Shattered Howls (ON HOLD)

Chapter Seven

VOTE!!!!

The next day strolled by and before. I could glance at the clock the school bell rang and class was over for the weekend. I sighed with relief, knowing that I was done learning for the week.

Instead of catching a ride home with Addie, who still was upset with me, I stayed after school with my dad. He sat peacefully at his desk, grading papers, while I walked around his large classroom examining all the instruments.

Eventually I ended up floating towards the black, shiny piano. I gently caressed the keys with my fingertips before I heard my dad get up from his chair and then ease his was over to me.

"Whatcha doing kiddo?" He asked absent-mindedly. "Admiring," I whispered. "Hmm." He thought for a minute. "You know what's better than admiring?" He questioned. "Singing," he answered his own question.

"It has been months honey. Just give it a try. I'll help you. I will p­lay and you sing."

My throat let out a long over dramatic sigh, but I gave in. "Okay, dad." I answered. His face showed surprise, which was what I expected. I just said I'll try singing again and he has been encouraging me on for months. If I were he, I would be surprised as well.

I sat on top of the grand piano while my dad sat on the bench and slowly began playing. My heart began to ache but I needed to do this. I owed my dad so much and I was hoping singing for him would do good for the both of us. It was time to show him that I'm still here. Maybe not in complete pieces or fully myself, but parts of me were still here... Somewhere.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, waiting for the first notes. Immediately he started playing and instantly I knew the song. It came out a while ago but he knew I liked it and the beat was slow and steady which was a good place to start.

A gentle sigh escaped my lips before I slowly began a low whisper.

"No, I can't take one more step towards you

'Cause all that's waiting is regret...

Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore?

You lost the love I loved the most."

"I learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time..."

I held brief eye contact with my dad before I began to really sing. A small smile grew upon both, his lips as well as mine as I began to once again use my god given gift.

"And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?"

"I hear you're asking all around

If I am anywhere to be found

But I have grown too strong

To ever fall back in your arms!"

I've learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time..."

Derrick's POV

So many things have been going on this week! Cameron and his crazy girlfriend always stir up trouble, the Morgan brothers were back, but most importantly I met the most incredible girl in my life. I knew there was something special about Alana from the moment I smelt her scent enter the High School. I knew what she was to me and so do my brothers, but how could I ever tell her my secret? She wouldn't believe me, would she?