Tomorrow

Prologue

Riker's POV

I turn and punch the wooden door as it closes behind me. I knew that it was going to be hard, but I had no idea how hard.

Running my fingers through my hair, I take a deep breath, at least it's over now. I start walking down the flight of stairs. I plan on stopping at In & Out's to grab a burger. After that, I'll stop at the corner store to get a six-pack of beer and I'll sit outside on my patio and relax.

It'll be the first time since the tour ended, and since I just quit the band, it won't be the last. I smile to myself and I so many possibilities. It's the start of something new.

"Riker!"

I roll my eyes when I hear his voice, stopping on the staircase landing.

"What Rocky?"

"You know you don't have to be a stranger. Just because you quit the band doesn't mean you can quit our family," Rocky reminds me.

"Okay." I turn around and start down the hall again.

"Riker?"

"What Rocky?"

"Do you think you'll ever want to do it again?"

"I don't know, Rocky. I need some time to figure everything out," I explain for the tenth time that day.

He nods.

Out of my siblings, he's the most understanding, or at least he tries to be anyways.

"Maybe you just need a good smack over the head with a Louisville Slugger," He exclaims.

"Or maybe I just need a break!" I shake my head.

"Riker!"

Great, now they're going to gain up on me.

"Yeah Ross?"

"Does this have anything to do with that blonde that was at your place last week?"

Is he serious? Does he really think I would let a girl tell me what to do? I tilt my head to the side and look at him.

"No Ross, it doesn't."

"I would hate to have to tell the press that you let a girl come between us," Ross adds coldly.

"...and I would hate to have to kick your butt!" I reply seriously.

Who did he think he is? He may be some Disney star, but he's still my little brother.

"Riker?"

"Jesus guys! Didn't we just go through this for an hour and a half? I'm done performing with R5 indefinitely. I need to take some time off. If I change my mind you will be the first to know. Now leave me the fu...."

"Riker!" Rydel exclaims, staring at me, tears glistening her eyes.

"I have nothing else to say that I haven't already said. And there isn't anything else you can say to change my mind," I explain, hopefully for the last time.

I stare at the four of them, hoping that someone will have a tinch of understanding for me.

Ratliff put his arm around Rydel's shoulder. They turn and walk away.

Ross kicks the wall, cursing under his breath, and follows them.

I sigh and look up at Rocky. He nods.

I start on my way again.

"Riker?"

I swear I have no patience left. If they keep pushing it, it will get nasty.

"What Rocky?"

"Don't forget to call mom, she worries about you."

"I'll call," I mumble. I leave him standing there, not looking back.

I get outside and feel like I can breathe for the first time in a long time.