Turn Around {Sequel to Where the Lights Are}

Chapter 4

I wake up the next morning, still asleep on Joel's shoulder. I sit up, and look around, I'm in a strange place. I fell asleep at the venue and now I'm here.

I stand up carefully, so I don't wake Joel up, and walk around. This must be Joel and Moriah's place. I see framed pictures of them everywhere. Wedding photos. Engagement photos.

I also see some of Joel with Luke's family. I smile, he's really got to be the best uncle out there.

"Hey," Joel says, putting his hand on my shoulder. I jump, "Oh my goodness. Joel, you scared the pirouette out if me."

"I'm so sorry, my dear, I didn't mean to scare you," he says. I shake my head, "No Joel, you're fine. What am I doing here? Where's Alan?"

It's funny how me, a grown adult, still looks for Alan when I'm scared. You wouldn't think that, but he's my comfort. Everything's okay when I'm with him.

"Alan was going to wake you up, and take you back to your apartment, but I suggested you just stay the night here with me and Moriah, then I'll take you home so you can get ready to go get your kids," Joel explains.

I smile, "You're a great mate, Joel." He nods, "As are you, darling." We walk together into the kitchen. Moriah is sitting at the table with a cup of yogurt.

Joel and her greet each other with a kiss, then he slides his arm around me. "Moriah, this is Alan's girl, Mia. Mia, this is my wife, Moriah," he quickly introduces. I smile, as she hugs me. "It's great meeting you, Mia."

"What can I get you to eat, love?" Joel asks, scanning the refrigerator for himself. I shrug, not really feeling hungry, I'm mostly nervous. "Do you guys have any granola bars?"

He nods, and opens a pantry to reveal a variety. I select two Nutri-Grain ones, and join Joel and Moriah at the table.

The three of us chat and eat our breakfast. Afterwards, I look down. I'm still wearing the same clothes from last night. My Matthew West Grace Wins shirt, and jeans. My hair is a mess, and all twisted up in my Lauren Daigle headband. My priceless necklace dangles, and my bracelet is still on my wrist. But other than that, I look like a hot mess.

"Uhh Moriah do you have some clothes or a hairbrush I can borrow?" I ask. She smiles, and gestures for me to follow her.

She leads me into her and Joel's bedroom, and opens her closet. "Are you going home before going to the courthouse?" She asks. I nod, "Yeah, I don't know how long I'll have. I just have to get the paperwork."

Moriah grins, and pulls out a very dressy, but not too dressy outfit. It's a black and white polka dot skirt, with a plain white top, and black blazer. "Just in case you don't have time to change at home, hon," she smiles, leaving the room.

I change into the outfit, and smile in the mirror. Joel really thought of everything. I put my gold boots back on, and adjust my FK&C jewelry.

There's a soft knock on the door, and Moriah enters. "Would you like some help with your hair?" She asks. I smile, "If you want."

I sit down on the bed, as Moriah begins brushing my hair out. "Curls?" She asks. I shrug, "Whatever you feel like."

"Actually most of the curls from yesterday are still there, so I think you're good," she says, smiling. I hug her, "Thank you Moriah, for everything. I'll get these clothes back to you, I promise."

"No dear, you're fine. Joel was actually planning on having you stay with us since he met you yesterday. He talked go Alan, and well, those clothes belong to you," she says. I shake my head, "This is too much. I can't accept these." Moriah puts a hand on my shoulder, "You're fine, Mia. We're glad to help."