"Mia, you ready to go home? Alan asks. I nod, "Yeah. Let me tell everybody goodbye."

I walk over to Joey, "Bye Jo-Jo!" I exclaim. "You leaving?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. I nod, "Alan wants to get the girls to bed." He grins, "Well, bye kid." I hug him, "Peace out Jo-Jo."

"Bye Jumping Bean!" I exclaim, jumping on Caleb's back. "Woah, bye Mia!" He exclaims. I hop off if him and give him a quick hug.

"Wicked! Bye!" I exclaim."I am NOT wicked!" Chad exclaims. I laugh, "It's just a nickname ya know?" He nods, "I know." I hug him, and he smiles, "Bye kid."

"Bye Fallon! Bye Kelsey!" I exclaim, hugging the both of them. "Bye Mia, it was nice being you," Kelsey says. "Hope we can hang out again soon," Fallon says. I nod, "Most definitely!"

"You coming Mia?" Alan yells. "Yes goofball, I'm coming!" I exclaim. I walk outside into the chilly air.

"You wanna walk? Or ride with Brycie?" Alan asks. "I think I'd like to walk again," I say. "Are you sure? It's chilly," Alan reasons. I nod, "I'll be fine, bro."

We begin walking home, Alan puts his arm around me for warmth. "Did you have a nice evening?" He asks. I nod, "Yes. It was the best. Thanks Alan." He grins, "I'm glad you had fun. Mia, I once had a time, where I didn't know where I was going. I was lost and alone. I even left Brycie and Avery. I know it's hard to believe but I was doubting God's existence. I'm here for you, no matter what it is, you don't have to hide it from me, I'm here."

We walk up the driveway, and I turn to him, "Thanks for sharing part of your story with me. I feel so much closer to you right now." He pulls me in for a hug, and he holds me really close, "I love you, Mia, I'm here for you."

~*~

"Alright girls, off to bed," Alan says, chasing the girls upstairs. They giggle and squeal, as Alan hoists them into the air. I smile, watching them. Alan is honestly a great father, I'm glad Josh and mom let me stay here for a while. It feels more like home already.

"Mia," Brycie says. I quickly snap out of my thoughts, "Yes." She smiles, "Would you like some chai tea? It might help you out on your first night." I nod, "Yes please!" I follow her into the kitchen, and sit at the bar.

Brycie pulls out three mugs, and puts the kettle on. "Are you enjoying yourself?" She asks, striking up conversation. I nod, "Yes. It's so much fun!" She smiles, "I'm glad."

"Hello ladies," Alan says, hopping onto the stool next to me. I grin, "Hello sir!" He smiles, as Brycie prepares the mugs and sets them in front of us.

"Mia, while we're here, is there anything you'd like to talk about," Alan asks, concern flooding into his eyes. I cautiously nod, "There actually is. If you guys would listen." Alan and Brycie both nod. "We're here for you," Brycie says.

I take a deep breath,"I had this friend named, Jayde. Jayde and I were friends forever, we were really close. One day, Jayde got invited to a popular girl, Bre's sleepover. After that, Jayde wouldn't hang out with me. She would always come up with excuses. Years later, she started bullying me. She used all the secrets and everything I told her against me. I was crushed! My only friend abandoned me, she abandoned me for Bre. After that, I was the outcast. I was always alone. I didn't have anybody. Nobody liked me because Jayde told them all lies about me. I always bottled everything up, and pretended like I didn't care why they thought. On the outside I looked okay, but on the inside I was broken."

I turn to Alan and study his face. His eyes show concern, and I swear, there's a tear in it. He reaches out and buries me in a hug. "I'm so sorry, Mia," he whispers. I begin crying, I'm not sure why, but the tears won't stop. Alan holds me, and lets me cry. He listens to my blubbering, he doesn't care if I stain his shirt.

"Get it all out, Mia, it's okay," he whispers. I cry some more, I'm not sure why, but my tears just keep coming.

After I cried for like forever, I turn to Alan, and kiss his cheek. "Thank you. I needed to let that all out," I tell him. He nods, "I'm always here. No matter what time of day, or night you need me, I'm here. You can tell me anything, Mia, anything. I love you, kiddo." I smile, "I love you too Alan."

"You should probably get to bed," he suggests. I nod, and hug Brycie. "Goodnight Mia. See you tomorrow," she says. Alan follows me up the stairs.

I change into my pajamas, and he approaches me. "I love you, beautiful. Stay strong, because joy will come in the morning." I hug him again, "Thanks Alan. See you tomorrow." He grins, "Yeah, see you then."

I call my family, and we talk for a while. Then, I lay down in the bed, and think about my day. It was one of the best I've had in a while. I drift asleep with a smile on my face.