All About Timing

Chapter 9

Gliding my fingers along the piano, I felt my emotions flow through the music as I fluttered my eyes close. It's been a while since I played and man this is what I needed to let out.

"There you go Ari, there you go," Uncle Vince called out from behind me. I felt my lips curve up as I turned around.

"Tio Vince!" I excitedly jumped off the piano bench and straight into his arms. It's been a while since I've seen him and Ali gave me permission to come practice for a while, since Mom is away for Camp.

He ruffled my hair before he took my spot, playing a song on the piano.

After that, we begin practicing some more. The first time we've really had a practice since I broke my wrist.

"Aryn, I have something to tell you," the way he said it made me automatically assume the worse.

He paused before looking at me, "I sent in a video of you to the panel that was there for that concert audition deal and some of the colleges that were there want to hear you perform in person. I just need to call and schedule you the auditions, I wanted to let you know first."

I just stared at him with a blank face because I wasn't sure what to feel. For the first time in a long time, I had a future. Something to look forward to and that scared me, what if I mess it up like everything else in life?

"Uncle Vince," I quietly let out, looking up at him with water eyes, "thank you."

He pulled me into a tight hug and we stood there for a few moments before he pulled away.

"I have something for you kiddo, invite your mom and Ali as well," Uncle Vince handed me a birthday invitation to little Miguel's birthday party.

"I will certainly let Ali know, mom is out for camp but I'll ask her for sure." I said with a smile before going in and hugging him again.

---

'You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine 

Just own the night like the Fourth of July

'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show 'em what your worth

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!" as you shoot across the sky-y-y'

"Ahh-" I screamed as Ali comes out of the kitchen with a huge smile. Her car wasn't out front and I thought I was alone.

"So that's the famous voice that Hannah and Sadie were bragging about?" She questioned causing my cheeks to grow hot.

"Uh- I'm not sure what you're talking about," I tried to play it off but she gives me that 'really' look.

"When's your concert thing?"

I pause for a second, "Last Friday of the month, you can come if you want."

"Oh I wasn't asking if I could come, I was just going to go," Ali says. I can't help laugh a little at her response before cocking my head to the side and looking at her.

Just do it, Aryn.

I walk up to Ali as she looks at me confused, that's when I wrap my arms around her. I lay my head against her shoulder and enjoy the moment.

"I'm really glad you're in our lives Ali."

She doesn't say anything but continues to hug me tightly before pressing her lips against my head.

"I just want you to know Aryn that I will always be here for you. You never have to worry about me leaving again because I'm not going to ever. Your mom and you are the single most important thing in my life," Ali whispers causing my eyes to get watery for the second time today.

Stupid emotions.

I clear my throat and pull away from her before I start to cry, "uhm- what's for dinner?"

Ali lets out a small laugh before grabbing her phone.

"How about we go eat at that Mexican restaurant you like?"

I nod my head in agreement before looking down at my outfit and then at hers, we look decent enough.

"Lets go!"

We are seated quickly at the restaurant and I begin looking at the menu trying to see what I wanted this time.

"I say go with the Carne Asada taco's, they're my favorite," I hear from beside me. Looking to my right, I see Sadie's face a little too close staring down at the menu. She looks towards me, those bright blue eyes instantly pulling me into a trance.

"I- uhm- yeah, I usually go with that." I manage to let out as I saw her crack a small smile.

"Hi Ali," Sadie says towards Ali. She gives her a side hug before directing her attention back to me.

"I have to go but I wanted to say hi- I'll see you tomorrow though Aryn," Sadie squeezes my shoulder lightly before waving to Ali. I watch her walk away towards who I'm guessing is her family before I look back to Ali who is looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't-" I hold my hand up as she gives me an amused look.

"I wasn't going to say anything."

Oh good.

"But you like her," she says quickly causing my cheeks to grow hot.

Dammit Ali.

After we order our food, I get up and go towards the restroom. On my way in, I run directly into someone, causing them to stumble back a bit.

"Yo! Harris, how's it going kid?" My ex-drug dealer questions with her bright smile. Instantly my heart rate increases and I find myself scratching at my jeans.

I haven't had a fix in over two months and somedays are harder than others. I find myself craving just to get high one more time and it's hard when Mom watches me like a hawk. Good thing mom isn't here right now though.

"Going good Tiny, you?" I try to be casual causing her to smirk at me.

"I miss you kid-- Sorry for running into you, here, take this and take care. You know my number," Tiny tells me before shaking my hand, giving me a small baggy in exchange and walking out before I can say anything.

Looking down at the small baggy, there was a few small pills in there and instantly could feel that small itch inside. I stuff the baggy into my pockets, completely forgetting about the fact that I needed to pee.

I was excited to finally feed my itch.

Not long after, I found myself in my bathroom getting ready to shower. I pull out the baggy and begin staring down the small pills in my hand. After not much thought, I take out the small pill and crush it up.

Splitting it into two lines, I put one away and put the pills in one of my secret places before snorting the line.

Instantly I feel the high causing me to stumble into the shower. I allow the hot water burn my skin while I lean my head against the cold tile, just realizing that I just broke my undecided sobriety with no shame.

Anything to not face what was really going through my mind.

A/N: I know I sold y'all short of a chapter, I'm sorry. School is kicking my butt right now but I will hopefully update soon :)