Where Did The Time Go?

Olivia

August 20th 2015

"If you stick your nose any further into that mug you're gonna need a snorkel, kid!" My attention was snapped away from my coffee by Zack's soft voice. The two of us were sat at the breakfast bar in the kitchen; the rest of the boys had gone out food shopping.

"Sorry I was just... Thinking." I sighed.

"About?"

"My birthday..." I half smiled at him, "Cause on my 16th my... My parents died. I mean, I know they weren't my biological parents but they raised me, you know? I just miss them, that's all."

Zack laid a gentle hand on my arm, "I know, kiddo. But you're not alone, remember that. You've got your... Your dad." I winced a little, "I know that's a sensitive subject, but he really does love you. We all do. Especially me!" He winked.

Other than Rian, Zack had been the kindest since I arrived. He was such an amazing friend.

"Hey, Zack?"

"Mhm?"

"Could we maybe go up to the attic? I haven't played the guitar in years- I wanna see if I still know how!" He laughed a little.

"Let's do it!"

I followed him up to the attic. I'd been up there a number of times since I'd moved in, what with the boys practicing almost everyday, but it still left me in awe.

I cautiously walked over to the array guitars underneath one of the windows. I turned to face Zack who was leant over the computers.

"Zack?"

"Sup, kiddo?" He looked over his shoulder at me.

"Would it be okay if I played one?" I asked nervously.

"Go ahead!" He smiled and logged off the computer quickly.

I picked up an acoustic which was deep brown around the edge, which faded into a pale brown. I'd seen Zack play it in a live acoustic session. I took it and sat on a pale blue sofa which was near the stairs.

I sat for a few moments with the guitar on my knee, gently stroking my hand up the neck.

"When did you last play?" Zack walked over and sat beside me.

"Just before my 14th birthday."

"Why'd you stop?"

"I willingly sold my acoustic so that I could buy my parents a nice Christmas present. Money was always a little tight and I was sick of buying them mugs and novelty jumpers every year. They said they didn't mind but I did. So I sold my guitar that summer, got about £80 from it and bought my dad a watch and my mom a necklace." I smiled.

Suddenly Zack pulled the guitar away from me, set it down on the floor and laced his arms around me. I hugged him back for a short while.

"What was that for?"

"I don't know I just felt a little... Bad for you and your family. I'm sorry we weren't there to help out." He looked down at his shoes sadly.

"Hey, don't be! There was no way you could've helped. Anyway, we did great for ourselves. We managed to make ends meet by cutting corners, and made our own fun times on a budget. Can I have the guitar back now please?" I laughed and he passed me it. I pulled the pick out from under the strings and took a deep breath. Softly, I started strumming the chords for 'Somewhere In Neverland'. It was the song that was clearest in my mind.

When the verse began I absently started singing. I heard shuffling next to me which made me stop playing.

"Keep going." Zack smiled. I carried on strumming, but not singing, from halfway through the verse as he grabbed a different acoustic from the stands. He came and sat down next to me and started playing just as I started the chorus.

"Wendy run away with me, I know I sound crazy don't you see what you do to me?" Zack sang. He'd always sang back up for Alex so this was the first time I'd properly heard his voice. And it was stunning. So soft and beautiful.

'Do I join in?' I thought to myself. Why the fuck not.

"I wanna be your lost boy, your last chance, your better reality. Wendy we can get away, I promise if you're with me say the worst and we'll find a way." We sang together.

I let him sing the last part of the chorus alone, "I can be your lost boy, your last chance, your everything better plan."

I joined back in, "Oh, somewhere in Neverland!"

We carried on this way for the rest of the song, and when we finished Zack hugged me again.

"You can fucking sing, kid!" He laughed.

"Nah, not really." I blushed, "But you can! Your voice is-"

"Don't argue with me. I will win, I swear to god." I laughed at him.

"Zack? Olivia?" Alex's voice rang through the house.

"Be right down!" Zack shouted.

To my disappointment, we headed back down into the kitchen. I could've stayed playing and singing with Zack all day.