I groaned and slumped in my chair.
“Thanks.”
“Now Sawyer, don’t get yourself into trouble, we’re going to dinner, and the last thing I need when I get home is your mess.”
I just nodded my head as my eyes glued to the TV in the living room. I didn’t want to even look at my father again for locking her up. I couldn’t look at Madeline. She and I haven’t spoken, looked, or been near each other since we kissed two weeks ago. She’d manage to eat her lunch in the library every day. I don’t know if I should say something or what I would say if we did speak. Her silence made me wonder if she was just as confused as I was.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Madeline looking towards the door wearing a simple pink dress, definitely the wrong type of clothing next to my father, who was in a tux. My dad was going to get yelled at for that one. Suppose the other scientist knew how he treated her. I bet things would change. I still didn’t understand why Madeline didn’t tell any of them.
I watched the two of them leave without another word. Not another word to each other or me. Not even a glance in each other’s direction. No Madeline to talk to. Leaving me alone muddled, frustrated, and feeling just plain dumb. I didn’t even have to work at the food store to occupy my thoughts.
Standing outside with my hands shoved deep into my coat pockets, my breath came out in puffs. My brain was still filled with mud, but a smile was on my face. My neighbor and I were standing outside of his car. He was signing a piece of paper, and I could feel my heart pounding. It was pounding out a song of freedom.
“Sawyer, any father would be proud to see how hard you worked towards this car. I want you to know that.”
My neighbor grinned at me. His silver hair was poking out from under his hat. He insisted on doing this inside, but I was ready to get going before my dad questioned where I was.
“Thanks.”
My neighbor nodded. “I just want you to know that.”
My smile dimmed. “Thank you.”
My neighbor sighed and handed me the title of the car. “You are now officially a car owner. One big step towards freedom.”
If he only knew.
Part Three
Almost a year later
6
Madeline
I stared mindlessly at the choir room's multitoned carpet while playing with the end of the braid. My mouth wasn't even pretending to sing the song that Mrs. Cage was playing.
"Madeline, stay after the bell. I need to speak to you."
The freshman giggled as I nodded my head. The rest of the class dragged on until the bell rang. Slowly I picked up my books and waited for Mrs. Cage to finish whatever it was at the computer. She sighed and fixed her glasses.
"What happened?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked lightly without looking at her.
"Um, what is the right way of putting it? You seem out of it, drained. You don't seem to have the same fire in your eyes when you came here last year." her voice was gentle with genuine concern. "You were shy last year, but you just seem withdrawn now."
I let out a small sigh escaping my lips as I tightened my hold on my books.
"I don't know…"
I could feel her eyes draw mine up from the ground to her.
"He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No, he hadn't" I shook my head, but my heart raced.
"I just worry about you." Her usual loud voice was soft.
Mrs. Cage shouldn't worry. Being locked up scared me and leaving me in with the shadows that still haunt me without anyone to protect me. That small kiss that we had shared killed the one real friend I had. It made me feel awkward around everyone, including myself. Losing Sawyer's friendship was what got me because I was not ready to lose it. I was officially alone. All I had left was Dr. Vodola and the frozen eyes that haunted me.
"Now as you know the concert is about two weeks away and I checked to make sure that the dinner party thing is the week after. So, you'll be singing at this concert."
I just stared at her, not sure what to say. I thought Dr. Vodola ruined my chances last year. I was surprised that he let me continue taking choir this year. Then again, I needed some art credits to graduate. He didn't know how many, though. I was beyond nervous for soloing, yet I was disappointed that I couldn't sing after all, that the choice wasn't in my hands.
"Now, your song is on the table, and here is your pass to your class."
Sitting on my bed, I read the sheet music in front of me, running the words through my head. Every rest and note read made the butterflies flutter harder in my stomach. I gnawed on my lip.
"Madeline, come down to dinner." Dr. Vodola called me.
Placing the music under my pillow, I quickly went downstairs before being told a second time. When I got to the table, there was a plate already at my spot.
"Sawyer, did you finish that last college application?" Dr. Vodola spoke up in a flat voice.
I had no idea where Sawyer was applying. Sawyer and his dad never talked about details at the table. Sawyer and I haven't spoken in about a year. We'd converse, but we wouldn't share like we used to. So many times, I had to stop myself from going next
