Where The Lights Are {Sequel to Paradise} {COMPLETED}

Chapter 3

"Is this real?" Chad asks. I nod, "Yeah. Hey guys, how've you been?" Instead of answering my question, they all engulf me in a hug. Josiah steps away, and gives us our moment.

I don't hug back, using every urge to do so. They all back away, soon. "So Mia, who's your friend?" Alan asks.

"Oh guys, this is my boyfriend, Josiah," I say, "Josiah, this is Alan, Caleb, Chad, and Joey." They all greet each other shaking hands.

"So girlie, where have you been living?" Joey, who has been silent until now, asks. "Si has a place and he's been letting me live there," I reply.

Alan grabs my arm, and pulls me aside. "I don't know if your living arrangements are the best," he says. "Alan, it's fine. Tomorrow, you won't have to worry about me anymore, it's okay," I answer.

"Why wouldn't I have to worry about you?" Alan asks. "Because I'm staying here, and you're going home," I reply. "No. I'm not leaving you. I'm not losing you again," he says. I know arguing won't change his mind, so I don't bother trying.

"You're coming with us," he says. "I can't Alan! I've already done enough to hurt you. I can't stand myself already, I'll do it again. That's why I don't want to get too close to you guys again. I'll hurt you, I'll hurt somebody!" I exclaim.

"You're getting pretty close to him," he says, pointing at Josiah. "HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT ME!" I scream tears streaming down my face, "You think I want this! I don't! I want everything to go back to normal!"

"Ssssh honey, it's okay," Alan says. "No! It's not okay! My life is falling apart at the seams!" I want to keep screaming, but instead I start sobbing. My entire body shakes as I sob, I try to use my jacket to muffle it, but there's no use.

The four guys crowd around me, trying to comfort me. I know for a fact now that they should be on stage, but they're not because of me.

"Go on stage. I'll be fine," I get out between sobs. Alan shakes his head, "No. We're not leaving you again." I again decide against arguing, mainly because I'm sobbing uncontrollably.

Chad crouches next to me, and rubs my back. He smooths back my short hair from my face. "Mia, darling, I'm so glad you got all of that out," he says.

"What now?" I ask. "We've gotta get on stage, but some special guests will stay with you and your friend," Caleb says.

They run on stage, and Fallon and Kelsey emerge from a side door. "Mia, is that you?" They both ask at the same time. I nod, "Yeah. It's me. How're you ladies doing?"

"We're good. What about you, girl?" Kelsey asks. "I'm fine," I reply. The three of us spend the entire show sorta catching up. They do most of the talking.

I'm still not positive if I'm ready to go home, or if I'll even be accepted. Look at how I've lived for the past year. I've lived with a guy, who's not my husband, I'm only seventeen. I shouldn't even have left home.

I have so much anger, but I don't think it's more at them, Josiah, myself, or God.

The guys run off the stage about an hour an a half later. I'm not sobbing anymore. Every now and then, a tear will slip out, but I'm better.

"Hey homey," Joey says grinning. "Hey guys," I say. Fallon and Kelsey lead Josiah out of the room, and I suddenly feel trapped.

"We leave town tonight. You're coming with us," Alan says. "I ALREADY TOLD YOU I CAN'T ALAN! I JUST CAN'T! TRUST ME!" I scream, running off again.

Why do I keep yelling at him? I love him. I hear footsteps behind me, and I know that they're chasing me.