Finally, Family

One; Ghost. Yeah. Why Not?

          Once again here I was running a little behind, just pulling up to school on my bike. As I approached the bike racks swiftly hopping off, attaching my lock and fixing the helmet hair I knew was unavoidable before walking towards the doors. Thankfully, the hallways were not too crowded, so it only took me a moment to find Julie's locker, where her and Flynn stood. "Em, better late than never, I was just telling Julie here..." Flynn started as soon as she walked up to them giving Julie a side eye "That only one of them has to be a demon to make a demon baby". It did not take but a moment to realize who she was talking about as we all glanced over at Carrie. Just as quickly as we looked over Flynn shouted "Demon!" however when Carrie turned to give the three of us the stink eye we had already turned away, stifling our laughter as best as possible. Lifting my hand touching Julie's cheek "There's a smile" Flynn and I each linked our arms with Julie as Flynn confidently urged "Now lets go prove everybody wrong" as we walked off towards class swiftly shutting the locker behind us.

As usual we sat in the third row next to each other, just listening to Nick play his guitar piece. Glancing over at Julie I noticed how she was already getting nervous, I worried if she would allow herself to play music again. I did not even notice that Nick had finished or that the class had applauded, only when Mrs. Harrison spoke "Julie?". Everyone else now turned to look at her, for my friend's sake I wished I could tell everyone to mind their own, or even sit with her at the piano for encouragement. Julie took her hat off and slowly made her way over to the piano and sat down. She lifted the piano keys and placed her fingers there, but just as quickly she jerked them back and stood up "I'm sorry" Flynn and I were already standing, sighing, as if in defeat. "Is this when we clap?" Carrie spoke as Julie quickly exited the room, Flynn and I started to follow. In doing so I bumped into Carrie "Shove it" the venom of my words hung in the air as I moved out the door to comfort my friend. We stood out in the hall just leaning against each other, no one said a word, in fear of tears following. When the final bell rang, I kissed Julie on the top of the head and gave Flynn's hand one last squeeze.

As I exited the doors turning to walk towards the bike rack there was Joshua, leaning against my bike. It was like he knew that my eyes were on him because he looked up, and smirked "Well D, can't keep giving me the cold shoulder" hesitantly I walked to stand in front of him. As if instinctually my hand went to the scar above his left eye, where a fresh bruise started to show right below. "Still picking fights with anyone and everyone?" asking sarcastically as I snatch my hand away going to put my code into my bike lock. From my peripheral vision I could see him tense up and squirm for just a split second, then just as quickly he straightened up replying "Of course not, just going back to the boxing gym". Every part of me wanted to believe his words, but my uncles friend said it was still being renovated, so logically I knew he was lying to my face. Placing my headphones in my ear I got on my bike, heading away from him, towards home "Enjoy the cold J, it could be awhile" I hollered.

When I pulled up to the house, placing my bike on the porch, as I entered the house I shouted, "Uncle Chris, you home?" no reply. While grabbing a soda from the fridge I found the note he left for me.

Danielle,

Going to be away for work for a bit, sorry for no notice. Per usual I put money in your account, spoke with Mr. Molina, no boys at the house and if you need anything, call or text me.

Promise I will be home by the anniversary...

- Uncle Chris

At first, I just rolled by eyes with a small smile, because it was all the typical had to leave for work stuff. Though when I read his promise my heart ached a little, as if my internal calendar forgot. Although how could I forget the ten-year anniversary of the day I lost my parents, that I lost a part of myself. Placing the note back down, I promptly wiped the few tears going down my check, taking a deep breathe to collect myself as my hand went to fiddle with my necklace. When I reached my room, I placed my bag on the bed, retrieving my leather-bound journal opening it to the last page I was working on. You Don't Know was scribbled on top; I grabbed my guitar strumming a bit, then pausing to compose it all down. Kept repeating those motions till my phone started going off next to me.