Stay Or Sing

Chapter 7 - Finally Time

We hear the door open again, signaling that AJ is back and I assume that he's got whatever he needed. I try to move back to my original seat but Jase just tightens the grip he has around me. "Jase, AJ's coming! I have to move, " I say laughing. "No, don't go," he whines. I laugh and relax back into his arms. The truth is, I don't want to move either.

AJ enters the room carrying a big black briefcase. Woah! He looks so professional and serious right now. Does that mean what I think it means? It's finally time! He sits down putting the case on the table. "Rissa, I think you know what time it is?" he says smiling. I move to sit up straight this time succeeding. "Would you rather we do this at the dining room table? It would make it easier," Jase offers. We all agree and get up as he leads the way to the cleared table where AJ puts together case on the table and takes out a really short stack of papers.

We sit on the end with me between the two of them."Ok, so this is the normal musician's contract that all the artists sign. You'll can read through it and check if everythings in order or if there's any ammendments you'd like to make," AJ explains. I see Jase taking them from him and putting it between us, I'm assuming his taking the form of my 'lawyer' now, I mean he is in final year of law school after all.

"Before we do that, AJ can you tell me what will actually be happening after I sign. Like what will be the action plan and so on," I ask. He nods and starts explaining, "Ok, so once you're officially a signed with us then we'll have to get you in the studio recording some songs and then there's alot that will have to happen. The background music and some music videos. That will take a while and then we'll start getting your name out there. Maybe a duet with some of the older singers or you could open for one of the bands, but that of course won't happen right away. For the first few months I'll be working closely with you so you don't have to worry about anything. "

"Wow." I'm speechless. I turn to Jase and he looks equally amazed. "Hey Drew! That means that you'll be in town for the next few months?" Jase asks. AJ frowns a little, "No, I'm going back to Joburg in less than 3 weeks." Wait, he said that we'll be working together? How are we going to do that if he's all the way over there? Wait does that mean? No! "Then how will you two be working together if your all the way there and she's all the way over here," Jase questions confused. I hope I'm wrong as I await AJ's reply.

"Well uh guys, the thing is that Rissa's going to have to come with me to Johannesburg. Not permanently of course, well unless she decides to, but just for the first few months, for the most a year. Possibly more if anything gets delayed." he replies awkwardly.

I was right. I wish I wasn't but I was right. In order for me to live out my dream I'm going to have to move. Away from my family, away from my friends, away from the place I've always considered home and most importantly away from Jase. I look over at him and he seems to be in shock, "Jase? You there?" I ask gently placing my hand on his. He snaps out of it a forces out a laugh, "Haha, good joke Drew. Moving to Johannesburg! Really funny. This is a joke right?" He's voice is strained at the end, obviously wishing and hoping that it's not true.

AJ shakes his head in reply. "Guys, I'm being serious. Maybe I should have led with this, but Rissa is going to have to come with me to Johannesburg. It's the only way that I can ensure that her take off goes well and there's way too many things that I have to do besides this to stay this side. After these few months, you can come and record in our studio here so it's not forever. "

This is not how I expected today to go.
I've always dreamt of becoming a singer and now in order to accomplish that dream I'm going to have to leave Jase! AJ sighs and puts away the paperwork, "Rissa, this is obviously a shock to you both. I'm sorry but this is show business. You still have time so don't worry. Think it over properly and if you still want to go through with this then we can meet up and discuss the contract soon, but it will have to be before I leave. "

We all stand up and say our goodbyes. After giving AJ a side hug, Jase says that he has to go do something in our room but it's obvious to me that it's just an excuse for him to leave and I watch him descend the stairs. I sigh and turn to AJ leading him to the door. I hug him, "Thank you so much for this opportunity AJ. I'm just a little shocked right now. All of this can be a little overwhelming. I'll get back to you soon don't worry. I mean I'm sorta dating your cousin so I can't really hide away. " He chuckles slightly at my weak attempt and lightening the mood.

"I'll see you soon Ris, and forget all that formal AJ stuff. That's for people who know me as AJ, not Andrew. You're part of the family, you can call me Drew if you want?" This family is seriously so sweet but I couldn't call him that, that's Jase's name for him. "How about Jackson? " I ask. "I'd like that, " he laughs,"I should get going now. Bye and tell Jase to give me a call when he gets a chance it's obvious that he's not that excited about the idea of you leaving him." I nod and watch him drive off, his words playing through my head as I lock up.

Leaving him. I promised Jase years ago that I'd always be there for him. I'd never leave him and now? I don't want to but it's not like I'll be leaving him forever just for around a year or less. A year without Jase. Oh god! It's our last year of university. Alexis, Justin, Kyle! I don't know if I could just leave. We've all been looking forward to this for so long!

These are the thoughts that cloud my head as I make my way up the stairs to Jase.

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Heyy guys!

Chapter 7 is out! Not exactly how Rissa imagined this day would go..

Hope you guys enjoyed! As usual I'd love to hear what you guys thought of the chapter! Please vote and comment...

And a hugeee Thank You to everyone out there taking the time to read this! I love you guys so much!

Until next time..

LSMusicLover 💜