I was told a lie.. [LAMS- Hamilton. (I DONT OWN THE ART!)]

Chapter 16

John's [indirect] POV

John sat on the couch, his head leaning against the back of it. His eyes closed peacefully as the moonlight was the only thing that lit up the room. Glowing dimly. It was quiet and peaceful. The only sound was crickets and the faint sound of music from John's headphones. It was most likely around midnight or after. John waited for Alex to sleep before he came down in the living room. John hummed to himself quietly. A breeze came in from the window, sending chills down John's back. His bare chest getting a cold chill. John had calmed down from earlier. The stress of his father and the pressure of staying here felt like it had disappeared. He hummed the words to, 'Piece by piece.' Silently to himself. Careful not to make loud noises so he wouldn't wake anyone. John didn't even hear the heavy footsteps slowly going down the stairs. Henry came down the stairs as silent as he could. John sang silently to himself...

"Back then I didn't have anything you needed..
I was so worthless.."

Henry listened to his son sing. Standing in front of John. John didn't even notice. Henry loved John's singing voice.. but he listened to his lyrics more... He always knew John sang songs that had a lot of meaning. John's singing got a bit louder and stronger. Growing more elegant and amazing with every lyric.

"But piece by piece you collected me
Up off the ground but you abandoned things.
And piece by piece you filled the holes that you left in me at 6 years old an no..."

"He never walks away,
He never asks for money.
He takes care of me..
He loves me."

"Piece by piece
He restored my faith.
That a man could be kind.
And someone could stay..."

Henry thought... was John singing about him..? That he wanted a new father...? Or how he loved Alexander...? Henry felt guilt inside of him. He sat on the couch, careful to not make that much noise. John hummed the next few lyrics. Than sang the next lyrics stronger and louder a bit.

"Piece by piece I fell far from the tree.
I would never leave him like you left me.
He will never have to wonder his worth,
Because unlike you I'm gonna put him first..."

Henry thought to himself, did he change the pronouns. Henry was confused. John sniffed and wiped his eyes quickly, still not opening his eyes.

"He'll never walk away,
He'll never break my heart.
He'll take care of things.
And he'll love us..."

"Piece by piece
He restored my faith
That a man can be kind..
And a father should be great..."

John stopped singing and wiped his eyes from tears, he took his earbuds out. John felt the couch cushion next to him sink down. He snaps his head to the side. He frowns and looks back away, sniffling and wiping his tears. He faces away from Henry angrily. He wasn't really angry though.. just upset.. he knew he loved his father.. but did his father really love him.

"H-how m-much did you h-hear..?" John stuttered out, trying to sound mad but I came out sadly.

"I heard enough... John... I'm so sorry.."

"It's a little late for that.."

"John please don't.. I-.."

"Do you even love me? You say you do. It never seems like it. Mom died and you break all your promises. Alex seems to love me more than you. He's always there for me and you're not. You're always so tough on me. I know I'm the oldest and I'm gone because of school, but you don't have to use my siblings as your own punching bags because I'm gone. I'm gay, Martha is Bi, and Jr. is trans. Why can't you accept us and love us for who we are? We're human and we make mistakes, we're not actual mistakes. We just make mistakes a lot. What do you really mean? Do you mean it when you say we're stupid? Do you mean it when you say that girl is the one when she hit Addy? Do you mean it when you say you love us? If you did love us.. you wouldn't beat us or make fun of who we are..." John rants, facing away from his father.

Henry stayed quiet in his own thought. After minutes that seemed like hours of silence, John sighed. Henry reached over to John and hugged him... John flinched at the touch. He never got affection from his father anymore... he lets more tears fall down his face and holds onto his father tightly. John wrapped his arms around his fathers neck and let out a small quiet sob into his fathers shoulder.

"I haven't been the best.. and I'm sorry.. I honestly won't be comfortable with the gay and trans thing.. but I'm willing to get used to it. If you guys are happy.. I will be.. and I'll talk to Kacey about everything.. I was in a rush to get someone... I'm willing to give this family another chance if you are. I want to be in your life.. and I really do love you guys..." Henry whispered to John. John's tears rolled down his face like a waterfall. He nods and Henry shushes him quietly while stroking his hair in attempt to calm his son. They pull away and Henry wipes away John's tears. John sees a few roll down his fathers too...

"I love you s-.. I mean.. John.." Henry says, making sure not to make the same mistake of calling John his son. John smiled up at his dad.

"I know.... dad..." John mumbles the last part so Henry wouldn't hear it. Henry didn't get the privilege yet... but soon he will...

John knows it....