The Bad Boy, the Baby, and Me

[9] Rise Up

You're broken down and tired

Of living life on a merry-go-round

And you can't find the fighter

But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out

And move mountains

We gonna walk it out

And move mountains

And I'll rise up

I'll rise like the day

I'll rise up

I'll rise unafraid

I'll rise up

And I'll do it a thousand times again

Andra Day —Rise up

I carry the last box into the new house—or mansion, really. I'm still a bit unsure about this place. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it's only me, Scott, and Zach, and this house is huge. I have an idea why Zach bought it. He told me we needed something bigger, even though his apartment was already huge—and I mean huge. This house is our new start. This house bears no memories, no loss; it's our new beginning.

"Need help?" I snap out of my thoughts and look at Shane, who is playing with his car keys. I shake my head, but he still grabs the box from me and walks towards Scott's new room. I turn and head towards the kitchen, where I grab the shopping list and start writing down what we need.

"Good morning, sweetheart." I hear Dad's voice and look up. He comes and stands on the other side of the breakfast bar. "How are you feeling about the move?"

I think about it for a minute before I say, "Good, I guess."

"I think this move will be good for all of you."

"Yeah," I agree.

My eyes move to Zach and Shane coming around the corner, with Scott sitting on Zach's shoulders.

Zach hasn't been very talkative since our brief conversation in the elevator last week. He helps me with Scott and eats dinner with us, but the moment Scott is asleep, he disappears into his bedroom. For as long as I've known him, he has always been broody and quiet. It's his normal.

But I know it's something else this time; the reason for his silence and broodiness is me.

I'll ruin you.

I'll ruin you.

I'll ruin you.

I blink and sigh.