Page 83 of A Silence So Divine

Thirty Four

Eden

The truck idles outside a single story, brick cottage. Cecil’s knuckles are white against the steering wheel, his eyes flicking back and forth. Veda sits to my right, tapping an incessant rhythm against her knee with the pads of her fingers. Between the two of them, the tension presses down and makes me feel claustrophobic. The trip here wasn’t too long, but it was long enough for me to imagine all the things that could go wrong. My company’s pointed silence towards one another did little to stave off any anxiety.

Veda said we’re visiting a house that one of her friends used to live in. It’s odd, but I didn’t bother asking questions. Everyone has so many secrets, I seldom get the whole truth—if I get the truth at all.

And Cecil, well, he won’t say a thing.

After the night at the pond, the two of them had a meeting. The subject, I can only assume, was me. It had been a couple weeks since we’d been to the Refuge, and I wasn’t sure if we would ever go back after what I did to Jasper.

There was no talk about it afterward. Cecil had taken us home, and I was too ashamed to ask if or when we would return. I can only imagine what those people must think of me. Even Cecil’s been on edge around me. I understand why, but each averted gaze causes a pang in my chest.

That being said, my near drowning had been reason enough for Cecil to make the trek back over there. Creed and I had stayed at the house, which was fine by me. Once Cecil returned, he told me that the two of us would be leaving the next morning. And now we’re here, stewing in silence. It’s moments like these that prove how much I rely on Creed.

I wish he were here.

Minutes pass, punctuated by the small ticks of the watch that adorns Veda’s wrist. It’s nearing eleven already. We won’t be home for lunch, that I’m sure of. My stomach gnaws at the thought, but even if I tried to eat anything right now, it wouldn’t make it past my esophagus.

Suddenly, Cecil’s rough voice fills the cab.

“The moment I get an uneasy feeling—”

“I know.”

“Veda, I’m serious.”

“Iknow.”

Veda shoots daggers past me so they land on Cecil, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

All of this is my fault. Cecil never should have come after me. What will come of this?Anyof this?

You know the end.My father’s voice cascades in my mind. I suppress a shiver.

Cecil’s attention abandons the woods around us and focuses on me. His warm palm presses against my cheek. Reluctantly, I yield to the slight pressure and turn my head until our eyes meet.

“We don’t have to go in there,” he murmurs.

Beside me, Veda groans loudly. “It’s ahouse, Cecil. You’re only scaring her more,” she snaps, throwing the passenger door open.

I want to tell him that he’s not scaring me,everythingis.Iam scaring me. But I don’t say any of that. Instead, I stay still and focus on the way his skin feels against my cheek. There are callouses on his palm–rough, but not unpleasant.

“When you’re ready to leave, we’ll leave. No questions asked.” He says it as a promise. I want to trust him, so I have to try.

Stepping onto the grass, my legs perform like cooked noodles, wobbling beneath me. Veda gives my shoulder a squeeze as she passes, leading the way to the front door.

Nestled in the trees, the house is well hidden. There are no sidewalks, no driveways, no paths from foot traffic. It looks like it’s been empty for quite some time; the greenery grows sporadically, shielding it from prying eyes. The meager front porch is nearly caving in, wood beams bowing and wilted beyond what could be considered safe to walk on. There’s a chimney, too, though no smoke comes from it. Ivy climbs up one side of the brick, giving it a touch of whimsy. Wind chimes hang from branches, too, the softest of rings carrying on the breeze.

Once upon a time, it was probably nice.

It’s not until I feel a nudge at the small of my back that I realize I’ve stopped in my tracks. Snapping back to the present, I force a thick swallow and take another step.

Veda is already at the door, giving the handle a wiggle. It’s unlocked, but she has to throw her shoulder into it to get it to budge.

Time slows as we step onto the porch, tiptoeing along what wooden boards are still intact. My heart is in my throat and my hands tremble, itching to grab something for support. Cecil wouldn’t want me to reach for his hand, so I clasp them behind my back. The old wooden door groans as she pushes it in further, and Cecil is quick to step in front of me. Grateful for the senseof security, I relish in the shield he creates, watching the way his shirt stretches over his back.

Veda makes her way in, each footstep sounding further than the last.