She's silent

Chapter Five

Todd POV:

I forgot how long an hour can drag when all you have to do is listen and watch the seconds on a clock tick by. The couple were still making gooey eyes at one another, apparently they had been caught exposed on school grounds. Mr Mail was filling out his crossword or something on his newspaper. One minute to go.

As soon as the buzzer alerted us we could leave. I was out of that door faster than flash himself. Mr Mail barely gave us a glance and muttered something under his breath.

As I was walking along the corridor heading toward my locker to grab my things I heard the most beautiful music come from the music department. It struck me as odd, as it was the first day back. Somebody was clearly keen to already begin extra curricular activities and skills, usually people start the week after so they can get settled in classes. Somebody must be keen. Still curiousity overwhelmed me and honestly I doubt anybody in this school could play that well. I've seen the school musicals and the pianists is average at best. Plus today had been a b*tch and I'm not looking forward to the lecture from my parents, they wouldn't tolerate me fighting on the first day. They were already convinced I was 'rebelling' and 'acting out'.

The door to the music room was closed, but I could still hear the piano music playing. A moderately slow tune played. The song was gentle but kind of left a wrenching feeling in my gut. For a moment I was transported to another time. I shook my head and decided I needed to see who in this school could play music like that. Whoever was playing was clearly lost in the music as she didn't spare me a glance. Still continuing to play the tune without a care in the world. It was beautiful.

For some reason I found myself thinking of Jess, I was still mad and devestated at her cheating on me with that sac of meat, did three years together really mean nothing to her? I couldn't believe that. Doubt waved over me, and I let out a huff.

As if sensing me, the girl abruptly paused, I saw her shoulders tense and she slowly turned to face me, she seemed to be holding her breath. It was the girl who'd ran out of science class earlier, I never would have thought such a shy girl could play like that. It was truly magical the way she poured her soul into the music. Still, I couldn't understand why she was looking at me like I was a hunter and she was a deer about to be shot, it was the same look she had given me earlier. Her eyes were glossy and a beautiful shade of grey/blue, her ash blonde hair was up in a messy bun with a few loose curls twisting over down the side of her face, her lips were perfectly plump and pink, like she had been biting them, her clothes were dark grey and loosly fitted like she was trying to hide herself.

The air around us was tense and as the silence continued I noticed it was getting kind of awkward. I decided I'd try to break the ice at least.

I lowly whistled 'Beautiful and talented, don't tell me you're smart else I'd have hit the jackpot..' she just blinked not saying anything. Maybe that was too cheesy.

I coughed. "So what's your name? I don't think we've met, well we kinda did earlier in science but you kinda just left without a word..."

She had clearly spaced out, that or she was about to pass out. I couldn't tell which one. Deciding I'd try and reassure her, I reached out to place my hand on her shoulder and was about to apologize for clearly making her uncomfortable, but before I could she bolted.

What on Earth was her problem?! I'd never thought I was intimidating, and since when were girls getting offended by being called beautiful and talented. It's not like I wolf whistled at her. I only wanted to know her name..

Still, the girl could run, I'll give her that. After the initial shock of her just running away, I decided to try and catch up to her, but she was gone without a trace in the wind. I decided to cut my loss today. I'd find out next time what her problem was. I hated feeling like I'd done something wrong, especially when I had no clue what I had done.

I jumped in my silver BMW and listened absently to the radio playing, Bastille came on and I tapped my fingers to the beat of the music.

Before I knew it I was back on my driveway and headed inside to my house. Mom was in the living room watching a women's chat show while ironing some clothes. I assumed dad was still at work as there seemed to be no sign of him around. Steal greeted me at the door, licking the back of my hand, he knew it was almost time for our evening run, I gave him a little rub behind the ear. "I know I'm late bud, we'll go in a min."

On that note, mom paused the TV and put all her focus on me. Oh here we go.

"Todd, sweetie come and sit down" .. I sat down on the creamy soft sofa, drapped with blue blankets and cushions. Maybe she didn't know why I was late home..

"So your principal called me today at the office to let me know you got detention.." or maybe she did. "You want to tell me why?"

Trying to keep an impasive face, my mother was excellent at reading people, it was probably one of the reasons she was so good at her job.

"I wouldn't worry about it mom, it was an accident that's all." I said, keeping a calm collected response. I couldn't exactly tell her I broke a guys nose and gave him a black eye. Regardless of why I had done it she would use this as an opportunity to insert herself further into my life. All I wanted was some space. My parents could be sufffercating at times.

"Really? Because your principal told me you got into a fight, and judging by the bruise forming on your jaw, I wouldn't call it play fighting so don't try and sell me that."

"Look, I had my reasons okay? I don't really wanna relive through it at the moment, as I wanna process it. And I know I should have better control of my actions and I will work on them. I promise, I won't get into anymore fights." I shot out carefully but quickly to try and get the point across.

"Well, you don't have to tell me right now why you thought it was a good idea to assault somebody on the first day back to school, In your final year.. but I'd like you to be able to talk to me about anything and everything okay?"

Ugh could she suffocate me any further, I just want to go for my run. " Yeah I know"

"And to make sure this doesn't become a regular thing, you're band from going to the gym to box for two weeks.. understood?" She shot out quickly.

I nodded. It's not like I have a choice. They love to baby me, no matter how responsible or mature I try to be. They can't help themselves. One more year, and I would be outta here.