Paradise {COMPLETED}

Chapter 26

Whether you've had the best day, or the worst day it can still happen. It happens with your best friends sitting beside you, or your enemies. It just happens sometimes.

We were watching out third episode of Boy Meets World, when it happened. I started getting that feeling of worthlessness again. I didn't know what so say or do.

I pull my head off of Caleb's chest, and walk back to my bunk. "You okay, love?" Joey asks. I nod, "Yeah, just my headache, with some rest I'll be fine." Chad nods, "We're here if you need us, dear." I climb into my bunk, and pull out my phone. I put one of my favorite, inspiring playlists on shuffle, trying to calm myself down. I can't do it on my own.

I hear Alan singing softly in his bunk, and strumming his guitar. "Al, I need you," I whisper, hoping he somehow hears me. "Mia, beautiful, are you okay?" He asks, opening the curtain.

Part of me wants to tell him I'm fine, but another part just wants to cry in his arms. I climb into the bunk with him, and he sets his guitar on the ground.

"What's wrong?" He asks. I shrug, not knowing how to answer him. I find myself crying. "Alan, I don't know if I can keep up with this," I cry. "With what sweetheart? This tour?" He asks. I shake my head, "no this life."

"Kid, listen to me, not just with your ears but with your heart. You are alive for a purpose. You are loved. You are needed. You're worth it, beautiful. I'm heartbroken when one of my favorite girls hurts herself. Mia, you may not realize this, but you've changed my life too," Alan says. "I've changed your life?" I ask.

"Yes honey. You've changed more people's live than you'll ever know," he whispers. He wraps his arms around me and kisses my hair. "Hey little fighter, soon things will get brighter," he whispers. I breathe out heavily, and smile feeling safe in his familiar hug.

"Alan, what do I do when I start to feel like this?" I find myself asking. "Don't entertain those thoughts," he replies, "remember God's opinion is the only one that matters."

"Thanks bro, I'd be totally lost without you," I comment, leaning onto his chest. He nods, "I'll always be here for you, kid. So you still wanna come to the show tonight?"

"Yep! I've got your set list for you already. I can't wait 'til we get to Missouri," I gush. "Yeah girl, it's gonna be a fun time! And it's your sweet sixteen," he says. "Yeah, the party that Chadwick's throwing should be fun, although not real big. I don't want everybody to know I'm back in town. I'll probably just have my family, Pearl, and my friend Mark."

"As long as you have the people that matter, that's all that matters," Alan says. "Thanks for everything," I nod. "My pleasure. Now don't you think we should get ready for the show?" He asks. I nod, "Oh yeah goofball! Get ready! You gonna rock it!"

Alan laughs, "You better not let your English teacher hear you talking that way." I shrug, "Who cares about that moron?"

"Hey! I heard that!" Caleb exclaims, placing his hands on his hips. I shake my head, "I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about uh Chad. Yeah, I was talking about Chad." Chad glares at me, "Really Mia, you'll betray me? After all we've been through together?"

I shrug, "Sorry Chad man." Chad shakes his head, "I can't believe I almost threw a party for you." I jump on his back to prevent him from walking away. He can't help but smile, "That headache sure disappeared fast."

I get off of him and shake my head, "It wasn't a headache. I lied to you guys." Joey looks confused, "If it wasn't a headache, love, than what was it?" I shrug, "I dunno. I started feeling worthless, just while I was laying there. I tried to make it go away on my own but I needed help. So I asked Alan, who calmed me down some."

"We could've helped you too, right?" Caleb asks. I nod, "Right. I guess in not ready to admit that I'm not fine all the time."

"Nobody's fine all the time, my dear," Chad says. Alan nods, "He's right, Mia." I nod too, "I know he is. Thanks dudes. Love you guys."

"You too girlie!" Joey exclaims. "This calls for another group hug!" Caleb calls out. The guys all crowd around me in a nice, warm hug. Alan kisses my hair a few times. Then they all back away.

"We've got a show to do!" Chad exclaims. "Mia, love, wanna help me style these luscious locks?" Joey asks. I shrug, "Whatever."

I begin helping Joey with his hair, he told me to do whatever makes his good looking. I just do the usual. He nods, "Well done Agent 0007, mission complete." I fist bump him, "anything to protect our agency, sir." We burst into a giggle fit.

"Hey giggles, we've gotta pray. Get over here," Chad says. Joey and I approach the rest of the group, and join their huddle. I'm between Chad and Alan.

"Mia, darling, would you like to pray?" Chad asks. I nod, and begin, "Dear Heavenly Father, help the guys with their show. Help them to do an amazing job sharing your love with others. Help them to lead others to You through their testimony with music. Also help me to see me that way You do. Thank you for everything you do for us, Amen."

I feel a few tears spilling out of my eyes. I reach up to brush them away but Alan stops me. "I'm going to kiss your tears away," he smiles. I feel his lips all over my cheeks, and it's hard to not smile.

"Have an awesome show," I whisper. He nods, and bolts onstage, grabbing his guitar.