Silence

{14.2} Ruckus

{Aspen's POV}

It's been far too long since we've had a hitlist update. It's changed up a fair amount. Observe:

Taking spot number one, we have father dearest. I just straight up don't like him. I haven't even seen him since before I was taken. It honestly still feels like he doesn't exist. I hate to say it, but I feel like I wouldn't really mind if he didn't.

Spot number two, we have Ronan. I have not forgotten that he reads my messages and basically stalks me all the live long day. Yes, it's his job but it's still not okay.

Number three, surprise surprise, it's Jasper. It's just his whole existence at this point.

Numero four, the one, the only, Caspian! Has he been a lot better lately? Yes. But, that doesn't erase all the things he's done. He still has some work to do.

Number five, we have Ash. I have no idea where he has he been lately. Pretty much avoiding me. I don't know what is going on with us to be honest. All I know is I haven't seen him in a while, and I miss him.

Number six, we have Rhys. Basically Ronan's little puppet. Who, in turn is basically Caspian's little puppet. 

Number seven, we have-

"Aspen?"

Shitake mushrooms.

I look up and see Sorin my my door way. I quickly put my journal under my blanket and sit on it. Sorin raises an eyebrow at me.

"Do you not understand the concept of knocking?" I ask.

"I understand it, but I simply do not care."

"That's a little disrespectful, no?"

"No." He walks in, closing the door behind him. "What are you hiding from me?" 

"The hitlist." I reply truthfully, he nods his head, walking further into my room.

"Am I still on it?" he asks, sitting beside me on the bed.

"After not knocking, you're a strong contender for number eleven and a half." I tell him.

"Woah, why am I sharing spot eleven?" He asks with distaste. "I deserve my own spot."

"As you wish." I tell him.

"Wait, I take that back." He says suddenly, making me raise an eyebrow at him.

"No." I tell him. "You've earned spot number eleven."

"Wait, hold on a second. It's called joking."

"No Sorin, it's called knocking." I reply, "Welcome back to the hitlist."

"Sh*t." He mumbles. "What do I have to do to get out of this?" 

"Knock." I tell him.

His face morphs into one of disgust.

"No, I'll accept spot eleven if it means I never have to knock."

"I'll bump you up." I warn.