Turn Back Time

Chapter 4 - Breaking Free

Y/N sifted through the boxes in the garage, looking around to see if anything of hers had been left behind. The boys left on a walk this morning in search of finding Reggie's parent's old home, so she thought she'd make her time alone worth it. She looked through chests full of ticket stubs and random local band merchandise, but it was almost like they never lived here. Almost all their belongings must have left the space after they did. She sighed, sitting on the floor as she sifted through photographs.

She heard the door crack open and voice follow with a soft "hello?" She stayed still, trying to hide her silhouette in the shadows. She watched as the small girl they met last night appeared, searching high and low around the room. Y/N watched as she walked over to the piano, lightly touching over the keys before sitting down. As she started to play, Y/N felt her heart race.

The young girl was incredible, hands flying up and down the row of black and white effortlessly. It was when she opened her mouth that she almost gasped out loud. Her voice was smooth and strong, she felt her heart swell as she listened to the lyrics. They reminded her of Luke's solemn ode to his mom, and she leaned forward, letting her chin rest in her hand as she watched her perform.

As the song ended, she fought the need to stand and clap. She tried to slowly raise to her feet, but her arm slipped over an old trunk and a cd slipped out of her grip, making a small thud as it fell to the floor. She cursed herself quietly as the young girl turned quickly with wide eyes.

"Who's there?"

She bit down on her lip, debating on if she should expose her presence or not. When the girl stood strong in her stance, she knew that had to say something to her before she started to walk around to find her. She stood slowly, raising her hand in the air.

"Guilty..."

She looked at her and said nothing for a moment. She walked over to meet her at the piano with an apologetic smile. The girl took a step back before talking to her.

"Were you just not going to tell me you were there?" She interrogated.

Y/N shifted her position, putting her weight on her left leg and shrugging her shoulders. The smaller girl started to collect her music in a hurry and she moved to stop her, putting her hand on the piano.

"Wait. I just wanted to say that you're so incredibly talented. What you did there, that's the reason music is so important to people. When an artist truly leaps through their work, it shows to everyone listening."

Julie peered at her cautiously, setting her music back on the stand. "Thanks. I- that's the first time I've ever played that piece."

Y/N smiled at her "I would have never guessed, it flowed right through you."

The young girl let a small smile fall on her face before their interaction was interrupted by 3 screaming boys. Julie jumped back in shock as Luke and his bandmates appeared in front of them.

"You guys...really make an entrance," Y/N said, rolling her eyes at the hyperactive crew.

Julie held in a laugh, glancing in her direction quickly before grabbing her papers again. The boys tried to approach the girl, but Y/N placed her arm out, to stop their movements.

"Boys, you've already scared her...can you please calm down before scaring her."

Luke rolled his eyes at his girlfriend, pushing her arm down and interlocking their fingers. He smiled at Julie and started to speak.

"Hey, Julie."

She gave him a weak wave before turning to Y/N again. She held her work close to her chest as she moved toward the garage door. "Thanks again," she nodded at the older girl before heading out of sight.

Luke looked at her, puzzled "How did you get on speaking terms before any of the rest of us did?"

She smirked at him, squeezing his hand. "Women understand women, you wouldn't get it sugar."

He laughed, pressing a kiss to her cheek before spinning her in a circle in front of him. She giggled as he pulled her toward the other two boys.