The Chairs Between Us

Restore

Festival week is finally here and I am doing one last practice session with Liam and Mr. Bennet in the theater. 

We both lifted our bows off the string; letting the last note ring throughout the theater. 

Mr. Bennet practically sprinted to the stage, "You guys are amazing! You are definitely placing at competition." 

Liam's eyes were shining bright in the stage lights along with his huge smile, "I can't wait to go the New York this weekend! I am so excited!"

"Well it looks like we are done for today," Mr. Bennet looked at his watch, "I will see you guys tomorrow for festival."

Liam was jumping with excitement as we went backstage. We both packed up our violas. 

He grabbed onto my arm and began dragging my outside, "Hurry up! I have a surprise for you."

"You know I don't really like surprises."

He turned to me with a huge smile, "I will get you a milkshake."

I smiled back at him, "How can I say no to that?"

"You can't. That is why I always use it to persuade you."

We both jumped into his car and began driving to pick up milkshakes. 

Of course, we got two Oreo milkshakes because that is the best flavor of drive-thru milkshakes out there.

I looked over to him as I tried to eat to whipped cream off the top, "So were are we going?"

He chuckled, "I told you it is a surprise."

We jumped in his car and persisted, "Please tell me..."

He didn't say anything and kept driving until we got to the highway.

Then I realized exactly were we going.

The meadow. 

"Liam, can we go back to my house? I am really tired."

I can't go back there again. 

It used to be so nice and full of color. Now, it is the place were all my dark thoughts control me.

He reached over and grabbed my hand, "Don't worry I will be there for you this time."

"Liam, please..."

He squeezed my hand tighter, "Trust me. It's going to be okay."

We parked and he practically had to pull me out of the car. 

I really don't like this. Everything is so creepy.

Everything seemed so strange and distant. All the beautiful trees were dark and unfamiliar. As we got more into the meadow, I could still see everything turning red and dark. As if the world was closing in on me again. 

My breathing was getting harder as my heart rate began to pick up. 

Liam noticed right away and sat me down. He put both his hands on either side of my face and looked into my eyes, "Hey, look at me. I am here for you. Just take deep breaths."

I looked passed him and saw my brother with a creepy smile. He dragged his fingers across his wrist as if he was cutting it. Then laughed.

No, no... I can't do this. Not again.

Liam pulled me closer and kissed me. I closed my eyes focusing on him until he pulled away, "Now, focus on me. Don't worry about anything else."

My brother disappeared and everything seemed to become a little lighter. 

Liam pulled me back so we were both laying next to each other in the grass. 

The stars began to brighten as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

Everything went slowly back to their normal colors. My breathing slowed with my heart rate was matching Liam's.

He whispered into my ear, "There that's better. We can leave now if you still want to."

"No... Let's stay. Just a little longer."

Everything was so peaceful and beautiful. It was all restored back to the way it should be. 

All because of Liam.