Chapter 14

Just as fast as the rest of the week had gone, there was Friday already.


Richie woke up with a fantastic idea and picked up his guitar after he had dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.


He played a few songs, almost including every album. When he had played all the songs he woke up thinking of he noticed the time on his alarm clock.


He quickly put his guitar back down and ran out of his room, pulling the door closed behind him, letting it slam. He sprinted down the stairs, careful not to fall, through the hall to the group therapy room.


He was already late; would Sarah still have gone without him? He pushed the door open and saw everyone already sitting in a circle and did a quick scan of heads on who was there as he apologized for being late. “I’m sorry I’m late, I was playing guitar and forgot the time.”


“It’s alright, please sit down so we can continue.” Their therapist said.


Richie noticed Sarah sitting and the empty chair on her left. He walked up to her and sat down in the chair next to her. “Thanks for saving me a seat.” He whispered to her.


Sarah smiled, she had been hoping he was just late and was so relieved when he almost stormed into the room, although if he hadn’t showed up, she would have stayed too. She would have been too scared to get up and leave, so she would have sat it out. After the first half hour she got less nervous and realized she’d still be fine in a room full of people without Richie. But now that he was here, she couldn’t be more relieved.


By the time it was lunch Richie was starving. Having missed breakfast he hoped therapy would be over soon so he could eat. He heard his stomach growl again and hoped nobody else heard it.


Finally they were dismissed and the group moved to the kitchen for their lunch break. As usual Richie sat down next to Sarah.


“Any plans for tonight?” He asked her. “I don’t even have plans for this afternoon, why?” She had the whole afternoon off and planned to either watch tv or sit outside on the terrace, reading a book. “Great, we should check if our bench is still there after dinner.” He was sure she’d like his idea. Sarah nodded, “Good idea.”






After lunch Richie was off to his private therapies and Sarah went to the living room. The tv was already on but she wasn’t interested in what was on and walked over to the book closet to look for something more interesting.


Just like every time she was about to start a book, she had no idea which one to pick out to read. A little confused she looked around the room, finding a familiar face at the table; she pulled out a chair and sat down next to the lady.


“Hi, I’m Sarah.” She introduced herself as the lady put a bookmark between the pages of her book and looked up at Sarah. “Hi, I’m Sandy.” She smiled friendly. “Nice to meet you Sandy. I wanted to ask you something. I noticed you read a lot of books and I can’t make my mind up about which one to read, so can you tell me a good one?” “Of course I can.” Sandy said cheerful and got up to walk to the bookshelves with Sarah.


Sandy started pointing out books quickly telling Sarah what they were about. Sarah nodded and listened.
After Sandy finished explaining Sarah picked out a book and Sandy was about to go sit down again. “Would you like to sit outside with me?” Sarah asked, she liked Sandy, she seemed like a shy person but a friendly person. “Yeah of course.”


Together they walked out and sat on one of the sun beds to read their books.


While they read they talked just like yesterday when Sarah watched tv. Although she did feel more comfortable to talk to one person at a time. After introducing herself she felt a lot more comfortable already.


It felt nice to sit outside, talking to a person. She hadn’t been able to just talk to anyone, she didn’t have any friends.


It was nice to talk to Sandy and they spent the whole afternoon talking and occasionally reading their books. First they were just talking about their books but soon the books were forgotten and they talked about whatever their conversation brought them to.






During dinner Sarah sat with Richie and was surprised Sandy joined them. Richie introduced himself to Sandy. He remembered Fred pointing her out two weeks ago but he had never said anything to her. It was nice talking to her; she seemed like a relaxed person.






After dinner Richie went up to his room, he picked up his entire guitar case and walked back downstairs. “Ready to go?” He asked walking into the kitchen.


Sarah quickly said goodbye to Sandy who nodded in answer and walked outside with Richie. “Are you going to play for me?” She asked when they sat on the bench and Richie put his guitar case up straight against the arm rest.


“Yes, it’s time for you to come out from under your rock.” He said, it was just impossible she didn’t listen to any music. “What if I like my rock?” Sarah joked, comfortable enough around him to make jokes. She wouldn’t mind some music.


“If it’s bad, I won’t play any music for you again.” Richie said, knowing she’d like it anyway. “You’re very sure of yourself.” If he was willing to not let her listen to music again, he must be very sure he was really good or that she would be impressed.


Richie picked up his case and zipped it open to take his guitar out. He zipped open a small pocket and took one of the guitar picks out. “Ready?” He asked. “Go for it.” Sarah turned a bit in her seat to be able to see him better.


Richie tuned the strings a tiny bit before playing the first song.

Halfway through the song Sarah started smiling and nodding along, he knew she’d know it. “I know that song.” She said excited when Richie finished playing. “I knew it was impossible to not know Bon Jovi.” He smiled. “That was Livin’ On a Prayer.” “So I know your band.” Sarah said happily, if she did know them, his band must be really good then.


Richie cleared his throat and started the next song. He was proud of the band and of himself, if someone that didn’t listen to music knew them, which must mean they really are that good.


He’d just have to get her the Ultimate Collection if he would see her in two weeks.


“So you do know my band.” Richie smiled happily after a few more of their greatest hits song, even though she only knew the tune or the chorus, she still knew the songs. “I guess I do then, at least those songs.” She hadn’t expected she would but was happy she knew his music anyway. An embarrassment averted.


She knew his music and really liked it too. “Was that my private concert?” “I’m not done yet, I have a few more songs but you probably won’t know them.” “What if I do?” Sarah asked, doubting that she would. “Then you can call yourself a Bon Jovi fan.” He was pretty sure she wouldn’t know them.

“That was beautiful, so sensitive. What’s it called?” Sarah was touched by the song. “Everybody’s Broken.” “It’s really beautiful.” She repeated. “Ready for the next, three more to go.” He smiled and started Superman Tonight, followed by Seat Next To you.


He hoped she could fit the songs together and understand what he was trying to say. “This one is one of my solos. I hope you liked this one too.” Richie tuned the stings again and played the next song.

“Do you have a lot of solo albums?” Sarah asked afterwards, impressed with the song. “Only two.” Richie reached for his guitar case to put his guitar safely back again.


“You should do more solo, that last song was beautiful.” “That one is called The Answer.” He was glad she even liked one of his solo songs, so much that she thought he should make another album.


“I liked all of your songs. The ending was beautiful.” Sarah said as Richie sat up straight again. He gave Sarah the guitar pick he had just played with.


Sarah looked at it, it was white with his name written on it in gold. She swiped the pad of her thumb over the writing. “Thanks.” She was touched by the small gesture.


“I’m glad you liked all the songs.” He had played almost a whole set, almost 15 songs. “I had a very nice evening.” Sarah said as they walked back to the building. “I did too, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Richie smiled.


“See you tomorrow.” He said goodbye at the top of the staircase, he was about to turn around when Sarah stopped him.


“Wait, don’t I get a goodnight kiss?” She teased. “All you need to do is ask.” Richie was relieved she asked him.


He bent down a little as Sarah reached up, they gently kissed.

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