Just the Way You Are

I Be, You Be

J: kids are at school. Going to get Steph from the airport. Hope you have a great day.

H: thanks love, you too. I'll call you tonight xo

I slid my phone into my purse as I pulled out of the school parking lot and headed to the airport to get Stephanie. I felt so badly that everything she worked so hard for in her life kept crumbling. Maybe moving to Nashville was what she needed for a real fresh start.

I parked and made my way into the airport arrivals. I kept my sunglasses on and had
my hair tied in a bun underneath my ball cap.

"Jenna!" I heard someone call out, and I looked around to several reporters snapping pictures, "Jenna how are the kids? Are you working on new music? Hunter's new album is great!"

"Hey y'all," I said with a little wave, "thank y'all, umm the kids are good, yeah. I love Hunter's new music too." I caught a glimpse of Steph, "Sorry - I gotta go get my friend!" I hooked Stephanie's arm and we headed out to the car.

"Sorry to cause you the trouble," I brushed it off and gave her a hug, "thank you for having me come out."

"I know we've both been busy to our eyeballs, but thank you for thinking of me even in what may be a hard time for you."

"I know you will always be there for me whether I'm having a good day or a bad year."
We drove to Starbucks and headed to the house.

"I figured you may wanna get settled," I nodded toward the basement door, "I have to go meet the band downtown. You're welcome to come or stay, whatever."

"I would be happy to come. I'm sure there's places to eat or shop around." I nodded, grabbed my books and guitar and we headed back out the door.

As we drove, we made small talk, mostly about the kids. "Beckett is in JK, Easton is in grade one and Sutton is in grade three." I said proudly as I found a parking spot.

"That's insane. Is she still singing?" I nodded, and to Steph's amazement, I mentioned how she is playing piano and guitar. "What a rock star! I'm so proud of all you accomplished Jen, and here you are still killing it with three kids and and a wicked career. Everyone at home still talks about you."

"That's weird," I laughed as we walked up to the studio, "like no one from home talks to me, or even tries to reach out." I showed Steph the break room, "Coffee there, chairs and tables, make yourself comfortable. I'll be in room C." She nodded and I headed into the writing room.

"Hey," Kyle waved, he was seated next to Dann, Kevin and our new drummer Max, "ready to write." I nodded and flipped my book open.

"I had a wave hit me last night, so this is what I came up with so far." I strummed my guitar, I called it "Take You Away"

I didn't know, that it was so cold
And you needed someone
to show you the way
So I took your hand and we figured out
That when the time comes
I'd take you away, away from here

If you want to
I can save you
I can take you away from here
So lonely inside
So busy out there
And all you wanted
was somebody who cares

You're sinking slowly
Say hurry, hold me
Take my hand
And never let go
Can you tell me
So I can finally see
Where you go when you're gone

I finished the song and looked at the guys surrounding me. Kyle nodded, and Dann piped up, "That's good," he smiled, "is it about your friend?" I nodded.

"She's actually here..." he nodded. We ironed it the lines and wrote an opening verse. It was the last song we needed and I was especially proud to have written every song on this album.

"What are you gonna call it?" Max asked.

"That is a good question," I shrugged and dipped some water, "maybe a title track." A few of the titles stuck out to me included Heart Like Mine.

"I'll have to sit on it but we meet again on Friday, so I'll have an answer by then okay?" I packed up my bag and we called it a day. I found Steph in the kitchen and we headed out to get the kids from school. "Thanks for coming along, I'm sure it was kind of boring."

She shook her head, "It was nice. Peaceful even. Ummm, I'm sure it's just a rumour but what's with some of those articles about you?"

"They're just rumours," I said as we merged onto the freeway, "how do you think it looks when I have all three kids at the park or grocery store and Hunter is in New York or vice versa? People just make stuff up. We are in a really good place."

Steph smiled and nodded, turning the discussion to music. I told her about the album and that it was expected to be released on January 4th if the new year. We picked up the kids, had dinner and tackled homework. Sutton practiced guitar, showing Stephanie her skills while I got the boys bathed. Once everyone was down for the night, Stephanie and I got some wine and sat on the couches.

"Remember all that time ago when I had you take me to the post office?" I nodded, recalling the memory, "It was my application for a work visa. While I still had my money and my pathetic marriage, I took the courses and tests I needed to so I can work here. Obviously I put it on the back burner but I've kept up with the certifications and although I cancelled the visa when my business took off, I reapplied and I got it back."

"Wow, really?" My jaw was hanging. "So what's your plan?" She told me she had interviews next week at the regional rehab centre, St. Jude and St. Thomas. "Good - I'm happy for you."

"I won't be here for long. I hope to have my own place once I get a job." I squeezed her hand.

"We love having you. There's a lot you need to get organized - don't worry. It will get done and when you're ready you will find a place. Okay?"