Part 4  Game of pool.

“I see we need to discuss some ground rules here.”  Chris threw some water on Josh’s face.  “Wake up and find your own bed man.”

Josh went back to his bunk without question or comment.  I followed Chris to the lounge.   “It doesn’t look like I am going to be able to trust you to control yourself.”

“I had nothing to do with what you saw; I don’t know why he is in my bed.”  I said trying to defend the indefensible.

“It won’t happen again.”  He commanded as if there was no other option.

“Chris nothing happened.”   I pleaded with him.  I wanted him to believe that.

“You just can’t get too close to them.  I don’t want you to get hurt.”  He said.  

I nodded.  

“Come here.” He gently commanded.  When I was in his arms he wiped away the tears that I hadn’t realized I shed.  He rubbed my back.  “It will be okay.”   We sat together on the couch and he made a rabbit shadow puppet with his hand,  and started singing “Little Bunny Foo Foo”.  

I laughed,  “No Chris.  I am not two.”  I protested.

“I know.  That is the problem.”

We sat in silence and watched cartoons together.  Later we stopped for breakfast.  One of the crew girls joined me and Chris.

“Amy, this is Renee, she is going to be your roommate on this trip.”  He announced.

I nodded.  “You mean my babysitter.”

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.  “I hope not, she has a job to do here.  Though I am asking her to help you with your acclimation in the next couple days.” He explained.

I giggled.  “So babysitter it is.”

Renee smiled sweetly.  “I am not going to get in your way, but you do need to know some things to help get around the arenas, and hotels more easily.  Also you need to know the schedule, I will help you keep track of it till you are used to it.  And sadly yes I think rooming with me is more of an insurance policy that you will find your way back to your room at night and boys won’t find their way into yours.  Here’s today’s schedule.”

I looked it over.  It looked intense for the guys; they weren’t going to be done until well after two.  “So what do I do during this time?”

“I took the liberty to highlight.  You will see that mealtimes and the show are required.  Where that black line is; that’s curfew.”  She told me.

“So, I have to be in my hotel each night by midnight.”  I clarified.

“That is unless you have a hard time maneuvering but most people make it back pretty early.  I normally unwind and go to bed around 1 or so.”  She informed me.

“What am I supposed to do as the guys are doing all their things?”  I asked.

“What you like, I assume.  I think Chris will make it more clear.”  We walked together to the hotel.  Mike stopped and talked to the tour manager for a minute and then came back with my key.  Renee simply dropped her stuff and left for the venue to set up the hair and makeup area for the night’s show.

I sat on my bed thinking of all that happened in the last couple days.  I wasn’t sure what to make of it.  I had what I wanted and more than I could handle all at the same time.  I didn’t know what to think of the man that was coming on so strong to me.  Josh’s advances scared me, truth be told.  The thing that hurt the most was I knew he was just playing a game.  He wanted to see how long it would take him to get in my pants.  I highly suspected the boys all had a pool going on it.

There were more important considerations, such as basic survival.  I had to get some laundry done.  What I had was not enough to barely make it through the week.  I tossed everything but the baby t and the shorts I was wearing into my laundry bag and ventured out to find the laundry room.  Mike was quickly on my heels.

“Where do you think you are going?”  He asked disapprovingly.

“I have to get some laundry done, or I am going to stink up the place.” I explained as it made perfect sense.  

He walked me back to the room.  “See that little bag on the suitcase rack?”  He asked patiently.

“Yeah what of it?”  I gave him about as much teenage attitude as I gave Chris.  Luckily he was used to such tactics of avoidance.

He smiled and further explained.  “You put your clothes in there, fill out the tag and housekeeping takes care of it for you.  It is very effective.”

“How do I pay for it?”  I kind of liked the idea.

“You don’t, Chris does.  It is charged to the room.  Don’t worry about it.  All of us do it.” He told me reassuringly.

This was like absolute magic to me, and it got me thinking.  “I could use some new clothes too.  What’s your idea for that?”

“Have you even looked through your tour packet?”  He sighed, exasperated with my ignorance. 

“Well no.  I just thought the schedule was the most important thing.”  I admitted.

He sighed.  “It is, but you are most likely going to find a piece of plastic in there that will make you very happy.”

“I opened up the envelope and dumped everything out.”  Inside were my VIP passes, an ID, and a debit card.  There was a note from Chris.  Also there were papers from NYU for me to read and fill out for the upcoming school year.  Your basic schedule, roommate request, meal plan and book list.  There was also a pink form that said online summer school.  I growled a bit at disgust.  So, this was how I was going to spend my free time.  American Literature, and Composition 101.  There was also a cell phone in the bag.  

Amy-  This should be sufficient to get you settled.  Today while we are at the radio stations and sound check; I want you to get a laptop. Also buy some new clothes for the summer leg of the tour. Remember you will be in the presence of men, and be careful with your choices.  Please be modest.  Also be frugal.  You have a 5,000 limit for this month.  It will be 1000 from here on out, but you needed the extra this month for the computer.  This is your allowance. Anything you don’t spend will automatically be placed into a savings account for you at the end of the month.  Your allowance will cover everything incidental.  Your room, board, transportation, tuition, security is covered in a separate fund, so don’t worry.  Love you little one.  See you after the show.

I smiled slightly.  So, I wasn’t fending for myself. That was indeed a comfort.  “So, Mike, how do you feel about shopping?”  

“It isn’t my favorite thing, however I think that was what Chris needed you to do today, so I will endure it.”  He smiled and called down for a car.  

We headed for the nearest shopping area.  I started looking at computers first.  I found the most powerful thing I could buy, and had money in my budget for a small color multi-task printer and  a digital camera.  Getting the important technological purchase out of the way I went about the task of clothes shopping.  Ironically that was much harder.  

Even though I liked the idea of having cute things I kept getting distracted.  My first one was Spencer's Gifts.  Lance had already gotten me with the shocking gum.  I warned him that pay back was a bitch, so I looked around at the practical jokes aisle and picked up all the classics, such as whoopie cushion, fart spray, a pen with disappearing ink, and a rubber chicken.  I had no plans, but having four accomplices I am sure I would figure out how to get my revenge.  

I appeased Mike by going into the Gap next and got a selection of jeans, polos, and khakis.  However as I was leaving I spied the American Girl store.  I went in and longingly looked at one of them.  It would be a waste of money.  Sure the Spencers stuff was but I could justify it as a way to be able to survive the bus trip with the guys.  The doll would just be ridiculed.  There was no place in this world for it.  Besides, everyone would say I had outgrown it.  Mike patiently waited as I coddled my inner child if only for a few minutes.  

I went to Abercrombie next and got some more revealing clothes.  Mike didn’t object, but I could swear he rolled his eyes at one item I picked out.  Across the way was the Disney Store.  I had to look.  There were a lot of stuffed animals and figurines that I was so tempted to get, but that was not the mission.  I settled for a Mickey Mouse t-shirt, and a Disney World hoodie.

Before going onto American Eagle, I stopped at Auntie Anne’s pretzels.  I got one with ranch to dip and one for Mike with nacho cheese along with a Cherry Limeade.  I rounded the corner after finishing my clearance purchases in American Eagle, and I saw it.  The  jack in box music yelled my name and the multicolored lights bedazzled me.  But it was the horse that brought me to my knees. 

“Please Mike, can I ride it?”  I begged.

He laughed at my immaturity, but then took the request seriously.  I saw him scanning the crowd and then his eyes focused on the line.  Luckily there was none. 

I bounced up and down with excitement.  “Please, please, please,  Mike.  I’ll be your best friend forever.”

He looked down at his watch and rolled his eyes with a  snarl of a smile.  He sighed,  “Fine but only one time.  You need to get more clothes and make it back to the arena by three.”

I nodded and pranced off picking a bejeweled white mare and went around and around for about five minutes before the ride came to an end.  The pure joy of being about to do something so childlike was freeing.  With new vigor I was able to face the shoe shop.  I must have tried on a hundred to get 5 pairs.  They would have to do it.  I was a bit exhausted by this point.

“Mike, can we stop for lunch?” I whined.

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea.  Where are you thinking Miss Kitty?”

I went to the directory and scanned the dining options.  I wasn’t really in the mood for the greasy food court, so I looked at the restaurants on the list I had two.  Applebee’s or Rainforest Cafe.   I took Mike to the Rainforest Cafe.   I ordered the Rainforest Burger and sat where I could watch the demonstrations with the parrots.

After lunch I hit a couple more stores before going into Petland.  Mike quickly found that I wanted to cuddle them all, so at about the fourth one he said, “One more and we have to get going.  You still need to get under things and pick up your books from Barnes and Noble.  I picked the loneliest overlooked puppy to play with for a while.  He was so sweet, I wanted to get him and take him with us but I knew with life on the road and being in a dorm for the fall it wouldn’t be fair to it.  I prayed that it found a happy home.  

  Lastly I wandered into Victoria’s Secret to get some underwear and some cute things to sleep in.  I stayed really basic with my selections and didn’t make Mike endure it any longer than I had to.  By the end of the day I spent a grand total of 3000 dollars.  That was more than I have ever spent in my life at one time.  However I was set for the summer, unless I lost something I did not foresee me needing anything until well after school started.  I did feel a little guilty that Chris was paying for all this.  I tried to honor his request as much as possible, but swimsuits gave me a problem.  I was reduced to bikinis because they were the only thing cute.  

“Where are your workout clothes Amy?”  Mike asked.

“I didn’t get any.”  I shrugged.  

“Go into Dick’s and get enough to last a week at least.  Also you need to get a one piece.” He commanded. 

As I was making selections based on color and comfort he walked around the place picking up weights, medicine balls, bands, boxing gloves, and a yoga mat. He came back smiling. “I think this will do it.”

“What’s all that for?”  I asked.

“Your morning PT.”  He said as if I was filled in on this idea.

“Where’s that in the schedule?”  I asked.

“Half an hour after breakfast.”  He said very satisfied with himself.

“Why?”  I asked.

“Because that is when I could fit it in with all my other duties.”  He explained as if I was spoiled.

“No,  I mean why are you training me?”  I asked, confused. I didn’t need to be in shape for a video or the stage.  It was an utter waste of time.

“Chris’s idea.  I agree with him.  Hanging out with these guys it is in your best interest to be able to run and hit with the best of them.  I will also show you some self defense moves.  However, that is not to take the place of me being your security. Understood.”  He gave me the I am not taking any bullshit on this look.

I nodded.  But really I didn’t understand any of it.  We went to Barnes and Noble and purchased an obscene amount so I could start my classes that afternoon if I wanted to.  I didn’t, but it would keep me occupied until time for the show.  

Mike placed all my packages on the bus.  We weren’t spending the night at the hotel. As soon as the guys got in a good shower, we were heading down to Nashville.  It was going to be a long ride.  I made sure that I had what I needed for the ride on my bunk and all the other bags went beneath. 

Renee came on behind me.   “Mike says you went shopping today.  Get anything good?”

I smiled.   “I found some sales.  I should be set for the summer.”

   “That’s great, are you going to show me, or are you going to make me beg?” She asked, her eyes sparkled like a child on Christmas morning.

I decided to indulge her. “Sure, I had to spend most of it on a computer and a camera.  They are cool, but I think the guys will be more interested in those than you are.  Most of the bags are in the storage compartment.”  I led her down there and showed her my bargains.

She pouted as she rifled through my shirts, shorts and jeans. “You didn’t get anything the least bit girlie here.  I am disappointed.   Those daisy dukes will give Chris a coronary though.”

“That was the point.  I got some dresses though too.”  I took them out of the coverings and showed them to her.

She smiled in satisfaction.  “It looks like I have a lot of work to do.  Next time you go shopping let me know and we will try out some higher end places.  That way we can get some things that are sexy.”

I held up a halter top.  “This isn’t sexy?”

“No, I would call that slutty.  Promise me you will be miles from Chris if you decide to wear that.  In fact I don’t think it is a fit for any of the guys at all.”

“You will have to show me what you mean by sexy. I don’t know if I have the first idea about it.  I am too much of a child. “

“Don’t beat yourself up.  It takes time to learn all of this stuff.  I have time to teach you.  I used to go shopping with my sister a lot. She is about your age.  So are you ready for your first night of work?”  She asked.

“Work?”  I was kind of confused.

“Yeah the internship Chris set you up with.  I heard Kevin say he was going to place you in fan services with Gina tonight.” She explained as my head was spinning. 

“What will I be doing?”  I asked, trying to wrap my mind around this new but, in a way pleasing development.  I wouldn’t be as restricted as I first thought.  I wouldn’t have to hide from town to town and that was a good thing.

“Oh probably just handing out backstage passes and babysitting the teeny boppers that won the local radio contests.  The official title I think is Green Room Hostess.  She told me it was the easiest thing in the world.

“That doesn’t sound too hard.”  I agreed, but as I thought about it.  It would be very hard.  I would have to deal with the public and that wasn’t my strong suit.  I was better at doing little things behind the scenes.

“Yeah you are right.  It is a very cushy, almost unnecessary job. Chris said something about you needing a work study class to finish out your high school diploma.  He said that your mom was traveling with work and she didn’t feel comfortable leaving you at home to finish up, especially with your brother out of town.” She told me the pack of lies Chris had cooked up.

I nodded and agreed.  It would not do for me to contradict him by any means.  “Yeah we thought we could do the internship at my grandparents, but they live in a rural area and there aren’t many opportunities.  When Chris heard what was going on he offered.  He is always taking care of me.”  Part of me felt bad that I was lying to Renee but she seemed to be buying it.  Chris had set the story up pretty air tight.  

“It is nice of Chris to have you so close.  Why is Mike close to you though?  Normally he is on girlfriend, and family duty?”  She asked, digging too close for comfort.  I couldn’t explain it all I knew.

“Chris must consider me family.”  I said hoping it ended any further discussion.

“Yeah working so close to the fans and knowing them so well I can see why he might want someone nearby just in case.  Well we should probably head to the arena.”  She said buying it, hook, line and sinker.  This was too easy.  I was going to have to remember this for the nights that I was out past curfew.

I nodded and we got Mike to drive us.  On the way we started talking about the hairstyle and clothes Britney was wearing for her last video.

Once there I literally ran into Josh in the hall.  He was talking on his cell, not paying attention to where he was going when I rounded the corner.  He reached out to steady me as I was pushed backwards.

He laughed.  “We have to stop meeting one another like this.”

“Is that a line?”  I smiled up at him.

“Do you want it to be?”  He paused, putting his finger up to me.  “Hold that thought”  Into the phone he said. “Hey Bobbee.  The crew is arriving.  I have to start getting ready for tonight,  uh huh, yeah, no,  Babe you know that,  argh.  Next Friday. Until then.  Back at yah.”

He turned to me, smirking. “Sorry about that. My girlfriend is coming in next week.”

“Oh that must be exciting for you.” I probed, all the while my heart was plummeting to the floor.

“I will be surprised if she lasts all week.”  Josh said in a voice that sounded like he didn’t care one way or the other.

“Perhaps she will surprise you.”  I said hopefully.

“Let’s hope not.”   He seethed as that would be the worst surprise in the world.  “So what are you up to?”

“I am looking for Gina to get the fan list for tonight.” I said kind of proud that I had a purpose for once.

“So you get to deal with the screamers and fainters.” He chuckled.

“JC, you’re bad”   I protested.

“Kidding.  You have time before you have to really be anywhere.  Wanna grab a drink or something.”  He asked sincerely.

I nodded and he led me back to the green room and tossed me a coke. He opened his water and guzzled it down.  “Kickback and relax babe unless you're too wired.”

I sat on the couch and Josh came beside me.  He turned on the television, and randomly started flipping through channels.  “Stop me if you see anything you like.”

I really didn’t care what he picked, his scent was paralyzing my decision making capacity, and his mere presence was zapping  my ability to speak.  It wasn’t until he landed on the Playboy channel that was able to speak up a bit.

“No, not that.”  I said quietly.

“What’s wrong with a little sex?”  He turned to me, and as he noticed I was blushing he turned it off.  “On second thought, why don’t we play pool.’

“Sure but I am not any good.”  I admitted, already knowing the outcome of this game.

“Don’t worry I will teach you.”  He said as he racked up the balls in order. “Do you want to break or should I?”

“You go ahead.   I am sure to miss it anyway.”  I shrugged, not really caring either way. 

Josh smiled and broke the balls, then he handed the cue to me.  I totally flubbed it barely hitting the cue ball.

“You are holding that all wrong.  Hold your hands further back on the shaft.”  He said, pointing out where I needed to be.  

I adjusted and tried again.  This time the success was abysmal.  “Once more.” He breathed into my ears standing right behind me.   He took my hand in his and adjusted my grip.  “Treat it like a cock.  You have to hold it firm, but not so tight you will break it.   Just relax.  Now try.”

This time I hit a ball, it didn’t go in the hole, but at least I made contact.  He took the cue and shot one in easily.  Then he showed off a bit by calling and trying an impossible stance that he absolutely nailed.

“Remind me never to bet against you in a pool match.”  I said kind of in awe of his skill.

He giggled.  “I think you will do well to remember that on your own.  I never stop anyone on a fool's bet.  Speaking of…  Are you ready to beg yet, honey?”

“No.”  I said aghast, and slapped him on the shoulder.

“Can’t blame a guy for asking.   I was just thinking the other night of all the things I could make you do.’

“I think your girlfriend would have a healthy objection to this bet.”  I remarked trying to avoid the lust in his eyes.

“I don’t see where it concerns her.  It's your turn by the way.”  He said almost too casually as he handed the cue to me.

“Okay.”  I snatched the cue from his hands and half heartedly tried to knock the ball in.  My form was worse than before Josh had corrected it the first time.

“You are not even trying Amy.  If you don’t want to play just say so.”  He called me out in frustration.

“I am just not any good.  What is the point?”  I asked in a defeated voice.

“You never will be if you don’t practice.” Josh said positivity oozing from his pores.

Not wanting our time to be over I relented to his encouragement.“Fine, I will try to focus.”

“Let me help, remember your stance.”  He stepped back and looked at my posture.  He came back and adjusted me again.  “This time I want you to look more at where you want the ball to go than the ball itself.”  

I hit it but not with enough strength behind it.  

“Good, just a little harder next time.  You aren’t going to break anything.  In your case I am going to say the harder the better.  You are too tentative.  Just relax and it should go in.”  He got up behind me and guided my hands through the hit.  “See that is how you do it.”

He was leaning on me like that as Renee walked into the room.

“Be thankful I am not Chris, Chasez.” She announced her presence.

“Hey gorgeous, you need me?”  Josh wiggled his eyebrows.

“In about fifteen minutes without your cell.”  She ordered not even entertaining any of his bullshit.

“Yes mistress.”  He quipped with a wink.

“Don’t start that.” She admonished as she crossed her arms glaring at him.

“I’ll start whatever I want.”  He mocked.

“You really want to fight me, when I can describe this charming little scene to Chris.”  She threatened, bringing him back to the reality of the situation.

He put his hands up in concession.  “This is innocent, I was just teaching the girl to play pool.’

“Sure, that would explain why your pole is at full attention.”  Her eyes roaming to his obviously hardened package.

I blushed at the situation.  This did not look good at all.

He laughed, “That is blackmail and you know it.  Just remember I have enough on you that if you even think about going to Chris about this or anything else for that matter, Damon will have you tied up in knots so fast you won’t know what hit you.”

“Why are you bringing my boyfriend into this?”  She huffed, her cheeks turning cherry red.

“Because you should know by now I don’t play fair.”  He lifted his eyebrow in challenge.

“Be that as it may, it wasn’t you I was looking for to begin with. It was Amy.  Gina needs her help.  So, if you will excuse us, I will take her away from you.”  She explained almost apologetically.

“I don’t know Renee.  I think you are on shaky ground.  I think next time Damon comes into town we will have a little conversation about respect.”  He ominously repeated his warning.

“Come Amy before Gina enlists Chris’s help.  You know none of us wants that.”  She ordered, grabbing me by my hand and pushing me gently out of the room.

“That’s right darling.  Chris is in the dark.”  He mockingly yelled after her.

I stumbled out into the hall with Renee.   Reasoning slowly started to return to me as the fresh recycled air hit my lungs.  I could see a bit of fear in her eyes.

“What does Josh have on you?”  I asked, my eyes shocked at what power he held over her.  

“Just a couple of my indiscretions.  It gets lonely on the road, and sometimes I forget myself and do really stupid things. JC was just reminding me of that fact.”  She explained without telling me any of the juicy details.

“So whose Damon?”  I asked, wanting to get to know my chaperone better.  It might be helpful if I landed in scrapes of my own.

“He is a fraternity brother of JC’s.  We met shortly before the first tour, and have been dating ever since.  Of course his work and this tour keeps us apart.”  She briefly told the history of her relationship.

“So it would break you up if Josh was to spill the beans.”  I asked cautiously, a little bit fearful for her.

“No, probably not.  Though I can tell you this I wouldn’t be able to walk straight for a couple days.”  She said laughing off any real harm that could come to her.

I giggled, not knowing if that was a good thing.

“Hey you be careful.  JC may be having fun at my expense, but he isn’t playing a game with you.  His eyes looked all business.”  She warned me sincerely.

“What do you mean?”  I asked, clearly oblivious of his intentions.

“I shudder to think what may have happened if I hadn’t walked in the room when I did.”  She admitted, fear clouding her eyes.

“No, that is Josh just being himself.”  I said hardly knowing or expecting anything else out of the man.

“It is more than that.   Will you listen to yourself, you are calling him by his given name.  Not many people do that.  You are under his spell and you aren’t going to realize how much so until it is too late.”  She started to lecture.

My eyes glazed over as this was not the first warning I heard as far as Josh was concerned. “Mike warned me off yesterday.  I am not surprised you feel the same way.  I will try to be good.   I can’t promise much though.”

“Just see that you follow Chris’s rules.”  She said as her last word on the matter to me.

She led me to Gina and she handed me the list.  I spent the next hour asking fans their name, giving them a VIP pass.  Once all the busy work was done, I loaded up the paper so that they could transport it to the next venue.  Some security guys came to place it at the bottom of one of the guy’s buses, and I was left with nothing to do other than talk to the fans.

“Hi, I am Mandy.  How did you get this job?”  She asked.

“My brother and Chris are friends.”  I told her honestly.

“You're lucky.  You know I had to skip school and call the radio station like one hundred times to get this pass.”  She oozed with her gooey glee like all the rest of them.

I plastered a smile and told her “Well at least you're in.”

“What are the guys like?”  One girl asked in an overly excited high pitched voice.  Josh wasn’t joking about fainters and screamers.  The guys had not even come into the meet and greet room yet.

I shrugged, “Normal I guess.”   I held my tongue about the fact that all of them seemed to be players, or that  Lance was drunk all the time.  

“Are you dating any of them?”  She probed trying to get insider knowledge.

“No.”  I answered simply.

I answered several similar dumb questions, some I relied on my play book of knowledge baby blue, Mexican,  and boxer briefs.  I really wasn’t telling them anything new so they stopped harassing me.  I sat there until the guys came in.  They were very gracious and spoke to everyone assembled.  I waited til everyone was gone and helped the cleaning crew remove any items left in the room.  Then I made my way into the VIP area to watch the show.  The opening acts were rather boring, so I left the area to go exploring.  I didn’t really think it was going to be that much of a problem.   I was not famous, nor was I related to the guys.  I was just a friend of the family.  No one should have cared where I had gone.

I got in line to get a coke because I was thirsty.  There were a couple of teenage guys ahead of me and some middle aged ones behind me.  I figured the younger ones were here because their girlfriends dragged them, or else they were gay.  The older men I figured were on daddy duty.  With such options I wasn’t paying attention to the looks I was getting.

“Why’s a hot girl like you at a bogus concert like this?” One of the younger guys asked me.

“I happen to like the music.”  I said, and tried to ignore him.

“What do you say we leave this popsicle stand?” He said, trying to look down my top.

I felt like playing with him so I quipped, ``What and lose my chance with Justin, you can’t be serious.”

He grabbed my arm.  “I can show you things that Justin couldn’t even dream about.”

“Let go of me.”  I struggled to wench myself away.

“You heard the girl.” A deep voice bellowed.

I looked up and saw Mike standing there.

“Yeah you heard muscles here, let go of me.” I smirked at him.

“Bitch.” The jerk stalked off into the crowd to avoid being detained.

I rubbed my arm and let Mike lead me away.  

“Are you okay Miss Kitty?”  He questioned, looking me over carefully.

“I’m fine.”  I huffed. When we were far enough back I complained.  “Mike, I am still thirsty.”

“Don’t worry girl, the vip tent is around the corner.  Don’t be wasting your money.”  He led me to the VIP tent, and a coke was given to me for free.  I got some nachos too and found the way back to my seat.  As usual the show was electric.  Mike maneuvered me to the buses prior to the quick out.

It had been a long day and I was exhausted.  I made my way to my bunk.  I was about to lay down when I saw a box that hadn’t been there before. It was wrapped.  I opened the note first.  

Little One

Mike told me you wanted the doll.  I couldn’t stand the idea of you not having it.  If I can make your dreams come true, I will.  Oh don’t worry about the dog.  I bought it and it is now on the way to my mom’s house for my sisters to play with.  That way you will have an excuse to visit once the tour is over.

Chris

I opened up the doll’s packaging and held it close to me.  Overwhelmed by weariness and emotion I fell asleep.