CHAPTER 5:In silence, drowning
1327 Words
Lina’s POV
Lukas had to be the one.
Like a shadow I couldn't escape, he always appeared at the worst times. He was standing at the pool's edge, seemingly anticipating the start of the performance. He was wearing the same arrogant smile. The same unreadable eyes are present.
"Well, look who needs saving," he said in a sarcastic tone. The words sounded forced and fake because of his dumb rich-boy accent.
I was unable to reply. I had lead in my limbs. I sank deeper with each movement as my arms thrashed against the water's weight.
He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets, adding, "Too bad I can’t swim." "Perhaps I'll find someone who can."
I felt like screaming. Damn him. Beg. Anything. However, it felt like I was dragging glass down my throat just to breathe.
This was not amusing. I wasn't having fun.
The water swallowed me in pieces. I moved my arms first. Next, I moved my chest. Then there was silence.
The sun above became a broken halo as the world grew darker. I was done, though my legs kicked feebly under me. I've finished acting. The battle is over.
Then, his voice was heard once more.
Real. Sharp. Panic.
“Lina! I….I'm not a good swimmer! Stay awake and don't go to sleep on me! A pause. " s**t, I'll get assistance, shall we? Just—don't go away!
Then there was a splash.
Darkness wrapped around me like velvet.
Soft light greeted me as I awoke. White linens. There was a dull buzzing sound.
With her red and anxious eyes, Mara's face hung over mine.
She brushed my hair off my forehead and asked, "Are you awake?"
My throat ached. "Yes... where is this?"
"Hospital," she said softly. "At the pool, you fainted. You can't recall?"
"Lukas, just water, then nothing."
She paused. "They discovered you by themselves."
I squinted. "Alone?"
She gave a nod. No one noticed him. According to the paramedics, an anonymous caller hung up. But you were alone when they arrived, barely breathing.
My stomach turned over. So he went. He truly abandoned me there.
"An additional minute and..." said Dr Köhler. She didn't complete it. She was not required to.
We grew more silent.
I put my palm to my forehead and leaned back.
"I could've died," I muttered.
"You almost did."
"And Lukas?"
"Nowhere." She turned her head away. "f**k him, honestly."
The door slammed open before I could reply. Don't knock. Only storm energy and heavy footsteps are present.
Jannik.
He appeared to have punched through the doorway as he stood there. His jaw clenched, his eyes wild. I remained motionless. I despised the sensation of my heart fluttering as our eyes met.
He took two long steps across the room and put his arms around me. Close. He seemed to require proof of my continued existence.
I didn't resist. I let myself get lost in him for a moment. This moment was fleeting.
"Hey, hey!" Mara pulled on his arm. "Give her some space!"
His hand touched mine, then withdrew, but he let go of me. He began to pace.
He whispered, "I thought I lost you." "I looked at my phone one minute, and then Mara is yelling that you're in the hospital. Lina, I lost it". "I was going crazy!"
I rubbed my arms and muttered, "I didn't mean to scare anyone." "Was not on the to-do list for today."
I forced myself to stand up, pulling the IV stand along with me.
Mara enquired, "Where are you going?"
"Out. I must breathe. I have to leave.
"You ought to get some rest..."
"I don't give a damn. Not remaining here."
"The bill’s covered," she continued.
I stopped. "Who paid?"
I only needed her silence as an answer.
"Don't," I said. "I don't owe anyone anything."
I yanked the IV out and peeled off the tape back on the bed. The floor was covered in blood.
"Lina, Jesus!" Mara let out a gasp.
"I'm all right." After grabbing my clothes, I locked myself in the loo. I was back out in my jeans and hoodie in less than two minutes.
"Are you certain you want to go?" Softly, Jannik inquired.
"Yeah, unless you intend to drag me back."
He didn't dispute. Simply nodded.
"Did you bring the Tiguan?" I inquired.
"Yeah."
"All right. Let's get back on our feet."
It was a hushed ride. No music. The silence was devoid of any commentary. There was only the occasional turn signal and the hum of the engine. Jannik drove as if he were afraid of damaging his car.
My mind froze as I gazed out the window, taking in the world's motion.
My chest constricted as we approached their home.
I got out of the car before it stopped rolling when we pulled into the driveway. I ran to the door and held up my hand to knock—
Crash.
I went cold. Inside, glass broke. Then there was a shout.
"You believe I got married like this? Was I married to someone who was intoxicated? A dirty coward who hides behind lies and alcohol?"
The voice belonged to Frau Brenner. Her rage was so intense that it could break through walls.
She yelled, "You're pathetic!" "You move stealthily with her, with her—and you don't think I notice? Do you believe I'm blind?"
A pause. Next, pour yourself another glass.
"I ought to have allowed your terrible guilt to consume you. She isn't your daughter. She is your transgression."
My chest grew chilly.
What on earth did that mean?
I opened the door before I could stop myself.
The living room appeared to be a battlefield. There are bottles everywhere. Cigarette butts. The picture frames are broken.
Then—her.
Panting, Frau Brenner stood over a pile of shattered glass. She looked at me as if I had just entered the room nude.
She gestured. "She's there! She's your precious little replacement."
Jannik moved forward. "Stop, Mom."
She disregarded him.
She told me, "You ruined this house." "I gave you permission to enter. Fed you. Let you remain and now look all around!"
I clenched my jaw. "I made no requests."
"You took everything!"
Mara caught her from behind as she lunged as if to toss another bottle.
"Enough!"
There was silence.
With a yank, Frau Brenner rushed past me and slammed the door so forcefully that the floor shook.
Jannik gave a sharp exhale. "Lina…."
I turned towards the door and said, "I need to leave."
Mara stepped in front of me and said, "You can't."
"I must. I'm not going to stay here. I won't be staying here after that.
Jannik made a grab for me. "There's something you're unaware of….."
"Then tell me," I replied. "Now."
He paused. No scream could have drowned out that silence.
"I'm not stupid," I muttered. "She believes that you and your dad…."
He yelled, "It's not true!" "I promise it's untrue. However..."
"But what?"
He turned his head away. "She wasn't always mistaken about him."
My legs were unsteady. "You're saying that he…"
"No. Nothing took place. He took a step towards her. However, he wanted to keep you safe. Too much. She also noticed that. She detested it. He was reminded of someone by you.
"Who?"
He paused once more.
"Who, Jannik?"
"Your mutter."
The room whirled.
"You're lying."
"I wish I was."
I retreated, almost tripping over a rug's edge.
I said, "That's why she hates me," as the reality set in like cement.
"For that reason, he attended your father's funeral before us."
I pushed past them and out the door, whispering, "I need air."
I felt the chill of the night. Behind the garage, I walked until my legs failed me. Staring at nothing, I sat in the grass.
It's awful enough to drown once.
However, this was worse.
Silence was drowning this.
- Writer
