Turn Around {Sequel to Where the Lights Are}

Chapter 3

The social worker just came and took Claire home. Josh and Jaxon left yesterday, and my house is so lonely and quiet. I'm going to the Powell house today. Alan says he has a surprise for me anyways.

I drive to their house, and met myself in. AJ, Presley, and Rowie are all playing Just Dance Disney Party.

"Hey chickas, lookin' good!" I remark, passing them, and walking up the stairs. Alan's in his office reading. "Hey Al, I'm here," I quietly inform him. He nods, "I'll be with you in a moment, my dear."

He finishes, what I assume, is reading his page, and he turns to look at me. "Come here, love," he pats the stool where his feet were previously resting. I sit down on it, and he wraps his arms around me.

"How ya feeling, kid?" He asks. "Claire's home, which is good for her. But I miss her," I admit, my lip already starting to quiver. "I know how hard this is for you, my Mia. That's why the guys and I talked it over, and we're taking you to WinterJam when it comes to Nashville. And maybe some certain Aussies have even agreed to let us hand out with them," he says.

I smile so big if hurts my jaw. "Alan, you guys are the best. I don't even know what to say. For King & Country?! Ugh, this is huge. I love you so much," I say, hugging him again.

He places a few kisses in my hair, and grins, "I would do anything to make one of my favorite girlies smile."

~*~

WinterJam day. Since Joel and Luke said we can hang out with them, we won't have to wait in the line. I quickly get ready and grab a granola bar on my way out of the house. I want to spend as much time as I can with my two favorite Aussies.

We get to the venue, and flash our passes to the security guards who let the five of us backstage. The first thing I spot is Luke's signature curly hair. I smile, I'm actually in the same room as the Smallbones.

Luke and Joel rush over to greet us. "It's so great seeing you all again," they say to Alan, Caleb, Chad and Joey, who tell them the same thing in return.

"And who might you be, my darling?" Joel asks. "I'm Mia," I say shyly. They both smile and hug me. "It's so great meeting you, Mia. I'm glad we get to spend the day together," Luke says.

They give us a tour of the now empty venue, and I'm on top of the world. These guys are so nice. I help Joel set up the merch stand while, God knows what the others were doing.

"Mia, my dear," Joel says. I look up at him, and nod, "Yes, what is it Joel?" He smiles, and pulls two things from the merch table. "These are for you. First there's the respect & honor bracelet to remind you how boys should always treat you," he says.

I smile, and he helps me slip it onto my wrist. "I know you have a fiancé, but that doesn't give other boys the excuse to walk all over you, understand?" He asks. I nod, "I do."

"And this," he holds up a necklace, "is the Australian penny. It has a special meaning. It's to remind you that you, my dear, are priceless. You're worth more than all the money and riches in the world. You deserve to be treated that way." Joel walks over to me, and clasps the necklace around my neck.

"Did Alan tell you?" I ask him. He looks confused, "About what?" I hold up my arms where my scars are fully visible. I watch Joel's expression change.

"Please, darling, don't ever do this again," he whispers. I nod, "I haven't done it since high school." He grins, "I'm proud of you." We finish setting up the merch table, then go back to where Luke and the guys are chilling.

I sit down on Chad's lap, and lean my head on his shoulder. "Having a good time, lil sis?" He asks. I nod, "Joel and Luke are the best."

Luke smiles at me from across the room, and comes up to me, "Joel had his time with you, now it's my turn." I grin at him, "Okay. What are we doing?"