Let Them See You (Joey Stamper/Anthem Lights)

Chapter 16

~ Ariana's P.O.V.~

I woke up the next morning around 9:30. All the guys were up, rehearsing for their show later. I was really excited because I wanted to hear more of their music.

"What songs are you guys singing?" I asked.

"Can't get over You,  can't shut up, outta my mind, and where the light is." Caleb said.

I nodded, "Nice, I'm excited."

Alan said, "You should come up and sing a song with us."

I shook my head, "No way. I don't sing in front of people."

"Well you should, because your voice is amazing and you should share it with the world." Caleb said.

"Anyway, what time do you guys go on?" I said.

"12! So we gotta leave in like an hour to rehearse and stuff like at the venue." Alan said. I nodded.

I ended up showering, changing, and then we went off to the venue. I sat down in the audience watching the guys go through rehearsal. They were all so talented, and so passionate. 

An hour passed and the guys performed. So many people came, and they were all worshipping God together. It was amazing.

After they finished Where the Light is, Alan talked about God's grace, and let me tell you, there were tears everywhere.

I know for a fact that a lot of these people were going home a different person.

The girl next to me was bawling her eyes out. She looked around my age. "Are you alright?" I said.

She looked at me, and nodded, "Yeah. I just really needed to hear everything he just said." She smiled.

"Aw. Well that's good." I smiled.

"I"m Ashley." she said.

"Ariana." I shook her hand.

"So do you live around here?" She asked. 

"Nope, Tennessee. Do you?" I asked.

"Oh wow. And no, I live in Wisconsin." She said. 

"Oh thats cool. How long are you here for?"  I said.

"Two more days, you?" 

"Me too." I smiled.

"Oh cool, we should hang out!" She said.

"Yeah that'd be fun." I said.

The seats cleared out, and the guys ended up coming over to our seats. 

Ashley's eyes went wide.

Joey put his arm around me and said, "Did you enjoy the show?"

I nodded, "Yeah, you guys were amazing!"

"You know Anthem Lights?" Ashley said.

I laughed, "Um yeah, funny story. Their a friend of my dad, and he's away right now, so I've been with them."

"Oh my goodness. That's so cool!" She said.

"Did you like the show?" Alan said to her.

She nodded, "Yes. Thank you for what you said. I needed that so much."

He smiled, "Glad it touched you."

"Is it ok if tomorrow I hang out with Ashley?"  I asked.

Alan nodded, "Yeah of course. I'm sure your tired of being around guys 24/7." He laughed.

I laughed, "Just a little bit."

Ashley and I exchanged numbers, and then the guys and I returned to the hotel.

"So how'd you meet that girl?" Caleb asked.

"She was like bawling her eyes out, and I asked her if she was okay and we just started to talk." I said.

He nodded, "Oh, gotcha."

My phone started to ring, and the word "Dad" came up on the screen. I didn't even realize I screamed. "i'll be back." I said. I ran out into the hallway and answered.

"Dad! I'm so glad you called. I've missed you so much." I said.

"I've missed you too, darling. How have you been?" He said.

"I've been great. What about you?" I said.

"Incredible. God is doing some amazing things here." He said.

"That's amazing, Dad. When are you going to be home?" I asked.

"Probably in about 3 weeks." 

"Yay! I can't wait to see you, and hear about everything you did." I said.

"I have to go sweetheart, but I'll see you soon, okay? Love you." He said.

"I love you too." He hung up and I went back into our room.

"What happened?" Alan said.

"My dad called!" I smiled.

"How is he?" He said.

"Great. He said he'll probably be home in 3 weeks." I smiled.

"That's so exciting!" Caleb said.

I nodded. 

"Someone's tired." Chad said, laughing.

We all turned to Joey, who was on the couch, sleeping.

I laughed. I've never met anyone who loved sleep as much as Joey.

"So, Ariana, hows your relationship with Joey?" Chad said.

"It's really great! We're keeping it Christ centered." I smiled.

"Good. I'm proud of you guys." Alan said.

"Joey is literally in love with you Ariana, maybe even more then sleep." Caleb laughed.

I laughed, "Yeah right. Sleeping is his fav okay."

"Ariana, can I talk to you privately?" Alan said.

I raised an eyebrow, "Sure.."

The other guys walked into the other room, leaving Alan and I alone. 

"I'm really happy for you and Joey, I just wanted to remind you of a few things." He said.

I nodded, still really confused.

"You know, you guys are still young, with raging hormones, and.."

"Oh my goodness." I said, knowing where this was going.

He laughed, "Just stay pure okay? I know it gets tough, but its worth it."

"Aren't I not pure though? Considering I've slept with many different guys.." I said, still feeling shame to this day.

"That was in the past, you're new in Christ. You can be pure." He said.

"Alright!" I said. "Thanks Alan. I'm so grateful to have you in my life." I hugged him.

Alan was like a second dad to me, and I don't know what I would do without him.