Chapter Thirty-One:

The sun crept underneath my eye lids. I opened my eyes and stared at the clock. 7 o’clock came well before I was ready for it. For the first time in a long while I was enjoying a dreamless sleep. The monsters stayed away last night. I’m not sure if it was because of my talk with Jared, or spending time on Matt, or trying to pamper myself, or even that insane dream… Whatever it was, it worked and I’m thankful it did.

I took as quick of a shower as I could without getting my cast wet. I put on simple makeup and opted for comfortable jeans. I put on my converse and looked for something to wear with them. I decided on Flyleaf band-tee and a black blazer. I rolled the sleeves and put on feather earrings.

I grabbed my purse and an extended battery for my phone. I grabbed a book for the car and put everything in a tote bag. I looked around my make-shift room. I don’t think I’ll need anything else.

I headed downstairs and saw Gwen bustling around the kitchen. She was humming to herself as she was making breakfast. I swear; she never takes a break. I’d kill to have a mom like her. She gives a damn and it’s so obvious that she’d do anything for Jace. I’m not sure what I did to deserve for her to treat me like her own, but I’m so glad she does. She’s the mom I’ve never had.

“You’re up early.” She smiled. “Are you excited for your trip?” She asked me. I nodded.

“Excited and nervous,” I admitted.

“Don’t be nervous. I think it’ll be good for you. Doing things that normal teenagers do…” She hinted. I rolled my eyes.

“Are you telling me I’m weird?” I asked her. She nodded. “Can’t someone just be antisocial and not be judged?” I asked her. She shook her head. “Well, that sucks.”

“That’s life, sweetie. It sucks and then you die.” She grinned.

“You’re so optimistic.”

“I really am, aren’t I?”

“Oddly, yes.” I told her. “Do you need any help?” I asked her. She shook her head.

“I wanted to make sure you ate something before you left. Just in case something happens or you have to eat lunch late. You need something in your stomach. Did you pack your meds?” She asked, putting a bowl of fruit in front of me. I nodded. She gave me some peanut butter toast. She sat down at the table and beckoned me over to sit next to her. I sat down and we ate in a comfortable silence.

“You know, for the first time in a long time, things are looking up. It’s refreshing.” I told her.

“I’m happy for you. You deserve this.” She patted my hand. I smiled at her. Today just feels like one of those days. Like, when you wake up and the possibility of a good day is so prominent that you can’t help but be in a great mood as a result.

“Thank you.” I told her. We finished eating just as Matt knocked on the door and came in, followed by Brian.

“What’s up pretty ladies?” Brian grinned, snagging a leftover piece of apple out of my bowl.

“Just finishing breakfast.” Gwen told them. “Did you boys eat?” She asked. Brian shook his head. I shook my head. I don’t think he’d ever turn down free food. Gwen got out two bowls and ladled fruit into each and got more toast going. “Sit down.” She told them both. Matt kissed my forehead before taking the vacant seat next to mine.

“Hey stranger,” I told him.

“Hey yourself, how’d you sleep?” He asked me.

“Awesome, how ‘bout you?”

“Like a rock.”

“A dirty rock,” Brian added. I chuckled.

“Hopefully you showered.” Gwen added. Matt shrugged.

“Only on Mondays… The rest of the days, I just put on deodorant and I’m good to go. I don’t even change my clothes or anything.” He beamed.

“That’s why you scare all the children.” Brian told him. Gwen brought the guys their food.

“You’re going to have to eat quickly, so you’re not too far behind schedule.” She told them.

“Yes ma’am.” Brian started shoveling food into his mouth.

“Gwen,” she corrected.

“Sorry.” He apologized through a mouthful of food.

-.-

“Alright Brian, M&Ms or Skittles?” I asked him. It’s a long drive to Los Angeles, so we’re playing the question game. It started off as would you rather and morphed into pretty much any question we could think of.

“M&Ms, no question.” He looked at me like I was crazy.

“Dude, Skittles are so much better.” I told him.

“No contest, Ange.” He argued.

“To each his own.” I surrendered.

“Celebrity crush?” Matt asked me.

“Thor.” I told him.

“A real person?” He countered, laughing.

“Chris Hemsworth as Thor.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“My man, boobs or butt?” Brian asked Matt.

“Why choose when you can have both?” He answered.

“True that, but you gotta pick one.”

“Butt, there’s just something about how a woman’s ass looks in jeans, you know?” He grinned, looking over at me. I blushed.

“Hell yeah, bro.” Brian agreed.

-.-

A couple hours later we finally arrived. We piled out of the cars and into Jared’s office. He came out to greet us as soon as he saw us get out of the car. Jared came over to hug me and beckoned us all inside.

“I’m Jared Morgan.” He introduced. Matt offered his hand.

“I’m Matt Sanders – it’s nice to meet you, sir.” He smiled. Everyone else followed suit. Once everyone had learned each other’s names, we all took a seat.

“I listened to your demo and took a look at your video. I think you all are very talented. Do you think you would ever be interested in pursuing music professionally?” Jared asked. They all nodded in unison.

“Sir, that’s what we’ve been trying to work toward. I think I speak for all of us when I say that’s our dream. We all want to make a living doing something that we love.” Jimmy spoke up. Jared looked pleased with his response.

“In that case, I’d like to unofficially offer you a record deal.” Jared revealed. “Are any of you minors?” He asked the guys. They all shook their head. “Alright, even so, I’ll have contracts drawn up but I think it would be best if you had your parents look over them and any legal counsel you might need. I don’t need an answer right now. I know it’s a lot to consider, but I also know your relationship with my daughter. I don’t want to you rush you. Sleep on it and I’ll have the contracts overnighted to you on Monday. I’ll be in town next week and we can talk more about it then.” He offered.

“Sounds good. We really appreciate it, Mr. Morgan.” Matt told him.

“Jared,” he corrected. “I know you had a long drive, what do you say we go to dinner? My treat.”

Notes

I'll try to have another chapter up later this afternoon. As always, comments are always appreciated.