Chapter 6:

I opened my eyes to see my white ceiling, as I do every morning. My mind began to remember yesterday's events as I looked at the two girls either side of me, both tugging on their corner of the duvet, and casually sprawled all over the place leaving no room for me. I moved them off me and got out of bed, laughing at the sight of them. I waddled into the bathroom and fixed my hair so it wasn't as wild, wiped the excess make up from my face and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs. I walked through the hall and past the dining room door. I abruptly stopped and walked backwards as my eyes caught a glimpse of a big black shiny object.

I walked closer to it slowly, running my fingers along the top of the object, allowing the memories of my childhood to flow through mind as I sat down in front of it. I ran my fingers softly across the black and white keys, allowing them to drift off and fill the room with a delicate sound. I began to play my favourite song, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, the song my father used to play in the morning to wake me up; it was the first song I ever learned to play on the piano and I was taught by my father. The one man who inspired me, even now after his death. My fingers traced lightly over the keys as I got lost in the music, the hypnotising sound encapsulated me in a trance as I ignored my surroundings and focused on the music. After 6 minutes, the song came to a close and I took a deep breath, opening my eyes. I glanced behind me and noticed that Nicole and Sarah were now seated on the couches behind me, "Sorry, did I wake you up?" I asked guiltily.

"Yeah, but it's fine. We love to hear you play." Sarah smiled as she rearranged herself on the couch to get into a comfier position.

"Faith," Nicole asked quietly, almost scared of what she was asking.

"Yeah?" I replied softly.

"Will you sing for us?" I looked at them both, their eyes pleading for me to sing, desperate to hear my voice. I haven't sang or played the piano since my parents died. But lately I feel different, likes there's hope.

I nodded my head gently "Sure, but only this once." I smiled lightly, turning around to face the piano. I began to play 'River' by Emeli Sande, I sang the first verse softly but when I reached the chorus I put my heart and soul into the song:

'See maybe I'm too quiet for you

You've probably never noticed me

But if you're too big to follow rivers

How you ever gonna find the sea?

So follow me, I'll be your river, river

I'll do the running for you

Follow me, I'll be your river, river

I'll move the mountains for you

Follow me, I'll be your river, river

I'm here to keep you floating

Follow me, I'll be your river, river

River, river'

My voice boomed throughout the empty house as I continued to get caught up with the music and entranced by the lyrics. My mind completely focused on the song as my voice carried out the story, my vibrato echoing through the room as I held on a note effortlessly.

Once I had finished the song I took my fingers from the keys and sighed; playing the piano and singing is my release, it's what I do to relax and I had tried so hard after my parents died not to do it ever again, but I just couldn't - it's my life, my childhood, my memories, and most of all, my family. Its the only link I have to them. I turned and glanced at the two girls seeing that they had unstoppable tears falling from their eyes.

"Why are you guys crying?" I asked concerned.

"We're so proud of you." they sniffled as they walked over and gave me a large hug. Sarah and Nicole both know how much I love music, and they knew how hard it has been to seperate myself from it but they supported me anyway. They knew better than anyone that I needed this, this relief.

"You're so amazing Faith. Don't you ever forget that." Nicole mumbled into my neck as I hugged them both tightly.

"We're so happy you're playing again, we can listen through the walls now!" they giggled, wiping away their tears. I laughed with them, happy that my musical gifts make them proud.

"It was a one off. Come on, stop this crying. Let's watch a film." I brought them into the living room and sat them on the creamed coloured corner couch. "What do you guys wanna watch?" I asked them.

"Leap Year!" they cheered. I nodded my head, putting the film on and jumping in between them on the couch. I really love this film!

~~

Two films, two popcorn bags, and some Haribo later, my phone started to vibrate on the coffee table. I looked at the caller ID and it said 'Katie'.

"Guys it's Katie, I'll be back in a sec." I told the girls as I made my way out into the hallway, answering the phone. "Hey Katie." I cheered.

"Hey Faith, I know it's Sunday but could you mind Millie this afternoon so me and Mark can go out? It's our anniversary today." she asked through the phone referring to her husband Mark, he hardly ever gets time off except on weekends so I don't blame Katie for making the most of her time with him.

"Yeah, sure. I don't mind, I'd love to have her over." I smiled into the phone. I love Millie, she's like a little sister to me.

"Thank you so much Faith, it means a lot! I'll be round in about five minutes, is that okay?" she asked.

"Yep that's fine, see you soon." I answered before hanging up and joining the girls. "It's Katie and Mark's anniversary today so I'm gonna watch Millie for a bit." I informed them as I sat in the middle of them.

"Aww that's cute! I love Millie, she's so funny." Nicole giggled.

"Yeah, remember when she came downstairs dressed in Faiths bra?" Sarah giggled, I couldn't contain my laughter as I remembered the event.

"That was hilarious!" I laughed, we continued like this until the doorbell interrupted us. I got up out of my seat and walked through the hallway to the front door; Opening the door, I was greeted warmly by the four year old, "Hey Millie Moo! Come on in." I said, watching her make her way into the living room and greeted the girls. "You coming in?" I asked Katie.

She shook her head in response, "Nah I'm gonna' get going, we should be back in about an hour and a half. We're going out for dinner; if she falls asleep just leave her, she's had a long day and was quite tired on the way over her. Thanks again for this Faith." she smiled and gave me a hug.

"Don't worry about it," I replied, waving to Mark who sat in the car, "Happy Anniversary!" I shouted as I closed the door and headed to the living room.

"And we went to the zoo today!!!" Millie cheered, making me laugh.

"REALLY?! I love the zoo!!" Nicole said as she held Millie on her lap, "What's your favourite animal?" she continued.

"The elephants! I like their nose!" she said pointing to her little button nose, making us all giggle.

"My favourites the Giraffes." Nicole added.

"Mines the tigers." Sarah spoke.

"I love the otters." I smiled looking at the others. "Right what do you want to watch Millie moo?" I asked her as I plonked down in the middle of the two girls and pulled Millie onto my lap.

"Tangled!!" she screamed and raised her hands.

"I'm fine with that!" I replied, I love this film! It's so cute! Nicole raised from her position and went over to put the DVD on.

About halfway through, the girls decided to go home and go to bed leaving me with a sleeping Millie. A knock on the door tore my attention away from the film, I got up slowly, tightening my grasp on Millie as she slept comfortably on my chest.

"Hey Faith." Katie said as I opened the door.

"Shhhh." I whispered holding my finger to my lips and then motioning to Millie, "She fell asleep about half an hour ago." I informed her as she gently took Millie from my grasp and transferred her onto her own body.

"Thank you." She whispered, "Are you okay opening the shop tomorrow? Were only open from 10am til 2pm." she asked me.

"Yeah thats fine, I'll take care of it. Ill see you soon." I replied, she nodded before heading to her car. I waved at the trio and watched their car disappear, then locking my door and cleaning up the living room; I turned of the TV and made my way upstairs and hopped into bed.

Hopefully tomorrow will be as good as today was.

__________________________

Comment and vote please :) Thank you!

- Pianogirl56