The Cheyenne Reynolds Story

Chapter 2- Lucy Hayes

The next day is spent getting to know Lucy. She is an intriguing little creature and I wanted to know who she was and the story behind her. I wanted to know what her life was like before coming here and I also needed to know the tragedy that led her to being enrolled in this institution. However, she doesn't wish to speak of such terrors. How was I supposed to help her without knowing what was truly wrong? I have no idea what was going through her mind. I had to get to know her, and then maybe she'll open up to me. Just maybe.

I was very hopeful at that point. I thought for long about this. Even though I was mourning the loss of my mother, whom I loved dearly, I know she would have wanted me to be okay again. I knew she would have wanted me to help a helpless little girl.

* * * *

I started singing Ingrid Michaelson's 'Be Ok' while in the shower. It always helped me to get through hard times.

I enjoy singing, and I have a lovely voice. However, I'm too shy to let people know that. Getting up in front of a crowd of people to sing was my worst nightmare. I'm a dancer and wasn't afraid to perform but singing always seemed impossible with an audience. However, that day, I decided I would have to overcome that fear for the purpose of Lucy.

"Hey Luce", I say to her as soon as I walk back into our shared bedroom. "Would you mind telling what you think of my voice? I've always been afraid of singing in front of people but you seem nice, so can I?"

"Sure", she squeals excitedly.

I begin Emeli Sandé's song Clown. "I guess it's funnier from where you're standing. 'Cause from over here I missed the joke. Cleared the way for my crash landing. I've done it again, another number for your notes."

I was so caught up with the lyrics of the song, I hadn't realized a teary-eyed Lucy in front of me.

"Don't cry darling. I'm sorry if I did something wrong."

"You didn't do anything wrong. It's your voice, it's beautiful."

I smiled knowing that I was able to make her feel joy to the point of tears. I also realized that my voice was better than I had initially thought, young children told you exactly what they were thinking because they didn't really ponder on the fact that they might hurt someone's feelings. And Lucy, she seemed mature for her age, it really didn't feel like I was speaking to a six year old.

"I'll tell you about myself", Lucy said as if reading my mind. For six years old, she was wise beyond her years. She reminded me of myself, thinking about others first, and not knowing her true value, just as I didn't know mine.

That day, I lived through the eyes of Lucy Hayes. She was born in Texas but raised in New York City. She lived with her parents and fourteen year old sister Camry. She once had a brother, her twin Lucas, but he died from cancer at the age of four. Since then, Lucy always felt alone.

Before Luke died, he and Luce were inseparable. There hadn't been a day without having each other. Even when his illness took a toll for the worse, their parents hired nurses to care for him at home.

So, after he died, Lucy was beyond depressed. "I lost a part of myself when my twin died", she had said. It was heart wrenching for a six year old to be revealing such experiences.

At first, her parents were also very devastated at the lost of their only son and youngest child, but eventually they began to heal. They never thought that Lucy would be in need of any sort of counselling since she was young, but they were very wrong.

They began to focus on Camry and her career as a ballerina, and so, Lucy was always in the shadows.

What eventually led Lucy to the children's home was the day of Camry's ballet recital. Camry had just given a splendid performance and had received the award for best dancer. They decided to go out and celebrate. They arrived at a fancy restaurant but Lucy had refused to come out of the vehicle because she was tired. Right as she was undoing her seat belt, a drive by occurred, killing everyone but Lucy. She had been the only witness to the scene. The police really didn't understand what led to it, because they weren't even in the dangerous part of town.

Just imagine losing your twin at such a young age, then two years later, witness your family being shot dead. Lucy was stronger than I imagined. She was a fighter.

A/N: I really wouldn't want to be in Lucy's shoes. This goes to show that no matter how old you are, you can choose to be brave or stay a coward.

Please vote. It'll really mean a lot to me.

~XOXO KIKIIBOO❤