Page 170 of Love Unwritten

Nico makes a face, and Ellie, being the sweet, kind soul she is, complies.

“You don’t need to give in to him.”

“You try saying no to that face.”

On cue, Nico pops his bottom lip out and wobbles it.

“See?”

I shrug.

Seriously, Ellie spoils Nico way too much, but seeing as I can’t tell her no either, who am I to judge?

Ellie starts playing her new song, and both Nico and I become enraptured by her storytelling.

My momma says to look toward the future,

But I can’t see in the dark.

So I move around in a stupor,

Without ever hitting my mark.

My friends say tomorrow’s a brand-new day,

but I’m trapped in a never-ending night.

With no stars in the sky to point my way,

back to the missing light.

The doctor says to keep moving forward,

but I can’t seem to get out of reverse.

So I’m stuck in an endless torture,

With no way to break the curse.

Her voice is hypnotic and weaves a picture so vivid, I can’t help but wonder if what she’s saying is real. She continues singing, although the next verse has me questioning her lyrics even more.

I’m tired of hearing them tell me

how I’m supposed to live.

That if I want to be happy,

I need to learn what it means to forgive.

Ellie’s voice tapers off as the music stops altogether.

“That’s it?” Nico whines in disappointment.

Ellie’s cheeks turn pink. “So far, yeah.”

“I like it.” He nods. “But…”

She gives him a look, and he lifts his hands up. “I know, but I was thinking you could change it to sound like this instead.” He holds his hand out, and Ellie places her guitar in his open palm with a frown.