Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
I hated the man. Yes, he was my father, but impregnating my mother didn’t mean I had to like him. The man made my life shit, taking away the one thing that ever mattered to me, my mother. I grew angry with her too, leaving me behind with a man who was a son of a bitch. The only gift she left me was her gift of music. I played the violin, thinking like a stupid kid, she would hear it and come back.
“Where did you just go?” Addie’s voice startled me as she sat at my feet.
“Remembering.” I placed my hand on her head that was now on my knee.
“Remembering what?” Addie asked as she gazed out the window with me.
“My grandfather. He died after the first year I took over the company.”
“I’m sorry,” Addie said sadly.
“He would have loved you,” I remarked.
“You think?”
“I know.”
“You miss him,” Addie noted, looking back to me.
“Every damn fucking day.” Leisurely, I stroked her hair, smiling at her. My heart ached just a little thinking about him and how much I missed him. He was my real father figure; he was the one I looked up to. He protected me and guided me. He nurtured my music and was hard on him when I fucked up. Yeah I missed him. I missed him a lot.
“What was his name?” Addie continued looking at me.
“Stephan Evans.”
Saying his name aloud made me realize how much I wished he was here to meet Addie and see how well I’d done. It wasn’t just about me, but I wanted to prove to him he was right; that I was meant to be his successor.
“Do you want to play?” she asked, reaching for my violin that sat in its case on the coffee table in front of us. “You haven’t played in a while.” She smiled, giving me my case.
I was so lucky to have her. She knew…she knew playing would help me alleviate my sudden grief. Damn, I missed that old man. Taking the violin, I stood, while Addie sat up on the couch behind me. I brought the instrument to my chin and let his favorite song play through; it was “Requiem” from Mozart.
He loved it when both my mother and I played it for him. I would accompany while she played the piano. I closed my eyes and the song came to life as I played it. I could see him sitting down on his old leather brown chair watching me, a large proud smile on his face. I let the music take over, the world around me completely melting away. I played with a mad frenzy, the music dark and ominous as it echoed all around me. I played on and on, time ceasing. The arrogant sound of Mozart flowed through, until finally the song ended. I stopped, dropping my violin to my side. A faint sniffle reached my ears. I turned to see Addie crying.
“Addie.” I knelt down before her.
“Daimon,” she breathed as she wrapped her arms around me. Her sweet, warm embrace comforted me, when it was supposed to be me who should be comforting her.
“Why are you crying?” I asked as I peeled myself away from her.
“You’re crying, too,” she murmured and wiped my silent tears.
“I’m Daimon Evans. I don't cry,” I grinned.
“You’re right,” she sniffled. “I forgot.” She took me again into her arms and held me as I cried silently for my grandfather, who I missed more than anyone.
Christmas
“It’s almost Christmas,” I called out to Addie. She had just returned home from spending time with her friend Elissa. Addie and I had finally settled into our lives. While it had only been about a month, I still was damn fucking happy every day I was with her. I had surprised her with yet another tree for Christmas; I even had the hideous Christmas music that she loved so much playing.
“Next year, we'll choose it together,” she said happily.
“Easy, just like you, I can’t change overnight.” The very thought made my stomach turn.
“Fine, Grinch.” She opened the box of glass ornaments.
“I’m not the Grinch, babe, your little sister is,” I hissed, annoyed with the little twerp.
“Why?” Addie stopped what she was doing.
“Well, let's see. Has she called you?”
“She has finals.”
“Bullshit!”
“Daimon, do me the favor and don't interfere in Sofia’s life,” Addie snarled.
Oh, really! I don’t think so my little Addie. “You know how I know that it's bullshit? Unlike you, I've been to college, so trust me, I know.” I waited for her to attack, but I didn't care; she should tell the little shit off.
“Sofia, unlike you, who had his way paid for him, actually has to study to get ahead.” Addie threw back into my corner.
“Technically, because you're married to me, my connections get her pretty far.” Game set and match.