Page 8 of Redeeming the Villain
Fauna: Don’t forget to take your meds and drink lots of water!
Flora: And avoid too many sweets!
Freya: Give Sunny extra pets for me!
Fauna: Keep your purse stocked with everything you need. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, honey!
They’re ridiculous. I love them so much. They may be my aunts, but they feel more like three mothers than anything.
They raised me far more than my dad ever did—at least in the ways that matter most. Even if I spent seventeen years with him and only two with them.
Although my dad did teach me lessons that I’ll never forget either—like how little someone’s word can weigh.
I miss you all too! I’m about to take Sunny for a walk. I’ll FaceTime you guys later tonight. I love you all so much!
Setting my phone down on the bed, I walk across the room to my dresser and grab a pair of leggings and a hoodie before quickly changing and slipping on a pair of socks.
After washing my face, brushing my teeth, and putting light makeup on, I brush through my blonde hair and throw it in a high ponytail, calling it good enough for the day. Taking Sunny on a walk this morning is the only thing I plan on doing outside of my room today, so a ponytail will do just fine.
Besides, I don’t have the mental energy to sit and curl my hair like I usually do.
Maybe I’ll feel up for it when classes start in two days.
Sunny jumps back up in bed and curls up with a blanket, watching me as I settle down onto my piano bench and lift the lid of my piano, revealing fifty-two pearly white keys and thirty-six black ones.
“Ahh,” I sigh, feeling peace settle in the depths of my shoulders as my fingers brush against the keys and my feet against the pedals.
From memory, I begin playingLa Valseby Ravel, the upbeat tone filling the room around me, creating a shield from the rest of the world. My sanctuary, my true happy place, is when my music surrounds me and wraps me up in a warm hug.
I get lost in the notes, my body rocking back and forth as my hands dance the familiar pattern.
I love this piece; it’s one of my favorites. It’s beautiful with bursts of clarity during the melody. But there’s an undertone in it, building as the song continues.
The first time I heard it, the resolve took my breath away, leaving me on the edge of my seat.
When I’m anxious or overwhelmed, this is the song I listen to, the one that slowly brings me back from the edge of panic. Or I play it if there’s a piano nearby, but when I was on press tours with my dad, that wasn’t always an option.
Especially when he wouldn’t allow me to publicly play throughout my entire childhood.
Sunny huffs behind me, and I turn to face her, my fingers continuing to play. She is alert with a new burst of energy. I know what she wants, and after this song, I’ll give it to her.
Closing my eyes and finish, taking a deep breath when the final note sounds through the room. I hate that I have to use an electric piano in the dorms. But I understand that a full grand piano would be very loud in comparison. I chuckle to myself at the thought. This one will do just fine.
Closing the lid, I get up and walk over to my shoe rack, grabbing my sneakers and tying them snug on my feet. Sunny is watching me very cautiously, waiting for the slightest movement toward her leash.
Lifting my crossbody strap over my shoulder, I secure my purse at my side and tuck a water bottle inside.
Turning to face my girl, I can’t help the smile that starts to lift my lips. She has kept me sane the last couple of years and helped more than I’ll ever be able to repay her. But I’ll start with this.
“How about it, Sunny? Do you wannaaa”—I drag theAout, and her ears perk up in anticipation of what’s coming next—“go for a …walk?”
Her entire face lights up with excitement, and she looks at her leash hanging by the door. Then she jumps from our bed and sprints over to me, her body vibrating with excitement.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” I grin and grab her leash and harness, I slip it on her.
Slipping my phone into my purse, I lead the way out of the room, Sunny snug at my side. The door automatically locks behind us and we head outside for an early morning tour of campus.
Sunny stays glued to my hip as we wander through the hall and down the steps outside of the dormitory.
