The Loudest Silence

Isabella

"So you came after all." A strikingly familiar voice spoke as my head snapped to the left. My heart rate, which was already heightened due to my fear that Rick would somehow find out about my whereabouts, intensified as my eyes landed on the two figures standing to my left. Mason had his hands shoved in the front pocket of his jeans as a giddy Fletcher stood by him holding what appeared to be a pile of tickets in his hands. It seemed like they had been at the carnival for a while seeing as Fletcher had won an array of tickets, probably from the game booths which were spilling with people.

I had tried my best to convince Isla to let me stay home and she go out without me, however, she was relentless, stating that it was the least I could do after what I had "put her through". If there was one thing that girl was good at doing, it was guilt tripping people and pulling out the theatrics because it wasn't long before I reluctantly agreed. I barely had any contact with Roman since I had last seen him, and I was just hoping that he wouldn't be around tonight. He would give me the same disapproving stare he always gave, which always left me wondering if he would eventually inform Rick of my whereabouts. 

"Yes, she did! It took some convincing, but here she is! She's definitely a tough cookie to crack, good luck to you in the future!" Isla piped up from behind me as she pointedly stared at Mason, making it obvious that the last message was aimed directly towards him. Turning to face her, I stared at her with wide eyes as she deliberately ignored my pointed stare and continued to smile as if she hadn't said anything ludicrous. The sound of Mason's chuckle instantly caused my cheeks to flame in embarrassment as I avoided his gaze. 

There was no way Mason and I would ever be together.

It was simply impossible. 

"Well, I'm glad that one of us was able to convince her." Mason jokingly teased as I finally looked over at him. He flashed me a playful wink as he pulled his hands out of his pockets and ran it through his hair. It was slightly chilly tonight and I could barely feel my hands, but as I gazed around the carnival, a small part of me was thankful that I was here.

A couple months ago, I could barely envision myself stepping out of the house for longer than twenty minutes, yet here I was. Life wasn't perfect by any means, but it was better than what it was before.

"So, where to first?" Isla asked as she clapped her hands. We all simultaneously turned to face Fletcher who was still gazing all around the carnival, oblivious to all of us who were staring at him. He resembled a child in a candy store as he excitedly pointed out every ride and game that interested him. Locking eyes with Mason who had already been looking in my direction, we both slightly smiled to one another at Fletcher's behavior. He playfully shook his head at Fletcher's antics and made a motion as if to say Fletcher was nuts, as I attempted to hold back a giggle. 

Turning back to the others, I watched in amusement as Isla poked Fletcher's shoulder, snapping him out of the trance he was in. Turning over to us with a frazzled look, Fletcher fixed his glasses which had fallen down his nose, before sheepishly saying, "Can we go play the water gun game?" We all let out a laugh before nodding and heading towards the game booth which stood near the entrance. 

There was a small voice in my head that told me not to get too comfortable with nights like these, but for once in my life, I wanted to forget all the worries that clouded my mind. I constantly walked around with Rick's burden in the back of my mind, and although I was risking it, I decided to allow myself one night to have a good time. I knew I couldn't completely forget about my responsibilities and Rick, so I promised myself just these few hours before heading back to the dorms.