You don't see me.

Dez had moved in and had been in the nearly finished Mattress Kingdom for three weeks. He and Adrian hadn't talked since Dez had invited himself in. Adrian didn't seem to like Fifi. And Fifi didn't really seem to like him.

Adrian had asked why Dez would stare blankly at open space. Dez had explained that he was completely blind and that Fifi was his Seeing Eye monkey.

Adrian had been quiet for a moment. Then asked if he took off his hood, Dez would not see a thing?

Dez had confirmed that this was indeed true.

Adrian had probably done that because the next thing Dez knew Fifi let out a horrible howl and jumped off his shoulder knocking him off balance.

With an oof Dez was launched into a wall thankfully it was reinforced this time and didn't break. Dez began to laugh looking at the direction he believed his monkey had run off to, "Mr. Jimmy said you were disfigured," Dez informed Adrian, "I can't see so it doesn't matter. Though you certainly seemed to have scared off my monkey… Hey you wouldn't happen to look like a Zalien would you?" Dez joked.

Adrian, whom he couldn't see, blushed under his reptile scales, "No…" Trish was more creative than that… though considering how much she loved the movies he was glad that that's not what happened.

Dez smiled at the teen he was to tutor, "Sorry I didn't mean to be so, uh, blunt. That was probably really insulting," Dez hung his head in shame blushing hard. Don't Dez this up Worthy! Dez mentally scolded himself, "Well, which way's my room?" He quickly changed the subject.

Adrian pointed his left but then remembered that Dez was now blind, "Um, to your right, up the stairs and you're the first door to your right. The kitchens are to your left before you come to the stairs watch the step when you enter, I don't want you to fall."

Dez's smile grew wider, "Thanks man." He headed to his room and locked the door.

A few days after that conversation Austin rarely saw Dez come out of his room and Austin realized that only at night it seemed was when Dez made his escape out of his room.

However one day as he lay on big bed staring blankly up at the ceiling he was beginning to resent Trish for getting him this job. He was now unable to finish his course on campus and would have to finish online. (He had been able to get college courses when he'd moved). He only got one day off a week meaning he'd only get to see his parent's once a month since he didn't have to live in the house anymore. He was now trapped just as much as Adrian was. Not that he hadn't been an outcast before.

Neighbors around this area weren't nice either. They were pompous riches who thought the suspender wearing monkey boy was a walking joke. They also didn't care for Dez's reclusive charge either.

These insults had been nothing to him before because he had had friends to back him up when he was made fun of too often. Even Trish had stood up for him at least once since she felt that it was her obligation and her obligation alone to make him miserable. He remembered distinctly saying, "Thanks Trish," In the most sincere way possible. Trish did have a few soft spots. One just had to find them.

He sighed as he patted his monkey and fed her a treat, "I'm getting hungry how 'bout you?"

Fifi chirped and jumped on the bed.

Dez smiled, "I'll take that as a yes." Dez smiled as he sat up and grabbed Fifi round her chest and plopped her on his shoulder.

He hesitantly headed down the steps and to his right and around the big middle stair case. He hadn't left his room except at night and he hadn't wanted to seem like he was avoiding Adrian but it had simply turned out that way. He minded the step into the kitchen and turned to his left minding the trash can and headed to the refrigerator.

"What'll it be Fifi?" Dez asked with a smile.

Fifi chattered.

"That sounds good," Dez said with a laugh as he opened up the fridge. He often pretended to understand his monkey as he would understand a person instead of random cues. It was simply just another Dez thing he did. He felt around the fridge and identified some of the foods and liquids in there and anything he couldn't, Fifi would chirp to tell him best she could, "So, he's got ham, vinegar, ooo, we could make a sweet salad."

Fifi sniffled and made choking sounds. Dez laughed at her antics, "I think you could use a salad. You're getting heavy."

Fifi let out a scream right in his ear. Dez jumped and fell over while Fifi jumped off of his shoulder and onto the counter top. She let out a raspberry as Dez tried to pick himself up from the floor. Squirrelly monkey, Dez thought with a laugh.

He heard footsteps, "Are you alright?" The familiar voice said.

Dez looked to the sound, "Oh yeah, I'm fine." He smiled.

"Here, let me… um, help you up," Austin said as he came over and extended his arm.

Dez smiled up to where his senses told him his student was above him, "Thanks man." He felt around and took Austin's arm which led him into a standing position.

"No, problem. Did that step catch you?" Austin said moving his head like a bird to position his head so Dez would actually look like he was looking at him. He decided to become Adrian in his mind set.

Dez let out his one true Dez like laugh, "Ha! No, no, Fifi just got a little mad because I called her heavy, she can be a bit temperamental, sometimes and knocked me off balance."

Adrian hummed, "That monkey of yours seems to cause you more trouble than she's worth." There was a pause in which Dez believed Adrian blushed and realized what he said was a little offensive.

Before Adrian could go into a hasty embarrassing apology, Dez smiled, "She has her unbearable moments, but she's the only friend I've had in years that I could talk to about anything."

Adrian suddenly felt like Austin, who gulped. He's talking about you, you horrible—

The thought was cut off.

"I-I think I'll just go back up to my room…" Dez was saying slowly backing away waiting for his ankles to hit the step. If he was to be truthful, he was a tad (a lot) afraid of his new roommate… student… benefactor… well, what every Adrian was, Dez feared him none the less. And it was not the appearance of a grotesque monster, complete with tail, scales, and fur in places it didn't belong. No, even if Dez could see, he'd just think that was pretty cool. No, Dez was afraid because of who (not what) Adrian was.

To Dez, Adrian was not just Jimmy's nephew, he was also room and board. If he Dez-ed this up he'd not only lose his job, pay, and possible start out to a wonderful career, but also the roof over his head. Though his parents supported him, they would be very disappointed if he showed up on their doorstep before Christmas.

Dez didn't want to Dez this up, he didn't want to make a mistake that may cost him his job. Trish had covering that roll numerous times, (enough for three and a half Dez's).

Did Austin notice his use-to-be friend backing away slowly? Yes, yes he did. He took a breath and spoke, maybe there was still time to make an old friendship into a new friendship, "Hey, um, I haven't seen you around for the past few days. I'm no cook but I can make you a sandwich." The offer was polite enough, but Austin felt like he was in a corner. He felt that Dez had been avoiding him, and since he was blind he couldn't exactly figure out why.

Dez blinked and looked blankly at the back wall behind Austin. He thought about it for a moment, stopping his hesitant exit, "What do you have in the cupboards?"

It was Austin's turn to stare blankly at Dez. He watched as the copper top maneuvered his way around the kitchen as if he'd memorized where each little crack in the floor was. It was actually kind of impressive to watch.

Fifi appeared a little while later and jumped from floor to counter, barking every so often so Dez wouldn't hit his head on anything or bump into the old rickety table in the middle of the floor.

After a few minutes watching Dez seemingly dismantle his kitchen pulling out boxes looking at it and then showed it to Fifi, then seemed to show it to Austin, but unlike Fifi who gave a resounding two barks or something of that nature, Austin didn't reply.

After a moment Dez looked in the general direction of Austin with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged and set the box on the counter and continued this process five times before Austin realized Dez was silently asking him what the boxes said. Quickly shaking himself out of his stupor he quickly made his way to the boxes.

"These are crackers," Austin said picking up the first box Dez had showed him.

Dez nodded, "Yeah, you see Fifi can tell me what things are but not the brands. We don't have sounds and stuff for those. But we do have sounds for genders. Which is strange now that I say it out loud." Dez laughed.

Austin couldn't help but smile at his old friend, "No man, I think that's cool."

Dez smiled genuinely in the direction of Austin, "So, what brand are the crackers?"

Austin looked at the box, "Grandma Tilly's home baked, I guess?"

Dez pulled a face, "If you're not offended I'll ask you to dispose of those. They don't go well with anything."

Austin did as he was told, and so it went until the two had double decker, deluxe, Dez-licious sandwiches, (or dandwiches, keeping with the alliteration was Dez's comment before he chomped down) just like they'd shared before Austin hit it big. And Dez was even acting something like his old self.

"Have you ever tried window burgers?" He asked, "They're better than just regular burgers you know." He paused and Austin saw a blush, "I'm sorry, I know that probably sounds gross," Dez said quietly as he filled his mouth again quickly to shut himself up.

Austin smiled at the mention of a favorite pass time he'd shared with his best friend in the world. But it quickly faded at Dez's sudden withdrawal. Dez had been so reserved since he got there. It was very strange for Austin to see his excitable, colorful friend be so quiet and formal. Austin thought about saying he had that he'd learned about window burgers from Austin Moon, however he decided against it, "Window burgers sound cool man. I'd love to try them some time."

Dez visibly brightened.

Austin tried to think if he could get away mentioning his old self to Dez. Would Dez be reluctant to talk about Austin or even have a grudge? Austin couldn't remember doing anything to Dez other than ignoring him while on tour. But this was Dez. Naïve loveable Dez. Then again a lot could have happened, Austin had to remember that Dez was his tutor now, which was weird to even think about.

Austin took a breath and became Adrian again, "So Dez, you seem young to be tutoring me."

Dez fed Fifi a little bit of his bread, "Oh, yeah, I know right? I think we're like almost the same age. That's why I was surprised when Trish, an old…acquaintance of mine, called me for a tutoring gig with a new rich kid that lived in the old Mattress Kingdom. I thought it was going to be a kid about like ten, and then I was told that I was to stay in the same house and I thought it had turned into a babysitting thing, so I'd be a nanny or something but then Jimmy explained that you were seventeen and I got real confused. But I've learned to not question things like that. I just go with it."

That sounded like the old Dez alright and Adrian had to smile if however sadly.

"I hope I haven't offended you, I was just—" Dez began, once again terrified he'd jeopardized his position. His insecurity of ruining this job and a possible friendship with his new student was ramped in his mind.

"Dude, really, its fine," Adrian quickly stopped him, "Stop worrying about it. Seriously, like every time you say something you bail from it," He paused. Even though Dez couldn't see that he was a monster, Austin had to remind himself that he was, and he didn't want Dez to think he'd get fired for saying something funny, "Really, I like talking to you. It is lonely around here."

Dez was silent and through his sun glasses which he started wearing when he first lost his sight, Adrian could see that he was thinking hard, (which he didn't remember Dez doing often) and finally settled on the fact that he was being truthful and he didn't have to watch his every step. Though Adrian figured he still would out of force of habit.

Dez nodded and gave a small smile, "Thanks for understanding. Maybe we can be friends, instead of having just a mentor–student relationship?" It was hopeful, wishful thinking, "but let's start with that first shall we?" Going professional again.

Adrian decided not to argue with the professional Dez. He nodded and gave a small smile however he nearly forgot that Dez couldn't see that.

After the ice was broken the two continued on the level previously established, mentor-student. Dez began to tutor Austin, or whom he knew as Adrian, and Austin debated on telling Dez who he really was. He figured it'd come out eventually when—if—he got this curse broken.

He wondered, truly wondered, if Dez would hate him. Dez never mentioned a name, not of Ally, or Austin, and he'd only mentioned Trish once. And he wondered if Dez was holding something back from him. He probably was, Adrian decided; but since Dez didn't know it was really Austin sitting before him, he'd have to wait until he could trust Dez with the knowledge of his true identity to find out what Dez was hiding.

The days that followed the two got into a comfortable pattern. They studied in the mornings and afternoons and at night, Dez would leave for his night classes. Adrian had learned that Dez had graduated early from the special school his parents had sent him to that specialized in teaching the blind and was taking college level classes. This hit Adrian in the face like a wall of bricks. It was just not something he was expecting.

Austin then began to think of all the things that he hadn't expected to see in his former friends ever. Trish was an actual magical-being that honestly wished to help him get his life back in order and Dez was a blind college student wanting to go on to bigger and better things. This made him wonder exactly what Ally had been up to. Though Trish and Dez lives were not perfect they seemed better off without him. Was that what Ally's life like?

. . .

Ally sat at the vacant Sonic Boom. Two years ago, her father had to sell the place in order to pay for their house and even her mother's funeral expenses. Miss Susy had bought it and was going to turn it into another soup store. However when she saw how attached Ally was to it she decided against it saying that if she had two stores in the same place she couldn't be in two places at once. She continued to pay the expenses until her father could buy the store again. Miss Susy still had the hope that Lester would buy it back from her. Miss Susy loved Ally as a daughter and understood that Ally would wish to visit the old place from time to time, so the caring old school teacher gave Ally a copy of the keys to the place.

The instruments had been sold to pay for the expenses as well, all except the grand piano. Miss Susy had decided that when she was to open her new restaurant it would have something of a musical theme, but that was already a thing in the mall so it would be criminal to do something like that. But she'd already bought the piano and later she was quite glad she did. Even though the Sonic Boom lay vacant in the mall with empty shelves, Ally just seemed to need the piano.

Tears gathered in her deep brown eyes as she began to play. It was a song she'd written, though her stage fright still plagued her, she was fine playing and singing when no one was around.

She began to sing, sadly expressing her loneliness at the loss of her friends, the only friends she could say she ever had, "I'm the girl in the corner of the room. The one you never notice."

Her slender fingers glided over the ebony and ivory, Melancholy danced sadly in the air and this wasn't just a figure of speech. When she played, Ally would picture stories in her mind to go along with them. When it was a personal song it was usually her in the stories, however sometimes the song was too personal and she couldn't bear to see herself in the situation that arose through the song. No, but a story none the less. A dark smoky dancer played across her mind's eye, a dancer that she'd labeled Melancholy.

The figure of the dancer moved gracefully, unlike Ally if she ever tried to dance. Even though the dancer represented Ally's emotion of sadness. The dancer's head held no face, but was a swirl of dark color. Melancholy twirled and dipped. The sadness Melancholy represented wasn't in the face but the motions she drew in the air with her murky figure.

The dancer, in the poor music writer's mind, began to dance in a dark field at night with the stars glimmering beautifully overhead. And yet the image was not sharp and clear.

Ally continued to sing, "Getting lost among the stars in the sky. Like a picture out of focus."

The dancer, Melancholy, continued to dance in the black field, leaping into the air and landing gracefully rolling to her pointed feet, lit by starlight and yet a new brightness appeared in Ally's painted scene. A washed out vision of Austin, his bright blond hair overlapped Melancholy's dance. A bright happiness was in his eyes as he looked upward at a glowing dawn. The sky pinking and the dark of night fading. But the stars still shined their brightest.

Even after all this time she thought of him. Her best friend, besides Trish and Dez (BFF, Best Freckled Friend), her partner. He'd promised, and yet as soon as fame came his way he dumped her, Trish, and Dez for a life of glamor and beautiful woman.

Ally felt tears leak down her cheeks, pearling on her pale flesh. Before he'd gone and betrayed the group, she'd gone and hoped that perhaps this growing affection towards who she believed was going to be her lifelong partner in music, would be returned and that if they did start a relationship it wouldn't end in disaster; but she'd been stopped short with Kira and then Jimmy took him away.

"I'm the sun in your eyes, yet you don't see me. I wear no disguise, but you don't see me." She wasn't pretty, she had never tried to be. But no. She had to remember this song wasn't about Austin, it was about her dealing with abandonment and being ignored. So then maybe Austin had a little bit to do with it.

Ally sighed the song was short and Austin's face turned to look at her as the sun was coming over the dark mountain's Ally had built to keep the sun away. But with Austin looking at her that way she supposed she could try to learn to love the sun again.

But then he looked away, back up at the stars and as quickly as the sun rose it set, the pinking sky faded back into black as well as the bright image of Austin. The last thing that was to fade of him, were his shinning brown eyes as they became part of the glimmering stars in the sky.

"I'm a total surprise and you don't see me. I'm so agonized that you don't see me." She took the retard as Melancholy twirled once again, alone under the glimmering stars. The smoky black dancer began to fade as well, leaving only the dark field and Ally there in the music room. And then even the landscape disappeared. But Melancholy didn't vanish completely. Not yet.

As she continued to pound out the notes on the keys she felt small wet spots on them making her fingers slip every so often. She felt the tears she'd forgotten about continue their crystalline treks and splash the ivories.

"You don't see me." Ally suddnely decided to rewrite the awkward sounding ending. At the moment to her it sounded too up beat! "You don't…" her voice went up to hit a high note stretching the words out as long as it felt right, "See… me..."

Instead of a polka sounding ending it was a soft tinkle like sparkling fairy dust as her last note drifted off. Melancholy took a final graceful bow in Ally's mind eye as the smoky dancer disappeared completely from sight.

When everything was silent. Ally felt as if she shouldn't breathe. The song had ended beautifully, what was the point of ruining it with noise.

After a minute of absolute silence soft slow clapping could be heard from the front door of the Sonic Boom. Ally's head shot up to see that it was in fact Miss Susy who'd come in unnoticed by the unhappy girl at the piano bench.

Miss Susy also had pearls of tears on her cheeks, "Ally," The old school teacher whispered also afraid to break the beautiful silence with noise, "Ally that was beautiful."

Ally quickly wiped away the tears that had still yet to fall and blushed horribly, "No, it, it wasn't. I changed it and… and," Ally couldn't finish her sentence, she simply busted into fresh tears.

Miss Susy had a sympathetic look on her face as she made her way to the grande piano and sat beside Ally on the black bench. The motherly soup cook gently took Ally into her arms and hugged her. Though she would never say it aloud to a teenager, Miss Susy did understand Ally's predicament as best as anyone could. Her father to, had been a drunk and her mother had left because of it. With that thought in mind Miss Susy squeezed the poor girl a little tighter, "No matter where you may find yourself, no matter the pain you're in," Miss Susy whispered in Ally's hair a little poem that her mother use to tell her when there was a bad storm out, "Think of me and I'll be there, through the din." It had little rhyme but a lot of reason, "Caught up in a whirlwind, just look around, and see what you can. Picture yourself, on a beach with waves and sand," Ally continued to cry but she leaned a little on the kindly woman slightly listening to the words like a lyricist would, "With your heart your can pray for the storm to go away. And my dear sweet baby, it just may."

Ally shut her eyes, the tears did not stop but she pictured herself somewhere warm, the arms around her not Miss Susy's (though she was thankful) but someone she loved dearly. She pictured a happy place, with maybe a little sun, warmth and happiness. And yet Melancholy still lingered and danced there.