old as dirt. You better not quit on me. I unwrapped the ear buds and put one in my right ear. I left the other one out to listen for my mom and dad's footsteps just in case they decided to barge in without knocking first. I scrolled through the list and found songs I haven't listened to in years. One of my personal favorite's was Scales. The song was pretty dark, but I don't mind dark stuff. I'm actually quite fascinated by those things. I clicked on it. It's been so long I forget what the lyrics are. 

     "Their choice will be finalized. You'll become one with the fire. Just you wait. I can promise you the control of those below you. Everyone but me that is. I will give you the rights someone with as much potential as you deserves. This addiction of yours will do a lot of good for this world. That's something those disgraces can't even begin to comprehend." I sure as Hell knew those weren't the lyrics. Something seemed fishy. That wasn't singing either. The voice seemed to have a familiar cynical tone, yet I couldn't seem to remember it. "I do find it funny, Jack. You love the darkness so much, but, yet, you know nothing of it. You never know true insanity until you've experienced it for yourself, you know." The maniacal laugh he made when he finished speaking was almost hypnotizing. 

     I sat up quickly. What?! Did he just say my name?! His laugh turned to static. The static continued as I sat there in shock. The static stopped. "Yes, ...Jack. ...Yes I did." I could feel the smirk forming on on his lips as he spoke. 

     The speakers in my ears spoke nothing more. I just sat there...addicted to the silence.