More Than Words (sfw)

"I can't believe he would do that! I know he's heir to the Saints and all, but stealing from a freshman?!"
>Amy sat cross-legged on the floor of the deserted bandroom.
>Instruments lined the walls, tucked neatly away in their cases.
>There was a deafening silence, just what Amy needed.
>Across from her, perched on a large black case, was her friend Soren.
>He swung his legs over the side of the case as he spoke.
>"It doesn't sound like Nolan to me, Amy," he huffed, "It seems like one of the higher-ups told him to."
"Higher-ups?" she said, her voice raised a little, "He's heir to the throne!"
>"'Heir being the keyword there. He's only next in line. There's still someone higher up than him."
"I guess..."
>Amy had her arms tucked in and her hands slung over her knees. Her head hung low, staring at the cold concrete floor.
>She was so mad that she tried anything to calm down, even counting the little black flecks in the stone.
>No matter what she tried, however, the heat in her cheeks wouldn't go away.
>They were just as hot as they were when she saw Nolan shove the freshman to the floor and pull the money right out of his pocket.
>She remembered her teeth gnashing together and a rigid fist curled in her tiny hand.
>Nolan threw his hands in the air, pleading her to see it differently.
>But Amy couldn't see it anything other than what it was: bullying.
>He came over and held her, but his hands were like ice against her arms.
>She'd never wanted to punch someone as badly as she did right there.
>She had to run away, before either Nolan---or she---got hurt.
>She remembered wrenching out of his grasp and leaving him standing in the hall, the money still clutched in his hand.
>She ran away, as far as she could. She had to go somewhere quiet, and she had to find someone to talk to.
>And now she had them both.
>"Look Amy, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by what he did."
"You didn't see his face," she sighed, "He looked right through me. His lips moved but I didn't hear anything."
>"I know you're upset, kiddo, but he might not have had a choice. You know he's a good kid."
"I know he is!" Amy shouted. She shrunk back down when she heard her own angry voice bouncing off the walls, "I just don't think it's right."
>"He's always made it up to you in the past, Amy. You just gotta give him that chance."
"Damn him," she thought. He always did know how to put things into perspective.
>He was always there when she needed him, never bothered or annoyed, and always knowing just what to say.
>She wanted to smile and say "You're right" or "Thanks", but her lips wouldn't budge.
>Soren looked at her and frowned. He hated seeing her upset.
>"Tell you what, Amy," he said, reaching behind him, "I'm not great at guitar, but I know a few chords. Just forget about Nolan for a while, okay?"
>Amy nodded. She pulled her hair behind her ear and sat up.
>He didn't look entirely comfortable on the guitar, but he looked like he knew what he was doing.
>She watched him pluck the strings one by one and fiddle with the little knobs until each one sang with the others perfectly.
>He looked over the frets and lined his fingers up. With a flick of his wrist, a strong harmony echoed into the room.
>He played a strange pattern, his palm slapping on the strings every couple beats.
>After a couple bars, it was obvious what he was playing.
>More Than Words, one of her favorite songs.
>She slowly felt herself rocking back and forth, her head bopping to the rhythm.
>His voice was angelic, hitting just the right tone to drive into her heart.
>It was her own private concert, her favorite song played just for her.
>Soren broke into the chorus and in an instant Amy's mind went blank.
>The heat in her face trickled away to her chest, and she felt ten times lighter.
>The corners of her lips snapped up, curling into a broad smile that never stopped growing.
>She slapped her knee to the beat, her body lost in the rhythm.
>Soren looked up every once and a while, delighted by her response. He'd been waiting to use this song for a while, but he never thought it'd make her this happy.
>He was nearing the end of the song, and Amy never wanted him to stop.
>Her face felt warm again as he plucked the last few chords, holding the last note as long as he could.
>A flurry of light claps applauded him, with all the energy of a packed concert hall.
>Amy stood up, her stance open and proud.
>She was so ecstatic she didn't even notice the tears running down her cheeks.
>"What's wrong, Amy?" he smiled, "I thought the song was supposed to cheer you up."
"It did, Soren," she brought her scarf to her cheeks and dabbed the tears away, "It really did."
>"Then stop crying, kiddo," Soren put the guitar down and walked over to her.
>Amy was still drying her eyes when a pair of strong hands curled around her.
>She held her head against his chest, listening to his soft, gentle heartbeat.
>Soren knew she was already with Nolan, but he didn't care. She needed this more than ever.
>Time seemed to stop, for just an instant, and their hearts beat together.
>After a long while, Soren finally let her go.
>"Feeling better?"
>Amy could only nod.
"Thank you, Soren...really."
>"Anytime, kiddo," he said, tucking her hair behind her ear.
>They shared a smile and a glance, locked together until Soren's pocket buzzed.
>"Looks like the band's having practice today. I gotta go, Amy."
"Hey, Soren..." she whispered, her hands on his shoulders, "Do you think...do you think that maybe...I can watch you practice?"
>Soren smiled out of the corner of his mouth and chuckled a little.
>"Sure thing, kiddo."
>He pulled her in for another embrace, and for just a moment, Amy felt secure, safe, and most of all, loved.

END