The Golden Goose

Chapter 1

Everything collapses around me. Overwhelms and astounds me. A Terrible Truth.

I reread what I had just written and slammed my notebook shut. Not long ago I was writing songs, happy songs. Those same songs were breaking records and gotten us as openers for a popular band.

I sighed and looked at the tombstone in front of me. I reached over and brushed some leaves from it.

My little sister Ren had been singing my songs for a bit and her EP had gotten so successful she got picked up by a label and her debut album was breaking records. I was supposed to be working on the songs for her next album but was coming up with nothing. I placed my hand on the tombstone and stood up. I had to get going.

I walked over to the other tombstone I always visited and placed the other flowers I had brought with me.

"Wish me luck mom," I said with a small smile. I grabbed the old flowers and adjusted the new ones. I kissed my fingertips and placed them on her tombstone. I pulled my hood on and made my way over to my old military green 1966 Ranger Ford truck. It was my baby. My dad and I had worked on it when I was in high school. I climbed in and checked my phone. I hadn't wanted the distraction as I tried to write.

I had a text from my sister Ren.

Where r u?

I quickly texted her back that I was heading over. I tossed my phone next to me and drove home. Not long after I pulled into the driveway. I got out and looked at the black SUV parked in front of the house. I was late.

I quickly walked into the house and threw the door open.

"Told ya she'd be home soon," Ren said with a smile, her dimples on display.

Maggie tapped away on her iPhone and then looked over to me. "We leave in 10."

"I'm doing well, thanks for asking," I said.

Maggie shook her head and stood up. "We have a flight to catch ladies."

"I can't believe it's happening," my dad said, his eyes a little watery.

I quickly walked over to him and wrapped him in a hug. "I can stay. It's not too late."

"No. This is good for you Bug," dad said calling me by my childhood nickname. "Now go get your stuff. It's time for you both to go."

I pulled away from him and smiled.

"C'mon Goldie!" Ren told me as she sprinted up the stairs.

I saluted Maggie and made my way up to my room. Ren was already on my bed when I got there.

"I can't believe it's happening," she said with a wide smile.

"Are you all packed?" I asked as I walked over to my bags.

Ren shrugged in response. "Basically."

I raised a brow and looked over to her. Ren just shrugged innocently.

I looked at my notebook in my hand and sighed.

"You got my next hit in there?" Ren asked as she typed away on her phone.

"Nope. It's all shit," I replied.

"I'm sure that's not true," Ren said as she jumped up from my bed. She reached for the notebook and I quickly pulled my notebook away.