His Sweet Melody [On Hold, sorry]

2. Missing You

Chapter Two

I tried my best to shut the door quietly behind me, hoping my father wouldn’t be home. Of course, I wasn’t that lucky.

“Audrey, is that you?” He called. I sighed before heading towards his voice in the kitchen.

I plopped my bag on the table and sat down. “What are you doing home so early?” He asked, thick eyebrows drawn. He leaned against the island of the kitchen with a cup of steaming hot coffee in hand.

Instead of listening to him, I looked out the window. The glass seemed to be dirty, covered with fingerprints. Outside, the world was dull, quiet. It’s as if time has stopped. Rain cascades from the sky, covering the streets as cars pass by. If you look close enough, you can kind of see the sunshine through the dark clouds.

“Audrey.”

I looked up to see my father towering over me. “You gonna answer me any time soon?”

His face was stern, jaw clenched shut roughly. All I could do was watch him. I bore into his eyes for several seconds before turning away and heading to my bedroom.  

* * *

Tobey was the best brother I could ever ask for. He was great in school, was helpful, and has a great future ahead of him. I always knew he was the favorite out of the two of us; it was obvious.

He was the star student, the son they could be proud of. And me? I was the complete opposite. I got bad grades, I did drugs. I’m pretty much a complete screw up, as my mother says. What’s even worse is that she blames me for his death.

Ever since that night, she hasn’t spoken to me. Hasn’t even given me a second glance. After a few months, I have to admit, she’s getting pretty good at it. Almost to the point where she doesn’t even acknowledge my existence anymore.

I clutch the photos tightly in my hands. Pictures of Tobey and I filled my walls, covering up the blue paint. Tears fill up in my eyes as I glance at them, remembering each and every moment shared between us.

In a flash, I brushed all the pictures to the ground, every single one. They fluttered off the tacks and onto the carpeted floor. I screamed as I threw them, hoping this would somehow ease the pain I was feeling. Turns out, it just ended up creating a huge mess I’d have to clean up later.

“Oh, Tobey. Why did you have to leave so soon?” I whisper. My cheeks become flustered and sticky with salty tears. I cry into my pillow once again before drifting off into sleep.

* * *

Later that evening, I wake up to find that it’s Saturday morning. The bright sun shines endlessly through my window. I look through my closet in search of something to wear, realizing that it’s filled with over-sized t-shirts and jeans.

Having no other choice, I pick out a plain white tee, along with a pair of Levi skinny jeans. Slipping on the skin-tight pants, I wedge myself into them as they grip tightly to my thighs. I pop off my sleeping shirt and throw on the white one, use a layer of deodorant, and spray a bit of perfume.

Just then, I get a call. Looking at the caller ID, I see it’s Noah. What could he possible want at eight in the morning? I sigh before flipping open my phone and holding it to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Audrey? Hey.” He says, his voice thick with sleep. I have to admit, he sure does sound hot. What are you thinking, Audrey? Stop that. My mind says, and I have no choice but to listen.

“Hey.”

“I was wondering if you wanted to maybe go get some breakfast today. I know this perfect little café on Seventh Street that I think you’ll love.”

Breakfast? With Noah? If it was Before, I would have said yes in a heartbeat. But now? Ever since Tobey died, I’ve been pretty anti-social. That includes Noah.

But it’s not like I have anything better to do, right? After all, if I say no, that leaves me stuck at the house, locked in my room. That’s all I’ve done for months, but isn’t it time to get out? To break free?

“Sure,” I say, a small smile appearing on my face.

“Really? Great.” I can hear how shocked he is in his voice, but I don’t blame him. Noah knows me better than anyone I know. Or knew for that matter.

“I’ll be by in about fifteen minutes. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, I just have to do my hair, then I’ll be ready.”

“Great, so I’ll see you then?”

“Okay, love you.” Wait. Hold up. I just told Noah I loved him. “No, I didn’t mean—I thought I—I’m sorry.”

As the words poured from my lips, I immediately wanted to shove them back in. But then I realized what’s done is done – there’s no turning back.

Even though I felt that way, I knew the words were true. I did love Noah. I have ever since we dated – even before then. He was always there for me when I needed someone to turn to, he could always comfort me, he was the best gentleman. And he knew how well to treat me. What’s not to love?

Noah laughs in the background, a light, cheerful laugh. “It’s fine, Audrey. I’ll see you in a bit.”

With that, the receiver goes dead.

I sigh. Looking around my room for a pony-tail holder, I find one sitting on top of my dresser. I pull my dainty blond hair into it.

Looking in the mirror, I cringe. How could Noah have liked me? Loved me, even? I add a thin layer of light pink lip gloss, one that tastes like strawberries, and add a pretty clip to my hair.

In a flash, I hear a honk coming from outside. I spray a few more puffs of perfume before heading out the door.