Legacy

Chapter 4

I began to dry my hair as I stepped out of the shower. Mrs. Blaze had shown me where it was after dinner. It turns out I have one built in my room; the door just blends in with the walls. I ran my violet brush through my blue hair until it was knot free. I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a random tank top along with my jacket. I looked up in the mirror. I held back tears as I saw myself for the first time in three days. The person staring back at me doesn't look like me. This girl looking back at me has a black eye. She has a purple and blue bruise on her cheekbones. She has a footprint on her back. Her stomach has a bruise that covers almost all of her stomach. Her stomach is black almost. Her arms have scrapes and bruises. Her arms are aligned with scars from her own battles. She has bruises on her chest. This can't be me can it?

I walked out of my room and walked down a series of hallways. I looked down the far end and saw a door and briskly walked toward it with curiosity in my heart. I griped the doorknob and turned it holding my breath. I felt a big smile appear on my face. It appears to be a really old music classroom. All set with a complete drum set, piano, electric key board, speakers, head phones, drum sticks, guitar picks, CD's, everything. I looked around, and then I spotted her, an old acoustic guitar. I ran to her with everything I had. I won't let this one slip away.

My friend used to give me lessons before he moved away. I learned how to play despite my problems. When I play its like everything else melts away. I picked her up and ran my fingers across her strings. I began to play a familiar song. A song that I have loved and heard for years, it's a song that basically describes my life.

I began to play the song "Someone Somewhere" by Asking Alexandria. I felt tears go down my face as I began to sing the words, "I need a home sweet home. To call my own." As the song went on I felt like I was thirteen again. I could hear Melody singing with me. I could see her smiling. I could hear her laughing. Then I could hear the gunshots. I then saw melody in a casket, no longer laughing and smiling. I could see my self-screaming. I could feel the tears running down my face. I began to sing as loud as I could. I began to play louder than ever to block out these memories. I sang the last words, "So here's one from the heart, Life from the start, need a home sweet home to call my own." I wiped the remaining tears from my eyes. I looked up to see the whole orphanage standing there in astonishment. I looked over and saw Mrs. Blaze begin to clap. She was smiling and wiping tears from her eyes. Everyone else began to clap and cheer.

When everything died down Mrs. Blaze said, "You really like playing don't you?"

"I love the guitar. I never really have been able to afford one when I was younger. When I play its like everything else melts away. It's kind of like when a drug addict is given drugs. It gives me an escape. I haven't played in years. This is the first time I have played since melody passed away. It's really emotional. I'm sorry for just picking her up instead of asking first. I understand if you need to punish me." I said to Mrs. Blaze bracing myself for a beating. But instead she walked toward me and hugged me. She kissed my cheek and pushed the hair out of my face.

"You don't have to be worried that I am upset about you playing. No one uses these old instruments anyway. I was going to donate theses anyway. You can have whatever is in this room. Starting with that guitar you are holding." Mrs. Blaze said smiling at me. I looked at her in disbelief. I began to cry tears of joy. I laughed and hugged her again.

"No one has ever done something like this for me. Thank you so much. Is there anything I can do in return?" I said looking at Mrs. Blaze.

"Anytime darling. And yes. There is something you can do. Would you mind playing for the children and me every once and a while?" She said smiling and gesturing to the children all crowding around us.

" I would be honored." I said and everyone around us began to cheer.

I put the guitar on my bed and began to clean her. I had also found an electric guitar and two guitar cases. That way I can keep them both clean and in good care. I heard some footsteps walking toward my door. I ran toward my closet and hid inside.

"I guess she isn't here Chris." I heard a girl say whose voice I recognized as Ricky.

" I bet she is. Let me check. If I know her well enough she is in the closet. She is a bit nervous around anyone that isn't me or Mrs. Blaze, but can you blame her after all she has been through?" Chris said. I held my breath as I heard the closet door open. I heard Chris walk in and the clothes being pulled back revealing me. I blushed and looked up to see Chris smiling down at me.

"I told you so Ricky!" Chris said and then fist pumped the air. He extended his arm and held out his hand.

"Need some help?" he asked me. I nodded and took his hand. I felt a spark. It was like my hand was on fire. I felt my face heat up. Chris pulled me up and laced his fingers with mine. He lifted my chin and looked into my eyes.

"You know, it's cute when you blush." He said looking in my eyes chuckling. I heard someone clear his or her throat. I looked over. It was Ricky and she was glaring. If looks could kill I would be dead.

"Ok, you found her. Great. Let's go." I heard Ricky say sounding agitated. We walked out of the closet, out of my room and outside of the orphanage.

"W-where are we going?" I asked as all three of us filed in a car that I assumed was Mrs. Blazes. That's one of the worst parts of turrets. I stutter a lot and sometimes can't get my words out because of it. It's really frustrating. People used to call me "stutter" because I couldn't get my words out. The only time I don't tic or stutter is when I play the guitar and sing.

"We have to go and get the paperwork to the school. We also have to go and get the last few things from your house." Chris said slowly as if I were glass and if he raised his voice or sped up even just a little bit I would shatter to a million pieces. I felt my breath hitch in my throat when I heard him say "your house"

"NO! I can't go back there! They will be waiting for me! Chris they will beat me again! I can't go back! D-don't m-make me!" I screamed at Chris.

"Sweetie we have to. We have to get your paper work from there. Your mom is not there. She is in jail. Awaiting trial. Your dad wont hurt you. Not with me there. You got that? I will protect you. Even if it's the last thing I do." Chris said softly. I felt my head tic. Chris then leaned over and kissed the side of my head. I felt myself become calm and still. Chris started the vehicle and then we were off.