Silent No More

by N. E. Henderson

  “Yes, it does. Now, go get in bed,” he orders. I cut my eyes at him. If he thinks barking orders at me is going to get me to do what he wants, then he is sorely mistaken.

  “No. Stop being an ass, Nick,” I holler.

  “Fine,” he sighs. “Let me at least wrap your ribs. It will help. Trust me,” he tells me and I arch my eyebrow. “I’ve had broken ribs before,” he shrugs like it should have been obvious.

  “Oh,” I respond and he finishes pulling me into my bedroom.

  “Sit on the bed and take off your shirt.” I follow his orders, but not before rolling my eyes behind his back.

  “I don’t have anything to wrap them with,” I tell Nick as I take a seat at the end of my messy bed. I hate that I left my house without making the bed first.

  “Why do you think we stopped at the pharmacy?” he questions, holding up the bag.

  “To fill my prescription of pain medication, which by the way, was a waste of money. I’m not taking them.”

  “That too, and what do you mean you’re not taking your medicine? You’re hurt. You’re in pain.” He’s giving a “are you really arguing with me about this?” look.

  “A little pain is nothing I can’t handle. I don’t hurt enough to justify medication.” I pull my t-shirt over my head. I have to bite down on my bottom lip so I don’t show him just how much that movement really did hurt. I gently lay the shirt down on the bed beside me.

  “Arms up,” he gestures as he removes the ACE bandage from its wrapper. “The point of the pain medication is so you aren’t in any pain. You’re taking the pills, end of discussion, woman.” I comply and raise both arms above my head a little too fast as I glare at him. The movement causes shooting pain and I want to curse. Nick is really starting to get on my nerves.

  “You’re right, end of discussion. But I’m not taking the pain pills, so let it go.” He cuts his eyes up to mine as he wraps the bandage around my body several times before securing it.

  Wow, that’s tight.

  “Why do you have to argue with every fucking thing I say?” he huffs out.

  “Why do you think everything is going to be your way?” I retort, ignoring his question. I pull my t-shirt back on and over my wrapped ribs. Actually, the bandage does kind of help. I should probably be thanking him at this point.

  “Just get your ass in bed, Shannon,” he says through clenched teeth, while staring down at me. I stand up in front of him, causing him to have to back up a few steps.

  “No. Now, don’t you have a job to go to or something?” I ask as I’m walking out of the bedroom.

  “For the love of God,” he sighs. “You are the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” he continues, falling in behind me out the door. I turn on my heels, causing him to abruptly stop before he collides with me.

  “No, Nicholas Lockhart. I’m not stubborn. I’m just not going to follow your orders because you think you’re right, or you think you know what’s best,” I say, pointing my index finger into his chest.

  Damn, he’s irritating the hell out of me right now.

  “Don’t poke me in the chest like that again. I don’t like it,” he gripes.

  “Yeah, well, I don’t like being ordered around,” I holler back at him.

  “Fine, I’m going to work. I have a 6 o’clock meeting tonight, so I won’t be home until late,” he says as he walks past me in the hall.

  “Why don’t you just stay at your house tonight? I think we could use a night apart,” I spit out, and instantly regret my words. He halts, but doesn’t turn around to face me. After a second, he continues out of the hall and I hear the front door slam.

  Why did I have to be such a bitch? I didn’t mean that. Way to go, Shannon. He’s only been trying to help you all morning.

  “Arghh,” I scream out loud, frustrated with myself. I walk out of the hall and into my living room. The dogs are both on the oversized chair staring at me.

  “Stop looking at me like that,” I tell them and head into the kitchen. I don’t need his dogs making me feel worse. I walk over to the cabinet, pulling out a glass and fill it with water. I take a sip of the refreshing cool liquid. It feels great going down my throat.

  Needing a distraction from my harsh words to Nick, I grab my water and my Kindle off the counter to head out to the deck. Reading will help relax me since Nick wants me to rest.

  Taking a seat on my chaise lounge, I sit my glass of water on the table and turn on my Kindle. I begin reading The Dark Prince by S.L. Jennings. It’s the second book in her series. The first one blew my mind, and I can’t wait to start reading this one. A little supernatural is what I need to get my mind off reality.

  * * * * *

  By the time noon gets here, I’ve spent an hour reading and relaxing on my glorious deck, looking out at the ocean. My ribs still hurt like a bitch, but I’m becoming accustomed to the breathing and not moving in certain ways. Turning my Kindle off, I sit it on the table and get off the chair to walk into the house.

  Locating my phone, I don’t have any missed calls or text messages from Nick, but I do from his sister.

  In the mood for company?

  Something tells me she has spoken to her brother. I sigh then shoot a text back to her.

  Sure, bring Starbucks.

  I’m not allowed to leave.

  Sergeant’s orders and all! :)

  I set my phone on the kitchen counter, but she quickly replies, so I picked it back up.

  Be there in 30!!!

  I place my phone back on the counter and walk out of the kitchen. I haven’t collected my mail in a few days, so I walk out front to retrieve it. Once I’m back in the house, I shut the door, but don’t lock it so Nikki can come in.

  I toss several magazines on the couch and take the rest to the kitchen. Standing by the trash, I toss anything looking like junk straight in the garbage without opening it. The rest are bills so I stick them in a drawer until I can take them to Jenny to handle.

  I grab my phone and walk out of the kitchen to go to the couch. I can at least read a magazine while I’m waiting on Nikki. Really, I should call Nick to apologize. I just can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe he is right. Maybe I really am stubborn.

  Getting comfortable in the corner of the couch, I bring my feet up tucking them underneath me and grab one of the magazines lying on the cushion. I toss my phone on the couch next to me.

  I’m about to open the magazine in my lap when my phone chirps telling me I have a text message. I notice it’s an unfamiliar number as I open the message.

  It’s James

  We need to talk…PRONTO

  I drop the phone in my lap and my body freezes. How did he get my phone number? I don’t want to talk to him. I didn’t want to see him yesterday, let alone ever again.

  No.

  Leave me alone.

  I grab my phone again, looking at the message once more, hoping I imagined it, but no, I didn’t. I bite the corner of my bottom lip to stop the tears at the back of my eyes. I won’t do this. I won’t cry again. Not over him.

  I quickly delete the message and throw my phone in Niko’s chair. The dogs must have gone outside at some point, because they are not on the oversized chair any longer. Having a doggy door leading out to the deck comes in handy.

  Pushing the magazine out of my lap, I bring my knees up to my chest and hug myself, causing pain to pierce my ribs. I ignore the pain as images of my seventeenth birthday flash before my eyes.

  It was the worst day of my life. It was the day my innocence was stolen. How can someone be so cruel, so evil?

  “Shannon?” I hear over my left shoulder. I release my arms around my legs and look over to see Nikki walking in the door.

  “Hey,” I say.

  “I knocked. Didn’t you hear me?” she questions.

  “No, sorry, I didn’t.” I respond as I get off the couch. Walking into the kitchen, she places a large white paper bag on the counter. From the smell, I know it’s food. She hands me a G
rande cup of coffee and I take a sip, wishing it had something much stronger than coffee inside.

  “Sergeant’s orders,” she says while taking the contents out of the bag out and handing me a white Styrofoam container; I laugh at her use of my joke earlier.

  “Thanks,” I tell her while opening the counter. It smells wonderful. I realize I’m very hungry.

  “Nick said you like fried chicken salad and that you probably haven’t eaten.” She hands me a fork. I take it and then open the small container of honey mustard and pour it all over my salad.

  “Should I assume you know about our fight?” I ask and take a large bite of my salad. Mmmm.

  “You would assume right along with your trip to the ER this morning,” she says as she begins pouring what I’m assuming is ranch dressing over her salad.

  “Does he think I’m a bitch?” I ask on a sigh. He has every right. I shouldn’t have been so determined to do things my way. Sometimes, I don’t think before I open my big mouth.

  “No, but I do.” She laughs, but the tone suggests she is serious.

  “Thanks for the honesty,” I say back sarcastically.

  “Shannon, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t dead honest with you?” She takes a bite of her salad.

  “The type that is probably biased seeing how Nick is your brother.” I’m cramming this food down like I haven’t eaten in several days.

  “I can’t argue with that, but you aren’t the one who had to watch him get his ass kicked this morning,” she says with a sad look in her eyes, one that only a sister would have.

  What?

  “Excuse me? What do you mean? What happened?” I spit out, dropping my fork. My appetite just vanished.

  “Everything is cool now. He’s fine,” she tells me, but I’m not feeling reassured.

  “Explain, Nikki,” I demand. My mind’s a jumble. I feel slightly sick at the thought of Nick being hurt.

  “He came in this morning before I got there. Apparently, he picked a fight with a guy he and Jase can’t stand. I walked in during the middle of the fight. He was letting Carson beat the shit out of him. Nick wasn’t putting up a fight. I could tell he was letting it happen. I stopped it immediately.” She kept talking, but I couldn’t hear what she was saying. Why would he do that to himself? I don’t understand. It hits me. I look up at her.

  “Me. I’m the reason, aren’t I?” It’s not really a question. I already know the truth.

  “Yeah, but don’t think it’s your fault because it’s not. That was all Nick and his fucked-up-ness.” She finishes the rest of her coffee and tosses the cup in the trash.

  “I didn’t know why he did it at first. It took me and Jase over an hour before he would talk.” I sit in the chair just staring at her. I don’t really understand why he would do that.

  “Was it because of last night or the fight?” I ask. Surely not because I pissed him off.

  “Last night,” she says. “He’s pretty pissed at himself for hurting you.” She looks away like it is painful for her to tell me.

  “Nikki, it was an accident. He’s not at fault. He told you the truth, right?” I question, wondering just what he told her.

  “Yeah, kinky sex with my brother. Please don’t go into details. I really don’t need any more images going through my head than what are already there.” She has a disgusted look on her face. The same look Stacy gives me when I eat something she doesn’t approve of.

  “I have to go and see him. He has to stop thinking he hurt me,” I say as I get up to search for my phone so I can leave.

  “No!” Nikki says as she reaches for my elbow. “He would probably kill me if I let you leave.”

  “I need to speak to him, plus I said some things I didn’t mean this morning,” I tell her, pulling my arm away. I walk over to the chair to retrieve my phone.

  “If you think he was bossy this morning, then wait until you leave. You haven’t seen anything yet. Just send him a text to come here instead of home tonight. Trust me, it’s better that way.” She crosses her arms like Nick often does when he is serious.

  “Fine,” I concede.

  “Thank you. Now, I have to go. I’m supposed to report back that you ate and are resting.” she snorts out.

  I roll my eyes. “Whatever,” I say as she walks out the door. I go back to the couch and decide to send Nick a message.

  I’m sorry!

  Please come home after work.

  I hit send and then realize I said home indicating our home, not mine. Great.

  I lay down on the couch, pulling a throw blanket over me and place my phone on my stomach. I’m actually a little tired and decide to close my eyes waiting on Nick’s response.

  THIRTEEN

  When I wake up, I feel rested, but a bit lonely. Then I remember I sent Nick a text before I dozed off. I yank the cover off and search for my phone finding it tucked underneath me on the couch.

  Looking at the time, my mouth falls open. I’ve slept for over five hours. I guess I was more tired than I realized.

  Then I realize Nick hasn’t responded to my text from hours ago. It’s weird. He always responds immediately. I type out a quick message and hit send.

  Are you ignoring me?

  I wait on the couch and five minutes goes by without a reply. I’m starting to get pissed.

  HELLO

  I realize that sounds a bit bitchy, but he should have answered me when I sent the first message. My phone chirps. Finally!

  I’m not ignoring you

  I accept your apology

  That’s it?

  Ughhh. I quickly type out another message and hit send.

  Well? Are you coming over tonight?

  I’m gripping my phone a little too tightly. Luckily, it’s in a life-proof case so there is no chance of cracking it.

  No, I think you were correct.

  We need a little time apart

  “No, I wasn’t,” I say, pouting out loud. I was mad and I lashed out at him. Does he not know women at all? It’s what we do.

  No I wasn’t please come over

  Not tonight. It’s not a good idea

  What the hell?

  YES, tonight!

  I know about the fight

  Calm down, I tell myself. I’m starting to get as irritated as I was this morning. I want to see him. I need to make sure he is okay.

  My sister has a big fucking mouth

  Yeah, Nikki’s going to be mad at me for that one. I’m going to see Nick tonight, so either he can come here, or I’ll drive to him. I doubt he is going to like the latter. I send him a quick text back.

  I’m getting into my car.

  I’ll be at your house in 10.

  Perhaps I shouldn’t be provoking a tiger by telling a white lie, but as long as the end result is getting him here, then I’m okay with that.

  My phone rings in my hand.

  “Hello?”

  “You had better be on the fucking couch when I get there,” he yells, and then the line goes dead. I chuckle and immediately regret doing it. A sharp pain shoots through my ribs.

  I toss my phone on the couch and get up. I need to pee and brush my teeth before he gets home. Damn it! I said it again!

  Entering the bathroom, I pee first and then wash my hands. After I’m done brushing my teeth, I head back into my bedroom and crawl into my bed. I’m not tired, but my body does ache. Niko jumps off the bed as I turn on my back and position myself up against the pillows in the middle. He trots out the room and Charmin follows. Apparently, there is no love for me from those two.

  Thirty-five minutes go by and Nick isn’t here yet. What the hell is taking him so long? He didn’t tell me he was on his way, but I did assume that. Just as that thought is out of my head, I hear the door open and close, then the sound of plastic bags being set down.

  Moments later, Nick enters the doorway to my bedroom. He fills it, placing his arms on the doorframe above his head. He’s staring at me and I’m looking back at him. He’
s wearing the same suit from this morning, but his jacket is open, no tie, and the first two buttons from his shirt are undone. I’m reminded of the first night I met him at Quaint.

  “Thank you for wrapping my ribs this morning. It’s helped,” I tell him, trying to go for a sweet appreciative look. I’m mad as hell at him. Not for this morning. I’m over that, but for getting himself hurt.

  He releases the doorframe and walks into the room. When he gets to the bed, he reaches his hand out for me to take. Placing my hand in his, he pulls me out of the bed and I’m standing in front of him. He tugs me forward into an embrace, wrapping his arms around me.

  “I’m sorry I was a bitch this morning.” I wrap my arms around his waist and look up. I immediately notice the cut above his left eye. Other than the cut, I don’t see any other marks that would tell me he was in a bad fight. His sister made it sound, or rather said, he was getting his ass kicked. He certainly doesn’t look like that’s what happened.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you,” he says on a sigh.

  “Nick−” I start to say, but he cuts me off.

  “Well, I did…hurt you that is.” He bends down and kisses me in the center of my forehead.

  “Fine, you’re sorry and I forgive you. If you let it go and forget about it, then I’ll forget about your fight today. I won’t even ask about it.” That’s a fair deal. Now, he just needs to take it and move on.