Silent Runner
Panic (Riley's POV)

I ran. It was the only thing I had ever been able to do right. I had run from my parents death. I ran from one foster home after another as each turned out to be as bad as the last. The few that were good didn’t want me around for long. Some because I wasn’t the friendly loving girl they wanted, but most because they couldn’t talk to me and I wasn’t worth the effort.

In the five years I had been mute, nobody had ever put in the effort just to talk to me. At least, until now. I didn’t know what Ethan wanted from me and that terrified me.

I ran until I tripped and fell to the ground. I bit back the sobs that racked my body. I got up onto my hands and knees and forced myself to breathe again.

Ethan was just another spoiled rich kid who had always had everything handed to him. What did he really know? He talked about understanding me, knowing how I felt?

I choked on a broken laugh.

There was no way Ethan Miller could ever know me. I thought about him saying he understood not trusting that someone won’t do it again. I shuddered, wrapping my arms around myself again. How could he possibly know this feeling?

I felt so fragile, I couldn’t survive one more blow. I knew from experience blows came from everyone either physical, or emotional, they always came.

Not that the blows from Britney were anywhere near the worst I had taken. I was a mute foster kid, nobody wanted me and everyone made that clear.

What was the point of living if I had nobody who would miss me if I were gone?

No, I couldn’t think that way. I had to believe there was more for me than this. I wouldn’t have survived this long if I allowed myself to think like that. I was seventeen. I had made it through over a dozen foster homes. I could handle one more year.

Now though I had to pull myself together again and get to class. I was a good student, I hoped for a scholarship to college. It was my ticket out of here, my ticket for freedom.

After lunch was english, the one class I shared with Ethan. Thus far I had avoided sitting by him by showing up late. To my surprise when I got there he was outside the class, waiting.

‘What are you doing?’ I signed reluctantly.

‘I saved us seats.’ He replied, and once again I was impressed with how much sign he had managed to learn in just over a week.

I sighed loudly and frowned, crossing my arms over my chest.

Ethan just chuckled, “You know you say a lot for not talking.”

I rolled my eyes but followed him into the classroom. As usual I felt awkward walking into the large brightly lit room full of people in designer clothes. Even most of the boys here had manicures. It was a completely different world compared to what I was used to.

I glanced at Ethans hands curiously, and was surprised to replace his nail chewed so short it looked painful. What did he have to be nervous about? Then I realized I shouldn’t care, I would only add to his problems, whatever they may be.

I watched my feet to avoid being tripped again, it had happened several times, and also to avoid looking at these people. They knew I didn’t belong just as well as I did. I had learned keeping my head down dissuaded most of the bullies. Thanks to Ethan though I already had one targeting me.

I sighed. It wasn’t fair to blame him, I knew that. He had been nothing but nice to me and even stood up for me twice now. I sat down and watched Ethan as he slipped into the chair next to mine.

‘Why?’ I signed, trying to ignore how comfortable I was next to him.

I didn’t understand it, and it frightened me.

’We are friends,” he replied confidently.

‘No, we are not.’ I snapped.

He frowned thinking for a minute before speaking in a whisper, “Okay, very good acquaintances.”

I rolled my eyes. What was with this guy? Was he insane?

Ethan chuckled quietly as the teacher entered the room.

‘What?’ I signed.

“I’m impressed at how thoroughly you roll your eyes.” He whispered back, smirking widely.

I frowned, confused, ‘What?’

“You don’t just roll your eyes. You roll your whole head.” He snickered.

I rolled my eyes again before focusing on the teacher. The class drug on and on. All I wanted was to go back home and shut myself in my room. I was too tired to handle much more today.

Laying my head down on the table I sighed softly. I slowly allowed my eyes to drift shut. I had read this chapter in my english book the night before I knew everything the teacher was talking about already.

What felt like seconds later I woke up with a start as someone laid their hand on my arm.

“Class is over, you should start moving before Mr. Taylor realizes you were sleeping the whole time.” Ethan said as he smirked at me.

I looked around dazed before nodding and quickly gathering my stuff.

“You okay?” He asked sheepishly.

I fought the urge to tell him it was none of his business. As I looked up though I realized this boy had been nothing but kind to me, and I was sick of being a bitch in return. So instead I smiled hesitantly and nodded.

“Want to walk to track practice together?” He asked triumphantly.

What was the saying about giving an inch? I rolled my eyes but stood and followed him out of the classroom. Not because I was walking with him, we just happened to be going to the same place.

Either way I was glad when he didn’t try forcing some awkward conversation. As stupid as I felt even admitting it just to myself, I did need someone. Maybe a friend wasn’t such a bad idea, worth a shot at least. It actually felt kind of nice walking with someone instead of alone.

At least it did until I saw Brittney glaring at me from down the hall.