"It feels good to be back... never thought I would admit that." I smiled at Johann and nodded, tossing my duffel bag onto the floor. "You know with all the work I did out there, I could actually graduate early."
"Yeah?" I questioned and sat besides the fireplace and started to toss in the wood. Because we were in LA for quite some time, my body became accustomed to the warmth again. Now I was back in this shitty cold, nippy weather. "Well, do you think you'd want to start applying to New York?"
He shifted in his spot before speaking, "Well... Kai is getting an acting gig out there so maybe I can go to USC? Or some other good California school." I gave a disapproving sigh and his eyebrows furrowed. "What?"
"Don't tell me you're basing the next four or whatever years of your life because of a boy." He looked away. "Johann, come on. I support love but follow your dreams. You've always wanted to attend NYU. What happened to that?"
"I-" he sat down on the couch and shrugged softly. "I don't want to be apart from him. He makes me so happy and I just.. I don't want to lose what we have because of distance."
I walked over to the sofa and sat next to him. "Trust me, I can understand that. If I can never go on tour and just stay with Vanessa and you and the kids, I would. But I love performing and I can't give that up. And you, you said love the idea of living in New York as a college student. We all have to make sacrifices for those we love but they also have to do the same."
He nodded before giving me a soft smile. "Yeah.. I do want that." A soft sigh left his lips as he leaned back. "I'm gonna talk to Kai."
"Good." My phone started to vibrate and I looked down at the screen before clicking stop for my alarm. "Okay, I'll be back, I gotta call Rosie."
"You have an alarm to call Rose?" I gave him a look and continued to walk outside. "Pussy."
"Yo mama." I mumbled out, only to hear him laugh and yell back, "You are my mama!"
I took my seat on the steps since it was cold but not enough to freeze me, then I called Vanessa.
"Hey sweetie, come here." Vanessa called out with a smile. "You can finish watching Toy Story later- yes, I recorded it." Vanessa gave me a look as she shook her head. "She is your daughter."
Her face was replaced by another one and I felt my world instantly light up. "Mommy!" She screamed happily with a toothy smile. "How is home?"
"Home is good baby. How is-" She suddenly giggled and pulled the beanie over her eyes. "Oh no, my princess disappeared."
"Boo!" She screeched and whipped it off. "Gotcha!" Her body was suddenly shaken with a loud high pitched laugh.
"You did. You really did." I let out a sad sigh as I watched her crystal blue eyes glisten in the sunlight from her position on Vanessa's lap. "I miss you already, princess."
She sloppily pulled her beanie back on, a smile on her lips as she spoke, "It is all okay, mommy. We talk now." I pouted at how much smarter and older she was getting everyday. I wasn't ready for when she stopped needing me and started to make decisions all on her own. That would be the day my heart died.
"You're right. You're so smart. But, I'll let you finish watching the greatest movie while I talk to Vanessa okay?" She nodded before grabbing the phone and pressing her lips to the screen. "Aw, kisses baby. Call me before you go to night night."
"Ok mommy, I love youu!" I waved with my pout intact as she hopped off of Vanessa's lap and ran off.
"I need to come home already, I'm missing you all too much." I said with a huff as Nessa came back in the frame, her eyes slightly wide. "What?"
