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

Chapter 6

I wake up, and I'm still on the bus, and I'm still using Caleb as a pillow. "Hey kiddo," he says, smiling. "Hey," I say. I get up off of him, and walk to the kitchen.

I get a cup of water, then sit next to Alan, who's holding his guitar. "Hey smiley girl," he says, putting his stringed friend down.

"Hey Big Al," I say, taking another sip of my water. "Were you writing a song?" I ask. He shakes his head, "Nah. I was just thinking." I raise an eyebrow, "About what?" He wraps his arms around me, "About how much I missed you, and about how much I regret ever letting you go."

"I regret ever leaving you," I whisper. "God can heal all your wounds, princess, just trust Him," Alan replies. I nod, "Don't worry. I already am."

~*~

"It's your seventeenth births day in a few days, love," Joey reminds me. I nod, "Yeah, I know. You guys don't really have to get me anything," I sigh. "Whaaaaaat are you kidding me, Mia?" Chad asks. I shake my head, "No I just got back and it's all really unexpected. I'm being serious."

"Too late, my dear," Alan says smirking. "You already got me a present?" I raise an eyebrow. Caleb nods, "Yep! And you're never ever going to guess what it is!"

"I'll find out in two days, on my birthday," I remind him. He nods, "'Tis true."

I turn to Alan and bat my eyelashes, "Please tell me what you got me and I'll love you forever," I hug him. He shakes his head and laughs, "If I can resist Pres and AJ, I can resist you. I'm cute proof."

I turn to Joey. "Jowy, my bestie, the mean men won't tell me what they're getting me," I whine. "Sorry love, I'm sworn to secrecy," he chuckles.

I cross my arms, "You're all big fat meanies!" Chad looks shocked, "Alan, buddy, did you just hear what Mia called us?" Alan nods, "I did Chadwick. What ever shall we do about this?"

"I have an idea!" Caleb pipes up. They all huddle up, whispering to each other. And before you know it, I'm being tickled to the ground.

"Please. Stop," I gasp. "Apologize first!" Chad exclaims. I sigh, and sit up, "I'm sorry." Caleb raises an eyebrow, "For what?" I nod, "I'm sorry that you're all big meanies!"

I jump up and begin running as fast as I can. There's four of them, and only one of me, there's no way I can win. I feel an arm around my waist, as I'm hoisted into the air.

"Hiya!" Chad says, right in my face. I kick, and flail my arms, "Put me down, you big meanie!" Chad shakes his head, "Again with the name calling, young lady, what're we gonna do with you."

"How about put me down, and get me a juice box?" I flash a grin. "Close but no," Chad says. "So you're gonna put me down?" I ask. Chad nods, "Sure am Mia!"

He plops me down, right on top of Alan. "Uh oh!" I exclaim, scampering to my feet. "Please! I give up! Fine! I'm sorry you guys. I love you!" I exclaim, just as Alan latches an arm to my waist.

"Good. That's all we needed to hear," he says, dropping his arm. I grab an iPad from the counter, and watch Netflix on it. I've watched about three episodes of Girl Meets World, when Caleb calls my name.

"Mia! Somebody stole my iPad! Have you seen it?" He asks. I shake my head, "Nope, what iPad?"

"It was on the counter by the microwave," he replies. I laugh, "I have it, you grammar freak!" He shakes his head, "You don't hang out with us for a year, and now you want to call us names?" I grin, "Yep pretty much."

He takes his iPad, and kisses my head, "I missed you though, kid." I nod, "I missed you too, grammar freak. In my head, I could see you cringing every time I used improper grammar." He grins, "I have taught you well, young grasshopper."