Finding Lost Dog Tags

Chapter 4

School ended as soon as it started and pretty soon, I was in my room trying to find a dress for the Veteran's ceremony tonight. I decided on a dark blue dress that reached the floor. It was strapless and had a sweetheart neckline. The bottom was not tight and for that, I was grateful. I didn't need a tight, uncomfortable dress because I was going to be sitting at a piano all night.

I owned a lot of these kinds of dresses because my parents always had me preform at various events for their business. They owned an event planning shop, and I was always their go-to for music.

I curled my hair and pinned it all up. Right when I was about to apply my make-up, the doorbell rang.

"I will get it!" Tyler yelled from the kitchen table. I made him start his homework right away.

Because Cassie could not watch him, I reluctantly asked Michael to. Those two boys do nothing but play video games and eat all my food.

After putting on mascara and some lip-gloss, I walked into the hallway. Tyler, Michael, and Patrick were all on the couch watching SpongeBob.

I coughed to get their attention. Patrick noticed me first.

"Alice, you look absolutely stunning, my dear! Now lets go before my father has a heart attack. I might have gotten the time wrong. We only have 15 minutes before the event starts." Patrick grabbed my hand and opened the door. I quickly waved goodbye to Tyler and Michael on the couch.

"Bed time is at 9:00 Tyler James!" I yelled.

"Okay 10:00, we get it." Michael shouted.

"No! 9:00. Please don't let him stay up." I pleaded with the two boys while Patrick tugged on my arm.

"He's twelve, not eight, Alice. Now go!" Michael slammed the door in my face and I had no choice but to run and catch up to Patrick.

~

The military base ballroom was beautifully decorated in white and gold ribbon. I gasped when I saw the black grand piano sitting in the right corner of the room. Patrick laughed at my reaction and gestured towards it.

Mixed feeling swirled around my mind as I stared at the piano. Because it reminded me of my parents, I couldn't help but feel a little bit saddened as I took my seat. However, the happy memories that derived from the piano could never be replaced.

One day, when I was about five, my father sat me down on his lap and rested my hands on top of his. He gently glided his figures over the keys. I starred down with awe as he played a mesmerizing melody, but then laughed when his hands started to move faster.

I also remember when my mother taught me how to read music. When I would get frustrated, she would sit down and play a song while I danced.

Sitting here now made me extremely emotional, which was a good thing. I could use all this emotion in my playing. The sheet music they gave me was a composition of a few well-known pieces. When Patrick's father gave me the queue, my mind went blank, and I let my fingers dance.

The veterans were each accompanied by their spouse or a younger military officer in case their spouse could not show. I watched with admiration when the couples looked at each other. Some of them must have been at least eighty years old.

After changing the music sheet, my breath hitched, and I stared at the young man in his pristine uniform who was accompanying an older woman. His dirty blond hair was slicked back and I noticed all the insignia on his sharp uniform. He was absolutely gorgeous.

After starring at him for a while, I noticed I began to play the same song over. Patrick gave me a What-the-hell-are-you-doing-my-dad-is-going-to-kill-me look. I just rolled my eyes and ended the song with ease. I don't think anyone even noticed.

A little while into the ceremony, Patrick's dad started to give a speech about how proud he was of all the people who served his country. He also talked about what he learned from them - like the respect he held for his country and his protective instincts over his family, especially over his son. Everyone laughed at that.

After listening intently for a while, I couldn't help but feel like someone was watching me. When I looked behind me, someone was indeed staring at me and that someone was the handsome military officer I noticed while playing.

I started to feel my cheeks flush when realization hit me. Those beautiful green eyes were not forgettable. He was Nate, the man from the coffee shop. The same man who gave me peace right before I fought for my brother's custody.

It was like Nate knew I was putting the pieces together in my head because he smirked and pointed at the speaker. Embarrassed for starring, I faced the front and didn't look back again.

~

Author's Note: Short Chapter! Sorry. An update is coming Friday and its longer.

Comment and favorite! It makes me so happy!

With Love,

Ms. Belinda Taylor