Belle Stone

Part 32

Left alone in the middle of the living room Belle stood her ground. The event from just a second ago ran through her mind. What has happened that made him so worried? Why did he ask her if she's alive? Why wouldn't she be?

Mark didn't stop running. The sound of crying that was stuck in his head made his legs move quicker. How could he just leave him like that?

He encountered the boy sitting in front of the TV. The colorful cartoon was shining those colors onto the boy's face. The innocent laugh echoed through the room. Mark smiles slightly. His heart fills with joy and he is relieved. A rough voice breaks the wholesome melody of the laugh. Two short coughs pierce Mark's insides.
"Mark, can you come to my office for a second?"
His boss, the big, round figure placed his meaty hand on his shoulder making him turn around.
"Yes, of course."

In union, they turned on the heels of their feet. The small cubicle at the end of the hall was getting closer. They were approaching the intimidating  Director sign.
"So, how have you been?"
The casual question hung itself in the air bringing tension upon Mark as he speculates what this meeting is about.
"Pretty well, I am satisfied." 

Suddenly, the realization hits him. He recalled his previous action. He messed up. Consequences are about to appear.
"I am glad to hear that. How is Belle? Everything alright?"
He gulped down. A nervous smile plastered on his face.
"Well, you know how it is with teenagers. Even when they are good they bring many worries."
"I suppose you are right..."
The round man smiles at him. He sits down in his chair and motions Mark to sit as well.
"Now, can you tell me what is the important thing that happened that you had to rush out from your workplace during work hours?"
A little bit of anger tainted his words but he kept his composure. He always tried to be subtle with his questions but his impatience didn't let him keep that up.
"I am very sorry, sir. I just forgot."
The man raises his eyebrows up before Mark continues to elaborate. "When I saw the news I lost all feeling in my body. The only thing on my mind was to get to Belle as soon as possible."
The director adjusted himself in his chair. He leaned forward intrigued. Mark didn't notice. He was starting at the desk while he remembered what happened.
"You see, I sent her to hang out with her friends today. She studies way too much so I wanted her to have a little fun, to relax for some time. Now I see that was a mistake. Those girls died today in that forbidden place of the park. The same way that guy did."
"There is no need to apologize. I completely understand. Your absence is justified. But you have to understand that as your boss I have the right to ask you, actually, I am obliged to ask you when you go out without asking. Is she okay? Did anything happen to her?"
The expression of the fat round face changer and so did his tone. It was softer, gentler, full of compassion.
"Yeah, yeah she is fine. Nothing, she doesn't even know what happened."
"Lucky girl. It is a miracle she got out of that unharmed but I am surprised she didn't hear anything. I heard that voice cannot be escaped from."
"Yeah, I guess she is very lucky."

Doubt was born in Mark's brain. She escaped death two times unaware she was so close to it. How does that happen? How can she not hear the sound that shakes the earth, the sound that paralyzes people?
"I have a question."
The director dismissed Mark and he was just about to leave when he turns around.
"Ask away"
The director gladly answers.
"Is there any documentation about Belle left here?"
"Just the application contract."
"Oh, okay. Thanks."
"No problem."

Maybe Belle is immune to loud sounds. There must be some explanation. The suspicion raised from within him. What if she is the one producing them? No, that can't be true. She hasn't screamed in years. Even if she did scream there is no way it wouldn't hurt her. It is a pretty powerful scream. Then again, she wasn't hurt when that woman that worked there was.