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

Chapter 20

Mia's POV

"Joey, can I talk to you about something?" I ask. He nods, "Sure, love, wanna go to the park?"

"Okay," I agree, "Let me tell Alan bye." He grins, "Of course my dear, I'll be waiting in the car."

I walk back into Alan's room, and slowly approach him. "Hey Al, Joey and I are going to the park, I'll be back later," I say. "Okay princess, be good, and have fun," he wags a finger. I nod, "Okay, love you. He smiles, "You too my dear." I kiss Alan on the cheek, and leave the hospital with Joey.

We get to the park. Joey drapes his arm over my shoulders, and leads me to a bench. "What's bothering you, my Mia?" He asks.

"I-I had a bad dream," I manage to get out. "Oh," Joey replies, "What was it about?" I take a long deep breath before replying, "Alan died."

Joey wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his chest. "It's okay love, everything's gonna work out just fine," he whispers into my hair.

"It just felt so real," I cry. "I know, kid. But it's okay now. Alan's doing better, and gets to come home tomorrow. God's working," he replies. I tilt my head back, and stretch up and kiss Joey's cheek. "Thanks for never leaving my side. I appreciate it," I whisper.

He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear, and nods, "I'll always be here girlie. I love you." I make my hands into a heart formation and grin, "I love you too, Joey."

~*~

"Mia! Mia! Daddy gets to come home today! Wake up!" I am shaken awake out of my light sleep. I didn't sleep too well last night. I take all my strength and sit up in bed, "Morning girls."

They climb up onto my bed and sit by me. "Daddy gets to come home today," Presley whispers. I nod, "I know babe, I'm excited for him to come home too."

Rowe nestles herself into my shoulder, and I smile, "Let's go get some breakfast so we can go see Daddy." Rowe perks right up, and the two older girls squeal. They miss their daddy. That's acceptable. I miss him too.

I lead them downstairs to the kitchen. Brycie's in there. Her hair in a messy bun, and wearing one of Alan's oversized hoodies. "Morning girls," she says, opening the fridge and pulling out an egg carton, "Does anybody want eggs?"

"Morning Brycie, I'll take an egg," I say. "Mommy we want eggs to," AJ informs her. She nods and begins cracking eggs. I put some bread in the toaster, and get cups for the girls' milk.

"Mia, I want strawberry milk," Presley says. "And I want chocolate," AJ tells me. "Girls, what's the magic word?" Brycie asks. They grin," Please!" I pour them their milk and help Brycie with the food. Once everybody's eaten, and gotten dressed we drive the all too familiar drive to the hospital.

In the waiting room, Chad, Caleb, and Joey sit. "Uncle Chad! Uncle Caleb! Uncle Joey! Daddy gets to come home today!" The girls exclaim running to greet their uncles. After quick hugs and kisses from the girls, the three of them crowd around me.

"How are you doing, kiddo? You sleep well?" Caleb asks. I shake my head, "No, but I'm okay." Caleb raises an eyebrow at me, not buying it. He wraps his arms around me in a hug, "Hey kid, you need to sleep."

I sigh, and move to Chad. "Hey baby sis. I've been praying for you," he whispers into my hair. I nod, "Thanks Chaddy." He holds me in his hug, my face buried in his chest for a few more seconds before releasing me. "Stay strong Mia," he reminds me.

"Did you have another nightmare?" Joey asks me quietly. I shake my head, "No because I hardly slept." Joey wraps his strong arms around me, "Alan's coming home today, my dear. Everything's gonna be just fine."

I walk cautiously into Alan's hospital room. "Hey bro," I whisper, seeing him propped up in bed. "Princess, how are you?" He immediately asks. He's here in the hospital, yet he wants to know how I'm doing. "Could be better, but don't worry, it's okay," I reply.

"Mia, you've gotta be the strongest kid I know. Keep fighting my girl, because soon your battle will be conquered," Alan reminds me. I cautiously wrap my arms around his neck, "You're the best."

"Daddy!" I hear. I pull away from Alan, and see the girls walking into the room with Brycie. "You get to come home today," AJ reminds him. He grins, and kisses her hand, "Thanks for reminding me, honeybee."

I grin, and walk out of the room, leaving the family together. I sit next to Caleb, and lay me head on his chest.

"Sing to me," I request. "What song?" He asks. "Through All Of It," I reply. He softly begins the song, and I can feel myself dozing off. Fear of another nightmare, I force my eyes open.

"It's okay if you sleep kid, you need it," he says, after the song is over. "I can't Caleb. I'm not falling asleep," I whisper. "But you're so tired Mia, you need to sleep to survive," Caleb says.

"Caleb, please stop," I say, trying to not sound mean. "I'm sorry Mia, I didn't mean to push you," he says.

I nod, "It's okay big bro, you didn't mean to." He puts his arm around me and places his chin on my head, "I just worry about you sometimes, Mia. I don't want to lose you again. It hurt me while you we're gone kiddo, and I'm afraid of that happening again." I can tell he's on the verge on tears.

I can feel the tears coming to my own eyes, but I blink them away. "I thought leaving would keep me from hurting you guys, but I realize now it just hurt you more," I admit, "Leaving Nashville is my biggest regret."

I turn around to see Joey and Chad standing behind me. I allow myself to go to them. Joey wraps his arms around me, and holds me close for what seems like an eternity. "I love you, Miss Mia," he whispers. I giggle, "I love you too Mr. Stamper."

Next, Chad wraps his arms around me, and holds me in his familiar embrace. "I'll always be your big bro, no matter what I'm here for you kid," he tells me. I nod, "Chadster, you're the best." He grins, "I know baby sis. Love you." I nestle into his chest a little more, "Love you too."

I sit back down next to Caleb on the couch. Joey turns on the TV, "Mia whatcha wanna watch?" He tosses me the remote. I flick through a few channels, and notice iCarly is on. "I'll watch this for now," I lean back, making myself more comfortable.

After an episode of iCarly, large, rough hands cover my eyes. "Guess who?" The muffled voice asks. I know who it is. "ALAN!" I exclaim excitedly turning around, and wrapping my arms around him in the biggest hug ever.

"I've missed having you at home so much!" I exclaim. He nods, "I know beautiful. I've missed being there with you girls." I keep my arms wrapped around him, taking in his familiar smell from his old t-shirt. He buried his face in my hair. We stay like this for a while, breathing each other in.