Heart Key (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 17: Shut Up And Dance

Song: Shut Up And Dance

By: Walk The Moon

It turned out that all three of us were soaking wet by the time we got to my house. Sadly, cheep umbrellas from convenient stores aren't what they used to be. We were only about a half mile away when  a giant hole ripped through it.

We were forced to run the rest of the way where I fumbled for my keys before finally letting us in. We are all panting as we lean on our knees and look at each other while water drips from our clothes and onto the entryway floor.

I kick off my muddy shoes along with Blake and Chris before shrugging off Blake's jacket and hanging it on the coat rack. I turn back to the boys before suggesting, "Why don't you two grab some towels dry off. I'll find you something to wear, Blake, since you seem to be a little more blessed in the height department than Chris." Chris looks offended but I ignore him as I sprint up to my room to find some dry clothes for myself.

I shut my door and lock it as I hear some heavy footsteps from behind before stripping my wet clothes and changing into a pair of sweatpants, along with a sweatshirt and fuzzy socks. I'm cold. I towel dry my hair before throwing it into a ponytail  and taking a deep breath as I look at a small drawer at the bottom or my dresser.

I bite the inside of my mouth as I kneel beside it with shaking hands. I reach out to open it before quickly pulling my hands back and running them through my hair. Why is this so hard? I wonder as I slam my fist down on my floor.

I stare at the drawer before squeezing my eyes shut and yanking the it open. I take deep breaths before slowly opening my eyes to see the last few pieces of clothes that are left from my brother's life. I stare at them and blink slowly as I do.

I reach in slowly before pulling out a black long-sleeved shirt with an older band logo on it and a pair of jeans. I look at a few of the remaining shirts I have before grabbing a pair of socks and closing the drawer with a shuddering breath.

I clutch the clothes to my chest, bringing the shirt close enough to smell it. I catch a hint of Paul's cologne before pulling the shirt away and pushing myself to my feet. I walk out of my room quickly, not giving myself a chance to change my mind as I walk straight to Chris's new room.

I knock before saying, "I brought the clothes." I hear some movement before the door opens to reveal a shirtless Blake along with a shirtless Chris close behind. I look between them in surprise before holding Paul's clothes out to Blake.

Blake smiles in thanks but I hear Chris take in a sharp breath as he recognizes them. I can feel him staring at me but ignore him as I nod at Blake before turning on my heel and walking back downstairs without another look.

I walk straight to the couch and fall against it with a small sigh. That was harder than I thought it would be. I think as I stare at the commercials on the screen blankly. WHY was that so HARD! I scream at myself internally as I lean forward and rest my head in my hands.

I hear footsteps from the stairs and look up to see Chris coming towards me. He doesn't hesitate to sit beside me and pull me into a side hug as a stray tear slips down my cheek. "I'm proud of you." He murmurs and I stare up at him in confusion.

"W-why?" I stutter as he rubs my back reassuringly. He smiles as he looks down at me before replying, "You're letting go, it's what Paul would have wanted." He tells me and I smile to myself as I wipe away my stray tear. It collects on my finger and I stare at it for a moment before letting it fall to the ground.