The Chairs Between Us

An Old Friend

I am slowly making my way through town; carrying a bouquet of white roses and my viola on my back.

I didn't want to do this but Liam forced me to, after what happened at the concert.

Ugh why did I agree to this?

He said it would help with everything but I don't think it will.

I smiled to myself.

I love his optimism... but I don't know how he will react when I see him.

I finally get to my destination.

Hello old friend, it's been awhile.

The rod iron gates were still covered with tangled, twisting vines.

Why are cemeteries always so creepy?

I walked through all of the tombstones until I find the one I am looking for.

Peter A. Oliver

1996-2016

May his music live in our hearts forever

I brushed off all the dirt and leaves; placing the flowers down. They stood out again the dark stone and darkened grass.

It's been awhile since someone was here to care for him.

My brother appeared, sitting on the tombstone.

"So you finally decided to come and visit me again." 

"Well you seemed to like visiting me. I thought I would return the favor."

He smiled, "I didn't think you would ever come back here after that day."

I remember that day. My mom crying as we all gathered around his grave. We were here basically all day. Just staring... not saying a word. 

"I didn't want too. Liam told me to come and Mom bought the flowers. It was hard to say no."

His face changed to guilt, "How is mom doing?"

"She is good... At least now that Liam is with me... She kind of shut down for a while after... everything... We also have a stepdad now. He is good to her... it's just weird."

I saw a tear roll from his eye, "I-I am s-sorry... I never meant to hurt anyone. I just couldn't take it anymore... I couldn't do anything. I couldn't play my piano... no more competitions. I couldn't be the brother you wanted me to be... and now I am just making your life worse...."

I stopped him, "I am making it worse for myself..."

"No. It's all my fault. I should have been there for you... You have to let me go Dominic I am only going to make you life worse."

I began to cry too, "I can't."

He reached out to touch me but couldn't, "I miss you guys so much. But you have to move on. You aren't forgetting just... move on. Clean out my room. Play music without thinking of me. Be with Liam. Just stop me from weighing you down... Live your life... promise me."

I was silent.

I can't just forget about him.

"Dominic... promise me. Please."

"I promise... I love you Peter."

"I love you too."

He slowly began to disappear, "Goodbye Dominic... Good luck with everything."

My brother disappeared as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

Move on.

I don't know how.

"Dominic?"

I turned around towards the voice, "Officer Jones?... Why are you here?"

He looked down at the flowers in his hand, "I am just visiting someone. I haven't been here in long time... then, I saw you... are you okay?"

I wiped my eyes, "Yeah I am fine... I was just, uh... visiting someone too."

He looked over at the tombstone in front of me, "I see... would like you like to come with me? I would like you to meet someone."

I stood up and nodded, "Sure."

As we walked off I looked back at my brother's grave.

Goodbye Peter.