Second Chances

Big news

We drove home after the concert and I got back to my apartment around 2am and woke up the next morning around 3pm. I changed into some sweats and walked down to the laundry room and did a load of laundry. Ross called around 7 and invited me over for a band meeting. Riker had big news apparently.

When I rang the door bell I was surprised to see his mom answer the door and she flung the door open and wrapped me in a hug before I knew what was going on.

"You must be Brooke." Her face was just one big friendly smile

"Come in, come in." She opened the door and stepped back. I stepped inside and she led me to the living room where they all waited for me.

"Hey you made it." Ratliff said sarcastically and laughed with me.

Ross scooted over so I could sit next to him. And wrapped an arm around me and I curled up next to him in the couch and tucked my feet up by my legs.

"Ok let's get started." Riker commended our attention and we all looked at him.

"So what's the big news?" Rocky asked

"We'll first I thought we'd share why Brooke is here." He looked at me and so did everyone else including Rydel who hadn't stopped smiling since I walked in. "We want you to officially be part of R5. You can help us write songs and we'll help you get your name out there in the industry and you can go with us and you'll also be part of our management. We talked to our label and they said it was ok. They're even going to pay you."

I couldn't believe it. I was getting paid to spend time with Ross? It sounded perfect.

"I don't know what to say, I'm honored, it's a dream come true. Thank you Riker, and everyone for that matter." I scanned the room to make sure they all knew I really meant it.

"Next item of business. The label has some big news for us, were going on tour!!!" Everyone screamed and hugged and clapped. Ross sat up and looked at Riker in disbelief.

Everyone was so happy. Their mom came back in the room worried from all the screaming and when we explained what happened she hugged all of us and her eyes filled with tears as did mine.

"We leave December 15th for Orlando!" Riker exclaimed.

My heart dropped to my stomach.

"We'll be on tour during Christmas?"

"Well yeah we don't have a concert that day but well be on the road."

"I can't. I have to go home. I promised a lot of people."

"Brooke, you can't turn this down, if you don't come with us the label will drop you. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity." Ross looked at me with pleading eyes when he got finished.

"I know. It's not that I don't wanna go. And I know I can't turn this down but..." Tears filled my eyes and spilled down my face.

"We'll give you guys a few minutes alone." Riker stood up and everyone followed.

Ross turned towards me and grabbed both my hands. Then he took his hand and guided my chin up to see his face.

"Hey look at me." A small smile broke his lips. "I know how much you miss your family and everyone back home but you gotta do this. They'll understand when they hear this amazing opportunity."

"What if I'm the one who needs them more?" My crying was turning into quick shallow breaths. A lump in my throat felt like someone was stepping on my stomach. I pictured Christmas with out seeing my family or kayla. What about all the times I talked to kayla and promised over and over. See you for Christmas. I would give anything to see my small town all lit up for Christmas.