Fallen Hope

letter

"Okay, you're right." I admitted. He soon calmed down.

"So are you still together?" He asked.

"Yeah, we are." I answered.

"Damn. Most dudes would leave. Nice." He said. He then handed me some papers. "Eddy told me to give these to you. It's of a few of our songs. He wrote down the cords, assuming you don't know how to read sheet music."

"Okay, thanks. I'll go and learn them."

I sat in my room for 4 hours learning them. There were only 3 songs. But I had no example of what it sounds like.

When I was done I decided to turn on some music and get out a notebook and draw something. My playing was on shuffle. All Day And All Night by The Kinks came on.

I'd hear this song daily when I was younger. It's my dad's most favorite song. But when he got married Julie didn't want music playing throughout the house. It's also the first song I learned on the guitar.

I turned off the music and began to play the song on guitar. I didn't even realize that I was singing too.

I was holding back tears of regret. But I can't go back. I have a new life now. There was a knock on my door. I took a deep breath.

"Come in!" I said. Brian walked in.

"Dude, you're really good at singing." He was amazed. "Let's talk to Eddy and get you to be vocals too."

"No. I don't like singing in front of people. Playing guitar is one thing. But singing is... Something I prefer to do alone." I denied.

"What? Why? You're really good. Especially with that song." He responded.

"I just don't like being the center of attention. Playing the guitar, I can be in my own zone. Singing, not so much." I explained.

"I won't pressure you." He then walked out.

I thought for a second. I didn't want to call anyone. It'd be way too awkward. But I just want to apologize. To get it off my mind. I left and drove to the store. I bought a post card, envelope, and stamps then went back. I sat in my room and wrote a letter.

Dear dad,
I'm sorry I left like that. And I just want you to know that I'm safe. I got 3 new friends who are basically my family. I have met a girl and somehow she became my girlfriend. I'm also a guitarist in a metal band now. I guess I'm doing pretty good. I haven't felt like this in a long time. Loved. I'll write you every so often. I just feel like talking on the phone would be too much to handle. And maybe our paths will cross in the future. But until then, I plan to stay in Hollywood.
~Chris

I put the letter with the postcard then put it in the envelope. I wrote their address and put a stamp on it. I didn't put my address on it though. I put it in the mailbox then walked back inside.

I walked into the kitchen and looked in the fridge. Ugh. I can't handle this. I organized the fridge and the pantry by food groups. Brian walked in right as I was setting the last can of fruit down.

"This place has never looked so clean and organized. Holy shit." He pointed out.

"Sorry. I do this by habit." I apologized.

"No, no. This is a good thing." He assured. "What else do you do?" He joked.

"I can cook and bake." I shrugged.

"Damn, you do it all." He chuckled.

"Eh. I just kinda learned how to take care of myself due to neglect." I implied.