I toss my last item, my hairbrush, into my duffel and zip it up. The girls are so nice, I'm glad to be a Graham.

"Alex, sweetie, you ready?" Fallon asks. I nod, "Yep! Be down soon, Fal." I slip on my hoodie, and my converse and walk downstairs.

"Bye Chad!" I exclaim hugging him. He kisses my head, "Bye , I love you. Have fun, Alex Graham!" I smile, "Love you too, Chaddy." He kisses my head one last time, before allowing me to escape.

I race out to the car, anticipating the night ahead. I toss my duffel in the back, and hop in up front.

"We're having it at Alan and Brycie's. Alan is supposed to leave once we get there," Fallon says. I grin, he probably won't."

"Unless the thought of all is girls there scares him off," she laughs. Seconds later, we arrive. I grab my bag and race inside.

"Hey hun," Brycie says hugging me. I smile, "Hey Brycie!" She hugs me again, "You excited for tonight?" I nod, "Yep! So psyched." She grins, "Good. We've got some fun stuff planned."

I greet the rest of the girls, and Alan, who soon decides to hide in his bedroom.

We spend the evening doing makeovers, spa treatments, and watching Disney movies. It was nice.

At about 10:30 I get ready for bed. I jog upstairs real quickly to tell Alan goodnight.

I knock softly at his door. "Come in," he mumbles. I cautiously open the door. "Hey beautiful," he says seeing me.

"Hey Al. Just wanted to say goodnight," I whisper. He puts his arm around me, "Goodnight kiddo, love you, see you in the morning," he says, planting a kiss on my head. "Love you too, Alan," I say walking back downstairs.

I get out my phone, and text Chad. 'Night love you❤!' He instantly replies, 'Love you too darling sleep well.'

"Goodnight girls!" I exclaim. Fallon comes over and hugs me, "Night sweetie, love you." I grin, "Night Fal, love you too!"

I lay down on my blanket with a smile, and drift off to sleep.

~*~

I wake up to the smell of pancakes. I get up, and stagger into the kitchen. I see Alan making pancakes, humming softly.

I immediately recognize the song he's humming, Boomerang. He's humming my favorite line. I softly sing along.

Lose control, no, don't try to hold it in
You will come back stronger this ain't the end

He turns around, "Alex, honey, you're a beautiful singer." I feel my cheeks get hot, and try to hide my face.

He takes his pointer finger, and pushes my chin up so my eyes lock on him. "There's no need to be embarrassed. God has clearly given you a gift, he wants you to use it to glorify Him," Alan coos. I shake my hands, "I don't sing!"

"I just heard you. Take a few voice lessons from Chad, and you'll be a pro," Alan assures me. I shake my head, "I-I can't. I don't sing, I don't know why I just sang in front of you. My life is a joke!" I try to run off but I feel a strong hand on my shoulder.

"Sit," Alan instructs, pointing to a chair. I sit. "Your life isn't a joke. You're beautiful, smart, talented, and loved. I don't ever want to hear you say those words again. Understand?" He asks. I nod, wiping away a few tears.

"Alex, would I lie to you?" I shake my head. "Okay. You must trust me then?" I nod again, "Of course I do Alan." He smiles, "Good. You know I didn't lie to you. You're a phenomenal singer. I know how much that song means to you."

I smile, and hug him, "Sorry I exploded like that. I've always been self-conscious about my voice." He brushes his calloused hands through my hair, "It's okay. I understand completely. Promise me you'll talk to Chad about voice lessons."

I nod, "I'll ask." He holds me at arms length, "Atta girl. I love you, Alex, nothing could ever change that!"

~*~

"We're home!" I exclaim, dropping my duffel bag on the living room floor.

"I'm in the kitchen!" Chad exclaims. I giggle, "Of course he is." I walk into the kitchen, and see Chad who appears to be making a sandwich.

"Hey honey, did you have fun?" He asks. I nod, "Yeah! It was awesome sauce!" He looks confused, "Awesome sauce?" I nod, "Yeah. It's my catchphrase don't steal it!" He grins, "Okay then. I don't think anybody would steal that."

"You do voice lessons, right?" I ask changing the subject. He nods, "Yeah. Why?" I take a deep breath, it's now or never.

"I want to take some." He looks shocked, "Really?" I nod, "Uh yes." He lifts me up off the ground in his hug.

"Okay. I'll teach you a song. Any specific one?" He asks. I smile, already knowing my answer, "Boomerang."