Forever & Always

Chapter 39

"Riley Jackson, what the hell were you thinking?" my mother asked, running at me from in the kitchen. 

I put my bag down on the floor by the table in the foyer and wrapped my arms around her without a word. Shane stood behind me, having followed me home to make sure I got there alright. 

My mother, without another word, wrapped her arms around me too, her muscles relaxing, as did the tension of the situation. 

"I'm really sorry, Mom," I said into her shoulder. "I panicked and I stopped thinking. I just..."

My mom pulled away and held me at arm's length, her hands on my shoulders. "You were just being a teenager," she said with a calming smile. "I know what this must have looked like, but sweetheart, if I didn't think we could pull it off, I wouldn't have let you send in that deposit. Contrary to popular belief, parents do sometimes know better than we get credit for." 

I smiled. "You're right," I admitted in a low tone. "I just don't want this to sink us so far into the ground that we can't get out. And I started to question my major, and all of this stuff and I-"

"Riley," she interrupted. "Once again, if I didn't think you were going to be successful in this industry, I would not have let you look at colleges for music. I know it's risky, but you're worth the risk. I know your work ethic and I know you have the talent. And you'll be in New York City, one of the best places in the world to be when it comes to music. But honey, you have to breathe a little." 

I sighed and hugged her again, not entirely sure how to thank her. It was really comforting to know that I had all of these people around me to talk some sense into me when I started to panic. The hope was that this didn't become a frequent occurrence. 

"Now, go get some sleep," she said with a laugh. "It's a school night." 

I laughed too, feeling like a little kid being scolded. "Yes, Mom." 

She then turned to Shane. "Shane, honey, thank you so much for your help," she said, giving him a hug. "We're so lucky to have you around." 

"Any time, Mrs. Jackson," he said with a smile and wink towards me. He looked at me over my mom's shoulder in the hug and mouthed, 'I'll meet you up there'.

I winked at him and went up to my room. I went over and unlocked the window for Shane to get in and collapsed onto my bed. I was exhausted. Emotional breakdowns really take a toll on your energy levels, I'll tell you that. Faintly, the knock came at the window. 

"It's open," I called over to him. But he stuck only his head inside and shook his head. 

"Nope," he chuckled, "get your cute little ass out here." 

I groaned dramatically, but sat up and rolled off the side of my bed. He helped me get out through the window and we sat down on the chairs on the balcony. He held on tight to my hand and refused to let it go, which I truly didn't mind. There would never be a day where I told him to let go. 

"So, you're better now?" he asked with a sigh, looking over at me with a smirk.

I nodded, returning the smile. "I'm better, yes," I replied cooly. "Felt good to get that out, but yes, I'm much better now."

"Well, and of course because your favorite person in the world is sitting here with you," he said intentionally. 

I laughed and squeezed his hand. "Shane, I love you," I said, "but sometimes I think you may be your own biggest fan."

"Yeah, I can see why you think that," he laughed. 

We fell quiet for a minute, listening to the crickets chirping again and the sound of the air conditioner in the house running.