Page 79 of Yours on the Canvas

I walk inside my apartment, my uncle and dad following close behind as if they’re worried I’ll back out.

Hale and Silas are my world, and I will never let my father or uncle near them.

I pull a bag from my wardrobe, throwing in the things I’ll need. Heading to the bathroom, I grab my toiletries and toss them on top of my clothes. Now, I need my storage box.

I go to the very back of the wardrobe. Standing on my tiptoes, my fingers graze the edge of the plastic. Flicking it closer, I’m finally able to pull it off the shelf. Holding it with the lid covered in dust, I swallow deeply, my fingers stiff, reluctant to move.

I had closed the lid of this box years ago, swearing I would never open it again. I bought all-new things because I never wanted to go back to my past, never wanted to remember it. But for some reason, I kept it. I don’t know if it was a reminder of what I swore I’d never return to, or because I always knew they would come for me.

Moving to my bag, I push the box beneath the clothes, zip it shut, and sit on the edge of my bed. My fingers find the ring on my little finger, aimlessly circling it as I look around the room. This is the last time I will ever sit in here. The last time Silas will ever hold me, kiss me, make love to me.

Pulling open the top drawer, I grab a notepad and pen.

Tears drip onto the paper as I write, my heart shattering with every word, broken by the reality that I will never see Silas again.

Standing up, I slide my mother’s ring off my finger and lay it directly on top of the note.

Pulling in a lungful of air, steeling myself for what lies beyond this apartment, I pick up my bag and walk out of a life I fell completely in love with.

Away from the man I love.

Away from soft touches and a man who treasures me.

My heart grows heavier with each step as my feet carry me toward a future carved out of pain and agony. I know there will be no more warm arms, no more whispered kisses.

My only companions from here on out will be pain and silence.

20

Silas

It’s been just over an hour since I got the text from Jack. I’m not worried, because I know how he likes to chat when he shops.

Half the town stops him to chat, and it gets a little embarrassing. My dove is gorgeous and they know it.

He humors them, smiles, flirts a little. Makes their day, but he comes home to me, and that is why I’m not worried.

I concentrate on my computer screen as code flies over it. My fingers on the keys make the only sound in the room.

My office sits next to Deck’s. Mine is smaller, because he needs big things. I had joked one day that he must feel like he has to have bigger things because he has to compensate for… well, you get the drift.

I glance down at my watch. It’s been an hour since I last checked. I tap my screen. Zero notifications. A cold, quiet knot tightens behind my ribs.

Picking up my phone, I call Jack, but there is no answer. So I text him.

Jack:

Flirting again, dove?

I wait a minute, but no dots appear. All I get is silence. So, I try again.

Jack, you okay? You're late. Thought you were bringing lunch.

Again no response.

I’m frowning at my phone when CJ and Deck walk in, but they stop the minute they see my face.

“Everything okay?” CJ asks.