Ch 1

My fingers swept across the ivory keys, trying to perfect my almost finished composition. I placed my hands on my lap, humming different melodies, trying to see what could finish my piece. Gregory had bought me this piano a few months ago. Since he died, I was afraid to even touch it, let alone go near it. But after Tristan told me he was crossing over, a rush of relief and sadness had overwhelmed me. I thought to myself, I guess playing music is a way of letting my soul express itself.

I sighed and bit my lip.

"Don't worry, you'll get it."

I turned around to see Will holding his paintbrush away from his canvas watching me intently. Smudges of white and red covered his face which made me giggle hysterically.

"What?" He asked with a smile. I stood up and strode over to him. I rubbed the paint away with my thumb and kissed his cheek. He reached out, letting his fingertips brush against mine. I gazed into his brown eyes seeing his beautiful cared that flowed with so much love and care for me.

"You're almost done your painting," I said while he pulled me into an embrace. I looked at it, taking in a figure with one arm outstretched as if she was holding onto something. She stood on a beach with a glorious sun radiating its light, creating beautiful shades of colour in the sky.

I was confused though.

"What does it mean?" I asked him.

"I promise to tell you once I finish." He replied against my neck. His mouth trailed butterfly kisses along my jaw and stopped at the corner of my mouth.

"Do you love me Ivy?" He asked once again.

"Of course I do," I told him. He brushed his lips lightly against mine as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He stood up and walked me to the wall, never breaking our kiss. I felt it cool against my back as he pressed me to it.

I pulled away to catch my breath as he grabbed my waist and tugged me to the centre of the room. He started swaying to a silent song as he said, "Dance with me."

I followed his lead, smiling as he twirled me around. I met the eyes of…

Tristan?

He smiled and I yanked away whirling myself around so he couldn't see my face.

"Ivy what's wrong?" The concern in Will's voice was obvious when he asked, wrapping his arms around me again.

Tears filled my eyes as I whispered, "Tristan and I danced here."

"Oh."

I was having a breakdown. Again. With Will watching me this time. This isn't fair to him. I loved Will, and I was hurting him.

"I'm sorry, Will." I whispered. "You deserve better than this."

He sighed and kissed the top of my head. "It's okay, don't worry," He pulled back. "I'd better get going though." I turned to face him and see the smile he put on to try and make me feel better.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well, you need rest for one and two…" He trailed off, sensing that I knew what he was going to say already. He knew I needed time and space to sort things out tonight.

"Love you, Will."

"As I love you, Ivy," He told me, saying the three words I've yet to tell him. He gathered his supplies and left the incomplete painting on the easel.

"I'll come by again tomorrow," He said over his shoulder. He bent his head to kiss my lips but hesitated and moved to kiss my cheek instead. A single teardrop fell as he walked out of the room and closed the door.

I heard his car pull out of the driveway minutes after. I walked over to the piano bench and sat. My head fell in my hands as the rest of the tears started to leak.

Now that Tristan was gone, I'd been longing for his presence every day. That obviously didn't help anyone because Will was now the person I love and he probably knows what's going on with me.

I had to let go.

I stood up and sighed. Tomorrow's a new day.

I walked out of the room letting the secret meaning of Will's painting ponder in my mind.