Pieces

Chapter 17

The host introduced us as Clef's Treble, then the lights went down and the spotlights shone on us. I took a deep breath and set my fingers on the right keys of the keyboard as Julian counted us in, then began his magic on the drums. Nina belted out the words as KP and I sang back up, whilst the crowd sang along. The goosebumps rose all over my body as I watched my little girl, my little sister, my Nina - shed the skin of nerves and burst with confidence as she sang with all her heart. She was beautiful and KP couldn't take her eyes off of her.

The song finished and the crowd roared as KP moved from behind the booth, Nina took over the keyboard and I held my violin to my chin. We waited for the crowd to quiet down and I ran my bow across the strings, signaling the intro as the other instruments began to blend in with the beginning melody. The music stopped and the lights went down, so I could put down my violin and pick up my guitar, then as the lights raised, we all bore down on our instruments and I began to sing:

Just a few minutes, that's all I needed to hear
Just a second of your voice and the demons disappeared
Because I've been a ghost baby
I'm floating through this world
Then a whisper of a word from you
And I'm alive and still your girl

I know what's happening here
We're close, but yet so far
You're reaching out for me
And I'm tearing you apart
I broke all the promises
I waged this losing war
You're picking up the pieces
And I'm walking out the door

You're picking up the pieces
And I'm walking out the door

Close your eyes for me my love
Think back to when we were young
Did you ever think we'd go this far
Now look what we've become

We've become our worst enemy
We've become a last kiss
We've become what they said we'd be
And it's all come down to this

I can't give you what you want
You can't give me what I need
But say the words anyway
And I'll fall before you on my knees
Whisper that you want me
Tell me not to go
Say that you're still mine
Tell me to come home

This is what is happening here
Were close, but yet so far
You're reaching out for me
And I'm tearing you apart
I broke all the promises
I waged this losing war
You're picking up the pieces
And I'm walking out the door

You're picking up the pieces
And I'm walking out the door

You're picking up the pieces
And I'm walking out the door

I finished the last part and the crowd erupted. We moved to the front of the stage, held hands and took a bow. We did it. We survived.

We pulled our instruments and put them in their spots behind the stage, then went to find Jess at the table she reserved for all of us. We were making our way through the crowd as people high fived us and gave us compliments, when I felt a hand on my arm. I turned around to go all kung fu on their hoodied ass, but the eyes gave it away. They were full of pride and a hint of mischievous.