Chapter 25 For Charity
For Charity
Heaven
The following day passed in a blur, and we’re all simply waiting for the moment we are going to leave. I now apply glitter to my face, creating a skull-like makeup design that covers half of my face.
Allie decided against The Nun getup as we are going to have to leave at some point while the party is in progress. So, she decided to simply wear all black and said she’ll bring a weapon. I’m not sure what she’s supposed to be, but she seems satisfied, and that’s the most important thing. I think?
I finish my makeup and put on a burgundy velvet mini dress.
Even I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be.
I planned on a black gown, but knowing we’re going to have to make our exit during the evening, the burgundy dress was a better option.
We will need to suit up fast when we leave.
I pull on my over-the-knee boots, which have a pretty high pencil heel, and lace them all the way up.
I have several black ribbons around my thighs and up my arms. Each ribbon holds several weapons, all sealed inside.
I tie a final ribbon around my throat and admire my reflection as I hoist the strapless dress up over my breasts.
Plumping up my hair, I decide to check all my supplies for the hundredth time. Everything is in order.
Ok, it’s going to be ok.
I look in the mirror for a moment. This mission has to succeed…
We might not be able to be killed there, but we can be at risk of other things.
We have to be careful. We don’t know what this realm is going to be like, how long it’s going to take to get to Sienna, nor how easy or hard it will be.
We are going in blind, and it’s my responsibility to bring everyone back safely.
There’s a knock on the door just as I’m tying my black cloak on. Opening the door, I see Tatum standing there. He’s not dressed up at all, wearing just normal jeans and a shirt, the same style as he always wears.
He raises an eyebrow at me. “What are you meant to be?”
A witch, I write, then freeze, realising I haven’t told him yet about my voice. He simply snorts, and I raise my finger again. A mute witch?
He arches an eyebrow but then shakes his head. I feel a little guilty, but I don’t want to piss him off before I leave. “You should have done a mime’s makeup and blended it with a witch’s get-up. Might have been cool?”
I’m not a mime. I frown at him as he chuckles, but it fades as he now looks at me, sighing heavily.
“I’m not happy with this,” he says softly.
I wrap my arms around him and kiss his cheek, smiling up at him.
I don’t write anything, knowing he can understand what I’m trying to say.
He sighs and wraps his arms around me, giving me a tight squeeze.
“You girls really do stress me out…” He kisses my forehead, and for a moment we just stand there.
“Bring her back, ok?” he whispers before releasing me.
I look into his eyes and nod with determination.
I will, I write, and I promise it. He knows we’re leaving today.
We head out together, the loud music reaching my ears.
I look over at the bake sale and the games that are set up, and there’s a stage where a band consisting of students is playing.
If Sienna were here, she’d have been a great addition.
I can sing, too, but- I stop my thoughts in my tracks, realising I won’t get to sing again. I don’t have my voice anymore.
I touch my throat as I scan the vibrantly lit setup. I spot Holden talking to some of the boys and girls in our year, laughing at something someone said. He’s dressed up as the Grim Reaper. A sting of pain squeezes my heart, and I look away.
If he wants to talk to me, he can approach me. I am not about to go over to him. I walk over to the first stall and buy myself a cupcake that is decorated in orange and black cream and has fondant spiders and webs on it. I pay and offer a small smile in place of a thank you.
“She’s so stuck-up,” the girl behind the counter whispers the moment I’ve turned away. The other girl stifles a giggle. I purse my lips. I’d love to make her trip and fall into her cupcakes, but the money is for charity, so I won’t do that.
But a little stumble might just teach her. I flick my finger and suppress a smirk when I hear a shriek and a thud from behind as the girl ‘somehow’ slips.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Holden says, and I turn to see him walk over to me, an apologetic smile on his face.
You walking off yesterday wasn’t very nice, I think, but don’t say that to him.
I drop the cupcake into the nearest trash can, tossing my hair as I keep walking, and he falls in step beside me. “I’m sorry for yesterday.”
I look at him to show him I’m listening, casting a privacy spell so no one can hear what he’s saying. He shoves his hands in his pockets, and I simply pay attention to the stalls. “You won’t say anything – I mean you won’t sign, er, I mean write anything? Fuck this is weird.”
I now look at him. Raising an eyebrow, but again, I’m not going to reply, not until his apology is sufficient.
“Alright, I’m really sorry. Tell me how I can make it up to you, babe?
I’ll do anything.” He turns, pivoting, so he’s in front of me, and I come to an abrupt stop, my nose hitting his chest. He grabs me by the waist and tilts his head.
“I’m sorry. I just… I was upset. I won’t lie; I am still upset.
I loved your voice, and for that to just be gone…
” He presses his forehead to mine, and I look down.
I get it, but… he hasn’t even noticed I’ve cast a silencing spell.
“Please look at me, Heaven.” I look up at him indifferently before holding my hand out, not wanting anyone else to be able to read what I’m writing.
It hurt me, too, the way you walked away. I just lost my voice. I would have preferred for you to stay by my side.
His eyes fill with guilt, and he looks me in the eye. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
It’s ok, I write. I’m leaving tonight. I don’t want to leave on a bad note, but I’m not sure if he even heard me yesterday when I was telling him that. I don’t want to explain anything to him now; that chance is gone.
“Awesome… so, shall we get some food and then go dance?”
I nod, and he smiles. “Great, you look sexy, by the way. I love that dress on you…” His eyes trail over me, and I blush a little. He chuckles and slings his arm around my shoulders, kissing my cheek.
You don’t look so bad yourself, I write, looking him over. He’s wearing loose black pants and a long, floor-length coat over them.
“Thanks,” he says, letting go of my shoulders and doing a small turn for me. I smile slightly, and I see his smile fade. “I miss your voice.”
I don’t let my own smile falter, acting nonchalant even if his words are just making me feel worse. Let’s dance, I write, feeling even more self-conscious when I’m writing something.
“Yeah, that might help,” he murmurs, taking the lead to the dance floor. I look at the back of his head, and then at the stage where the band is striking up another song.
I open my mouth before I realise and reach out for Holden, about to grab hold of him, but he slips into the crowd, and I step back.
I don’t want to dance…
I’m about to turn away when Holden grabs my wrist and pulls me forward. “Come on, where is your head at?” he asks loudly as he begins moving to the music.
I raise my hand, ready to write a reply, when he lets out a small ‘tsk’ and shakes his head. “Don’t answer, just dance.”
Nodding, I lock my arms around his neck, not wanting to look him in the eye, unable to stop the thoughts from niggling into my mind. I’ve talked to Allie and Theo… Neither of them made out as if I was lacking. I was heard, but with Holden, it’s as if I’m silenced, literally.
He holds my hips, dancing against me, but I’m unable to focus on enjoying the moment or the song. I’m not enjoying us hanging out.
When the song ends, I pull away and clap along with everyone else.
“That was awesome. They’re pretty good,” Holden says. I nod. “This is the reason you, of all people, shouldn’t have lost your voice,” he murmurs. I look over at him.
What do you mean? I write, refusing to simply tolerate it anymore. It is bothering him a lot, and I want to understand why.
“Well… you’re already really stiff and reserved. Without a voice, you just…” He looks down.
I’m even more robot-like? I finish for him.
He looks at me apologetically. “Well… yeah…” I have never been slapped across the face, but the way my face stings at his words, I think this is how it would feel. I keep myself composed and nod. I thought he saw me as more than that. I guess not.
“It’ll take me a little time; I’ll get used to it.”
I nod again. Excuse me, I’m going to go find Allie, I write.
“Hey, are you mad?”
I’m about to reply when someone shouts out to him.
“Holden!”
I’m glad, because if he doesn’t know the answer to that question of his, he’s stupid.
I turn my attention to the stage, where the last of the equipment is being cleared away. One of the girls steps forward, microphone in hand, her voice carrying over the hum of chatter.
“Alright, everyone! Time for the not-so-secret performance from some of the hottest boys on campus! Give it up for them, and don’t forget to donate! Tonight, we’re supporting war orphans!”
The lights cut out, plunging the grounds into pitch-black darkness. Just before the shadows swallow everything, I catch Allie off to the side, carefully avoiding the dance floor and anyone from coming near her, as if they may carry a plague.
My gaze flicks back to the stage, where fog creeps across it, spreading through the crowd. The first shrieks break from the girls the moment orange and blue light beams cut through the haze.
There are ten of them.