With Halloween over, Lyric couldn’t use making her costume as a distraction anymore. And with the anniversary of the hospital’s mistake less than two weeks away, she needed to be distracted. She would surely loose herself to guilt if she was left to think about it.
Luckily, Luke’s competition was on the tenth, which meant he was practicing every evening from the time the rink closed until about two in the morning. Lyric made a point of being there for all of it, letting herself get caught up in his movements to the music she had helped him pick.
“You’re timing is perfect.” Lyric commented one night when Luke stepped off the ice for some water.
He smiled and accepted the water bottle she held out to him. “Thank you.”
“It’s hard to believe you haven’t been practicing for months.” It was one of the days Michael had joined them, and Lyric thought he was just as mesmerized as she was.
“I’m good with music.” Luke muttered. He handed the water bottle back and prepared to get back on the ice.
“Did you take lessons?”
Luke shook his head. “My, uh… My parents taught me. They like -- liked music.”
Lyric was surprised. It was the first time she had ever heard Luke talk about his family. She didn’t miss the past tense, either. Her heart filled with sorrow. Had Luke lost everyone he loved? His parents. Melody. Who did he have left?
She made a mental vow to herself. She promised that, if Luke ever needed her for anything, she would be there for him.
***
“Lyric?”
Lyric flinched, her hand already reaching for the doorknob. Reluctantly, she dropped it and turned around to face her parents. They didn’t look happy. “Yes?”
“Honey, we’re worried about you.” Her mom started. “You’ve been staying out late, and we never see you anymore.”
“I’ve just been busy.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. Why did her parents have to pick tonight to question her? She was going to be late.
“We just want to know you’re not in any sort of trouble.” Her dad told her.
Her mom nudged him in the side, sending him a glare. “Not just.” She hissed at him before turning back to Lyric. “We know things have been…” She paused, searching for the right word. “…confusing lately. But you know we love you, and we want to be here for you, if you need anything.”
“I know.” Lyric bounced on her heals. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around much. I really have just been busy.” She looked at the clock again and bit her lip. What would get them to let her go?
The truth? Yeah, that might work.
“Guys, I’m sorry, but I really have to go.” She looked them in the eye so that they knew she wasn’t just trying to escape. “My friend, he has something important tonight, and I promised I’d be there.”
She recognized the surprise on their faces. “Michael has a game tonight?” Her dad questioned.
“I have other friends.” Lyric informed him, hoping that she sounded ticked, but not too ticked.
Her mom rested a hand on her dad’s arm. “It’s fine Lyric. Go.” She smiled sadly. “Just, promise you’ll talk to us more.”
“I will.” She didn’t know if it was a lie or not, but that didn’t matter if it got her out of the house.
As her parents turned to go back upstairs, Lyric pulled the door open. When she stepped outside, she spotted her dad’s car in the driveway. A thought occurred to her, and she bit her lip.
“Mom? Dad?” She called without turning back. If they didn’t hear her, that would make up her mind about this.
“Yes?”
She took a deep breath and turned to look at them. “Would you, um, would you like to come with me.” She jerked her head toward the car. “I don’t think Luke would mind, and…” She trailed off.
A moment passed before smiles spread across her parents’ faces. “I’ll get my purse.” Her mom said before dashing off.
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