The Loudest Silence

Isabella

I silently counted my steps as I kept my gaze latched onto my shoes that were barely holding on by a thread. The sun had nearly set, and Mason and I had spent the majority of the day finishing up on the project. He had been unusually quiet today, and didn't seem like his usual cheery self. Peeking at him from the corner of my eye, I could see eye bags beneath his eyes, indicating that he hadn't gotten much sleep. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts as he stared blankly ahead of us. 

There had been times at the library where I wanted to speak up and ask if he was alright, but I didn't want to intrude. Besides, Mason didn't seem like the type to openly discuss his feelings. Though he was friendly and often talkative, there was something that told me that even he was shielding his true emotions.

Shoving my hands into the pocket of my jacket, I diverted my attention to the changing colors in the sky. Orange mixed with soft hues of yellow took refuge in the sky, and I couldn't help but be in awe of it's beauty.

Despite the fact that the world was littered with evil, there was no denying that the world itself still retained it's beauty, regardless of all the abuse it had receives by it's occupants.

As I saw my dorm building come into view, I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Although I was appreciative that Mason had insisted on walking me back, walking in silence was agonizing. Slowing to a stop in front of the double doors, I turned towards Mason with a small smile occupying my lips. I watched as he attempted to smile back at me before quickly looking away. I felt a nagging voice in the back of my mind speak up as I furrowed my brows at Mason's behavior.

Had I done something wrong?

I felt my heart drop as another suggestion came to mind.

Had Mason discovered the truth about Rick and I?

That coldly possibly be true. He wasn't even from the same area that I came from, and something told me that he would've spoken up if he knew something. 

Maybe he just didn't want to be friends with me anymore.

I could feel a sinking feeling in my chest at the thought. I had only realized now, that maybe our friendship wasn't so bad after all.

After feeling invisible for years, I felt noticed by Mason.

He had been one of the first people, besides Isla to actually make the effort to get to know me. Softly clearing my throat to get Mason's attention, I decided to speak up, "Are you okay?" I softly asked as I watched his eyebrows slightly raise. He stared at me for a brief moment before a smile enveloped his face.

"Yeah, of course. I just didn't get much sleep much last night." He offered as an explanation as he continued smiling at me. Returning his smile with one of my own, I slowly nodded my head. Though he wore a massive smile on his face, I could tell he was deflecting. His eyes indicated that he wasn't telling the truth, but I decided to let it go knowing that it probably wouldn't get me anywhere.

"Well, I hope you sleep better tonight. Thank you for walking me home, Mason." I said with a small wave before making my way into the building. He flashed me another smile before turning and heading the opposite direction to his building. 

I had barely stepped into the warm building when a voice spoke up from behind me.

"How was the carnival?" Roman questioned as I let out a soft gasp. Turning quickly, I looked towards the direction where Mason headed and let out a sigh of relief as I realized that he was no longer in our vicinity.