Chapter 1

As I continued to strum ideally on my guitar, I looked out of the large window of my office. The rain was pouring down heavily now, hazing the view of the nearby buildings. I tried to ignore the pounding against the glass and turned my attention back to the sheet of paper on my desk. I sighed and ran my fingers through my golden hair, closing my eyes. I had never had any problems with writing songs before, so why was this one so difficult? But even though I tried to block out the thoughts, I knew why.

Ever since Daryan had been arrested, the Gavinners just wasn't the same. I knew what he did was wrong but I just couldn't come to accept it. I had acted so calm in court and yet inside I was screaming. I had grown up with him, admired his guitar skills and yet he threw our friendship away like it was nothing. I felt…so alone. A shock ran through my body as I glanced at the clock. Was it that late already?

I swiftly placed my guitar in its case and slung it over my shoulder, gathering a few files form the desk before taking my leave. I locked the door and shoved the office keys into my pocket, trying to ignore my heavy heart.

"Klavier Gavin" I said, my voice deep as I wringed my hair dry from the rain "I'm here to see my brother, Kristoph." The guard behind the glass scanned his eyes across a clipboard, looking like he was desperate to get home.

"He's waiting for you" The guard said sternly "But first were gonna have to look in that fancy guitar case of yours." I sighed wearily as I removed my case from my shoulders and handed it to the nearest guard. He began to unzip the front pocket of the case and pull out my things. A few plectrums, some change, a Gavinners CD…a few of my beloved things.

"Pockets" He muttered, zipping the case back up. I held my hands up, a smirk across my face as he dug into my jean pockets. My house keys, another plectrum, my wallet. He put everything back apart from my wallet, which he began to rifle through. My credit cards, cash, business cards. He pulled out a few photos I had stuffed in the back. One of me and my brother when we were young, when he had dreams of moving to America, when I had dreams of a rock band. They came true, I suppose, but at what cost? The other picture was one of my favourites. It was of an ivory skinned beauty in pink glasses and a lab coat. A smile played on her lips, the stillness of the photo restraining me from kissing them. The guard smiled at the picture, making me scowl a little.

"You can go in" He said, handing me back my things "Visiting hours end at 7:00pm, so be quick."

"Sure" I muttered, making my way down the hallway, being here enough times to know where to go. I made my way into the tiny room and sat on the unfolded metal chair. I was beginning to get a headache from the long day and chills from the November rain outside.

"Ah, Klavier" A sudden voice came from behind the solid glass. My brother pushed his glasses up his nose and tried to smile.

"Hi, Kristoph" I muttered, the usual routine "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, thank you" He said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. This was the man that would tell me he was fine in the middle of a war, his arms and legs cut off, his skin being melted away. He was only trying to make it easier for me. "But, how are you feeling? You look rough."

"I'm alright" I reassured "Just a little tired, I've had a long day." Kristoph frowned disapprovingly at me. He was always so worried about me, every time I came to visit. I was more worried about him but he never like it when I asked about life in prison. Kristoph leaned to side a little to get a glimpse of the guitar case on my back.

"Are you writing another song?" He asked, grinning. His voice reminded me of when we were younger, when I had told him of my dreams of becoming a rockstar. I remember how excited he was at the first song I wrote, how he told me that I really had a gift for music.

"Yeah" I laughed nervously, rubbing the back of my head "It's ok but it's harder to write these without Daryan."

"Will you play it to me?" My brother asked, his eyes wide and pleading.

"Ok" I laughed, unzipping the case "I-I haven't got a lot but it's a start." Kristoph sat back patiently, waiting for me to start. I pulled out my guitar, sitting on my lap as I cleared my throat. I began to strum an opening as Kristoph smiled warmly at me, waiting for the words. I cleared my throat again.

"Throw it away, forget yesterday, we'll make the great escape. We won't hear a word they say, they don't know us anyway" I sang in harmony with my guitar while my brother watched intently. "And, well, that's all I've got" I smiled, placing my guitar back in it's case.

"Well done, Klavier" He said, clapping lightly "that was very good."

"Thanks" I muttered, stifling a blush "I'm still working on it…"

"Is it about someone?" Kristoph asked suddenly "or for someone?"

"For someone?" I repeated, my voice tinted with confusion.

"Yes, it sounded like you'd written that song for someone…a girl, perhaps" Kristoph smiled warmly at me, a glint in the back of his eyes.

"N-No" I said quickly, my cheeks becoming hotter "It's just a song." Kristoph raised an eyebrow at me, a cocky grin on his face. "Well, I have to go, visiting hours will finish soon" I said quickly, standing up from the tiny chair, slinging my guitar case on my back. Kristoph's face fell instantly, disappointment swimming in his eyes.

"Ah, yes, I understand" He whispered, his voice unclear through the thick glass.

"I'm sorry" I smiled weakly, my voice a little shaky "If I have time, I'll try come and see you before Christmas." Kristoph tried to mirror my smile as the guard grabbed him roughly, pinning his hands behind his back. I felt my eyes begin to sting as I headed out into the cold streets of L.A. The piercing icy rain was still pouring, but I didn't care anymore. I let the water soak through my shirt as I headed round to my car, my hands deep in my pockets. I sighed wearily, the image of my brother still burnt into my mind. Like the ashes of our home.