A Walk to Eden

23

People are gathered around standing, sitting on the ground, or sitting in lawn chairs waiting. I'm holding Eden as Josh finishes talking to the band. The boys take their places and Josh speaks into the mic.

"This song is for one of our favorite members. Miss Eden Paisley, this one's for you." Josh smiles over at Eden and she looks at me with a big grin. 'Motown Funk' by Jimi Hendrix begins to play. Jakes going at the guitar, Danny is drumming away, and Josh starts singing. I set Eden down and she starts walking towards the front of the small stage smiling wide. I stand next to side of the stage and watch her. My heart feels full watching her dance and sing along. I look at all the boys as they play and smile back at Eden. The boys finish the song and I realize how good they actually are. They start setting up for the next song, and Josh steps up to the mic again. "Thank you everyone coming out here. If you didn't know, there is a lovely record store right behind you." Everyone in the crowd turns around and starts whispering about the store. "Most of our record collection is from this very store. If you would like to check it out, you can. But I would like to play a song for a special someone, who is very dear to us band mates." Josh looks over at me and grins. Jake steps over and whispers to me.

"We all wrote a song for you and Eden." He smiles and takes his spot again. I look over at Danny and he's waving at Eden. And Sam is on the other side of the stage, but I see him staring at me. I smile and wave to him. He blows me a kiss and winks back. I pretend to catch it and he laughs.

"Are we ready boys?" Josh asks. They all nod and the music starts to play.

They start playing and Josh stars singing. I can't help but feel tears fall while I listen. The song is full of love and it makes me feel. And even if the song wasn't for me and Eden, it would probably be one of my favorites. I hear how good Josh's voice is, and how the sound the band makes fits it perfectly. I notice people walking into the store and I quickly walk to Eden.

"Hey, there's people at the store. Why don't you watch the boys and tell me how good they did when their done?" I ask. She grins back and nods her head. "Alrighty, stay here. I love you." I say.

"I love too mama." She giggles. I kiss her head and walk inside. The store has always felt bigger, but when there's 30 people in it, it feels so small. Everyone is coming up to me telling me they love the store.

"Hey!" I hear behind me. I turn around and met with a older man. "You Charlie's kid?" He asks. He's wearing a 'Grateful Dead' shirt with circle sunglasses, and baggy jeans, barefoot. I smile at him and nod. "Damn. You got big!" He laughs and pulls me into a hug.

"Uhm-" I mumble as he squeezes me tight. "Do I know you?" I ask. He lets go and chuckles.

"I guess it's been that long. I used to be part of your moms smoke circle in high school." He grins. I nod and laugh.

"I think I do now." I smile.

"I just wanted to let you know your mom would be really proud of what you did for her store." He softly smiles.

"Thank you." I grin back. I feel taps on my shoulder and it's someone needing help checking out.

It's been hours since I saw the boys play. I'm checking out the last person and we were talking about their music. "They are really good!" The lady says.

"They are." I smile.

"I saw the way the guitarist looked at you." She giggles.

"Yeah, the bassist-" I start to say before she cuts be off.

"No no. Not the bass. The guitar. He was looking at you while you were there, and he watched you leave." She says. "I think you two make a cute couple." I quickly chase my head.

"No no! Not me and Jake. We're just really good friends." I quickly say. She laughs and looks at me and winks.

"That's what they all say." She laughs and walks away. I watch her as she leaves confused. Jake? No. She's crazy. I shake my head and start cleaning the store. I hear the door chime open and I spin around and see Karen.

"Hi Karen!" I smile.

"Hello!" She laughs and walks to me.

"Did you watch the boys play?" I ask.

"Yep. And I saw you went inside so I watch Eden for you." I smile at her.

"Thank you Karen." She smiles.

"And, I have to let you know, I'll be watching Eden for the night." She smirks.

"What?" I ask.

"Yep. You just go home, and I'll drop her off in the morning." She says.

"But I-" I start.

"No no! You go home. Eden is already packed up and ready for a movie night." She smiles and starts to walk away. She leaves before I can get words out. I quickly pull my phone out and call Sam.

"Hello?"

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"Why is your mom watching Eden?"

"Uhm. Cant answer that. Sorry. Just go home, and mom will bring her tomorrow."

"Sam!"

"Hey! It's alright. Eden is just gonna watch movies with the guys."

"Fine. But she come home early." Sam chuckles and hangs up the phone. Jesus. I finish cleaning the store and lock everything up. I drive home and I see all the lights on. Oh no. I quickly jump out of the car and run to the door. I burst open and see Sam standing there with flowers.