Page 65 of Silent Desires

I typechemistryon the laptop.

“Ah, chemistry. And why do you like that topic, do you think?”

I think it’s interesting how one thing can react to another, but mix it with something else, and you can have a completely different response.

“So you like learning how things react to one another?” I nod.

“You know humans can be like elements, too. They can have a physical response to one another. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Have you ever felt that before? A strong physical response to someone?”

I don’t think he blinks once during his entire question. I find myself swallowing the lump in my throat while nodding my head and staring into his beautiful hazel eyes. He smiles at me warmly and puts his hand on the back of my neck, in my hair. My breath hitches.

“And now? Is it stronger?”

I nod again, and he smiles. “Good girl.”

I lick my lips and notice how quiet the room is, but I can’t pull my eyes from the gorgeous man in front of me.

“Love?” His voice pulls me back. My eyes flick from his face to his lips and back.

“Are you okay, you look a little pale?” Quickly turning my gaze to the computer screen, I nod. How embarrassing. For a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me.He’s your guidance counselor!

Thankfully, Gideon starts talking about where to find information on chemical biology and how to start my project. As I spend the next hour working on my independent study, I can’t stop thinking about what he said. How humans can have physical responses to other people. Was he having a strong response to me, like I was having to all of them?

Chapter forty-four

Ilie in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about my girl.Our girl. She’s perfect. If only she was eighteen and we could get her out of that house. I’m sure there is something going on there. But if she won’t talk to us, ortypeto us, about what’s going on, then how could we help her?

When she found out about Lisa’s murder, and I saw the sadness and fear in her eyes, I knew, a hundred percent, that she couldn’t have anything to do with the murders. I was already convinced of it, but seeing her reaction with my own eyes cemented it. At that moment, I really wanted to drag her from class and comfort her, but I had to keep my eyes open for other students’ reactions. Someone in that school must know something.

My mind drifts back to Mina, hearing her laugh today was surprising. We thought she had somehow lost her ability to speak, having damaged her vocal pipes in a car accident, but she laughed. We all heard it. Maybe her voice isn’t as damaged as we all thought. Could her muteness be a facade? A way to keep her secrets from us? I doubted it, she didn’t seem like someone who could lie easily, and that’s a pretty big secret to keep.

I wonder, if I kissed her, would she make a sound? Would she groan when I touch her? I know Jasper and I are five years older than her, the others even older, but we can’t seem to help ourselves. Besides, the age gap wouldn’t be an issue if we were all a bit older. Even though she is naive in some ways, in others, she seems much older than a high school student.

My phone pings, and I pull it out, smiling. Jasper told me how their conversation got a little heated last night, and I was a little jealous, to say the least. I want to talk with her like that. I’m already referring to her as my girlfriend in my head, anyway. Although, that word doesn’t even seem strong enough for how I feel about her.

Mina:What do you call an angry carrot?

Me:I dunno?

Mina:A steamed veggie.

Me:That’s terrible.

Mina:Let’s see you do better.

Me:Why did the bicycle fall over?

Mina:Tell me.

Me:Because it was two tired.

Mina:I’m disappointed.

Me:Rude!

Mina:I’m sorry Max, how can I make it up to you? Another joke?

We are supposed to be finding more about her home life, and this seems like an organic way to ask.

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