Paradise {COMPLETED}

Chapter 22

Caleb's POV

"Guys, something's wrong with Mia," Joey sigh, walking into the kitchen. "Is she okay?" Alan asks, running over to him. "She says she is, but something seems off," he says. "We can't force her to open up, these things take time," Chad says. "Can I try talking to her?" I ask. Alan nods, "It's worth a try."

"Hey kiddo, can we talk?" I ask her. She nods slightly, I lead her to a couch by the TV. "Now tell me everything without leaving anything out," I say.

"I don't know. I'm homesick I guess. I miss my dad. I just don't know how I feel," she says, sniffling. I take my sleeve, and wipe her face. She buries her face in my chest, sobbing.

"It's okay, kiddo, everything's is going to be okay. You'll see your family again in about five days. It's okay," I whisper, praying to calm her down.

She doesn't respond. I stroke her hair, "Stay strong, kid. You can fight forever."

I look up and see Alan has entered the room, phone pressed to his ear. "Mia, sweetheart, your brother's on the phone. You wanna talk to him?" He asks. She nods, "Yes please."

Alan hands her the phone, and motions for me to follow him. "What's up?" I ask him. "I called Jaxon. He said he's gonna talk to Mia, and see if she'll open up. Try to convince her to talk to us, Y'know?" He asks. I nod, "That's smart bro." He nods, "I know. Now let's give those two some space."

~*~
Mia's POV

"Sis, you've gotta talk to the guys. They're there to help you out," Jaxon says. "Jax, they won't understand," I sigh. "Yes they will, trust me. Talk to them please," he pleads. I nod, "Okay fine. Just for you though, bub."

"Trust me sis. Love ya, bye!" He says. "Love ya too, bro. Peace out!" I hang up the phone and walk into the kitchen.

"Guys, can I talk to you?" I ask them, giving Alan his phone. "Little sis, you can talk to us about anything. We're here," Chad says.

I sit down next to Chad and Caleb. "I don't know how to put my feelings into words, that's the problem," I sigh.

"You said you were homesick. Is that right?" Caleb asks. I nod, "Yeah, that's part of it."

"Listen, love, we'll be in Missouri in a few days. You can see your family, and even stay at your own house. You're gonna get through this battle. Just keep fighting, He's got a plan," Joey says. I nod, and nestle into Chad's chest.

"Guys, I just don't know what to do," I sigh. "Hon, you're perfect and amazing. You're the best you there is, and you'll get through this. It may look tough now, but soon you'll see His plan for you life," Chad says.

"Sometimes, all I can remember are my failures or the words of those bullies," I sigh. "You're worth far more than that, m'dear. You're worth more than gold," Alan says.

I nod, as the tears slip out of my eyes. "How can you all love a broken girl?" They surround me in a group hug. "Listen love, we're all broken," Joey says. "Jesus make us whole," Caleb continues. "We love you, because God called us to minister and help you out," Alan says. "We'll always love and care about you, kid," Chad says.

I bury my face in Alan's chest and let it all out. The guys don't leave me, they stay until they're sure I'm okay.

"Where's the next stop at?" I ask, wiping away the last of my fallen tears. "Kansas," Caleb answers. I nod, "Coolness."

"Soooooo what're we gonna do now?" Joey asks. "You guys just wanna chill and watch a movie?" I ask. They all nod. "You get it set up, and I'll pop the popcorn," Caleb says.

I chose Pocahontas from the stack of DVDs and put it in. I sit next to w
Alan on the couch. He protectively, slings an arm around my shoulder. I lean back on his chest as the movie begins.

~*~

"Mia, wake up darling, we're at the hotel." I look up and see Chad shaking me awake. "No," I moan rolling over. "Don't make this harder then it has to be," Chad pleads.

"Than Chadwick than!" Caleb yells from the kitchen. "Fine," I sigh getting up, "Since you dorks won't leave me alone." I gather up a few things I'll need for the night, and stagger into the hotel. Alan's waiting in the lobby.

"We got three rooms tonight, kiddo. You want one to yourself?" He asks. I shake my head, "No. I'm scared I'll do something if left alone." Alan nods, "I'll room with you, Caleb with Chad, and Joey by himself." I grin," Thanks Alan." He shrugs, "Anytime girl!"