Her playing naturally tapered off after its climax. Slowly the girl straightened, relaxing as the melody slowed. Removing her left hand she finished with her right gently tapping out the same signature notes she started with letting them hang in the air like a question. Satisfied she
Thomas returned to his anxiously waiting friend. Silas nearly leapt out of his seat demanding, “Where is she?” Shaking his head Thomas answered, “There were people waiting for her. I couldn’t sneak her away.” “People waiting…who?” “Her brothers and aunt, I th
“What did you find out?” Silas demanded from his chair behind his desk. It had been an unsatisfying morning with a fussy Board of Directors and their petty complaints. Making it worse had been his exhaustion. Since the music competition he hadn’t been able to sleep. The moment his c
“…A waitress…” Silas muttered. How? Why? Who did this to her? She should have been playing for sold out concert halls not bussing tables. He looked at the birth certificates again. January eighteenth. Was there something special about that date that made him cringe? Then his gaze
As the years progressed his hesitation to approach her continued and the opportunity to speak to her evaporated once he graduated. He went on to college leaving her behind but he never forgot her. He made new friends, friends who like to party, drink and sleep around. None of those activities app
“Here you are burger and fries and your short stack,” Lynn said as she set the plates down in front of the corresponding customer. “Anything else I can get you gentlemen?” “Just your number, baby cake,” one leered stroking her hand. Lynn removed it trying not to show her r
“Of course,” Tracy laughed. “They’re such good kids. And the boys take good care of their sister.” “You mean I do a good job of taking care of them,” Alexis corrected. “If I wasn’t around they’d be in trouble twenty-four, seven.” “No we wouldn’t,” Sean argued.
“Hey Mike,” they greeted. “How’d it go?” “Nothing much. After she dropped the kids off they had a normal day at school. It’s frustrating we can’t go inside though. And it’s impossible to vet everyone who enters the building. School staff is one thing but then there are
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their