A New Life

Chapter Four

Dad's funeral is four days after his death. But sitting outside in the cool spring air, I can see nothing but the coffin, and hear nothing but the ringing in my ears. I clutch the white carnations that are contrasting against my black dress. Octavia rubs my arm.

"Are you ok?" She whispers.

I nod. Truth is, I'm still sad and angry, but I'm healing, slowly. It makes me glad, though, to see how many people are here, how many people knew and respected my father. Even Jasper and Monty are here, in black suits, standing respectfully, not being idiots for once.

I lost track of how much time passed, but it must of been hours, because the air had gotten cooler. I wish I brought my cardigan. After a prayer, we all stand, and I walk up to my father's coffin, and place the flowers gently on top.

"I love you." I whisper, barely able to speak, and I walk back next to Octavia.

About an hour later, we head back home. I don't scream again, nor do I throw things across my room. Instead, I sit on my bed, and escape reality through playing my guitar.

*********

Two weeks later, I return back to school with Octavia. And lucky me, today is the day of our music presentation. Armed with my guitar on my back, I enter Ark HighSchool with Octavia, and we both head to our first period, music. We're ten minutes early, and no-one's arrived yet, except for me, Octavia, Monty, and Jasper, who greets me with a hug.

"You ok?" Jasper asks me.

"Fine." I reply with a small smile.

We all sit in a group of four, and I take out my guitar and make sure that it's tuned properly. Monty does the same, and sure enough, ten minutes later, the bell rings, and students flood into the music room.

Our music teacher, Ms.Smith, starts talking about our music project, how we'll be graded, what she's expecting. Her red hair is pulled tightly into a bun, and every inch of her face is covered in makeup. Too much makeup. She checks the attendance, and makes a remark. "Nice to have you back, Ms.Griffin,"  Ms.Smith says in a snobby tone. "Perhaps you and your group would like to present first?" She's doing this on purpose, she thinks I'll mess up.

I nod, and Octavia, Jasper, and Monty follows me to the front of the room. I hear snickers when I prepare my guitar. Why does everyone think I'll mess up?

"Our song selection is Fix You, by Coldplay," Octavia says. "Ally and Monty are playing guitar, Jasper has the tambourine," Jasper shakes his tambourine at this and smiles. Does he always have to be an idiot? "and I will be the lead singer."

"Alright." Ms.Smith says. "Begin."

So we do. People look suprised at how well I can play, at how good our presentation sounds.
When you try your best, but you don't succeed,
When you get what you want, but not what you need.

Midway through the song, I feel like crying. This reminds me of everything. But I choke down the tears, and continue.
And either high up above,
Or down bellow,
When your too in love to let it go.

Involuntarily, a tear rolls down my cheek. Despite the whispers and weird looks from my peers, I we continue.
Lights will guide you home,
And ignite your bones,
And I will try,
To fix you.

*I apologize again for the short chapter