Screaming in the Silence Read Online Free PDF

his hand away from the wall and he seemed to reach for me, nearing but not quite touching my skin. I wanted to lean into it, force him to touch me but I kept still. Our eyes met for a second before he pulled his hand away.
    I took a deep breath. He turned away and I repressed the urge to thank him. Not looking back, he skipped up the stairs two at a time, the spring in his step emphasizing how ready he was to be away from me. I pushed myself from the wall, my knees shaking and my heart thudding in my chest. I climbed back into bed, pulled the covers up to my neck, and cried myself back to sleep.

Chapter 6
     
    "Can you hear her?"
    I giggled and looked up at my father. "Yes. She sounds beautiful."
    He smiled down at me and took my little hand in his, leading me quickly down the hallway of the opera house. The grand door opened quietly and we slipped inside unnoticed. I ran as fast as my short, pudgy legs could carry me to the front row, my mother smiling at me from the stage as she sang. Her voice filled the enormous space and I took a seat directly in front of her so I could watch every move. She slided gracefully across the stage, her arms stretched wide and her generous hips swaying in time with the music. I couldn't understand what she was singing; my father had told me I wouldn't because it was in French. But I didn't mind. My mother's voice was the most beautiful thing in the world and I let it fill my ears and heart completely.
    The song finished and I stood up and cheered, my mother beaming at me. "Tell me, Darling, what did you think?"
    "I loved it!" I exclaimed as I jumped up and down, eager to show my approval.
    "Shall we sing one together, then?"
    "Mama, I don't know any from this one," I explained, hoping she wouldn't mind and ask me again despite this drawback.
    "But you know so many others. Come on stage and we'll sing together." She smiled at me and I ran up the stairs and across the stage into her waiting arms. She brushed a blonde curl out of my face before hugging me close and kissing my cheek.
    "Now, what shall it be? 'You Are My Sunshine?' 'Lullaby and Goodnight?'"
    "'Baby Mine!'"
    "'Baby Mine' it is then." My mother stood up and I did the same, throwing my shoulders back and opening my rib cage, just like she showed me.
    "Daddy, are you watching?" My eyes scanned the empty chairs and found him sitting a few rows back, a wide smile on his face as he stared up at his two girls.
    "I'm watching, Baby." I couldn't tell if he was speaking to me or my mother but I smiled and looked up to see her winking at him.
    My mother didn't mind my shrill singing. She always told me how wonderful I sounded and today was no different. I was the picture of happiness as she reached down to hug me.
    "You go join your father now, I have to finish the rehearsal."
    I nodded and skipped off the stage, turning halfway up the isle to wave at her and blow a kiss. I reached my father in the back of the auditorium, his protective hand resting on my shoulder.
    I woke up. Kaden stood over me kicking the mattress. He was frowning and had a bowl in his hand. I could see steam rising from the top.
    "Oatmeal."
    Of course it was oatmeal. Couldn't he say something normal such as 'Good morning' or 'I've brought you breakfast?' I sat up, my chest feeling much better than the day before, and threw my legs over the side of the mattress. Kaden handed me the bowl and walked up the stairs without saying another word. I waited until he was out of sight before devouring the warm breakfast. It was instant oatmeal, that much was clear, but I didn't care. It was enough to get me through the morning.
    When I finished, I stood up and looked around. Last night's terror still fogged my head, making it difficult for me to breathe, difficult to think, difficult to stay standing and not throw myself back to the bed. New tears fell from my eyes but I was determined to stay strong. Kaden had stopped them and I was safe for now. I took two hesitant steps forward,