Page 155 of Love Unwritten

I channel my sadness from earlier into a new song. It isn’t the one I was originally working on, nor is it the one inspired by Rafael, but the lyrics seem to pour out of me with no sign of stopping.

I’m a decorated soldier winning a war against life.

Collected endless scars like medals of valor

Until my body became a symbol of my fight.

A melody comes soon after, and within a few hours, I have a song. It’s the first one I have finished since Ava betrayed me, and because of that, it holds a special place in my heart.

Fitting really, seeing as it’s similar to the one she stole from me but better.

If Cole doesn’t want to use it, I won’t be offended in the slightest, but at least it proves that I still have what it takes to write songs.

I set my phone on the coffee table and record myself singing and playing the guitar. It takes a few tries, mainly because I reword some lyrics and change a few chords here and there, but once I’m done, I send Cole the recording and hope for the best.

ME

Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me until this point. I’m not sure I would have worked up the courage to talk to a lawyer without you.

I busy myself with taking a shower, shaving, and blow-drying my hair. Keeping my mind occupied takes the edge off my anxiety, so by the time my phone buzzes thirty minutes later, I’m more excited than nervous.

COLE

I told you. I like watching good people win.

He doesn’t mention anything about the song, so my mind starts to spiral.

Did he hate it so much he doesn’t want to comment on it?

Does he like it but not love it?

So much for thinking about writing a whole album.

My heart sinks with every negative thought, only to bounce back at his next message.

COLE

I know we only agreed on you writing one song, but I’ve changed my mind.

Oh no. That doesn’t sound good.

COLE

How do you feel about trying out an album?

I screech so loud that Nico and Rafael both come barreling into my room.

“What’s wrong?” Rafael asks while Nico shows off a fighting stance he learned from his one and only tae kwon do class.

“Sorry. I just got excited.”

Nico exits the room with a cartwheel while Rafael looks me over once more.

“You’re good?”

I nod.

“What happened?”