Down Home Girl

Chapter 10:

I had one more day before I had to go back to California, but the funny thing is, I wasn't going. I just don't know how to tell my band mates that I was leaving.

I was laying in the bed with Aiden listening to music.

"So..what are you gonna do tomorrow?" He asked. I looked at him.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You're supposed to go home tomorrow." He said.

"Oh." I said. "I really don't know, Aiden."

"Why?" He asked me, grabbing my hand.

"I don't know how to tell them I'm leaving." I said. "They're gonna be so hurt."

"Well...you're still staying here right?" He asked.

"Yes," I said. "I've already made up my mind...I just don't know how to tell them."

"Well, why don't I go back to California with you for a little while, then when you tell them, I'll help you move back?" Aiden offered.

"That sounds great, but what about your job?" I asked.

"That job? Oh I told you I took off...I actually got laid off." He said looking down. "I've been looking for a new job, but the only interview I've had, I haven't heard back from them."

"Well," I said softly. "I can help you look for a job."

"Thanks," he said smiling a bit. "I was just glad I saved a lot of money. I have enough to live on until I find another job. Which hopefully won't be too much longer."

"How much money do you have left?" I asked.

"A few hundred." He said.

"Do you need some money?" I asked. "I can help you, Aiden."

"Sarah, I already told you I don't want hand outs from you." He said.

"It's not a hand out, Aiden!" I said, my voice raising slightly, but I calmed myself down. "When I needed help, you and your parents were there for me. You took care of me, and now I'm gonna take care of you."

"But I don't want you to take care of me. That's my job."

"It's both of our jobs to take care of each other, Baby." I said softly. "Now, stop acting like this and let me help you."

"Okay," he sighed. "Thank you, Sarah."

"You're welcome." I said.

The next morning, Aiden and my things were all packed. Rachel made us breakfast. I could tell she was worried about us going. Maybe she thinks that we'll never come back...but we are. I put some money in an envelope to cover for Aiden's income and wrote Rachel and Carl's name on the front.

I walked over to Rachel and handed her the envelope. "We are coming back in the next couple weeks for sure if not sooner. I just need time to talk to my band mates, and tell them what's going on. Here's some money to cover the part of Aiden's income that he gives y'all." I told her. "Plus a little extra because I feel like you deserve it."

"Sarah, no." She said softly.

"Yes. Now take the money and give me a hug." I said. She smiled and hugged me tightly.

"I love you so much, girl." She said.

"I love you too. I'm gonna help y'all out. Y'all helped me when I needed it, now I'm going to help y'all." I said. I could tell she was crying.

"Thank you so much...you don't know how thankful I am for you, Sarah." She said softly, her voice shaking.

"Don't thank me. I want to help." I said. She smiled and kissed my cheek.