The Silence, It's Deafening 1

The Silence, It’s Deafening1

So Carl was the definition of perfection. And Ari was going to have him, even if it killed her.2

One blindingly bright Saturday afternoon, Ari put her sunglasses on top of her head as she walked into the Parkway Mall to do some holiday shopping for her friends. Of course, family was already taken care of. She was walking past Aeropostale when she noticed a huge sale sign in the window. “Everything on sale 75 – 80% off!” it boasted.3

Ari stopped in her tracks, causing her VERY chic Gucci sunglasses to fall off her head. They landed on the floor with a SNAP and broke in two, and someone stepped over to help her. 4

“Oh, thank you,” Ari said. She took them from the person — and noticed that it was none other than the love of her life, Carl Adaway. 5

“No problem.” He smiled his gorgeous, bright smile.6

“They’re broken,” she muttered. “My $250 dollar glasses are … broken.” 7

“You’ll get some for Christmas?” Carl said. He raised his eyebrows, like it was a question. “I mean, I’m assuming. I know you go to my school and you’re always wearing the latest thing.” 8

“Um.” Ari cleared her throat. “This Christmas is kind of … tight? And um, well, let’s just say I won’t be wearing designer stuff for quite awhile.” 9

“Oh.” Carl nodded understandingly.10