Soaring Bird

"Are you ready?" Neveah asks her daughter as they finish up packing her bags for her tour.
"Yes." Chantel replies
"Nervous?"
"Kind of... I just wish we could be doing this tour with any other band. I mean the rest of the guys are super cool, but Nikki is such a prick. And I hate this damn record label for making him sing part of MY damn song!"
"Well you know what Amelia said, by having him sing on that song it would help push your album more, which is a good thing because you guys are a new band, and I know you will hate that I say this but, they have already toured, they have a fan base, that is what is going to help promote you."
"Your mother is right. When we first started we toured with bands that already had huge fan bases, so that way we could be promoted." Ashley says while walking in the room
"I know, I understand, but it doesn't mean I have to like it."
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"Welcome to your home for the next 8 weeks." Amelia says
Chantel and the boys walk onto the bus and take it all in. It's not as nice as the other bus, but they knew not to expect much because it was their first tour. There was a small living space with a tv, a mini fridge, that was stocked with water and monsters, and four bunk beds followed by the tiny bathroom in the back of the bus. It was a cute little bus that they would be happy to call home.
"It's great Amelia, thank you." Chantel says, claiming the bottom bunk across from Rex.
"Now there are rules. No booze," she says looking at Rex, "be on the bus an hour after the show, lights out when the driver says, and keep it clean. Laundry will be every other Saturday, and if you can, try not to shit in here! Got it?"
"Yea, where will you be staying?" Rex wonders
"Sadly I am stuck on either the roadie bus or Nikkis, they both have extra bunks and I can't tell which will be worse."
"Our couch is always available," Maddox says
"Or maybe Amelia and Rex could just share a bunk," Allen laughs, "and you can have hers"
Amelia gives her niece a look, but Chantel looks away. Rex just coughs awkwardly.
"Alright, I take it you said your goodbyes?"
"No, she most certainly did not." Andy says walking on the bus, "get out here."
"Yes sir!"
Chantel walks off the bus to see her whole family waiting to tell her goodbye.
She hugs her aunts and uncles, she tells her cousins and siblings bye, and then comes the hard part...
"I'm going to miss you." Axel says
"I know, but you focus on school and that book. I want weekly emails on it's progress." Chantel says holding in tears
"You got it!" Axel says holding in his own
She grabs her cousin in a huge hug. She knew this was going to be hard. Axel has been her best friend her whole life and now she wasn't going to be around if he needed her, yes there were phone calls and emails but it wouldn't be the same.
"Love you."
"Love you too, and you better be there early!"
"I will, see you in a week."
"As will we." her parents say as they come up behind her.
Ashley looks at his baby girl all grown up and wishes he could go back to when she was so tiny. His life changed for the better when he met Neveah, and when they had Chantel he knew his life was complete. He had always been overprotective of his princess but now he had to let her go out in the world of touring, and he knew what troubles she might encounter and he wishes he could be there, but he cant.
"Be careful," was all he said before hugging his daughter as tightly as he could while the lump in his throat grew bigger.
"Yes, please be careful." Neveah says
She can't believe that her little baby grew up so fast. She wishes she could go back to having her in her tummy kicking around and keeping her up at night. Chantel and Ashley saved Neveah's life and she will never be able to repay them enough.
"I will be. I love you both so much. Thank you for always believing in me."
And with that Chantel stepped on the bus and closed the door behind her

Notes