Days may not be fair
Always
But that's when I'll be there
Always
Not for just an hour
No, no, not for just a day
Not for just a year
Oh but always
Irving Berlin
:JOHNNY:
I find her on top of the piano, her right arm falling over the side to the keys, fast asleep. Her cheeks have red, harsh but faded lines.
"John Zacchara."
"And you're calling me why?"
"Hey, it's Jason."
"It's Lulu. No one can find her, and she's just been…in a little trouble. No one can seem to find her, and-."
"I've got it."
"Thanks. Call me when you know anything."
I go over to sit at the bench, slowly and gently I touch my fingertips to her palm, slowly moving them in circles.
"Lu?" I whisper, so softly, taking both hands to the ivory.
Starting to play a tune we both know so well, Lulu's eyes begin to open.
Lying there, she walks her eyes around the room and gently settles them right in front of me.
"Johnny?" she says in a ragged voice.
I keep playing as she gains the energy to sit up and talk.
"Who…who…"
"Jason."
"Oh."
Silence surrounds us as she gently slips off the piano, standing against it with her head placed down into her hands.
I saw Elizabeth near Kelly's earlier, as I was gaining speed in my steps towards the Haunted Star after purchasing which is probably going to be some much needed treats. Her voice inside my head, don't touch, unless she does, don't push, tugs at my heart.
I continue to play and let her relax as she slowly sits by me on the bench. I don't know exactly what happened…but I can guess. I've never pushed her, and I won't start now.
I stop, and rest my hands on the keys, waiting for her as she gently opens and closes her lips, trying to catch her breath.
Grasping my hand, she leans in to me.
"Thank you," she sniffs.
"Always."