“Alright, get it on.”

She starts playing and I watch her fingers, mesmerized. The melody is beautiful and I know she is one hell of a lyricist.

“This one’s called ‘My love is undying’,” she says. After that, she finally begins singing in that wonderful voice of hers.

“As the waves always will crash the shoreline

In war, in peace, in days dark and bright

So is my love for you undying

So are you my eternal shining light

As the dawn will come with the death of the night

North, south, west and east

So is my love for you undying

So will my feelings for you never decease

As seasons change and years pass by

On land, sea and in the air

So won’t my love for you ever die

So will I find your heart anywhere

As the sun will chase the clouds so high

In every century, in every age

So is my love for you undying

So will you and I always be on the same page

If only I could write a song for you

That would say that we will make it through

And never will I leave your side

I know now, you are mine

If only I could describe

As the waves always will crash the shoreline

In war, in peace, in days dark and bright

So is my love for you undying

So are you my eternal shining light”

Once again, tears are brimming in my eyes. That’s what usually happens when I hear a new song for the first time. At the rate she is writing them, Shades of Silence soon won’t have to do any covers anymore. I look at her as she lies her guitar to the side. I cup her hand and bring my lips closer.

“You have no idea how special you are, Porter,” I say truthfully. “This is just… nobody has ever done such a thing for me.”

“And if anybody would even consider it, they’re death,” Bette smiles. “You’re mine, Tina, and I don’t plan on letting you go again. I made that mistake once, and I know for sure that it won’t happen anymore.”