Broken and Fearless // C.B.

Chapter 127

[I thought this chapter would be more interesting in an outside perspective. If you get emotional easily and need tissues, grab them now.

Tragedy is not so easily forgotten when the loss is so deep.

Slight trigger warning.]

Colby's POV:

Jules met my eyes and asked softly, "Can you grab the little keyboard I brought?"

"Sure," I replied. "Can I ask why?"

"A song," she replied simply.

I studied her a moment and realized she'd been crying. "Babe, are you okay?"

She met my eyes but didn't answer. That single look told me everything. She was far from okay and was going to use music to help channel her pain. At least she was using an outlet that helped.

I grabbed her little piano and handed it to her.

Silently, she set it on the table and plugged it in.

Sam and Nate entered and Sam asked, "What's she doing?"

I glanced between them. "She's recording a song. I don't know what, but she's got a look that's worrying me."

The three of us sat on the couch, soon joined by Justin. Jules returned with her camera and didn't acknowledge us. It was almost like she was in her own little world, which was more cause for concern.

Jules turned on her camera and did her intro, though it wasn't her usual one. She used the one she often did for serious videos.

"Hey, guys," she said. "Um, so a lot of you guys have been asking me when I'm going to record a song. Well, here you go."

She began playing chords and it quickly dawned on me how serious this video was. I gestured to the guys, motioning for them to leave. This was a private moment for Juliet, and it felt wrong to listen in. Luckily, the four of us were out of frame, so we left the room, making sure to avoid being caught by the camera.

I stood back and silently listened. As private as I knew this moment was for her, I wanted to be able to run in at a moment's notice.

Juliet's gentle soprano voice began to sing.

Never Say Farewell

One little text changed my life
The wonder hung in the air
A question of life or death
Begging prayers of dear Lord, please

How do you say goodbye
To one you loved so dear
I never got to say farewell
Or tell you again those three little words

One man's dumb decision changed lives forever
Led a girl to nearly lose it all
God gave a miracle
Now she lives with an aching heart

How do you say goodbye
To one you loved so dear
I never got to say farewell
Or tell you again those three little words

The broken girl still crumbles
A profound loss never eases
The life taken far too soon
Too great for me to bear

How do you say goodbye
To one you loved so dear
I never got to say farewell
Or tell you again those three little words

She let the last chord ring out and all fell silent.

"Take care, guys," she said softly and turned off her camera.

Jules began crying softly and I walked up to her.

I pulled her into my arms as her soft cries turned to gut-wrenching sobs. I realized it was the first time she'd openly acknowledged her mom's death and hugged her tightly.

She continued crying and I tucked her hair back and whispered, "I'm so proud of you, Jules."

I got no answer from her, though I wasn't expecting one.

Her head shifted and rested on my shoulder. Her hand found mine and she laced our fingers together.

The two of us sat in a comfortable, tearful silence. What she'd done had taken immense courage, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

[Did I listen to the instrumental version of Unsaid Emily as I wrote the song? Yes I did. Did I cry? Almost.

Next week, if you'd like, I can have Juliet record her song for Colby or we can do the Alaska videos. Up to you folks! Don't be shy, as I love hearing from all y'all!

Alaska or Colby's song? Comment below!]