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

Chapter 25

The next morning after breakfast, the kids are watching Disney Junior happily, all the guys and I go to Caleb and Joey's room.

I get Jaxon's Skype up on Chad's laptop, and Josh's up on mine. They answer almost immediately. "At the stage door last night, James said something to me that got me thinking," I begin, "He told me to chase whatever dream I want, because I can achieve it. Hearing him say that, I think I finally know what I'm going to major in."

Everybody looks at me in anticipation. "I'm going to major in both English and theatre. I'm going to be a theatre teacher for a high school, at least I'm hoping. I might do auditions for shows, and if one of them works out then awesome, but if they don't at least I have a solid career to fall back on," I grin. I slowly watch as the six most influential guys in my life smile.

"I'm so proud of you sweetheart, that's an amazing choice," Josh says, smiling. I can tell he's really proud of me. "Don't forget me when your a famous broadway star," Jaxon laughs, "I'm proud of sis." I grin.

Alan, Chad, Caleb, and Joey all attack me in a hug. "You're a gift to this world, my girl," Alan says kissing my head. "I knew she'd want to do English!" Caleb exclaims, "I'm really happy for you, kiddo, you're gonna rock it."

"Love, that's an amazing decision, you're going to be a great teacher," Joey tells me, beaming. "I'm so unbelievably proud of you, squirt," Chad says ruffling my hair. The only thing that would make this moment better is if my brother and step-dad could be here. But at least they get to witness this. It's got to be hard on them, especially Josh, he lives by himself. I wonder if after this New York trip, somebody will take me to see him.

All of chat for about forty minutes, then Jaxon has class, and the girls want to do something else. "Love you Josh, I'll try to come visit soon. I love you," I say, once it's just the two of us. "Love you too, sweetheart. And you're welcome anytime, because I miss you." I sigh, trying not to cry, "I miss you too, with all my heart." He nods subtly, "I know this is hard, but hey, it's for your own good. I'd do anything to protect you Mia."

"Thanks Josh. I don't know what is so without you," I tell him. "Bye honey, talk to you soon," he says. "Bye Joshy, love you," I say, as he disappears from the screen. I blink back the tears I tried so hard to keep from coming. I want to go home right now, and hug Josh. Tell him it's okay, because he's done everything he could to be strong for me. His wife, and youngest daughter are gone, his son's in college, and his other daughter is living in a totally different stage.

Caleb comes into the room to get his phone, and sees me. "Oh kiddo, are you all right?" He asks, rushing to my side. "I think you already know that answer," I sniffle out.

He buries me in a hug, and strokes my hair, "What's wrong, princess?" He asks gently. "Josh. He's all alone. He's been so strong for me. I leave next year for college, but I think he really needs me," I cry out.

Caleb rubs my back, "If you want to go home after the New York trip,
I think that would be okay. And I don't think anybody would mind if you choose to stay there until college. I'll talk to Al about it, but I'm pretty sure this is all up to you."

"I want to be with Josh, but at the same time, I don't know if I can survive away from you guys," I admit. "We'll only be a phone call away, kiddo. I promise," he says, kissing my forehead.

I spend the rest of the New York trip deciding whether or not I should go back to Branson. If I do, Josh can help me with college applications. If I don't, Alan can help me. I just wish I didn't have to leave anybody behind.

We get back to Nashville, and I call Josh. He picks up on the second ring, "Hello?"

"Joshy, hey, I need to talk to you. Are you busy?" I ask. "Never too busy for you, my girl," he replies, "What's up?"

"Josh, I want to come back home, just until I go back to college. I'll graduate up there. I know how hard this all is on you," I tell him. "You don't have to come home if you don't want to," he says. I nod, "I know. I have to. You've done so much for me over the years it's time for me to do you a favor."

Josh sniffles, and there is silence. I come to the conclusion that he is crying. After agreeing to send him the details, I hang up. I'm going home.

Alan enters the room, and I run into his arms. "Promise me you'll fly out to my graduation?" I ask, fighting so hard to keep the tears back. "I'll be there. We'll all be there. I promise," he kisses the top of my head. Then, I lose it.

"I'm gonna miss you so much Alan," I sob. Alan tries to comfort me at first, but ends up crying himself. "Mia," he says, a few tears still escaping his eyes, "you've truly changed my life."

"Alan, you rescued me. I was just some other fan, but now, you're my best friend," I tell him. "Just know, you're doing the right thing. Josh needs somebody. I'll be fine, I'm gonna miss you a ton, but I'll be fine," he says, trying to not make me even sadder.

"When do you leave?" He asks, as he begins helping me pack up what I absolutely HAVE to take back with me. "I have a red-eye flight on Tuesday," I tell him. Two days from now.

Within a couple hours, I've gotten pretty much all of my necessary stuff packed. A lot of my stuff is staying here, because I still have some of my stuff in Branson. Plus, Alan said if I ever want any of it, I can always get it.

The next couple days pass in a blur of excitement and anxiety. Tuesday morning, early, the guys all go with me to the airport.

"Call somebody as soon as you land," Caleb says. I nod, "I promise." I told myself that I wouldn't cry, because then they'll just cry and it'll be a mess. I can't stop the tears, this is the moment I've been dreading the most. Goodbye time.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do without one of you by my side everyday," I say, looking at my shoes to avoid eye contact. Joey initiates a group hug, and we stay in it for five minutes. Afterwards, I say my goodbyes to each of them in general.

"Joey, I'm gonna miss you so so so much," I say, not even bothering to wipe away my tears. Joey wraps his arms around me, and buries his face in my hair, "I can't believe then next time I see you, you'll be a high school graduate." I nod, "I know, it's crazy."

"Call me at least once a week," he says. I nod, "I promise I will. I love you." I notice tears glistening in his eyes, as he hugs me again, "Love you too, love. Stay strong."

"Hey, kiddo, just remember to always use proper grammar while you're gone," Caleb says, wrapping me up in his arms. "I'll try, Caleb. I'm really going to miss you," I say, burying my face in his shoulder. "I'll miss you too, kid. Love you," he kisses my head. "I love you too." He holds me in his embrace for a while longer, before releasing me.

"Chadster, I think I'm going to miss your sense of humor best of all," I say, jumping in his arms. He picks me up off the ground and plants several kisses in my hair. "I'm gonna miss your face, baby sis," he says, ruffling my hair. "I'm gonna miss you too, Chaddy," I kiss his cheek. He squeezes me tight one last time, and I walk over to Alan.

"You have no idea how hard this is," I say, allowing my tears to fall freely. "I know it's hard, but it's worth it, My Mia," he says, kissing my forehead. "I guess, I'll see you at my graduation," I say, not really wanting him to see me cry. He pulls me into his chest, and I begin crying. "I'm gonna miss you so so so so much," I manage to get out between tears. "And I'll miss you too princess. Just remember that I'm only a phone call away," he reminds me. I nod, "Thank you for all you've done for me, Alan. I love you." He grins, "It was my pleasure. I love you too, my dear. Remember to call when you land." I kiss his cheek, "I will Alan. Tell the girls I love them."

\\Author's Note//
As I near the end of this book, I've been thinking about how much I've grown to love the character Mia. There is more of me in Mia than you'll ever know. Once this book ends, I'm pleased to announce that there'll be one final Mia book left. It might not be as long as the other two, but I've been planning it. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, please comment and vote. I love getting your feedback.
Stay awesomesauce,
~E💜🐘