by Xavier Neal
“Like me?”
Justin winks.
“So, what are we doing back here?”
“Just watch.” He informs me before sliding his mattress and box spring off the frame. Justin slides the mystery key out of his pocket. “First answer, the key I carry around in my pocket is for this.” He sticks it into a small hole at the bottom of the frame and turns it. Suddenly, the top part springs open, revealing a set of piano keys, while the bottom part slides up and reveals a set of foot pedals.
“A piano?”
“Yeah.” He grins at it lovingly. With a wiggle, he pulls a collapsible bench from the footboard and slides it over. “Come sit with me.”
Doing as instructed, I watch him as he stares longingly at the keys with a distant look. After several minutes in silence, he sighs. “This was my first love.”
“A piano?”
“Yeah.” He stares at the keys. “See, my dad was a musician. His jazz band toured all across the world playing for those with millions of dollars and those who only dreamed of riches.”
“He played the piano. That’s why you know so much about it.”
“He believed that music, like love, was meant for everyone to enjoy. He taught me how to play.”
“Are you any good?”
“Hmm.” His soft hum is followed by a lick of the lips. “I was. I used to be great. In fact, before I became a Lost Boy, I convinced myself I wanted to follow in Dad’s footsteps. I had it all set up, too. Dad knew the right people to make that happen, but after the accident…”
“What accident?”
“My parents had been traveling so much that they booked us our own special family vacation. It was going to be to the beach, somewhere we didn’t get to go often. God, I was so excited that I counted down the days on the calendar, crossing them off one by one. The night before we were supposed to leave, my parents went out for a special dinner—you know, just the two of them— at their favorite restaurant. While they were out, a major storm hit. They were going to wait it out but decided to try and get home to me before it got worse. On the road though, a car T-boned them. Instant kill.”
“Wow,” the word barely leaks out. Unsure of what else to say, I croak, “I’m so sorry.”
“After that, I retired my piano skills for a while. Eventually, I remembered what my father had always told me, ‘May music always be the guide in your life that it is in mine.’”
My hand cups my mouth, and I mumble, “Like in the piano book I bought you.”
“That was his piano book.” The words are hard for him to stomach. “I gave it away before I left for Neverland. Music led him away from my alcoholic grandfather, who beat him. Music guided him to my mother, who at the time was the secretary of a promotional company. Music made him want to be a better man, a better husband, and a better father.” A small hum leaves me, and Justin shrugs. “But then, I met Peter. Once we started hanging out, he encouraged me to play less and less.”
“Why?”
“He said it would be easier for me to forget that way, to let my past go. It would be easier to pretend none of it existed—the way a Lost Boy is supposed to live—but really, he was jealous.”
“Peter? Jealous? You don’t say!” The sarcasm causes him to giggle.
“Peter never had a good relationship with his father. Part of him resented me for that.”
“And the other part?”
With a proud snigger, he shrugs. “It gave me one up on him. Belle used to love to listen to me play, which killed Peter. It took her attention away from him. It made her wonder what else could be out there for her, what she could have had, had she not rushed into something with him. And god, he hates being second guessed, not in control, and most definitely, in true competition.”
“Hates a lot of stuff, doesn’t he?”
“So, he made me promise to stop playing before I became an official Lost Boy, and I did. He called it a test of loyalty.” He stares at the keys, his eyes playing them slowly, while his hands shake in anxiety. “The Loyalty Oath is its official name. So, I can look, but I can’t play.”
“Does everyone take the Loyalty Oath?”
“Yeah. You take the pledge to be a part of the team. The pledge states you are willing to give up one thing you love to make room for another. Usually, Peter gets to pick, and because he’s the most standup guy I know, he picks what you love the most.”
“What’d Aiden and Eiden give up?” I ask softly as Justin sighs sweetly at the keys.
“Each Lost Boy tells only his own story. Sorry.” He lets out a soft sigh. “It’s part of the oath.”
My head scrambles to figure out what tattoos were on their arms, knowing now that that’s why there is a music note inside Justin’s star. Not being able to recall any distinctive marks, I ask, “Why does he make you do that? Give up something? Isn’t there another way to prove loyalty?”
“Peter gave up something himself for the chance at this lifestyle,” he whispers softly. “Only finds it fair that everyone else has to do the same.”
While I let it all the sink in, I watch Justin play the piano with his eyes, closing them every now and again as he clutches the bench tightly to stop himself from playing. My eyes wander over the piano, noticing the musical sheets as well as the book I bought him.
I ask cautiously, “What would happen if you played?”
“It would feel as if someone were breaking my fingers, torturing me, until I saw Belle, and then I’d be severely punished,” he informs me. “That’s why no one even knows I have a piano.”
Suddenly, with a soft smile, I sigh. “I have an idea. Stand up.” Doing as instructed, Justin stands up. “Now, sit behind me.” Once he’s there I place my fingers on the keys and my foot above the pedal. “Play.”
“Are you crazy? If I touch the keys—”
“I’ll touch the keys,” I inform him, glancing up. “Put your hands on top of mine.”
With a soft lick of his lips, he runs his hands down my arms, places his fingers on top of mine, and rests his head on my shoulder. Feeling his heartbeat speed up and hearing his breathing pattern change, I feel compelled to comfort him.
“It’s going to be okay. Trust me,” my voice whispers. “Now play.”
Using my hands like they were his own, he pushes the keys down and gives my leg a nudge when I should push the foot pedal. After a couple warm ups, he opens the book I bought him to the page where it was signed and whispers in my ear, “This was my dad’s favorite. He told me it was the first one he played for my mom. It was the first song they danced to at their wedding.”
As he begins playing the notes, he softly sings the words along in my ear, making it more than a magical experience. Chills creep up my spine as my eyes roll back into my head. Feeling my own heart start to race, my body melts gently against his, while he leans his head over my shoulder.
At the moment of playing the last key, his hands slip away from me and his lips onto mine. Immediately, my eyes shut as my lips collapse passionately against his, while his arms embrace me tightly. My mouth parts slightly open to allow his tongue to touch against mine for only a brief moment before his cell phone in his pocket begins to ring.
Reluctantly, he pulls away and answers, “Hello.” After a small pause he grunts, “Yeah, Peter.”
Slipping away from him, I stand up and stroll over toward his window where the sunlight is barely peeking through the black curtains. Doing my best to hide my embarrassed, red face, I attempt to open the curtain a little more, hoping the light will rejuvenate me. God, I haven’t kissed a guy since I was fifteen. Did I do it wrong? Was it bad? It was probably awful. He’s probably thankful his phone rang. Running my fingers through my hair that’s resting on my shoulders, I try to regain my composure. I can do this. I can play this off like it’s not a big deal because—let’s face it—it’s probably not.
Once he hangs up, he strolls over in my direction, scratching the back of his neck. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay.” I fold my arms across my chest as I turn to face him. “What’s up with Peter?”
“Just wants to run over a few more things. He and the guys will be over in a sec.” He approaches me slowly. “I guess we should go ahead and um…” I point to the piano.
“Yeah.” He nods, still continuing to stare at me.
Before I know it, he grabs me by my lower back and pulls me into another kiss. Surprised, yet even more intrigued than the first time, I let him lead me into a kiss that could make an old pro blush. Our bodies move backward toward the very window I retreated to. My back hits the glass a little roughly, while his hands plant themselves firmly on each side to keep me there. I allow my lips to succumb to his every movement, merely following the motions that are spinning my mind around. After several steamy moments against the window, we pack his piano back up, return the mattresses, and try to wait as nonchalantly as we can in the living room. Justin sits down on his light gray, leather love seat and stretches his arms across the back of the couch, while I place my head in his lap, allowing him to run his fingers through my hair.
Suddenly, the window pops open, and in crawl Peter, Aiden, and Eiden. The two of us stop giggling at one another as Peter comments, “Well, don’t you two look cozy?”
“Why didn’t you use the front door?” I point, trying to be casual.
“Doors are for those of you who can’t fly.” Peter winks at me playfully.
With an unbothered smile, Justin glances up, “What’s going on, guys?”
Aiden and Eiden greet me before sitting across from us on the couch, while Peter makes himself comfortable hanging in the air in a hovering position just above, as if he were actually sitting on it.
“Good news.” Eiden starts relaxing backward after adjusting his brown T-shirt that has “rock, paper, scissors” on it. “Found Jimmy. He relocated his shop but still refuses to reveal the location just in case. I met him a couple days ago and picked you up a few supplies.” Eiden reaches over the side of the couch and slides Justin the bag from across the room. “It’s got stars, a new crossbow, bolts, a regular bow, arrows, a couple of daggers, and for some reason, a tie. He said you’d know about that.”
With a big grin, Justin leans over and pulls out the tie box with a smirk, prompting me to ask, “Really? He did it?”
“You know what he’s talking about?” Peter asks suspiciously.
“Yeah.” I smile sweetly. Looking up at Justin I ask, “Can I see?”
“I’ll put it on later.” He winks and looks back up at Eiden and Aiden. “What else is going on?”
“Our plan worked.” Aiden leans forward, resting his elbows on his dark jeans and adjusting his brown shirt, which is covered in paint stains. “Security system is changed, and now, I’m aware of all the passwords. I also did a little repainting.” He points to his shirt. “Someone requested that the gallery be spotless, and I actually was able to get copies of the floor plans, including the ones that are only accessible to high ranking personnel and security. So, thank you, Peyton, for the in.”
“She was responsible for that?” Peter leans back on his arms and stretches out his legs.
“Yeah. Something hit me while I was at the museum to mention that to Bertha. Then, because Aiden had the main office phone tapped, he knew what company to pretend to be with,” I answer as Justin’s fingers twirl around the ends of my hair.
“Really brilliant.” Aiden nods at me before wiping away his smile due to a look from Peter. “Anyway, so now I have that to make a final plan of the run through with Peter and Justin’s supervision. So, with any time you’ve got tonight, we can go over it.”
“I’m actually meeting the Darlings tonight, so maybe tomorrow.” Justin winks at me, this time knowing he’s not meeting my parents because he has to but because he wants to.
“Yeah?” Peter speaks up. “You excited about that?”
“A little,” Justin snaps back, staring harshly at Peter. Aiden interrupts, “I also raised the flag about our Dark Watcher friends. As a concerned painter, I mentioned some suspicious behavior that should have those two so called guards under close eye from now through the night of the museum.”
“Good to know everything is moving along smoothly,” Peter says.
“Well, since this meeting seems to be adjourned, the two of us are going to go shopping for something to wear tonight,” Justin says as I lift my head up off his lap and pat down my messed up hair.
“My parents are taking me to my favorite five star restaurant, so I’m really excited.” I gush, forgetting that, to them, this is still some major ploy.
“Awesome,” Peter’s voice snips sarcastically. “Justin, can I have a word with you alone before you go?”
Hesitant, he sighs and turns to me. “Do you mind waiting for me in the hall?”
“Not at all.” I grab my purse innocently before waving goodbye to everyone.
After a moment alone in the hall outside of the apartment, I lean my ear against the door in hopes of hearing something. What can I say? Curiosity killed the cat, and knowing is the only thing that’ll bring it back.
“Don’t forget the point of being with her,” Peter growls lowly. “Never forget your loyalty is here with us. Not her. You’re a Lost Boy, Justin, not a normal teen, no matter how much you wish you could go back in time and undo it. Don’t lose focus!”
There’s a long, droning silence before I hear Justin’s voice grunt, “Got it. Can I go now?”
Quickly, I move my head away from the door and begin humming to myself as, sporting a wide smile, he opens the door.
“Ready?” Justin’s voice cracks as if holding back tears. “Yeah.” I try to force a smile on my face as he extends his hand for me to hold.
The two of us spend a good portion of the rest of the afternoon bouncing around from upscale boutique to boutique looking for a new shirt for him. Finally, we stop at a store that specializes in his favorite kinds of clothing, and I’m hoping we can finally come to a decision.
My feet dangle from the antique white and red striped chair as I wait for him to change for the millionth time. Glancing around at the designer shirts and pants, I begin to notice a trend. I’ve seen these things before.
“Hey Justin,” I call to him from the other side of the full length, closed door.
“Yeah?”
“Do you shop here often?”
Coming out in a gray and white striped shirt, half way buttoned, he smiles, “How’d you know?” I point to some of the items I’ve seen him wear. He chuckles and nods. “Guilty.” After a slight pause, he asks, “What do you think?”
“I like it.” I hope my answer will end his search.
A saleswoman in a pencil skirt and a deep maroon top strolls over with two bottles of water on a platter. She offers me one, and I politely take it.
Justin denies it and sighs. “Kimmy, what do you think?”
“That it fits in with everything else you own.” The redheaded woman tilts her head.
“I don’t want something that’s like everything else. I want something that sticks out. Something different, something…special.” He pouts at his reflection. “Any suggestions?”
Kimmy hums, and slowly, a soft grin comes across her face. “I have an idea. Do you trust me?”
“With my wardrobe?” Justin glances over his shoulder. “Of course.”
Kimmy puts down the tray on a shelf and strolls away quickly.
I raise my eyebrows at him, and he responds, “Kimmy’s been my wardrobe consultant since I walked in the store months ago.”
“Why didn’t we just come here first?”
“I was looking for something different,” he answers. A sarcastic look escapes me, and he bobs his head back and forth. “Fine. I was being stubborn.”
“I see that.” I giggle as Kimmy returns with three different shirts.
“Try these on.” She slides him the shirts, doing her best to keep them hidden. “I’m going to wait right here with your…
lady friend.”
“Girlfriend.” Justin corrects her and then shoots me a look. “Girlfriend.”
The door shuts, and she leans over to whisper in my ear, “You do know you’re the first person I’ve ever heard him call his girlfriend, right?”
I smile sweetly and cross my legs. The two of us make small chitchat about how Justin and I met and how long we’ve been together when Justin’s voice interrupts. “I think I’ve found one,” the words come out in a bright way.
“Let us see!” Kimmy calls to him, her diamond engagement ring hand tapping my thigh excitedly.
The door swings open, and Justin strolls out hatless in a light blue shirt halfway buttoned up. Kimmy’s face glistens with glee as she squeals happily, “You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” Justin smiles widely as he turns to me. “What do you think?”
I get up and stroll over to him. “You look incredible.”
His smile grows even more, and he sways his body toward mine. “Tie?”
“No.” I watch as his tongue grazes his lips. “Need help with your buttons?”
“I’d love some.”
My fingers carefully push the buttons together, my eyes longing to stare into his. Justin’s gaze stays fixed on me as my hands inch their way up slowly, my every touch moving his face closer to mine.
His forehead is now rested against mine, and I can feel his heart beating through the shirt against me. Not being able to be apart any longer, he wraps his arms tightly around me and allows his lips to slip onto mine. The two of us stay locked in the kiss until Kimmy clears her throat, yanking us out of what is supposed to be a private moment.
“Sold?” her voice sweetly coos.
“Sold,” he whispers and strokes my face lovingly.
After we’re done for him, we decide to go a little outside of the main city to the mall where we stroll around eating soft pretzels and laughing over ridiculous anecdotes. Before I know it, he’s convinced me to buy a new dress for the evening.
“Really?” I tilt my head at a bright red, strapless dress with sequins all over it. “Is this dinner or prom?” A laugh escapes him, and he puts it back on the rack.