Page 100 of The Pinkie Pact

I elbowed her, and after she counted quietly, we began to play. I was terrible. Like truly awful. I couldn't even keep time with her. To be honest, I didn't remember how to read music all that well anymore.

After ten seconds, I gave up and let Sky play by herself, and it sounded much, much better. Watching her hands glide over the keys, I was amazed at how talented she was. I had never actually seen her play, and I was struck by the elegance of her hands, the way her fingers moved so effortlessly, and the beautiful sound she made.

If I wasn't in love already, that would have done it right there. She was absolutely stunning.

Not wanting to move, I looked at my family, and they were equally as enthralled by her. Not only did she play all the right notes, she also put passion into it and made the music come alive even though we were only hearing half of the true song the composer had intended.

She played another few minutes then stopped. "It's a really long piece," she said, peeking up at my mom who smiled at her.

I could tell my mom was in heaven. She really did love listening to classical music and went to the symphony with my dad as often as they could.

"Maybe you could play something else that you know, something that doesn't involve my son?" my mom asked, letting out a chuckle. "Pretty please?"

After a quick laugh, Sky said, "Sure."

I started to stand. "Do you want me to leave?" I asked her.

"No. No. It helps to have someone sitting next to me, honestly. Just scooch over a tiny bit so I can get to all the keys now?"

"Of course."

Once we were situated, I felt her hesitate beside me and wanted to give her some kind of reassurance, a kiss on the forehead, a squeeze of the hand. But I stopped myself.

Soon.

And then she played again, this time a song that wasn't meant to be a duet, and it was truly mind-blowing to watch her and hear the beautiful music she created. Glimpsing my mom, I knew that in her eyes now, there was nothing Sky could do wrong. She was going to be absolutely thrilled when we told her the news. Even Kara looked impressed.

The whole time, I just sat there, completely in awe, somewhat attempting to hide the emotion from my face, but also not really caring if anyone saw it.

After about five minutes, Sky finished playing. Smart girl. I noticed she didn't pick the world's longest piece of music. My family all applauded, and Sky ducked her head beside me. God, she was so cute.

I almost grabbed her to me. What were a few more minutes at this point? But she stood up and walked away before I could. And then we were all leaving the room, my mom with her hand on Sky's back, complimenting her, telling her she could come over anytime and play, making my chest swell with happiness.

We all gathered in the kitchen as my mom started to prepare dessert while the rest of us brought in dishes from the table and put out clean plates. It all felt so natural, so relaxed, like Sky had been part of our family forever, and I couldn't believe how easily she fit in, joking around with everyone and helping out.

My mom put on some light music that added to the festive mood while my dad opened another bottle of wine. Sky excused herself, asking where the bathroom was. Sharing a secret smile, I pointed her down the hall just past my mom's office.

Watching her walk away, I couldn't believe this girl was actually mine. I was so damn lucky, and I couldn't wait to tell my parents, to see their reaction.

Kara stepped onto the balcony and I joined her for a minute, keeping an eye out for Sky, almost jumping out of my skin with anticipation. The cold air didn't help my nerves, and neither did Kara's smirky face.

So I went inside again, reaching for my phone, realizing I left it on the bookshelf behind the piano. The music fading behind me, I walked down the long hall and turned the corner into the dark room.

It took a second for my eyes to adjust to the dim light shining in from the hallway. And when they did, I saw something I thought I'd never see, something straight out of my worst nightmare. My heart plunged as horror flooded me. I was going to be sick.

Sky was locked in an embrace with my dad.

Broken Hearts

Sky

A sound by the door broke through my shock, and I tore myself away from a surprisingly strong Mr. Emerson.

I knew it. I knew he was a fucking bastard that couldn't be trusted, and he had just proven me right by coming in here and groping my ass, saying some disgusting things to me.

Still completely stunned, I turned toward the door and clutched my chest, willing my heart to slow down, as I saw that it was Kieran standing there, his face in the darkness so I couldn't see it. But I knew what he'd witnessed, and I could only imagine his surprise was equal to mine, finding out what kind of man his dad was.

"W-what's going on?" he asked in a monotone voice that I'd never heard from him before.

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