Mr. Cleffer was ecstatic.

Drew and I were good now, we completed our "homework" assigned by Mr. Cleffer himself, and we were playing together better than ever.

In music class all we had to do was play with our partner, no task or anything, so that's what we did. I played some chords to Drew's tune as Mr. Cleffer came over to watch us.

"I'm so glad you two are working well again. The exam for this class is to preform an original piece with your partner, to the class, and I can't wait to hear yours." He told us.

That was news to me. I didn't realize we had to make another original song for the exam.

I looked at Drew and he looked just as confused, although I expected that, he skipped pretty much every class last week.

I must've been spacing out when Mr. Cleffer told us about the exam.

"Anyway, back to work you go." He said, moving on to the next group.

"Another original piece huh?" Drew mused, mindlessly strumming his guitar.

"I have an idea." I said when it dawned on me.

"Care to share it?" He asked, subconsciously leaning closer in anticipation for my idea.

I couldn't help but smile at that, he looked like an adorably excited child.

"Remember when we first met and you played that beautiful song. I asked what it was called and you never told me." I explained.

"Yeah, I caught you spying on me." He replied, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

I rolled my eyes, he was so oblivious, "Well, if you still know it we could use that as a starting point. I loved the song, it just needs some piano."

His eyes lit up with understanding when I further elaborated.

"I like that." He agreed, beginning to play the beautiful song I hadn't heard in a long time.

I closed my eyes and let his music flow through my blood before adding in my chords and flare.

At the chorus I played the exact same thing as him, only an octave higher, harmonizing with his instrument and the result was magical.

I smiled at the sound of the song, if felt almost as good as when we played our first song.

As we continued to play, writing it down and working out the kinks, I forgot about all of my problems and for the first time in a while, I was truly relaxed.

Once class was over Drew and I walked out together, talking excitedly about our new song.

"Wanna work on it some more tonight?" He asked as we made our way to my class.

I nodded, "Sure."

After that we walked in silence and my mind wandered back to our new song, it was absolutely beautiful. At times our instruments played in perfect harmony and other times they battled each other, kind of like Drew and I. The song fit us perfectly.

Drew stopping and touching my arm to get my attention brought me out of my thoughts.

"So I emailed my parents about the research we did. They haven't replied yet but I'll let you know as soon as they do." He quietly told me, careful to make sure no one else was paying attention to our conversation.

I gave him a small smile, "Thanks, I really hope this lead goes somewhere. I just want some justice for my family."

Drew nodded in understanding and we began towards my class again.

It was so strange that not long ago we hated each other enough that Drew was skipping class so he didn't have to work with me, and now we were friends. I felt closer to Drew than I did to anyone else in the world. He knew my secrets and he was helping me. I could tell him anything and I knew he wouldn't judge me.

I knew I could tell my other friends about my life too, and they'd probably help me out, but everything was just so hard to talk about, and I didn't want to burden them with my problems.

Besides, none of them noticed when I was upset, on edge, or going through something, but Drew did. He noticed and I think that was why I told him everything.

It was just so crazy that the guy who hated me from the minute he first met me, was the one to break down my walls and realize that I needed help.

I was broken out of my thoughts as the warning bell rang just as we got to my class.

Drew turned to leave for his class but I quickly reached out and grabbed his arm to get his attention.

He turned around, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion and I bit back a smile. He looked so funny when he did that with his eyebrows.

"I just wanted to say thank you, for everything." I told him, looking straight into his eyes and dropping my hand from his arm as I spoke.

He shook his head and gave me a small smile, "Don't mention it."

With that I went into my class and he left for his.

I quickly sat down and got ready for the lesson, trying my hardest to pay attention when the teacher begun the class, but I just couldn't get my mind off of everything going on. I could be close to finding out who killed my family if the lead Drew and I found worked in our favour. Not to mention exams right around the corner, and my song with Drew. There was so much happening.

Halfway through class my phone buzzed and further distracted me from the lesson. I took it out of my pocket and held it under my desk as I checked the text, careful that the teacher didn't see what I was doing.

From: Andrew

My parents don't know anything about the guy I recognized. They even asked Rufus. I'm so sorry

My heart dropped. Another dead end.

How was I supposed to find out who killed my parents now?

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

I slowly made my way to the music room to meet up with Drew, not in the mood to do anything or see anyone, but I knew working on our song would cheer me up a bit.

After I received the text from Drew, I had just been going through the motions. In class everything that was being reviewed went in one ear and out the other, and after school I went right back to my room and slept. And now here I was, on my way to do something productive.

I was tempted to text Drew and cancel on our song writing session but ended up deciding against it. Music was the only thing that could get me out of this mood.

With one final sigh, I pulled the door to the music room open and walked in.

Drew was already there, sitting beside the piano and tuning his guitar.

I silently sat down at the piano and placed my fingers on the keys.

"Are you okay?" Drew asked, and I could feel his concerned stare on me.

"Yeah." I muttered, closing my eyes as I got ready to play, silently begging him not to pry.

Thankfully Drew got the message and started strumming a random tune to warm up without saying another word and I decided to play River Flows in You.

At first I wasn't really into it, just going through the motions, but as the song went on I felt it pump through my veins and lift my heart slightly.

By the middle of the song I was giving it my all and everything else disappeared. It was just me and the song.

I smiled as I remembered dad teaching me these very chords, and mom watching me proudly.

My emotions were so mixed as the song went on. I felt joy because that was what music did for me, but I felt so much grief and guilt because my parents were gone and I couldn't find the person that took them away.

As I played the last notes of the song my fingers slipped on the keys.

I looked down and tears were falling onto the piano.

I placed my head in my hands and tried to pull myself together. Now was not the time to break down. I had to write a song. I could be upset later, alone.

Strong arms wrapped around me and Drew's familiar scent filled my nose.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered, knowing exactly why I was crying.

I turned in my seat and buried my face in his chest as I tried to compose myself.

Drew gently rocked us and stroked my hair. He knew just what to do to comfort me. Dad used to do the same thing when I was sad.

After a while I pulled away and looked up at Drew, feeling very embarrassed. Why did I always break down in front of him?

"I'm sorry." I mumbled, drying my cheeks and eyes.

He cupped my face so I was looking right at him, "Never apologize for crying. You're human."

My heart melted at his words and the concern burning in his eyes.

"I don't want to be weak anymore." I admitted, moving my head so he'd drop his hands. I didn't want to look him in the eye anymore, I was ashamed of being such a baby all the time.

"You're the strongest person I know."

My eyes snapped up to meet his and he looked completely serious.

I gave him a small smile. He didn't know how much those words meant to me.

"Let's finish our song." I suggested, changing the subject and Drew nodded in agreement.

We quickly got back on track and my mood continued to lift. The song was turning out better than our first one. There was heartbreak, anger, hope, and love all battling each other as the song progressed. It told a story.

Two hours later we finally finished and practiced enough for one night.

Drew and I walked down the empty hallway to my dorm in a comfortable silence. How was it that even when we weren't talking it felt like we were growing closer? Just his presence alone comforted me and I was starting to depend on it.

When we reached my room I noticed a white envelope on the floor in front of the door.

Drew and I exchanged a confused look before I picked up the mail and saw that it had Cora scribbled messily on the front.

Something didn't feel right about it.

I took a deep breath before opening the envelope and reading the letter inside.

Oh Cora, why must you stick your nose where it doesn't belong? Just like your aunt.

If you don't stop trying to figure out who I am, you'll be the next tragedy. Quit while you're ahead or you'll end up with the rest of your family.

My blood ran cold.

This was a threat. From the person that killed my family.

I must've been getting close if they sent me this. I couldn't stop looking now, I needed to get justice for my parents and aunt. They deserve it.

Drew took the letter out of my hand and read it himself.

"Son of a bitch." He hissed under his breath.

"We need to stop looking." He spoke again, directing his words at me this time.

I shook my head. We couldn't stop, we were so close.

He looked at me like I was stupid, "It's not worth getting yourself killed Cora."

This time he sounded angry at me.

Why couldn't he understand that I needed to find out who this was, for my family, and for myself. My life wasn't as important as finding out who was behind the murders.

Without another word I entered my room, making sure to lock the door behind me. Now that I was close to finding answers, and the killer knew it, I had to be careful.