(A/N: So, I wanna say sorry for the long wait. I had to focus on other stories and just try to focus on myself outside of wattpad because recently, I've been suffering from insomnia so much to where I'm publishing chapters very late at night.

Like, if you've seen what I look like irl, there would be so many bags under my eyes to where I almost look like Squidward when he worked at the Krusty Krab 24 hours a day or some shit.

It was that bad.

Now, I don't have to worry about it. I've been taking melatonin when the sun sets, and getting my sleep schedule back on track, so try to expect a chapter every now and then.

With that said, let's get into this chapter!

Also, merry Christmas everyone!)

~Austin POV~

After picking up Sam's friend Miles, we drove to where the party was taking place and it was at the park.

I'm not really surprised about it considering that some of these parties take place over there on some times.

Miles: Dudes, are you sure we're invited to this party?

Sam: Of course, Miles. It's a lake. Public property.

Austin: No kidding. Maybe we'll see whoever we see in class. You never know.

Sam: That's true.

When we got closer, turned out that black car or whatever is there and that could only mean one thing.

Sam: Oh, my God. Oh, my God, guys, Mikaela's here. Miles, just don't do anything weird, all right?

Miles: I'm good, right?

Austin: Yeah, you're good.

We all got out and walked around but I'm actually surprised to see Miko here too, but she was playing her electric guitar and whatnot. I didn't wanna bother her if she was playing for a small crowd, so I let her be as I walked around.

Austin: I'll be right back, okay guys?

Sam: Go ahead, we'll meet back here.

Austin: Sounds good.

Miles: Okay.

I walked around, just admiring the lake, but Miko already saw me.

Miko: Hey, Austin!

I looked over and she was walking over to me, but I saw that Miles climbing a tree.

Just when Sam asked to not do anything weird, he does the exact opposite.

Miko: You doing alright?

Austin: Yeah, I'm okay. Just pushing through.

Miko: At least you're here. I didn't want to leave you out, so I thought I might come over and see how you're doing.

Austin: I appreciate it. Also...

I reached into my pocket and pulled out this...

I knew that if I was ever going to see Miko again, I was going to make sure that she gets this. I signed it and everything.

I mean, it's common courtesy, you know? I don't know why it's seen as cringe or some shit these days.

Austin: On behalf of my family. And sorry if it caused you any inconvenience to give my family some dinner, but then again, life works in ways we don't want it to, you know?

Miko took the card, opened it, and felt so endeared by it that I think she felt really happy about the fact that my family appreciated the kind gesture she did.

Miko: Don't ever be sorry, it's best thing in the world. Hey, you wanna hang? Take your mind off of things?

Austin: Sure.

I walked with her to her group of friends which were just some jockeys and some girls that weren't into me, but I think Miko would have no problem introducing me to them.

Miko: I didn't think you'd be here.

Austin: My parents allowed me as they know Henry would've wanted me to.

Miko: He was a great brother wasn't he?

Austin: Yep, he was. The best brother I've ever had.

Miko: What part of the military was he in?

Austin: Army Rangers. He was Sergeant First Class, and I really didn't want him to go after a couple of times, but I knew it was his duty, so I let him go.

Miko: Well, I think I can do something to help you remember him.

Austin: And what is that?

Miko: A little something that I like to call, "you'll see".

I really felt comfortable talking to Miko as she was very patient, just, you know, being friendly and caring, which is kinda surprising because usually, she's loud and annoying with her electric guitar.

Then, all of a sudden, she turned away from her friends for a bit to see how I was doing. I couldn't be more grateful to her, but all of a sudden, I saw Sam chasing after Mikaela in his car, who was walking away from the park.

I basically felt like I wanted to facepalm, but of course, I didn't wanna act like that in front of Miko, even though we're not on a date, just hanging out, so I kept my head straight.

Once we got to where she was playing her electric guitar, we sat down and started playing for a few people. Not many people were expecting her to play that good, but I did because I heard her play many times before at the school.

If Miko didn't want to join the school band, that's up to her because at the end of the day, everyone has their own likes and dislikes, right?

But then, I couldn't believe what she would play on another guitar, this time an acoustic, as I wasn't expecting this...

(A/N: Anyone who isn't from my home country called the USA, please don't hate me for putting this song in. It's just for story purposes, not to shove any patriotism down your guys' throats.)

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Is she really going to sing the one song that makes me cry? Like, what the hell?

Miko: This is for a friend's brother, who was a sergeant in Iraq, who got killed in the line of duty.

That got me choking up as Miko closed her eyes before she opened them, and started singing...

Miko: If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

I really couldn't believe she was singing this in honor of Henry. I mean, if he were here right now, he would join in, put his hand over his heart, and sing along, even though it's not the National Anthem.

Miko: From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there's pride in every American heart
And it's time we stand and say

That I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

That I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up!

Next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the U...S......A!!!

When she was finished, everyone applauded as I had to do the same with a tear in my eye.

Knowing that Henry gave up his life in Iraq in an ambush really made me feel sad he's not here anymore, but for Miko to do this after giving my family some dinner that her family cooked up, I don't know how much I can take!

I came up to her as she hugged me.

I didn't cry, but I held them back, just to be strong, you know?

Miko: Let's get going to eat, but Austin? Are you okay?

Austin: I'm fine, but can say something?

Miko: Of course. Say what's on your mind.

Austin: Before I get home or whatever is gonna happen next, I just want to let everyone know that the "brother" Miko mentioned was my older brother Henry, a US Army Ranger, who was killed a day ago. I was really torn on whether or not I should come here, but I know for a fact he would've wanted me to come here. I'm really honored that I got to know some people and try to take it off my mind and just try to enjoy myself, especially I get to have a new friend after all these years, but— okay, now I'm getting a little emotional here. So, yeah, Henry, I love you. I miss you. I will remember you for the rest of my days. I mean, I did have my tears and I was so drained about it all, but just know that this entire performance dedicated to you.

Miko: Henry would be super proud of you, Austin, because you're really growing up to be a great person at heart. Just remember that he's not gone, he's with you inside.

Austin: Thanks so much, Miko. It means a lot coming from you.

She hugged me as I had to do the same, but with one arm, just to be polite.

After that, we went out to eat, as I really needed it.

I brought my wallet with me, just so I can pay for my meal, but then again, it really felt great to be around people to where I felt like I belonged.

Yes, I still have Sam as my best friend since childhood, but I do want to try some different things and try my luck.

When it was all done, I managed to come home thanks to Sam coming back after dropping off Mikaela to her father's trailer or whatever, but I kept thinking about Miko and how kind she was to perform that song.

If this is the start of a friendship that I never knew I would have, I'm all for it, because it really would help me out with the depression I've had for the past two days.

However, what will happen during the night will make me question whether Henry's death was murder or a sacrifice.