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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: SHIELDS UP.
The hushed chatter of the students filling the halls cascade around me as I head to the main office. It felt weird walking the halls; not as a student. Huh... Looking up I’m greeted by the numbers of his classroom. Biology. Two-Three. Sighing, I turn around and head in the opposite direction. Snap out of it, he’s not here. I knew he didn’t abandon me. I knew it, yet, I still couldn’t help feeling his absence. I hated this feeling. August. Nan. I felt his absence as he’d been with me since the beginning and not just a few months. His question still played broken in my head.
‘Do you know what you're going to do after this stupid game Atlas?’ No. I hadn’t thought that far ahead before. Winning. Getting Nans villa back. That’s where my goals had stopped.
'What do you want to do with your life Atlas?' I’d wanted for nothing. My life had never ever really been my own and I’d never really seen it differently. Why would you ask me questions I didn’t know th
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SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: BATTLE OF AGES.
Left in my own silence once more, my thoughts wander back to him. It’s been three days since I last saw or spoke to him and since reporters have been camping outside my apartment I’ve been staying at his. I hope he’s okay. Stupid Yuzuki. Leaving without saying goodbye. What did he mean about putting him in a predicament with my decision? I realise that by saying I was being independent, I acted selfishly but you don’t just disappear. Isn’t that in itself selfish? Karma?A soft knock brings my attention to the door in time to see Hugh’s step in followed by William. Great, now I’m thinking about him even more. As though knowing what I was thinking he smiles warmly at me, sitting on the small sofa as Hugh’s busies himself with making us tea.“Good Morning, Ms. Ingram.” He says the last name in a matter-of-fact tone, and I shift uncomfortably. I really hate that last name; but it is mine. Hugh’s was right. Professional.“Mr. Fairchild.”
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: GIFTS UPON GIFTS.
Entering the room I’m greeted by the hushed conversations of the board members and by the heavy atmosphere, I could tell the old man’s been playing his mind games. Walking past him I take my seat at the head of the table and Hugh’s leads William to the empty chair on my right.“A Chairman who's late...” cutting off his attempt to show me up, I speak above him.“If I remember correctly, everyone was informed to be here at Elven O'Clock,” ignoring his stare I continue, “I also have a school to run, so unlike those of you who are simply in a rush to go play golf, your opinion of my arrival time is not needed.” A chorus of whispers ring through the room and I grit my teeth in an attempt to calm down. No Atlas, you can’t punch him. Yet.“Now then, shall we begin. As you all heard early this week, Winters project will begin on time. A few of you have expressed your concerns about funding...” as though on queue his voice breaks through the
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: SUMMER COMES HOME.
The warmth radiating for the body that holds me feels both alien and familiar and I'm too shocked to even think about stepping away. No. I don't want to step away. My arms snake across his back and I cling to him; afraid he’ll disappear if I do.“This is a dream right...? It has to be a dream…” My voice barely a whisper, even to myself."Dream... this...?" His chest vibrating against my face as he chuckles, his hands moving my face away from his chest to meet his gaze."It's anything but, Atlas." The heat from his lips as he kisses my forehead radiates through my body and I shiver, biting my gum in order to not cry."How...?" He looks from me to William and I follow his gaze."You?" He puts his hands up imitating surrender as he smiles at me."Nope. I told you, didn't I? Jason sent you a gift." He says winking, a cheeky grin plastered on his face."Yu-San did?"
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: SINS CORRECTED.
Being sat opposite him still felt like a dream. I couldn’t help but study the man who sat before me; broad shoulders, defined jaw and facial features to kill. He was smaller, but his eyes still smiled the same. His left leg crossed over the other, mirroring my own. I smile at the memory of him teaching me etiquette and polite business-like mannerisms. Linen suits tailored to perfectly frame his body, sunlit blonde hair neatly combed back further emphasising his features. The absolute vision of the old man when he was younger. There’s no mistaking it. This man was my brother. Our eyes meet and he smiles brightly at me, and seemingly sensing my conclusion he relaxes into his seat.“So, this silence is a tad bit awkward...” He grins shyly as my stare fixes on him again.“Welcome home.” As the words left my lips his eyes widened in shock before relaxing, his lips curling once again into a beautiful smile.“It’s good to be back.” He repl
SILENCE THIRTY-SIX: DO SAKURA'S BLOOM IN WINTER?
The cicadas sing to the full moon as I stir, unable to completely fall asleep. I’d forgotten how beautifully annoying these things were. Even with jet lag falling asleep is difficult. Hmm... that’s not a cicada. Stirring again, I reached my phone as the screen lit up, my ringtone blaring into the silent room. It’s after Three AM right now...“... who the hell is calling at this...” Oh. My annoyance crumbles and a smile plasters across my face at the caller ID.“Kon'nichiwa...” Her chuckle stirring a heat I’d no doubt be unable to sedate for a long time. Groaning, I roll off my futon, moving to open the door to the garden; the sliding sound filling the now silent room.“Oyasumi, Yu-Chan...” Smiling like a clown, I run my hands through my hair at her voice.“I want to hold you very much right now A-Tan.” She falls silent and my heart tightens at the sniffle that passes through the phone.
SILENCE THIRTY-SEVEN: MEN OF THE YAMADA CLAN.
A soft knock at the door draws my attention to the door and I get up from the veranda before opening it and welcoming the young man who enters.“Good morning Sakamoto-Sama.”“Good morning.” He smiles slightly and bows, placing a prepared suit on the divider.“Master Yamada asks for your appearance this morning Sakamoto-Sama...” I sigh, cutting him off and he stares at me panicked.“You know, Sama makes me feel really old. Knowing your personality, you won’t stop calling me that, but can you refrain when it's just us?” He stares at me dumbfounded, his eyes searching mine.“Of course... er...”“Just Yuzuki is fine.” I smile and he returns it nodding.“Yes, sir... I mean, Yuzuki.” He busies himself setting out the small tables and chairs and putting away the futon as I move behind the divider to change.“Can I ask you a question?” I ask peeping over the divider.“... of course...” I smile as he hesitates. So, it’s either honorifics
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: ON THE MEND.
Following breakfast, as promised the old man leads Miyama-Kun and I through the garden towards the bamboo field beside the estate. The fresh scent of earth reaches me and I’m left paralyzed by the chains of nostalgia that wash over me and I close my eyes. Fear and emotions I thought I’d long ago given up on, tugging at my heart and I couldn't help but wish for Atlas' warm hands in mine. I don't know when she became such an important anchor for me but right now, at my most vulnerable I couldn't help but wish for her. The creaking as the bamboo trees dance in unison with the wind. The birds singing their early morning tunes. Mother loved these woods. Whenever it rained, she'd always come out for walks and sometimes she'd even take me with her."You remember don't you, boy." My eyes open to find the old man and Miyama staring at me, sympathy in both their eyes. I hate those eyes."I do.""When she died, I knew I couldn't send her back to America you see. I loved her t
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: DEBRA.
The full-length mirror I stood before reflected me to every fault. The nervous shake as my hands fixed the black blouse and casual trousers fitted to my body. The tapping of my calf high laced-up boots. Looking myself up and down I sigh, defeated by my own head. Pulling my hair from the band, it fallsbhugging my shoulders as I wished I could myself. I already knew that if not for his scent around the room I would’ve lost it since morning. Walking into the closet I pick off an oversized cardigan from a hanger, throwing it across my shoulders.“You’re coming with me today.” Taking up the keys and my satchel I headed downstairs to where Hughes waited, August sat in the back seat, Martin next to him. Well, don’t they look rejuvenated? Shaking my head as Hughes makes his attempt to come out to greet me, I walk around to the passenger side before taking my seat.“Good morning, Young Master.” Hughes greets me before taking off.“Morning Hu
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