Silence || Blake Richardson (1)

30

chapter thirty

I sat on the couch, my nerves seeming to get the best of me.

I know Soulla. I have talked to her multiple times. I have sat in the living room with her while I waited on Blake.

So why am I so nervous all of a sudden?

"Jess?"

I don't look over. Instead, I continue staring at the wall in front of me.

This is nothing new.

I shouldn't be worrying like this. My hands definitely should not be shaking.

"Jess!"

I look over at him, smiling.

"What's up?"

"What? Nothing."

"You're just staring at the wall."

I shrug. "I don't know what to do."

"Abbie was trying to talk to you."

I look over at her.

"You were? Oh I'm so sorry."

"I was trying to tell you that you looked pale. Are you alright?"

I nod. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"No."

"Are you nervous?"

I look back over at Blake, nodding slowly.

"Why? You know my mom, and you know that she loves you."

"She does?"

"Duh."

I smile. "Remember we have Parker's birthday party tonight."

"We have to go to that?"

I shrug. "I do. I don't know about you."

"I leave in a few days."

I sigh, looking up at him. "I'm aware."

"So let's skip the party. Do something after."

I look over at him.

"As tempting as that is, I already promised Parker I would be there tonight."

"You did?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

"But we can do something tomorrow. I promise."

He smiles. "Tomorrow it is."

"Dinner is ready!"

I stand up, walking towards the dining room.

"That's a lot of food." Abbie says as she sits down. "Mom, you always make more food than needed when we have someone over."