Fighting Silence

I was okay. She was okay. We were okay. Nothing else matters.

With one sentence and two steps, forever began. Till Page walked through my door for the very first time.

is nothing in this world that was ever more mine than you,” he stated.

There is nothing in this world that was ever more mine than you.

listen to me. He—” He narrowed his eyes. “—won’t ever have to experience this. Quarry either. They can get the implant. You’ve shouldered this for everyone. You wanted to give us all a better life. And you’ve done it. We aren’t millionaires, but we’ve made it. The only question now is: When does Till get the better life?

I can’t have you without claiming you for forever.” “Then claim me. I’ll claim you too.” “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

Till always made things hard for me, but in some strange way, he always made them infinitely better as well.

I’m so sorry I fucked this up. Just tell me how to fix it.” She sniffled and backed away. “Open your eyes, Till. I’m sick of letting the Earth spin under my feet while you circle around me. We belong together, but if that isn’t going to happen, I have to start moving on … I don’t want to live in a world where the windows are locked and the Page boys don’t eat me out of house and home. So I am begging you, Till. Wake. Up.

Oh, God, no! Not your fragile ego!” I slapped my hands to my cheeks and feigned horror, earning me one of Till’s one-sided grins. “I know. I took it hard. I had to flex in front of the mirror for a full five minutes before I was able to come down here.

Why are you even arguing about this? Word on the street is that you’re pretty obsessed with me.

I was at least a foot taller than she was and probably had her by almost a hundred pounds, but on the inside, she was the strong one

You’re okay. I’m okay. We’re okay. Nothing else matters.

I love you, Eliza Reynolds, and if I had my way, I’d lock you up in a room and keep you all for myself. But if you insist on doing that whole ‘living a real life’ thing, I want to go with you.

I don’t think you’re supposed to say ‘fucking’ to kids,” he mumbled. As he passed me, I reached out and smacked him on the back of the head. “Don’t fucking cuss.

I want it all … Every single first you have to give, I want it.” … “Then they’re all yours,” I promised.

I’m ready for a new reality…with you.” With one sentence and two steps, forever began. Till Page walked through my door for the very first time.

I wanted to spend forever with you at thirteen. Nothing has or ever will change that. Eliza, I love you. And I am unquestionably serious about spending the rest of my life with you.

Hers: My wildest fantasy. Mine: This is reality. That day had been such

Till, this is my boyfriend, Ray Mabie.

round. Then I’m calling the fight. You knock this motherfucker out right now or it’s over.

We love each other ferociously – and if the last few days are any indication, we are undeniably attracted to each other sexually too. Till, we’ve been basically married for a long time. Facing the facts won’t change anything.” “I can’t risk that it will, Eliza.” “Well, it’s too late. We took the risk last night, and not five minutes ago, we were risking it all over again. I love you. That’s not ever going to change.

We’re spending the rest of the night rewriting it the way it should’ve been. I may’ve been the first, but this time when I make you come I want to know I’ll be the last.

I’m the only person you fully trust to unload on. You would protect me with your life, and I would do the same for you. If you have a problem, I solve it—” “That’s actually Vanilla Ice.

But then it became a place wehre I wasn't bound by my life outside. Inside the four walls of that shitty apartment, I got to be whoever I wanted. I wasn't poor or going deaf. Social services weren't beating down our door, nor were the cops looking for my dad. I was always met with a smile and a sense of belonging. It was YOU. We had an entirely separate life there. Together, we kept it clean. I made sure we always had power and you made sure I didn't starve. That twas a hell of a lot more than I got at home. You took care of me, and with what little I had, I took care of you.

She burst out laughing. God, I loved that sound so much. I knew I’d never be the same when I lost it to the silence. I’d happily give up every noise in the world if I could just keep her laugh. But my life didn’t work that way.

I’d happily give up every noise in the world if I could just keep her laugh.

I’m still married to Justin Timberlake. I laughed then snatched the pad from her hands. “Then send my apologies to Justin, because I’m about to fuck his wife.

I’d never had anything I could call my own, but Eliza Reynolds would always be mine.

I can’t give her what she wants!” “Pull your fucking head out of your ass and stop being such a pussy. You living in this ridiculous ass fantasy world is fucking up reality for the rest of us. Including her.