Teen-Adulthood 101

Chapter Twenty-two

When Saturday approached us, we finished packing boxes into the vehicles when my mom and Laura pulled in the driveway in a moving truck.

"Mom, what on earth?" I asked as they exited the vehicle.

She opened the back. "Take a look," she said.

Jake and I were astounded at what we saw.

"Is this a new bedroom set?" Jake asked.

"Yes, it is!"

"So are Logan and Rain coming?" Laura asked.

Jake shook his head, "They decided to get their own place. They moved out last night."

"More room for y'all, then." Mom smiled.

When we arrived at our new place, we started moving our stuff in and organized everything in a matter of hours, but left the nursery empty until we found out what I was having. As I looked into the vacant room, however, chills came to me as I realized that I was soon faced with becoming a mother. Being a wife was easy for me to handle because I knew everything about Jake, but when this baby comes, I won't know anything except the basics; I would have to rely on instincts and mistakes to succeed as a parent.

I took deep breaths and was calming my mind when Jake approached me and held me close. "I'm scared, too, baby," he whispered. "We'll make it, I promise."

"I know, honey."

After settling in our new place, we went to Luigi's for lunch, with Rain and Logan joining us.

"So, what are your plans, tonight?" My mom asked.

I gave her a devious smile, "How do you and Laura feel about going to Tupelo with us to see Scarlet Rose and Dead Rose in concert?"

"I love them!" Laura squealed. "They are the dictators of Mississippi rock!"

"Jana and Carter hooked us up and we get to see them for free, along with Crashing Broadway tonight."

"Haley, that's wonderful," Mom smiled. "We'd love to go."

"Awesomeness!"

Later that afternoon, we went to Good Time Charlie's fifteen minutes before the concert started to help the bands set up. Scarlet Rose was up first and Jana said she had a surprise for Amanda and me and wanted us to stay close to the stage.

When the concert started, Scarlet Rose opened with "Beauty is Dead" and everyone cheered immediately. I also spotted my mom jumping and cheering in the crowd, while Laura danced. I was glad they were having a good time as we all were; then, someone tapped me on the shoulder, so I turned and saw Jenna and Sky.

"You made it!" I mouthed, hugging them both.

"Of course," Jenna replied. "I wouldn't miss this."

"Where's Ethan?"

"He's around here, somewhere," Sky answered. "He'll be okay. Now, let's rock out!"

I just smiled and turned my attention back to the band, then Jana announced. "The next song we're playing is "Down with Social Norms," and I need Haley Richardson to sing this for me!"

Hearing that, I was astounded, but made my way onstage while everyone cheered.

Jana handed me the microphone, "Break a leg, sweetie," then stepped back and the music started.

I started off soft because of nerves, then came on strong after the first verse. Everyone was cheering and clapping as I was singing, but when I finished they were loud as all get out. Then, Jana took the mic, again.