Music Saves Lives

Chapter Fifteen

Within the next month I had completely given up with my career. LA ripped up my contract and I was nothing. I no longer had Ariel by my side. She left along with everything else.

I guess I was thankful for being back with my parents and seeing my friends every once in a while when they would come home from school, but I couldn’t help be feel depressed. It’s true when they say depression never leaves. That little shit monster is always with you. I cry myself to sleep every night. The nights my dad hears, which is most nights, he’ll come and hold me until I fall asleep, whispering to me how much he loves me and how proud he is of me.

My parents were extra cautious around me and I deleted my twitter because I couldn’t handle the hate anymore.  When I went out, I still had paparazzi following me and harassing me. The only place I knew I was safe, was the diner. The people there were like family.

I walked in the door this morning and was greeted by Flora the women who owned the place. Her husband had passed away a few months before I moved here. When I started dating Kyle she said we reminded her of her and her husband when they were teenagers. She was almost like my grandmother.

“Hi sweetheart. The usual?” I nodded and took a seat at the bench.

I looked over at the booth where my friends usually sat and I missed them.

“You’re friends doing well in school?” Flora asked, wiping the counter.

“Yeah, I think so. We don’t all talk much.” I sighed.

“I’m sure they are busy. They love you darling.” I nodded again. “I know Kyle is watching over you, just like Howard is watching over me.” She smiled.

I leaned over the counter and gave her a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“You know what might cheer you up?” I shrugged and sat back down.

She left the front of the diner to the back. She returned with a black guitar case and I instantly waved my hands refusing to take it. I shook my head no.

“This is a present from all of us, here. If you don’t take it now, I will never stop trying.” She scolded, with a smirk on her face.

“Fine.” I laughed as she handed it to me. “Thank you.” I kissed her cheek.

I started to tune it and she watched me with a smile on her face. “Play something. I’ve missed hearing you play here.”

I was about to protest but I knew if I had she would be upset, so I nodded and headed to the microphone towards the side of the diner. I stepped onto the stage and I smiled. I really missed being in this spot, but what I missed most was looking out across the diner and seeing my friends and Kyle watching me. I was just about to start when I saw the familiar faces of Kyle’s parents walk in and sit down at the table in the center of the floor and soon after my friends strode in and sat down in their usual booth. I looked over at Flora and she mouthed “You’re welcome” and gestured for me to continue.

I cleared my throat, choking down happy tears. “Kyle wrote this song for me and no one has ever heard it. He was always too nervous to sing it for you guys, so I’m going to.” I picked up my necklace and kissed the pendent.

“She is my rock and my rolling thunder

I've been the spell she was under

I, I love that girl

She is my cigarettes and champagne

She's got me strung but I'm not running

I, I love that girl

I, I love that girl

She is the days I can't get over

She is the nights that I call home endlessly

For you I'll always wait

Caught in the waves of hesitation

Lost in the sea of my own doubt endlessly

For you I'll always wait

For you I'll always wait

She is the flame and the fire she's raging

I've been the spark and the war she's waging

I, I love that girl

She came along and she spoke so sweetly

Changed everything, took my heart completely

I, I love that girl

I, I love that girl

She is the days I can't get over

She is the nights that I call home endlessly

For you I'll always wait

Caught in the waves of hesitation

Lost in the sea of my own doubt endlessly

For you I'll always wait

And the city buzz and empty cars

It's 3 a.m. I wonder where you are

And the crooked smiles and worn out miles between us

Now I wonder where you are

She is the days I can't get over

She is the nights that I call home endlessly

For you I'll always wait

Caught in the waves of hesitation

Lost in the sea of my own doubt endlessly

For you I'll always wait

For you I'll always wait

For you I'll always wait”

(Endlessly-Green River Ordinance)

When I finished the song, tears stung my eyes and I felt arms wrap around me. I looked up to see Kyle’s mother hugging me tightly. I set the guitar down and grabbed onto her and we cried hard into each other’s shoulders.

“I will always love your son.” I whispered to her and she held me tighter.

“He loved you with everything he had and I know he wouldn’t want you hurting anymore.” She held me at arm’s length and looked me in the eyes. “He would want you to love again. I’m sure he has someone out there for you. He picked the right guy to take his place and I don’t want you to refuse to love anyone because Kyle is gone.” She kissed my cheek. “You promise me that?” I nodded. “I know these past couple months have been bad, but things get better. It’s been over a year since he left us. It’s time to move on, I think.” I nodded again.

“Thank you.” I hugged her once more.

A/N: Vote and comment please :))) I might be posting the next chapter too. 

-Em xx