Chapter 7

We walked back into his office where Richie was sitting talking on his cell phone. I could tell by the way he was talking that it was Jon. I smiled and walked over. I whispered “Jon?” He nodded and my grin widened. He looked at me questionably. I grabbed the phone from him and put it to my ear. “Jon?” I asked. “Yeah,” Came the slightly confused sounding reply. “This is your new niece, Sydney. Now I realize that you have to talk to Richie about very important things, tea with the Queen and all that, but can't it wait until we get back to Jersey? Good Lord, we'll be there tonight.” I said, giggling. I had thrown him for a loop with the 'niece' thing but I figured since he and Richie were so close, he'd be my new uncle. If Richie trusted him then I trusted him. Muah! I explained this all to Jon and he laughed saying “Well then, I'll let you get back to my brother then. See you when you get here! This is Uncle Jon signing off. Keep the Faith!” I rolled my eyes and flipped the phone closed. I turned around to a shocked Mr Wilson and an amused Richie. “What?” I asked Richie. He just shook his head, chuckling. Mr Wilson replied, “What has happened to you? The last time I saw you, you wouldn't talk to any guy and now you're joking around with one? And Uncle Jon? I didn't think you had any relatives.” He looked genuinely confused. I grinned at his confusion. “Uncle Jon is Richie's self-proclaimed brother. I have spoke to him before, and Richie trusts him, so...” I shrugged my shoulders, “Also, Richie was here.” I looked up at him, grinned and walked over to where he was standing. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, looked down at me and whispered “Proud of you” in my ear. I nodded. We chatted with Mr Wilson for a while, and by that I mean Mr Wilson and I talked, Richie stood there and stared. Every now and then Mr Wilson would sat something and Richie would tense up. I'll have to ask him about that when we get to the truck. We said our goodbyes and I hugged Mr Wilson. He said something to Richie that made his eyes flash in anger, and I'll have to ask him about that too. Richie and I walked arm in arm down the hallway. I laughed at all the stares and whispers. I looked up at Richie and whispered “The rumour mill is starting. I can practically hear them already. He grinned and laughed quietly. “Are you saying that I look young?” he puffed up his chest comically. I said “Well, no, but-” I couldn't finish as we had been stopped. My arch-nemesis Sarah Baker stood in front of Richie and I. I backed into Richie slightly and he grabbed my waist to keep me from falling. She was standing there, hands on her hips, with a sickly sweet smile on her face. “Well, well, well.” She said, “Lookie here. Sydney's got a boyfriend. How'd you land a looker like him? Seeing as how you're an ugly duckling, why would he take a second look at you?” I stood there, head down, not saying anything. I got this every day. It wasn't anything new. Richie, however, didn't know this. He was bracing himself to fight back. He quite literally growled and said “How dare you insult my goddaughter like that”, putting a lot of emphasis on goddaughter. “Yes, she's my goddaughter, and I will not stand for you to be speaking to her like that. And by the way, she's twice the girl you'll ever dream of being. Come on Syd,” and with that he gently guided me down the hall. Once we had gotten to the truck, jumped in the passenger side, fastened my seatbelt, sank down in the seat and looked out my window. Richie grabbed my hand.

“How often does stuff like that happen?” He asked, genuinely concerned. I ducked my head and whispered “Everyday”. That's why I hated school. I was constantly getting mocked for my weight, looks, clothes, anything about me was used for mockery.

“This has been happening repeatedly? Why didn't you tell somebody? Why-”

“Richie!” I interrupted. “If I had told someone, it would have made it worse. It's no one's fault anyway, so no one else should have to worry about it.” I said, while looking out the window, avoiding Richie's eyes. What Sarah said was true. I was an ugly ducking. It wasn't anything new.

“Syd, look at me.” I turned my head so I was facing him, but not looking him in the eye. He tipped my chin up so I had no other choice but to look him in the eye.

“Sydney, you are beautiful. More beautiful than any other girl in the world. You have to believe that.” He looked so genuine that it brought tears to my eyes. The only other person who told me I was beautiful was my dad, and I didn't believe him. Somehow, though, Richie seemed to convince me. I looked down. Richie replied to this by saying “Have I ever lied to you?”. He hadn't, but I think he was just saying this to make me feel better. I shook my head and looked away. He sighed, grabbed my hand, started the truck, and pulled away. Something then popped in my mind.

“What did Mr Wilson ever do to you to make you get all defensive?” I asked. He glanced over at me and tightened his grip on my hand. “I didn't like the way he was looking at you. Very unprofessional. And he hugged you. I'm just being protective.” I almost laughed, as it was very similar to what Mr Wilson had said about Richie. I gave him the same lecture that I gave Mr Wilson. “I trust him, Richie. He has helped me immensely with stuff that has happened to me. He is one of the few men I trust. There's you, Jay, and him. What did he say at the end, that he whispered to you?” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, straightened up in his seat. I could tell he was angry. His voice was barely a whisper when he answered, “ He said I didn't deserve you. That I would ruin the progress he had made with you. Said that I wouldn't be around enough to take care of you. He said that if I ever neglected you, he'd kill me.” I stared at him in shock. How dare Mr Wilson say that, imply that Richie would hurt me. I felt sad at his pained expression, so I squeezed his hand and whispered, “I'm sorry”. I felt ashamed that I had subjected Richie to that. He looked over at me sharply...oops. Had I said that out loud? “You had no idea. Stop beating yourself up over something you have no control over.” He all but growled. I'd never heard him talk like that, so...passionate and protective. After that we were quiet as we drove back to Jay's to say goodbye. He had been in the city these past few days and his was going to be the last time I'd see him. It broke my heart to think about it. It was going to be tough, very tough. It was saying goodbye to someone who had been there with me thought thick and thin. How am I going to stand it? Richie added a little but if pressure to my hand and I suddenly understood. Richie would be there. It was almost as if he could tell what I was feeling. Another thing I was sort of glad for. What if Richie had to leave? When then? Oh, God. Richie has to go on tour. What am I going to do then?

“You'll be coming with me.” Richie answered my unasked question. I looked at him with a 'how' expression on my face. “You'll be tutored or home schooled. We'll bring them with us. That way, you'll be with me and I'll be able to keep an eye on you. It's a win-win situation...And....” He added dramatically. “You won't have to muss me. You'll have me all to yourself.” He winked. I laughed and quickly replied, “Well when you put it that way, maybe I'll stay home.” He pretended to look wounded and put a hand over his heart. “Ouch, milady. That hurt. That cut deep.” I laughed and said, “Oh shut up, Kind prince”. “Kind prince?! Not Knight in shining armour?! What is this? All this disrespecting going on. Is that all I am to you? Again, Ouch. You hurt me so, young grasshopper.” He said in a horrible English accent. I laughed so hard I could barely breathe. I clutched my stomach and tears ran down my face. “Young grasshopper?” I gasped through my laughter. “Is that all I am to you?” I was hit by another attach of laughter and couldn't continue. Richie barked in laughter and just grinned. It felt good to laugh like this again I haven't had anything to laugh about lately. That's why I love Richie.

After the laughter had died down, Richie asked me, “Ready?” I looked at him and sighed. We were back at Jay's house. I wasn't ready for this. I looked at Richie with fearful eyes. “Richie, I don't think I'm ready for this. He's been in my life for as long as I can remember, I can't leave him. “ He nodded his head and whispered. “ I know, but I'm here to help you. You don't have to do this alone.” I looked at him and nodded. “ I know”. We got out of the truck and walked to up the front stairs. Richie was guiding me with his hand at my back. It was almost as if he expected me to escape. No faith! I giggled slightly and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “It's almost as if you have no faith in me.”

Chapter 6

At noon, Richie and I were at the cemetery. We walked arm in arm to the family plot. I stood at the headstone and looked down at my parents' final resting spot. Tears prickled my eyes, so I put my head down as tears ran down my face. I felt Richie put his arm around my waist and pulled me to his shoulder. I held onto him for a while and then a part of a conversation Richie and I had came back to me. “You can't dwell on the fact that they are gone. You will drive yourself crazy.” I straightened up, looked up at Richie and smiled. He smiled back. I backed out of his embrace and walked to the headstone. I plucked out the grass that was growing around it and ran my hand over the names on the headstone: John, Lee and Allison Shepard. I bowed my head and whispered “Goodbye, I love you all.” I stood up on shaky legs and walked back over to where Richie was standing. “Ready?” he asked. I nodded, not trusting my voice at the moment and arm in arm, Richie and I walked back to the truck. As we drove away, I watched in the mirror as I left my family for the last time. Richie leaned over and grabbed my hand and squeezed it in silent support. I squeezed back and looked over, smiling slightly. I knew he was there for me and I appreciated it.

When we arrived at the school, I dreaded going in. This was where I was tormented so much that I retreated behind a mile high wall. What would people say if I walked in with Richie? They wouldn't realize that he is my godfather...he looked young. Oh good Lord, the rumors that are going to fly! But wait! I won't be coming back. I walked into that school with my head held high with Richie walking in behind me with his arm around my shoulders, protecting me and supporting me silently. I was glad he was here. I could hear the whispers starting already and I faltered slightly. Richie looked down and said “You're doing great, Syd. Keep your chin up and don't let the get to you.” I nodded, looking up at him and smiling. I straightened my shoulders and we walked quickly to Mr Wilson's office. I knocked and waited for him to answer, which didn't take long. He looked shocked to see me there. “Sydney!” he exclaimed, reaching down and hugging me. I could feel Richie tense up beside me. Mr Wilson pulled us into his office and closed the door. “Mr Wilson, this is Richie Sambora, my Godfather. He's the one I will be staying with.” I said. He smiled at Richie and stuck his hand out for Richie to take. After a moments hesitation, Richie shook his hand. You could see the wariness in his eyes. I wondered why. “So nice to meet you. I hope you will take good care of Syd,” Mr Wilson said, smiling warmly at me. “She's one of my favourite students. I just love when she comes to my class.” He said, looking at me and winking. Richie stiffened and placed his arm around my waist. “Mr Wilson, Richie lives in New Jersey, so I will be moving there with him.” I said, looking up at Richie for confirmation. He nodded and grinned. “Oh. Well that's too bad. I was hoping that you would be able to still come here! I'm gonna miss you!” Richie looked at him through narrowed eyes. Why was Richie acting like this? I wondered, and why is he acting so protective? Mr Wilson and I chatted for a while, like old times. Richie constantly had his arm around my waist protectively. If Mr Wilson noticed anything weird about Richie, he didn't let on. When Richie and I said we had to go, Mr Wilson asked to speak to me privately. Richie looked down at me, eyes full of questions. I just nodded at him, looking in his eyes. I followed Mr Wilson out to the hallway.

“So how are you really, Syd?” he asked. I just looked at him and said “You already asked me that.” He looked at me shocked and said “Well, yeah, but did you answer truthfully?”

“Do you think I'd lie?” I asked, getting slightly angry. Who did he think he was?

“Well I didn't expect you to tell the truth with him there” He said, jerking his thumb toward Richie. I almost exploded.

“Do you think I would lie to you simply because Richie is there? No. I wouldn't. Because he is a good man and so are you for that matter. Why are you acting like this?” I asked, close to tears.

“I'm worried about you Syd.” He said, looking into my eyes, searching for any inkling that I was lying. I let him search, I had nothing to hide.

“I trust Richie.” I said in a dangerous voice. “And I trust you. Is there some problem that you two need to work out?” I asked glaring at him. When did I get so protective of Richie?

“I don't like him, Syd, He looks like a rocker.”

“He IS a rocker, Mr Wilson. He plays guitar in Bon Jovi.” Mr Wilson looked at me like I had grown a third head.

“You are willing to move to a new state with someone who plays in a rock band?” Mr Wilson asked, disbelieving.

“Yes I am.” I said simply. “I trust him. I don't care if you like him or not. My dad trusted him and thats good enough for me.” I continued. “I thought you were different than this, Mr Wilson. I really did. If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered to come here today.” He looked sad.

“I'm sorry, Syd. I'm just feeling protective. I mean, you've been through a lot in this past month. Moving up here, the accident. Moving up here is hard enough, but losing your family on top of that?” He shook his head. “I'm just worried about you, Syd.”

I looked at him shocked. “If you are worried about me, then trust Richie. He has been taking very good care of me. He's going through much the same as I am. Dad was like a brother to him, and he lost that. They had been through a lot of stuff together. I'm going with him, Mr Wilson, whether you like it or not. I just came to say goodbye. You were the only teacher here to understand me and help me. I don't want to leave on negative terms with you.” I said, looking him in the eye and bracing myself. He just nodded and pulled me into a hug. I wasn't a student anymore so it wasn't a big deal. We broke apart and he stuck his and out and said, “Friends?” I nodded “Friends”.