Memory Lane

Chapter 2: Musicians

(Song used is Moon River... uh... the cover is one I found on YouTube... mentioned songs would be All Star by Smash, No Diggity, Freedom '90 by George Michael, Cups by Anna Kendrick, Perfect by Ed Sheeran. The dance-off music is Dancing Queen by Abba)

"Mom? Dad?"

"We barely met and you want me to come over?" Rex almost cried out.

"Hush... it's not like we can do anything bad to you, Rex," Rachel joked, putting her hand on Rex's head, patting him.

"I don't know... you could be an axe murderer!"

"By all logic, if we were axe murderers we would have plotted every single detail to kill you, hide you and make sure we're not caught. And it is not logical to kill someone without an external motive to do so as it is a waste of time and effort on a total stranger," Jared pointed out.

"I don't know. What do you think is my secret? I practice magic? Also Violet's never been here before either and is just as lost as you are," Falcon laughed, her voice carrying in the air as she fumbled for the keys.

"I just don't deal well with changes..." Jared mumbled.

"Me neither... but change is one frustrating constant," Falcon said, opening the door. "Welcome to bahay ko!"

"I don't know if I want to step in there..." Rex mumbled, looking dubiously at the hallway that seemed to reach out a million shadows.

Falcon looked down it herself, before disappearing into the hallway, her black hoodie making her melt into the darkness like a ghost. Violet stared at where she had gone, a question mark playing in her eyes. Rachel and Jared were unfazed, having seen all of this before. Rex was just feeling the tinge of fear that Falcon would leap out of the shadows and scream at him.

Suddenly the hallway flooded with light, illuminating the once dark corridor with bright cheerful light, giving the home a warm ambiance instead of the intimidating gaping maw of a hellish domain. Jared and Rachel stepped in first, followed by Violet who shrugged and stepped in. Rec hesitated once more, looking behind him then sighing.

If he ran, they probably would not notice. If he stepped in, what would happen? They were nice people. They seemed nice. Why offer the same kindness to him? The new kid?

"Rex?"

Falcon leaned against the door, posture suggesting casualness as she looked at him. She liked this kid. She liked his company, his interest. But everyone around her could not seem to stay, she's just hoping that he would. Still, to save herself from a possible pain, she would give him his option here.

"I get it if you don't want to come in... I know I've been a little too rash. I get that you don't want to go home and all. That's why I made the offer. You seem like a nice kid... and you deserve friends. Still if it's all a little new, a little too fast, you can still back out. I can see you to the bus stop and point you where you want to go. But if you want..."

She hoped she did not sound too hopeful. Falcon was hoping he would accept and smile. Everyone should smile, and something about Rex had attracted her to him. Maybe it was hyper-empathy, but it was just right to hang out around him.

He shifted again, looking behind him, then at Falcon. The sound of the elevator dinged.

Falcon turned, assuming he'd made up his mind.

"Wait!"

His voice was a little louder, stronger. All this time it was whispery, soft. She turned back, towards him stepping forward.

"I haven't had someone show me kindness or even offer proper conversation. Please, can I be your friend?"

His voice turned softer towards the end, almost like a choking sound. She felt like her heart lifted a little.