Do or Die | A Slipknot story

chapter fifteen

It hadn't gotten any better yet. Paul was on my mind all day everyday. He was haunting my mind. It wasn't like I wanted to forget about it, but I wanted it to get easier. I didn't want the memory of him to leave, I just wanted it to bring a smile on my face. Like my mom. I haven't gotten over her death, but her memory makes me smile. That's what I wanted with Paul.

These past two months weren't much to brag about. I had been pulled from school, and now started online school from all the issues my family was facing. But, I did end up attending the music school my choir director requested, and it did some mercy to keep my mind off of things.

The other guys didn't seem to be handling the situation any better than I was. In fact, it was probably harder for them. I didn't know Paul as long, and I didn't make music with him either. They did, therefore they are probably having a harder time.

Today was gonna be a hard day, for me. Well, everybody. I had a competition for the music school, in which I would sing a chosen song and hopefully win. I had three hours until the competition starts, and I honestly didn't want to move. My dad had come in millions of times in the last hour, trying to encourage me to move, but his tone even showed he wasn't too fond of it either.

With a sigh, I eventually slid out of my bed at the familiar knock on my door.

"Alex, c'mon. Please get ready?" My dad spoke softly. I sluggishly walked to the door, opened it, and fell into my dad. I wrapped my arms around his torso, and his followed to my shoulders.

"I'm sorry" I whispered.

"Don't be sorry. Just get ready, please" he begged. I pulled from him and nodded, immediately heading to my shower once we parted.

~~

Once I had my hair and makeup done, I pulled on my black shorts and black tee shirt, almost ready to leave. Before I exited my room, I slipped on my black vans and slung my shoulder bag over my shoulder.

The guys were all ready by the time I stepped off the last step, so without a word, we all walked out the door and piled into the car.

Once we had arrived to the school, I climbed over all of the guys and headed into the building while they found a parking space.

"Hey Alex" a familiar voice greeted to my left. I turned to see Tom, and a faded smile took place of my common frown.

"Hi Tom"

He sat beside of me in one of the seats in the auditorium, and wrapped me in a welcoming one armed hug. I hugged him back, and we sat like that until I had to go back stage to prepare.

When my performance was rolling around the corner, I noticed a nice piano sat upon the stage for me to use. If I wasn't so depressed and nervous, I would've smiled, but I didn't. A smile wasn't a common thing in my family anymore, sadly.

"Alex Taylor" a man called through a microphone.

I let out a deep breath and stood up straight, slowly walking to the piano, sitting down when I spotted my dad and the guys in the crowd. The man proceeded to tell my purpose for singing this song, and eventually gave me the signal to continue.

My shaking fingers rested on the piano keys, and began to play chords that led to me singing.

Bury all your secrets in my skin
Come away with innocence, and leave me with my sins
The air around me still feels like a cage
And love is just a camouflage for what resembles rage,
Again.