An Anthem Lights Christmas (Completed)

Chapter 24

(A few weeks later)
*Megan POV*
So my dad is taking this whole legal thing to court. The date is set for tomorrow and I'm really stressing about it. Luke came home a couple days ago so he could be there for this whole thing.
"Let's go Megan" Luke says
"What" I ask
"I'm getting you out of the house" he says
"Noo I want to stay in my room forever" I say
"Ugh fine" he says
He walks over to my bed and picks me up bridal style. He goes downstairs and outside. We get out there and the band van is waiting.
"Please tell me Nicole and Casey aren't in there" I say
"Nope they're in there" he says
"Oh crap" I say
We get in the van and I get off the way back with Casey, Nicole, and Jess.
"Where are we going" I ask
"Surprise" Caleb says
"The Powell's are meeting us there" Joey says
"Mega" Owen says
Chad unbuckles him and passed him to me.
"Chad I don't think this is safe" Spencer says
"Yeah and I don't think it's safe to have 17 people in a 15 passenger van but no you guys didn't want to take separate vehicles" Chad says
"That's because no one else wanted to drive beside you and Joey and do you really think we would let Joey drive people to their death" Kelsey asks
"I don't know. I trust him. Sometimes" jewel says
"Yeah sometimes we let him drive" Casey says
"Most of the time jewel is driving" Tyler says
"You three sure do like to take sides" Joey says
"Yeah yeah yeah" Casey says
The van stops and I look out the window.
"Why are we at a farm" I ask
"We're going horse back riding" Chad says
"I don't want to go" I say
We get out and go over to Alan's van.
"Uncle Alan do I have to go? I don't like riding horses" Dylan says
"Oh right at Luke's 7th birthday party you got bucked off a horse. You've been scared ever since" I say
"Yeah" he says
"How about Megan and Dylan stay here and watch Owen" Fallon suggests
"Ok" Chad says
They all walk off before we can interject.
"Well shall we go on a walk around the farm" Dylan asks
"you know I hate animals" I say
"You don't hate all farm animals. Plus we can walk to the meadow" he says
"Alright." I say
He takes Owen from me and places him on the ground. We each take a hand and Owen starts walking. After about ten minutes we get to the bottom of a hill. I pick him up and we head to the top. Once up there we sit down in the grass.
"Flowers" Owen says
"Yeah there's flowers." I say
"Piggy" Owen says pointing
I look up in the sky and see a pig. It's writing something with fog. Once the sentence is done I read it: 'Megan will you be my girlfriend'.
"Dylan" I ask
"I know what you think Megan. You think we're like siblings and is two will never work out. But I really care about you. I've loved you since you were 8. I just knew you thought it would be weird if we dated. But please give it a try. Will you be my girlfriend" he asks
"Dylan of course I will" I say
He hugs me and I lean my head on his shoulder. He grabs Owen and Owen grabs my nose.
"Hey I'll grab your nose" I say
"No. My nose. Take Dylan's" Owen says
"Don't you dare" Dylan says
He stands up and I fall over.
"Dylan" I whine
"What" he laughs
"Help me up" I say
"Hmm no" he says
He puts Owen on his shoulders and takes off running down the hill. I get up and run down the hill after him. I catch up and take my brother back. We continue walking around until we get to the pigs.
"I have a question" I say
"Shoot" he says
"Why did you choose a pig" I ask
"Well someone told me that you'd love me once pigs fly. I was gonna ride in on a cheetah but I couldn't find one" he says
"Well then" I say
"Horsies" Owen squeals
We turn around and see everyone coming back. They return the horses and then come back over to us. I pass Owen over to Chad and my best friends come over to me and Dylan. Same with my brother and his friends.
"Ok what's going on between you two" Luke asks
"What" I ask
"You're smiling" Tyler says
"You're holding Dylan's hand" Casey says
"Awe" Nicole and Brian says
I turn and bury my face in Dylan's shoulder.
"Ok guys she's my girlfriend now but stop embarrassing her" Dylan says
"Awe" they say
"Let's go. We're heading out for dinner" Caleb says
"Where to" I ask
"Did you really have to ask that question" Alan asks
"Yes" I say
"Well we aren't telling you" Luke says
"Lucas" I yell
"Calisia" he yells back he takes off and I take off after him. I get close and tackle him to the ground. We keep on wrestling till we're separated. I look to see who's holding me back and see that it's Tyler.
"Let me at him" I say
"Let me get her" Luke says
"Woah Lucas Calisia. Separate vehicles. Lukas with the band. Calisia with Alan" Chad says
"Chadwick" we yell
"Woah calm down Luke and Megan" he says
"Ugh fine" I groan
Tyler let's go of me and I walk off to Alan's van. I get in the van and realize I have to sit in the back. But I am next to AJ and Dylan.
"Ok everyone buckled" Alan asks
"Yes" we say
He starts the van and drives to chick fil a. Once we get there we go inside and join everyone else at the table. Spencer prays then we go get in line for food. I grab my tray and go sit down. Luke comes back and while he's not looking I steal a fry. He turns back around and glares at me.
"Megan I happen to be missing a fry do you know where it is" he asks
"How do you know you're missing a fry" I ask
"I have 25 fries. I had 26" he says
"You counted your fries" Nicole asks
"What nobody else does" Luke asks
Slowly Alan, Joey, Kelsey, Tyler, Spencer, and Fallon put their hands up.
"You guys are ridiculous" Dylan says
"When we go out to eat with the guys AJ and Presley count their chicken nuggets because they know that uncle Chad or uncle Joey would steal one" Brycie says
Chad and Joey reach across the table but jewel and Fallon slap their hands.
"Haha" I say
Chad glares at me and I just laugh.
"You're lucky there are people between us" he says
"I could take you" I say
"Yeah right" he says
"It's true. She could. The one year we were fooling around me and her brothers made her mad and she tackled all of us" Dylan says
"Oh did Megan hurt your poor little face" Luke asks
"No but if I do remember she did give you a black eye and almost
broke your nose" Dylan says
"Ooh fierce" Kelsey says
"Why did you hit me" Luke asks
"Hey I grew up with older brothers. I learn to fight for myself. When baseballs come flying at your head. You end up learning the hard way" I say
"Ok if we're sharing stories I have one to share" Joey says
"Oh boy" we all say
"Hey" Joey shrieks
"That's for horses. Joey's eat Joey food" I say
"What is Joey food" Joey asks
"Whatever Joey chooses to feed himself"Casey says
"Well then I guess I do eat hay" Joey says
"Baby as much as I enjoy hearing you making a fool of yourself but please don't eat hay." Jewel says
"Aww but babe I want to" Joey whines
"Fine then I'll break up with you" she says
"Ooh" we all say
"No no I promise I won't eat hay. Just don't leave me" Joey whines
"I won't leave you" she says
"You better" he says
She kisses his cheek and lays her head on his shoulder.
"Awe" us girls say
"Ok ok can I please share my story now" Joey asks
"No" Casey says
"No daddy" Jason says
"I have a story" Tyler says
"Share it" Jewel says
"You sure because it's about you and Joey" Tyler says
"Oh please do" Chad says
"Don't" Joey says
"Too bad" Casey says
"Ok so a couple of months ago Casey was hanging with Megan and Nicole and Jason was taking his nap. I was up in my room finishing up some stuff for school when I heard laughter. I go to the top of the stairs and look in the living room. On the couch I see Joey and Jewel wearing matching pizza jackets. I go down a few steps and see them acting like zombies and biting each other's jackets. Then I pull my phone out and capture the moment." Tyler says
"Ugh Joey I told you not to get those" Jewel says
"Oh don't deny it you loved them" Joey says
"A little" she says
"Daddy was dancing and singing Owen to sleep. It was weird" Nick says
"Hey little mister I am a good dancer" Chad says
"No" Nick, Fallon, and I say
"No daddy" Owen says
"Megan do you have the video" Fallon asks
"Yes" I say
I grab my phone and find the video. I pass it to Joey and Alan who are sitting in the middle on their side.
"Dude that is terrible" Alan says
"I don't think we're letting you dance in music videos anymore" Joey says
My phone gets passed around till Dylan hands it back to me.
"Joey I have to leave" Tyler says
"Oh crap. Sorry I forgot." Joey says
"It's okay. I'll walk there." Tyler says
"Ok. Call me when you need to be picked up" Joey says
Tyler gets up from the table and leaves.
"Where is he going" Casey asks
"Well wouldn't you like to know" Joey asks
"Yes yes I would" Casey says
"All I know is that he's going to some type of game arcade and meeting a friend there." Joey says
"Ok People we better head out so the little kids can go to a decent time" Alan says
"Chad no dancing tonight" Joey says
"Yeah yeah yeah whatever" Chad says
"Oh Megan are you able to finish editing the song and releasing it tomorrow night or tonight" Caleb asks
"Yeah. And then I'll post it on anthem lights social media sites" I say
"Wow you're more organized then I was" Alan says
"Well once you know how to keep these four under control it's simple" I say
"She threatens to pummel us" Spencer says
"You're 8 inches taller than her and you're afraid of her" Alan asks
"A little. She grew up with older brothers" Spencer says
"Ok let's just go to the van" Brycie says
We get up and throw out trash out then get in the van. Chad gets in the driver seat and Fallon next to him. The rest of us are scattered randomly in the van. We first drop off the Powell's. Then Spencer and the Jone's. Next Joey and the Rotenbergers. Finally the Grimm's and Luke.
"Bye sis love you" Luke says
"Love you too" I say
Chad pulls away and heads toward the studio. He parks the van in its rightful place and we get out.
"Fallon take the car home and get the boys to bed. I need to do somethings here and Megan needs to edit the video" Chad says
"Ok" she says
I help her get my brothers in then go in the studio. I go over to my desk, yes they did give me a desk, and open my laptop. I find the video and start editing it. Once it's done I post it then look at their social media and update that as well. Once I'm done I go over to the couch and lay down. Not long later I'm asleep.
*Chad POV*
I'm finished what I'm doing and watch the video. Megan always does great with these things. I close my laptop and go over to the couch. I get there and see Megan asleep. I pick her up and start walking to the house. I get there and take Megan straight upstairs. I tuck her in then go downstairs. I join Fallon on the couch for a movie.
"What movie tonight" she asks
"Don't care" I sigh
"You okay" she asks
"I'm just worried about tomorrow. I've been thinking about it all day" I admit
"Don't worry I have too. These three have really become family. I know they think of us as family too" she says
"We just have to see what God has planned for us" I say
"Ok. Now let's watch Pocahontas" she says
"Ok" I say
I put the movie in and sit back down. A perfect end to a great day.
*Joey POV*
I get home and carry a sleeping Jason inside. Once he's in bed I go back outside and carry Casey in. Once they're both in bed I go downstairs. Just as I'm about to sit down my phone rings.
J-hello
D-hi is this Joseph Stamper
J-yes who's calling
D-this is officer Doug. Tyler Rotenberger and Greg Simpson were caught stealing and drinking
J-ok thank you I'll be there soon
I hang up and then call Jewel.
Je- hey Joe what's up
Jo-hey can you come over and just be here while I go pick Tyler up from the police station
Je-okay. Are the other two asleep
Jo-yeah
Je-okay I'll be there soon
I hang up and start pacing back and forth scratching the back of my head nervously. After ten minutes Jewel gets here.
"Thank you so much" I say
"It's no problem Joey. Go deal with Tyler" she says
I grab my keys and run out to my car. I get in and drive to the police station. I get there and go inside. I get in and see Tyler and another kid sitting in a cell.
"Joey" Tyler says
"Ah mr. Stamper you're here. Would you like to talk with Tyler" officer Doug asks
"Yes please" I say
He leads me and Tyler to a room and then closes the door. Tyler sits down but I just pace back and forth.
"Joey I didn't do anything. I was just standing there." Tyler says
"Why were you even hanging out with him in the first place" I ask
"I saw this as an opportunity to make friends. I can't make friends easily" Tyler says
"Why didn't you run when he came up with the idea" I ask
"I didn't want to be seen as a whimp" he says
"Tyler you have people who care about you. You have people who love you. I'm one of them. You have a big family and all of the kids are your friends. Just because one person does one thing doesn't mean you have to conform to be like them. People should like you for you" I say
"Your not mad" he asks
"I'm mad but I also care about you. I need to make sure that you understand that people should love you for you because God does and so do I and same with the others" I say
"Ok" he says
"Now I have another question did you drink at all" I ask
"I had a few sips but that's only because he forced me. He opened my mouth and poured it in. I didn't like it but he didn't let me spit it out. I'm sorry Joey" he says
By now he is sobbing and tears are pouring out. I go over to him and sit in the chair beside him.
"Hey it will be okay. Now let's go out and sort it out. And when we get home I will give you your punishment" I say
"Ok" he says
We get up and go out to the main part.
"Ok now Tyler has spoken to us and said he didn't do it. And we talked to Greg and he said that he did it Tyler had nothing to do with it so Tyler is free to go" officer Doug says
We thank him then leave. We get home and go inside.
"Go up to your room I'll be there soon to talk" I say
"Ok" Tyler says
Ho goes upstairs and Jewel comes over to me.
"What happened" she asks
"A guy Tyler was hanging with robed a store and forced Tyler to drink. Tyler didn't do anything he just stood there" I say
"Just pray. God will give you wisdom on how to deal with this situation." Jewel says
"Thanks love you" I say
"Love you too. Now go deal with Tyler. I'll see you tomorrow" she says
She leaves and I head upstairs. I say a quick prayer before I enter. I go in and see Tyler on his phone. I go over and sit on the edge of his bed.
"Grounded" he asks
"Yea" I say
"How long" he asks
"Well at first I was gonna say a month but now I'm gonna say 2 weeks. That means phone for only contacting family. No computer since school is over and you're only going out the house if it's to hang with all of us" I say
"Ok" he sighs
"You know I love and care about you  and your siblings" I say
"I know. I just wish my parents were still here" he says
"They are. I can see them in all of you. They're watching over you. They're up there with God looking over you." I say
"I can still hear my mom sometimes. At the moment she's yelling at me and saying that you're a softee" he laughs
"I always was and always will be one" I say
"Thank you Joey" he says
"For what" I ask
"For taking me and my siblings in. I know we don't say it enough but we really appreciate you doing this." He says
"It's no problem. It just gives me a chance to get to know my cousins I never knew about and you three get to be closer to your friends/family" I say
"What do you think is going to happen with the case tomorrow" Tyler asks
"I'm not sure. All I know is that we're all going to be there as support. God will do his will" I say
"Goodnight Joey" he says
"Night Tyler" I say
I get up and leave his room. I close his door then go in to Casey's room. I go in and see she's still asleep but tears are running down her face. I go over and shake her awake. Her eyes dart open and she hugs me crying into my shoulder.
"What's wrong" I ask
"Megan's gonna move" she says
"What do you mean" I ask
"I had a dream. she lost the case. But she was the only one who had to go with her dad. She ended up having to go to England and she only comes back for The month between thanksgiving and Christmas" she cries
"Hey it will all be ok. If Megan and her siblings lose we will never lose connection with them. We will FaceTime and text and call" I say
"Ok" she says
"Just pray Casey. That's all you can do at the moment. Now go back to sleep" I say
I leave the room and shut the door. I go to Jason's room and he's still sound asleep. I shut the door and go to my room. I go over to my bed and lay down. I send a quick prayer to God and drift off to sleep.
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Hey y'all!
Schools almost over and I can't wait. I'll hopefully have more updates then but you never know. Don't forget to watch anthem lights new cover. It's awesome. Keep reading my stories. Have a great memorial weekend.
Megan😎