Paradise {COMPLETED}

Chapter 8

I wake up to Paradise, my ringtone playing. "Hello?" I croak into the phone. "Mia, sis, I just wanted to tell you I love you and have a good day," Jaxon says. I nod, "Thanks. Love you too Jaxon." I can tell he's smiling, "That's it. Bye." I grin, "Bye bub."

I hang up, and realize that I'm not gonna get much more sleep. I walk downstairs to the kitchen. Alan's sitting at the counter with his Bible and a cup of coffee.

"Morning," I murmur, sitting next to him. He smiles, "Hey Mia. How was your first night?" I nod, "It was okay."

"Was everything okay?" He asks. I nod, "Yes! It was great. I'm really enjoying myself." He looks relieved, "I'm glad. I'm going to give you a tour of Nashville today!" I squeal, "Yay!"

"Is there any food in this place?" I ask scanning the cupboards. Alan laughs, "What would you like?" I shrug, "Some food would be nice."

"Be more specific please," he says, grinning. "Got any Coco Puffs?" I ask. He nods, and pulls some out. He slides me a bowl, spoon, and some milk.

"Thank you, kind sir," I curtsy. He bows, "My pleasure m'lady." I pour myself a bowl, and sit next to him.

I finish and put it in the sink. "Imma get dressed!" I exclaim. He grins, "Okay. Once you're done we'll head out. Okay?" I nod, "Okay."

I walk upstairs and change into some clothes. I grab my phone, and walk back downstairs.

Avery, and Presley are sitting on the couch watching Pocahontas. "Hi Mia!" Presley exclaims, hugging me. I smile, and wave at them.

I walk back into the kitchen, and Alan is waiting. "You ready, kid?" He asks. I nod, "Let's get this tour started!" He laughs.

We walk out into the cool morning air. I start walking down the sidewalk. "Where're you going? I was going to drive!" Alan exclaims. "Come on! Let's walk! It's fun!" I exclaim. He rolls his eyes, "Fine."

We begin walking down the sidewalk. "This is a good time to talk. Is there anything about you you'd like me to know?" Alan ask.

"Uh, well, my favorite food is pretzels and my favorite color is blue," I tell him. He laughs," That's not quite what I meant, but I'll accept that."

I laugh, "I know what you meant. I just wanted you to know that too." He nods, "I'm here anytime." I grin, "I know."

We walk around town for a while, just taking in the beauty of it all. I eventually start getting tired of walking, so I hop on Alan's back.

"Hey! Get off!" He exclaims. "But I'm tired," I whine. He sighs, "Fine. I have to make a stop at the studio. You can come." I lay my head onto his shoulder, and try to relax.

He walks at a nice pace, until we arrive at the legendary YC Records. He opens the door, and I see Caleb, Chad, and Joey sitting on the other side of the room. "Hey Al!" They call.

Alan walks over to them. I hop off and sit on the couch. "Hey kiddo. You tired?" Chad asks. I nod, "We walked around Nashville all day!" Joey looks impressed, "Really, love?" I nod, "Alan gave me a tour." Caleb smiles, "Did you like it?" I nod, "Uh huh. It was the best!"

They head off to work on a few band things, and I feel myself slowly falling asleep. It must be because it's a different time zone here. "Hey! I'm gonna nap!" I exclaim. Chad nods, "Okay. We'll be here, darling." I lay down, and feel my myself drifting to sleep.

Alan's POV

"Guys, she's the strongest kid I know," I say, after we get our song recorded. "She's been through that much?" Caleb asks. I nod, "She's only told me part of her story, but it's really sad."

"She doesn't show it. She hides her fears, and her past," Chad says. Joey nods, "We've got to do something to help her." I nod, "Joe, I totally agree. We need to do something.

Mia's POV

"Hey, Mia, love, time to wake up," I feel myself being shaken awake. I sit up and see Joey. I rub my eyes, "Time to go already?" He nods, "Yeah. Chad's gonna drive you guys."

I stand up, and slide my phone into my pocket, "Bye Jo-Jo." He reaches over and hugs me, "Bye love, stay strong."

I see Caleb on my way out and call to him. "Bye Jumping Bean!" I exclaim. He hugs me tightly, kissing the top of my head. "Bye kiddo, stay strong," he says.

I walk with Alan and Chad out to Chad's car. The drive to Alan's is pretty much silent. We get there, and Chad hops out to hug me. "Bye Wicked," I whisper. "Bye darling, stay strong," he tells me.

Everybody has been saying that. I wonder if Alan told them anything. I don't think he would since it's our secret, but who knows.

"Hey babe, how was your day?" Brycie asks, greeting Alan. He kisses her, "Fun! And yours?" She grins, "The girls and I had fun." He nods, "I'm glad."

I walk into the living room, where the girls are. "Hey girlies!" I exclaim. "Mia, will you play with us?" AJ asks. I nod, "Sure sweets, just give me a minute."

I run upstairs, and put my phone away. I side braid my hair, and out on my house shoes before walking back downstairs.

"What're we playing?" I ask them. "Princesses," Presley says. "I'm Cinderella!" AJ exclaims. "And I'm Anna!" Presley chimes in. I shrug, "I'll be Belle." We play princesses for a while, then Alan says he wants to talk to me.

We go upstairs to the room I'm staying in, and sit on the bed. He puts his arm around me, and I lay my head on his chest. I feel his chest move up and down, it's quite comforting.

"Mia, honey," he says. "Yes Alan?" I ask. He intakes a strong breath, "Is there anything I can do to help you? I know how broken you are, I want to help you." I sigh, "By letting me stay here, you're helping. Can I ask you something?"

He strokes my hair, "Anything beautiful." I sigh, "Alan, did you tell the guys about what I've been through, or what I'm going through?"

"I told them a bit, not many details. Why?" He asks. "I don't know, I just feel embarrassed. I'm not proud of my life right now," I blurt out. "Honey, you shouldn't be embarrassed! You're winning this battle, because God is on your side. He won't let the enemy win, although it may seem that way now. He'll use His timing, and one day you'll win," he says.

I grin, "Wow. You always know just what to say." He smiles, "It's all God. He's given me the ability." He leans down and kisses my forehead, "I'm so glad I get an extra little girl for a while." I feel myself blushing, and for once I'm speechless.