Turn Around {Sequel to Where the Lights Are}

Chapter 8

Alan has gone with me to every Into The Woods rehearsal, and tonight is opening night. I'm a nervous wreck.

The guys keep texting me, we're all meeting at the old YC Records building. I drop the kids off with Fallon and Brycie before heading there.

I walk inside, and I'm hit with this weird nostalgia. I spent so much time here. "Hey homie, glad you're here," Joey says. I sigh, "How can I possibly be going on tonight? I'm not ready." Alan shakes his head, "Autumn said you're all ready, and that gal knows what she's talking about."

"I just can't," I say, sitting next to Chad. "And why not darling?" He asks, running his fingers through my hair. "The audience isn't gonna like me," I bluntly point out.

"Aren't your step-bro and step-dad supposed to be there?" Caleb asks. I nod, "Well yeah, they said they'd be here for opening night." He locks his eyes on mine, "Do you think they're going to hate you?" I shake my head, "No."

"Mia, my lovely, just focus on us and your family. It's going to be okay," Alan says, subconsciously rubbing my scars. I lean my head onto Joey's chest and sigh, "I know you guys are right. You're always right."

"Love, I know you're going to do absolutely fantastic tonight. Just know, I'm here for you, I mean we are the dynamic duo," Joey says. I grin at him, "Thanks Joe. Thanks guys. I've got a bit til I have to be there. Wanna watch Ant-Man?" The four of them nod, and Caleb puts it in.

We spread out, and get comfortable, as it begins playing. Once it's over, I convince Chad to drive me to the theater. "Thanks Chaddy, see ya at showtime," I say, kissing his cheek. "No problem, sour patch kid, break a leg! Lemme know if ya need anything," he says. I nod, and walk inside.

"Hey Mia, you ready for this thing?" Jesse asks. I shake my head, "No way." He quizzically raises an eyebrow, "Why? You're flawless, everybody's gonna love you." I lean over and hug him, "Jess, you're the best." He grins, "I know." We pull apart, and go our separate ways.

I see Robin, Melissa, Mae, and Darla in the girls' dressing room. "Hey girl! You ready to shred it?" Melissa asks. I shrug, "I'm nervous, guys. What if I mess up?"

"Is anybody important seeing the show for you?" Darla asks. "Oh yeah. Alan and his family, plus my three other bros and their families. My fiancé and kids will be there ,and my step-dad and step-brother are flying in." Melissa laughs, "Sounds like you can fill up the whole place with your peeps."

I slip into my "rags" for the first act. "Alan said to tell you gals good luck. He's enjoyed watching the show be put together," I say, putting on my makeup. "You're really close to him," Mae says. "Yeah, why is that?" Darla asks.

I smile, "I used to live in Missouri, but I was getting bullied a lot. Alan was a member of my favorite band, and for some reason he chose me. He said I could move to Tennessee and live with him and his family so I wouldn't be hurt. Since then, I've just grown closer to him. He's like a second dad to me, and I just couldn't move away. He's been with me through so much, and I've been such a jerk to him, yet he still loves me."

"Okay, that has got to be the sweetest thing ever," Melissa says, putting on her wig cap. "I agree, that's so cute," Robin adds. I blush, "Thanks guys. I have great relationships with all four of them. Chad, he's my big bro, and always there to protect me. Joey is my best friend, we're the dynamic duo. And Caleb, he's such a supportive person. I've been such an idiot but they've just never left me."

"That's absolutely adorable, I can't wait to meet them, since they mean so much to you, dear," Robin says. We finish getting into costume, and do one last dress rehearsal. I change back into my street clothes, and race to Bob Evans, where I'm meeting Josh and Jaxon for an early dinner.