Dawn in Vancouver

Chapter 15: "All of The Stars"

"As the skyline splits in two. I'm miles away from seeing you I can see the stars from America. I wonder, do you see them, too?"

"All of the Stars" from the Album "The Beginning" by Lauren Jauregui

1/3 OF THE WEEKEND MARATHON

FLASHBACK

SIXTEEN YEARS AGO...

Clara Jauregui tried to make her way through an enormous number of children running and jumping in the garden of her house. Her gaze had only one goal in mind. She had to find her daughter. Amidst congratulations and laughter, she entered the house and her eyes focused on the small figure of her ten-year-old daughter hugging a teddy bear as she looked out the window.

Her eyes filled with sadness as she imagined the person her daughter was waiting for. That person who would surely never appear. She slowly approached and placed a gentle hand on her little ten-year-old daughter's shoulder. She quickly turned to see her giving him a hesitant smile as her green eyes were filled with held-back tears.

"What are you doing here Lauren?" Clara asked sweetly. "Why aren't you with your little friends and little friends?"

"They only came because they wanted to see my house," Lauren said quickly, looking at the window. "They don't really want me. They're just like Dad. I told everyone that my dad would be here because he promised me, Mom. But he lied to me again. He's a liar."

Clara took a deep breath, sitting down next to her daughter. So mature, intelligent, and wonderful for her age. She was so talented and the wonderful grand piano in her living room filled with sheet music and songs was a testament to her enormous talent. She was Michael's equal in many ways. Sadly, her husband had never appreciated it.

"Your father loves you, Lauren," Clara whispered, stroking her hair and watching as her daughter's eyes remained fixed on the window, staring at nothing in particular. Lauren had that part of herself. At her young age she liked to just stare out the window while humming the melody of some song that came to mind. Clara knew from the moment she heard her play the piano that her little girl was born to be an artist just like her father. And it was something she had discussed with Michael, and his response had been a "Great" and then he had hung up. But the next day one of the most beautiful and expensive pianos of its time had arrived that Clara didn't know had belonged to Michael, and it was all for Lauren. Music academy, singing academy; all paid for with a note that said:

"For the artist."

Musicians are born inspired by melodies and surrounded by creativity. I hope this piano gives you as much joy as it gave me at the time.

M. Jauregui.

"No, Mommy," Lauren said, hugging her teddy bear and burying her face in it. "My daddy doesn't love me because he never comes to see me. Today is my birthday and he's not here again."

"You know your father travels all the time, Lauren," Clara said.

"I'm a grown up now and he doesn't want to see me" Lauren saw a boy running in front of her house and sighed. "My teacher says that fathers give everything for their children. He never gives up a trip to see me, Mom. He doesn't love me. Don't try to justify it."

Clara stared at her daughter in amazement and stroked her hair. Wherever he was, she hoped Michael knew what he was missing.

Lauren sighed as she looked out the window. Her green eyes filled with tears and sadness came over her again. Another lie. Her father would never see her. The girl's soft voice came from her throat as she shed tears of pain and sadness.