The Chairs Between Us

Crescendo

Cannons are instruments, I don't care what people say. They are. I don't know why I picked this song for this chapter. It just popped in my head. Enjoy- mad dog

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We stayed out till about eight. 

We drove dark the dark street, seeing all the streetlights beginning to turn on, illuminating the road and the bugs flying in the wind.

Liam drove me home and for some reason my stepdad was waiting outside for me.

This can't be good.

I sighed as I got out of the car and he walked towards me, "Where have you been?! You told me that you were at the park."

Why does he care?

Liam got out of the car and ran next to me. He gave me a look as if to say, I got this. Then faced my stepdad, "I am sorry sir. We had to go back to school to get a string fixed on my viola. Then, we went to get dinner. It was not my intention to disrespect his curfew... It's my fault." 

Why is Liam acting so formal?

My stepdad seemed to be caught off guard, "It's fine... I just got worried." 

That actually worked?!

Liam smiled and shook his hand, "Nice to meet you sir, my name is Liam. I have been helping your son with viola."

My stepdad smiled too, "I am David, Dominic's stepdad... Would like to come in for dinner?"

Ha, we don't even make dinner.

Liam shook his head, "I am sorry, sir. I should getting going my parents are probably worried too. Have a nice evening."

He got in his car and yelled back at me, "See you tomorrow, Dominic!"

His car disappeared down the street and leaving me wishing I could go with him as my stepdad glared at me for a second. 

He still seemed mad at me. 

Wow, he actually cares about me for once. 

He calmed down again, as he gave a small smile, "Do you want to play catch or something?" 

He really sucks at bonding. 

He gave me a look when I didn't respond, "Come on, Dominic. You don't have to hate me all the time." 

I laughed, "I don't hate you. It's just you don't understand me."

He frowned, "I am trying and your mother is too."

I snapped at him, "You have a funny way of showing it... You always take my mom's side... How can you take her side when she disowned her own son? I don't even exist to her!" 

Wow, I actually said what I have been wanting to say for years. 

I could tell I definitely hurt him. 

"I'm sorry it's just been a long day," I ran inside and into my room, sitting on my bed. 

God, now I feel guilty. 

But, it had to be said. 

I ended up falling asleep on my bed with my clothes still on.

When I woke up there was thousands of texts on my phone. They were all from Liam. 

How did he get my number? 

I began scrolling through the messages: 

"Dominic it's Liam."

"Are you up yet?"

"I found a duet for the concert." 

"We have to start practicing it."

"Here is the sheet music."

"I am coming to pick you up."

I clicked on the link and it sent me to a viola duet for Clair de Lune. 

I threw my phone down. 

How am I supposed to play a song like this? I can't even play without picturing my brother. This song will only make it worse. 

There was a knock on the door and I heard my mom answer it. 

Probably just a neighbor. 

Then my mom did the unimaginable. 

She actually called my name, "Dominic, there is a friend here to see you!" 

I sprinted out of my room and saw Liam at our front door. 

He smiled at me, "Good morning. I was wondering if you wanted to get breakfast and go practice at the school?" 

My mom looked over to him, "I could make breakfast for you guys, no need to spend any money." 

I was shocked. 

My mom has never talked this much or even made breakfast. 

Liam's eyes sparkled, "That would be amazing ma'am. Do you need some help?" 

My mom was already walking into the kitchen, "I could always use an extra hand." 

He walked over to me, pulling a piece of grass off my clothes. He leaned in and whispered, "Your eyes are bloodshot again and you didn't change clothes from last night."

I felt my face get red, "I am fine... I was just a little tired."

He nodded, clearly not convinced, "Okay, whatever you say..."

He then went into the kitchen to help my mom, while I escaped back into my room.