An Anthem Lights Christmas (Completed)

Chapter 3

*Nicole POV*
We get inside and wait to start our game.
"Ok what are the teams" I ask
"Joey and I already decided we're on a team together with Chad" Megan says
"Woah when did you decide this" I ask
"Um I sort of got Chad and Joey to tell me where we're going as we were walking into Denny's and they said I had to be in their team if they told me" Megan says
"Ok fine I'm with Alan" I say
"Why are the shortest people on a team together" Casey asks
Caleb whispers something to her and they hi five.
"Ok then the teams are set" Alan says
Everyone runs off with their teams and hide. I follow Alan and we hide behind a stack of tires.
"Alan can Casey and I talk with you, Chad, and Joey after laser tag about something? We already told Caleb" I say
"Of course" he says
"Caleb is on the top of the building and Casey is to the right. To shoot up at Caleb and I got Casey." I say
"Ok" he says
I shoot but miss I look and see that Alan got Caleb.
"Nice shot. I missed Casey" I say
I hear a noise and look down and see I got shot.
"Who shot me" I ask
"Um that would be Chadwick. Megan shot Casey and Casey shot Joey so now it's just me, Megan, and Chad" He says
I walk off to the others who got out and watch.
"Alan is going to lose" everyone says simultaneously
"Alan will shoot Chad but Megan will shoot Alan" Casey says
A few minutes later Chad walks over looking angry.
"What is the matter with you" Caleb asks
"Alan shot me" he grumbles
"Told you" Casey says
"What did she tell you dorks" Alan asks
"Woah ok Casey are you like a psychic or something" Joey asks
"Joey you have to understand that Chad would lose no matter what we play and Megan has three older brothers" Caleb says
"True" he says
"Where's Megan" I ask
"Um I think she said she was going outside" Alan says
"How did we not see her" Casey asks
"We were to busy talking" Caleb says
"Ok well these two want to talk to us three about something so Caleb do you think you could make up an excuse to get Megan to hang with you for an hour or so" Alan asks
"Yeah sure" he says
*Caleb POV*
I get up and go outside. I find Megan on a bench. I go over there and sit down next to her.
"What's wrong" I ask
"My mom is frustrating me" she says
"How so" I ask
"Apparently she left Nick and Owen alone this morning. Luke went home sick from school and found my brother's in tears in front of the door. He asked Nick where my mom was and he said she's been gone all day" she says
"Why don't we go get some lunch" I say
"What about the others" she asks
"They're doing something else I'm not sure what though" I say
"Ok where are we going to go" she asks
"Doesn't matter where" I say
"Wendy's" she asks
"Sure we can walk there. It's just down the street" I say
We stand up and walk to Wendy's. we go inside and order we get our food and sit down.
"Caleb is it really ok if I Han out with you and the guys when I live in Nashville" Megan asks
"Of course. Now that you and the other two girls have our numbers we can talk. Just promise me that if you ever have a bad you'll talk to us" I say
"Caleb I think there's a few things I need to tell you guys. I want to do it without Casey and Nicole around or they'll freak out on me" she says
"Of course. Tomorrow I think the wives wanted to hang with you three so we'll just say we have to do something with to for a the day" I say
"Ok thanks Caleb" she says
"No problem" I say
*Casey POV*
"So what did you two want to talk to us about" Alan asks once we get to the studio
"Megan's parents got divorced and her mom is probably moving out here near Megan's grandma. They'll be living near Chad" I say
"Megan has been having trouble in her life that we can't share but we just want you guys to promise us that you'll protect her and be there for her. Sometimes she wants to kill herself but Casey and I and your music is the the only stuff that saves her. You need to promise us that you'll keep her safe for us" Nicole says
"Ok we promise. What about you two. How do you two feel about this whole situation" Chad asks
"We're ok. I mean we're upset and a little angry at her parents but there's nothing we can so about it. Hopefully our parents will let us come out and visit her" I say
"Ok well why don't we get lunch and join the other two at Wendy's" Alan says
"I don't want to go to Wendy's" Chad complains
"Where could you possibly want to go" Joey asks
"Cracker Barrel" Chad says
"Well I'm going to Wendy's so if you four want to go there go ahead" Joey says
"I'll go with" I say
"See ya later losers" Nicole says
She gets in the van and Chad and Alan get up front. We start walking to Wendy's.
"hey you okay" Joey asks
"Yeah. I was just thinking" I say
"About what" he asks
"All that Megan has gone through" I sigh
"Hey it's okay. If she does move out here we'll protect her. Ok" he says
"I guess" I say
"Don't worry. We'll help her. And to andNicole will be able to visit her and if you FaceTime her maybe she can talk Chad into coming over and Chad would invite us over" he says
"Wow you have this all planned out don't you" I laugh
"Eh I always have time to let my mind wander" he says
We get to Wendy's and head in. We get food then sit at the table with Megan and Caleb.
"Hey guys" Megan says
"What up" Joey say
"Dude they're going to kill you for not using proper English" I say
"Joey the proper way to say it is What's up" Megan says
"Well then I guess I better read my dictionary that Caleb got me" he says
"Seriously Caleb you got him a dictionary even I'm not that bad" Megan says
"Yeah right what did you get Nicole and me for Christmas last year" I ask
"Oh you mean that word a day calendar" she asks
"Yeah that. The word of the day today is Eudemonic." I say
"Woah you pronounced it correctly" Megan says
"That is horrible Megan why would you do that to your best friends" Joey asks
"Because their wrong English bothers me" she whines
"Thank you someone knows my pain" Caleb says
Megan and I burst out laughing.
"What's so funny" Caleb asks
"It's just something that my two older brothers say a lot" Megan says
"Well then. Ok we better get going an get home before Kelsey yells at me for taking you away from her for some girl time" Caleb says
"Can I come" I ask
"Sure" he says
"I'm coming. Caleb the bucks game is on and I don feel like listening to Donny yelling at the tv so I'm watching it at your house" Joey says
"Whatever. Casey just text Alan and let him know you're going to my house to hang with Kelsey" he says
I pull my phone out and send Alan a text.
C-I'm going to Caleb's to hang with Kelsey you guys can come over then. Maybe you can get Megan to talk to you three then
A-ok we're leaving now do you want is to pick you all up
"Guys they're leaving the restaurant now do you want them to stop by and pick us up" I ask
"I want to walk" Megan says
"I'll walk with her" Joey says
"Tell Alan he only need to pick me and you up" Caleb says
"Caleb it's pick you and me up" Megan scolds
"Shush it I know where you're staying" he says
C-Megan and Joey are going to walk so you only need to pick up Caleb and me
A-alright we'll be there soon
I put my phone away and turn back to the other three.
"Well we're going to head out" Joey says
They leave and I sit down next to Caleb.
"Joey will talk with her" he says
"What" I ask
"I know you and Nicole are worrying about her. She told me that she needs to talk to us guys about something so don't worry. She's ok and so will you and Nicole. Trust us" he says
"I do I trust you guys" I say
"Good because we care about you three a lot." He says
*Joey POV*
We get outside and start walking. Megan hops on my back.
"Why are you on my back" I ask
"Because I'm cold and body heat is radiating off" she says
"Oh ok" I say
we get back to Caleb's and go inside.
"Hey Kels is anyone else here yet"I yell
"No and why are you yelling Joe" she asks walking out of the kitchen
"Because I feel like it. I can't do it when the guys are around or they'll yell at me" I say
"Joe I'm not sure if they're yelling at you for yelling or just because they feel like it" Kelsey says
"Ugh why do they pick in me" he whines
"Joey they don't pick on you they just torment you because they enjoy it" I say
"Wait why are to two here" Kelsey asks
"Well we walked home and the other two were waiting for Alan, Chad and Nicole to pick them up" I say
"Ok" she says
"Megan why are you on Joey's back" we hear Alan say
I turn around and see everyone standing there.
"Yeah why are you still on my back" I ask
"Because I got cold when we were walking home and I didn't want to walk and now I just don't feel like getting off." Megan says
"Well get off" I say
"No" Megan says
*Megan POV*
I feel someone grab me and pull me off of Joey's back. I look up and see Chad.
"Chadwick why did you pull me off of his back? I was getting comfy" I say
"Oh boo hoo. You can get on my back" he says
He sets me down and I hop on his back.
"Can I talk with you four guys" I ask
"Of course. Why don't you two girls hang with Kelsey" Chad says
"Ok" they say
"Here why don't we go to the studio to talk" Alan says
"Alright" Caleb says
We go outside and Chad sets me on the ground. I get in the way back and Chad sits next to me. Alan and Caleb sit up front. Joey sits on the other side of me. We get to the studio and go inside. I sit in between Chad and Caleb.
"What's up" Alan asks
"I think I should probably explain what has happened to me since I know the girls have said a few things" I say
"Ok go ahead we'll listen to anything you have to say" Caleb says
"Ok so ever since 3rd grade I have been getting bullied. No matter who I told you always got worse. I use to have more than two friends but then my friends would leave me and use what I told them against me. I started having trust issues and I wouldn't even trust Casey and Nicole sometimes. In 7th grade I went to this girls conference called unveiled and you guys performed. Once I got home that night I looked you guys up on YouTube and listened to songs. Everyone once in a while I would have suicidle thoughts but before I could do anything the girls would come over or one of your songs would pop into my head. Once I got to kindergarten my mom was never around. It was really John and Kyle who took care of me or I took care of myself. My parents started fighting and I would cry myself to sleep. I would tell my mom about me being bullied but she was usually to busy taking care of one of my brothers. I realized that the only way I would get to college was if I worked hard in school. I always wanted to ask my mom if I could be homeschooled but I knew her answer would be no. My mom and dad just got divorced and my two older brothers are overseas for five years. Like is going to be going off to college soon and when my mom moves I'll either have to watch my brothers or get a job. My brother Like just called me today saying that my mom left my to younger brothers home alone for almost 3/4 of a day. My mom is moving out here and we'll be living with my grandma until she can find a house to buy. I'm just afraid that my mom is going to force me to go back to school I really want to be homeschooled. The only thing different from what I tell the other two I what I'm going to show you but you can't tell them" I say
"Ok" They nod
I rolls sleeves up and reveal 10 scars on each arm.
"The bullying got so intense that I had nowhere to go and the walks felt like they were closing in so I cut myself. I shut everyone out for about a year or so. I only talked to Casey an Nicole but only then was it minimal. I would listen to your songs and stay in my room except for watching my brothers and school. I would only eat if food was given to me at my door and that was like once a week. I still don't eat but I try to. I'm trying to get better but half the food makes me feel sick" I finish talking
Tears are streaming down my face an they won't stop. I roll my sleeves down and Chad gives me a hug. The guys surround us in a hug.
"Megan I bet I could see if one of the girls could homeschool you or if you could do online classes. And your grandma only lives 3 houses down from Chad so you'll still be able to hang out with us if you want to." Alan says
"Thanks guys" I say
"No problem" Joey says
"Why don't we go head back to Caleb's and pick up the other two. We need to head for dinner" Chad says
"Wow Chad you're being very responsible" Joey says
"That's because I'm hungry" he says
I wipe my tears away and stand up. I hop on Chad's back and he just shakes his head.
"What's wrong Chaddy" I ask
"Nothing you're just really weird" he says
"Woah hold the phone. Alan Chad just said I'm weird if anyone is weird don't you think it would be Chad" I say
"Eh I mean he's pretty weird but when you're with Casey and Nicole I think it's even" he says
We get outside and Chad lowers me to the ground. I run to the van and get in front. Someone opens the door picks me up and moves me to the back.
"Hey I was going to sit there" I say
"To bad Joey wants to sit there" Joey says
"Alan Joey won't let me sit in front" I yell
"Who was there first" he asks
"Me. He then opened the door picked me up and placed me in back" I whine
"Joseph is that true" Alan asks
"No" he says
"Joseph Patrick Stamper don't lie to Alan I saw you do it." Chad says
"Ok Megan you're in front. Chad you're driving. Joey in the way back. Caleb behind Chad. I'm behind Megan" Alan says
We get in our seats and buckle up. Chad starts the car and drives back to Caleb's. We go inside and the kitchen is a mess.
"What happened here" Caleb asks
"Well you see we were baking and we started throwing flour and stuff" Casey says
"Hey Megan" Nicole says
"Megan" Casey shouts
She runs over to me and tackles me in a hug. Then Nicole joins. Then I feel more wait Joey and Chad get up you're killing me" I say
Everyone gets up and chad helps me up.
"Alan you need to keep these four under control" I say
"Woah hold the phone. First of all I'm not in charge of your friends you are and second once on of the wives are around they're in charge of keeping us all under control." Alan says
"Dude we were sent here with our parents knowing you four would watch us so technically you are in charge of us" Nicole says
"Alan can we go for dinner yet I'm hungry" Chad whines
"Yeah lets go for pizza and yes Joey we will get a pizza for you with out cheese" Alan says
"Yippee" Joey says
We go outside and get in the van. Casey is up front next to Alan. Joey and Nicole are behind them. Chad, Caleb and me are in the way back. We get to a pizzeria and go inside. We get a table for 7 and sit down. They order the pizza and everyone gets into a conversation. I feel a tap on my shoulder I look behind me and see Caleb. I get up and follow him outside.
"You okay" he asks
"Yeah. I'm just tired. I never get a lot of sleep at home so I'm use to waking up early that I woke up at 3 this morning" I say
"Ok. Well jut promise that you'll eat some pizza" Caleb asks
"I can't. I already ate more than I'm use to eating." I say
"Please Megan at least eat a little bit" he says
"I'll try but I'm going to end up throwing up" I say
"Come on the pizzas probably at the table by now" he says
We
Go inside and sit down. Chad looks at me and I shake my head.
"Are you ok" he mouths
I nod my head.
Caleb gives me half a slice and grabs a slice for himself. I eat the half slice of pizza and feel like I'm going to throw up. I excuse myself from the table and go to the bathroom. I lean over the toilet and puke. I get up and wash my face and hands. I walk out and see Chad standing there.
"You ok" he asks
"Yeah. I just can't eat food or it makes me puke" I say
"You ate breakfast and lunch" he says
"But very minimal. You guys didn't know about me not eating so I didn't want to worry you guys" I say
"Come on. Why don't we go outside" he says
"Ok" I say
He puts his arm over my shoulder and we walk outside. We sit down on a bench. I feel my phone buzz.
Mo- your brother Luke yelled at me today for leaving your two younger ones home alone. This is all your fault. If you were here you could've been watching them.
Me-why are you doing this to me. You said I could go on this trip and now you're making it miserable
Mo-well your brother got accepted into early access and is leaving for college tomorrow
Me-ok
Mo-also I won't be able to afford for you to go to school anymore
Me-mom I've worked so hard in school you can't make me stop school now
Mo-yes I can and you aren't going. That's final. Have fun on your trip
"I'll homeschool you with the help of the guys" Chad says
"What" I ask
"I was reading what your mom was texting" he says
"Chad you do-" I start
"I know I don't have to but I want to. You should get the chance every kid has to succeed in life." He says
"Thanks Chad but I don't think my mom would let you do that" I say
"I'll ask her. And if she lets me then you can bring your brothers with you and I'm sure the wives would watch them" he says
"Chad you don't have to go through all that trouble for me" I say
"Too bad" he says
"Thank you" I say
"No problem" he says
Everyone walks out and chad and I stand up. We walk to the van and get in. chad and I sit up front.
"Ok Chad drop Joey off then Caleb and Megan then you and Nicole" Alan says
"Alrighty" Chad says
We drop Joy off then we get to Caleb's.
"bye Chad thanks for your help" I say
"No problem. Call me if you need anything" he say
"Will do" I say
"Megan are you coming" Caleb asks
"Yeah. Bye guys" I say
"Bye Megan" they say
I run up to the door and we go inside.
"Are you okay from dinner" Caleb asks
"Yeah. I just threw up and then Chad wanted to talk to me" I say
"Ok" he says
My phone starts ringing. I go up to the guest room and answer it.
M-hello
L-hey Megs it's Luke. I got a plane ticket out to Nashville. I got a cab to grandmas house. I'm at the park across from her house do you think you could come meet me here
M-can I bring someone with me
L-sure
M-ok I'll see you soon.
I go downstairs and sit next to Caleb.
"Caleb my older brother Luke jut called and wants me to meet him at the park near Chad's house do you think he would take me there" I ask
"Of course he would why don't you go call him or text him and ask him" Caleb says
I pull my phone out and send Chad a text.
M- can you take me to the park near your hose so I can meet up with my brother Luke
C-of course I'll be there soon. Do you want me to stay with you
M-please
C-alright
I put my phone in my pocket and grab my sweat shirt. I put it on.
"I'm going to wait outside for chad" I say
"Ok" Caleb says
I go outside and a few minutes later Chad shows up. I get in front and Chad drives off to the park. We get out of the car and I spot my brother instantly. I run over to him and he hugs me.
"Luke this is Chad Graham from Anthem Lights. Chad this is one of my older brothers Luke." I say
"Hi Luke" Chad says
"Hi" Luke says
"Luke why are you here? Mom said you got early admittance to college." I say
"I knew if I told mom that she wouldn't worry about me coming out here" he says
"Where are you going to stay? Grandma is going to call mom if you stay there" I say
"I'm not sure" he says
"Chad do you think Joey would be okay with Luke staying there" I ask
"I don't know. I'll call Joey and ask him to come over" Chad says
*Joey POV*
I'm about to fall asleep when my phone rings.
J- yes Chad
C-hey could you come to the park across form my house
J-sure I'll be there soon
I hang up and put my shoes on. I grab my sweatshirt and put it on. I go out to my car and drive to the park. I park next to Chad's car and find him, Megan, and another guy.
"Hey I'm Joey" I say
"Hi I'm Luke one of Megan's brothers" Luke says
"What's up" I ask
"Luke doesn't have anywhere to stay so I was wondering if he could stay at your house please" Megan asks
"Of course. He can stay in the room that Donald isn't using" I say
"Thank you so much." Luke says
"No problem but why don't we get going so that everyone can get a good nights sleep." I say
"Yeah Megan is already asleep" Chad says
"Do you know what time she woke up at" Luke asks
"I think Nicole told me she texted them at 3. Why" Chad asks
"She never gets much sleep" Luke says
"Ok well I'm going to take her back to Caleb's" Chad says
"Bye" I say
"Ok you ready" I ask Luke
"Yeah" he says
We get in my car and drive home.
*Caleb POV*
An hour after Megan leaves Chad comes in carrying a sleeping Megan.
"Where is her brother" I ask
"He's staying at Joey's" he says
"Ok well give me Megan and you go home so you can sleep" I say
He places her in my arms and leaves. I go up to her room and place her in bed. I turn the light off then go to my room. I climb in bed next to Kelsey and fell asleep.