XV

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Despite being tired and conflicted she can't let Johnny down. So she walks into the dimly lit bar while trying to locate the man. He's leaning against the stage talking to Ixtan. Approaching the two quietly she signals for Ixtan to not say anything. When close enough she launches herself onto the older mans back startling him. All three fall into a fit of giggles taking almost ten minutes to calm down, because the noise Johnny made sounded like a dolphin more than a grown man.

"Sing a new one", her father figure says once composed enough to speak.

"Right away old man", she jokes with a two finger salute. Handing her phone to Ixtan she hops onto stage walking straight for the microphone.

Riding down, Riding down
My hand on your seat
The whole way round
I carry Band-aids on me now
For when your soft hands hit the jagged ground

Her soft voice floats through room. Her words filled with love and admiration seep into everyone's souls. Her words are soft and airy portraying an innocent child like love.

Wheels aren't even touching the ground
Scared to take them off but they're so worn down
Promise I won't push you straight to the dirt
If you promise me you'll take them off first

The music picks up some and the beat slightly shifts. Her hands tighten around the mic as she prepares for the chorus. The part that changes the meaning of the song.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

Her words are strong now making everyone feel her desperation. They feel the heart break of seeking approval.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

The girl's dress slides up her thighs a little as she leans her upper body forward. The black sweater hangs forward around her chest and sways slightly in the air.

Letting go, letting go
Telling you things you already know
I explode, I explode
Asking you where you want us to go

The room watches in a trance. Her words make them all feel that one time. The one time when someone made them feel that their love was worthless. Like they were worthless.

You've been riding two wheelers all your life
It's not like I'm asking to be your wife
I wanna make you mine, but that's hard to say
Is this coming off in a cheesy way?

Matt's eyes squeeze shut so that she can focus of her voice. The song speeds up again. This time she loosens he grip on the microphone and lets her hands fall to her side to help her relax.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

Her hands rise up her body to almost clutch at her stomach. She shifts her weight on her platformed boots in an attempt to hold back tears.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

Opening her eyes she takes a glance at Johnny who is clutching tightly at an empty whiskey glass. She takes a small step back to take a gulp of air during the bridge. The track echos with an auto tuned voice.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

Her hands passionately trail up the stand to grip at the mic. The sea green eyes slightly hidden behind her bangs sting with the notion of tears. Holding them back she tries to finish the song.

I love everything you do
When you call me fucking dumb for the stupid shit I do
I wanna ride my bike with you
Fully undressed, no training wheels left for you
I'll pull them off for you

While singing the young girl doesn't notice the back of the bar. In one of the booths two older men watch her with fascination and rage. Fascinated with how someone like her could make them feel whole. Yet rage burns within them at the thought of her loving someone else. The way her song hints at the pain and rejection she's felt.


Song is Training Wheels by Melanie Martinez

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