Once Upon A Dream (Kris Bryant)

45- A Little Break

Jayden

I make it into the studio for the first time in a really long time. Besides when I had my guitar I was away from the music scene for a while. I was super bummed I couldn't go on the rest of my tour so I haven't really talked about what is going to happen next. Fresh wounds.

First off is I need to make sure I'm a hundred perfect healthy. All that traveling weakened my immune system and I was so focused on the concerts that I wasn't taking care of myself and I missed all the warning signs that my body was shutting down on me. It's going to take a little while but as soon as I'm ready I'm going to make it back to Asia for the rest of that tour.

Until then I'm stuck in the studio with the twenty or so songs I wrote in the hospital. I'll admit, some are a bit heart wrenching but there was a few in there that would make you want to go out and fall in love.

I sit at the piano and run my fingers over the keys, it's been so long. I start to play and soon enough my fingers are flying. The chords pour out of me as I go to town. All the creative juices from the past month that's been built up inside of me come flowing out like a waterfall.

"We've missed having you here" a voice say and I look up. Tyler closes the door behind me and joins me on the piano bench.

"Thanks. I've missed this place, these faces" I admit.

"It's been really quiet without you" he claims.

"Is that a good or bad thing" I laugh.

"Bad. The music here just doesn't sound the same" he insists.

"Well I'm happy to be back" I smile.

"Are you back back?"

"I'm back to writing. I got a lot go good content" I say holding up a stack of papers.

"Got enough for a new album" he asks.

"I don't know, probably" I admit. "Why, do I need a new one out soon?"

"Not soon. You have had enough success from this first album to last you years. But I know it was never success you wanted" he admits.

"You're absolutely right. And I have the next chapter of my story that I think can help people. I know these songs have helped me out immensely these past few months" I admit.

"How are you really doing? I saw you for a little in the hospital but I feel like that was forever ago" he says. 

"I'm getting there. You know, I had a lot of time to think in there. A lot of white walls and colorful ideas. A lot of dark nights with darker thoughts. But all of it was a healthy opportunity for me" I explain.

"And how are you doing..." he trails off and I smile a little. He really gets me.

"I'm doing good. Kris and I just moved into a new apartment and we're getting ready for spring training" I say.

"Are you going out there with him" he asks.

"I don't know yet. I just got back" I sigh.

"This isn't your home" he says and I look at him. He points to my wrist and I hold up the bracelet Kris gave me for Christmas. "That... that is your home" he says and I smile.

"I know. But this is too. Music, it's who I am. I've been cut cold turkey for a while and I have so much to say" I insist.

"You'll always have music with you. Everything you do is a masterpiece, anyone with eyes can see it. And I know your best music comes when your with Kris. If you're lyrics then he's the beat. If you're the guitar than he's the pick. He's what makes your wheels turn and if it's really music that's stopping you then that's just silly" he claims.

"You're not going to be mad if I'm gone for another month" I ask.

"Not at all. You're one of my favorite people, your health and your happiness is important to me. I'm more than excited to have you back, but to have you back as friend not just a client. Take as much time as you need. Bring whatever songs you feel are right and when you're ready we will make you another album" he explains.

"You're the best Tyler. Thank you for everything. I'm so serious, I can't begin to explain how much you mean to me" I insist.

"You remind me a lot of my own daughter. She doesn't have your style or voice, but she has your heart. And you can measure a person a hell of a lot farther on passion than talent. Luckily you have it all" he says and I start to blush.

"You're the best."

Eventually he leaves because he always has somewhere to be. He's never in one place for long before he has to dart off. The life of a successful businessman I guess.

I stay back and play in the piano some more. I try out some songs I had and try to figure out what to do with the lyrics that goes with it. I always started with the words then add chords and bass and whatever else it needs. It usually isn't a lot but some songs are harder to figure out.

Hours past and I don't even realize I had been there all day. I always seem to get lost in here.

Eventually Kris comes by with some Portillos and I smile. We go to the break room so I don't ruin the instruments and we eat there. He had workout with Anthony this afternoon and insisted that he deserved this food.

"So what's happening next. New album? New tour? World domination" he lists off and I laugh.

"Not exactly" I smirk.

"Oh" he says.

"I think I'm going to join you at spring training next week" I say and he lights up.

"Seriously" he asks.

"So serious" I assure him.

"Thank god" he sighs.

"Why do you want me there so bad" I ask.

"I don't know, I just feel better knowing you're around. Knowing that you're okay and seeing that smile light up the room" he claims.

"Awww" I say cupping his cheek. I sneakily put some cheese from my cheese fries on his cheek and he scrunches up his nose.

"You're the worst" he claims wiping at his cheek.

"That's not what you were saying a second ago" I tease.

"Because I wasn't lying then" he smirks and I roll my eyes.

I lick my thumb and clean him up. He grabs my hand and places it back on his cheek. I lightly run my finger over the stubble on his chin and he smiles.

"Love you" he reminds me.

"Love you too."