Young and in Training

Chapter 8 - Our Song

We were walking for half an hour before we reached the apartment block. My arms were literally dead after carrying 2 plastic bags of groceries 3 blocks. Xavier offered to carry the bags up the stairs, and I gratefully gave them to him. 'Hey Auntie S were back!' I had to blink a few times before I came to realize that she had re dressed the whole apartment in red with rose petals, scented candles and Michael Buble songs in the background. 'Whoa. What's with all of the fancy stuff?' Xavier said with unease. I groaned and made my way over to the cassette player. I turned back to Xavier who was leaning against the door frame with arms folded across his chest. He had pulled on of the roses out from the vase and put it in between his teeth and wagged his eyebrows up and down until I burst out with laughter. I took in a few deep breaths and clutched my stomach 'Okay Okay, now come inside before any one sees you!' He put the rose back in the vase and closed the door. 'Anne! You're home! And you brought Mister Hunk back with you.' My eyes flew to the floor and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. Even though she means well, Auntie Sonia has a massive habit of making a fool out of herself and me! 'Okay S you win. I'm gonna make dinner and you are going to keep Xavier company for a minute.' I gave her a warning look hoping like hell she wouldn't tell him anything he didn't need to know... just yet.

Once in the kitchen, I put on some old songs that Dad had put together for me before he was killed and hummed along as I started cooking. I was just putting the pasta into the water when our song started to play. Red Robin by Clark Richard brought back so many memories of Dad. Dad... tears flooded my eyes as images and thoughts of Dad filled my mind. Everything came back to me. His laugh, smile, his soft brown eyes when I was upset and his strong arms around me. My chin started to quiver as Auntie Sonia entered the kitchen. 'Shh sweetheart' She came over and stroked my hair. Though I won't always be hear, this you surely know, that I'll quietly spot you anywhere you go. Those lyrics made me want to find the man that did this and give him what he deserves, and to get the time that was stolen from us back. 'Sweetie, it's okay. Go and clean up and I'll make sure Xavier doesn't see you.' She gave me a reassuring smile and kissed my forehead before leaving the kitchen. Once I heard the sound of laughter and talking again, I slipped out of the kitchen and into my room closing the door quietly behind me.