"Why?" I questioned because she always gives me the same exact speech before I leave home.
"Because it occurred to me today that your now longer my baby. You’re a grown woman and you can take care of yourself," she said quietly.
"Oh Mom," I began, "I'll always be your baby. I may not look like one, but at heart I am."
"Oh Britney, I've raised you to be quite a good adult, didn't I," she said, pushing some hair away from my face.
"Yes you did," I said.
"You never gave me any trouble growing up," she said.
"No Mom, I haven't," I said smiling.
"You've never did drugs, had sex, used bad language," she said, "and I just wanted to tell you that I'm so very proud of you. You’re the best daughter anyone could have."
"Thank you, I pride myself on that," I said jokingly.
"You should," she said laughing, "and that’s why I wanted to give you this." She handed me a little black box with a little white bow on top.
I opened the box and discovered a gold necklace with a small heart, "Mom, it’s beautiful. Thank you."
"It was your grandmothers. You weren't supposed to get it until your married, but I think you deserve it," she said.
"Thank you so much," I said, hugging her.
"Your welcome," she said, "I have to go and finish cleaning up, but find out what time your flight is tomorrow. I'll take you there."
"Okay Mom, thank you again," I said, putting on the necklace.
"Your welcome Britney Jean," she said and left my room.
I stood up and walked toward my mirror. It was a very pretty necklace. Very simple, but very beautiful. I picked up my cell phone and dialed the airport; I remembered the number because I call so frequently.
"Hello, Continental Airlines, how may I help you?" said the operator.
"Um yes, I was wondering what time my flight took off tomorrow," I said.
"Okay, name?" she asked.
"Jean Spears," I said because that’s what Johnny usually books me under.
"And what is you destination?" she asked.
"New York City," I said.
"Your flight takes off at eight in the morning, please be here an hour earlier," she said.
"Okay, thank you," I said.
"Uh huh," she said.
I turned off the cell phone and put it in my purse. I quickly finished packing my suitcase and then walked into the living room. "Mom, my flight takes off at eight," I said.
She looked up at me and asked, "What time are you waking up?"
"Probably at five," I said.
"Wake me up too," she said.
"Okay, I said and walked out of the room and into the bathroom. I got a shower then went into my room and set my alarm clock. I laid down in my bed and soon feel asleep.
I woke up the next morning to the annoying sound of my alarm clock. I rolled over and turned it off. I slowly got up from bed and stretched. I slowly crept into my parents bedroom and gently woke my mom up, "Mother, its time to get up."
"Alright," she said and sat up in bed.
I walked into the bathroom and pulled back my short hair into a ponytail. I washed my face and brushed my teeth, then walked back into my bedroom. I put on a pair of comfortable jeans and a white tee shirt. I quickly put on my socks and shoes, and then I pulled my suitcase from my bedroom to the car. I walked back into the house and grabbed my purse and my small carry-on bag. I walked into the kitchen wearing my mom was pouring us some coffee. She handed me a cup. "Thank you I said and sat down at the table.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked.
"Yup," I said.
"Okay, lets go," she said and we walked outside and into the car. It was a silent ride to the airport. We soon pulled into the airport parking lot and it was already was half way filled with cars. We got out and walked inside. I immediately put on my sunglasses in hopes to not be seen. I look really bad in the morning and I feel sort of grouchy. I walked up to the front desk and got my ticket. I put my suitcase on the conveyer belt. We walked into the waiting area and say down.
"Have fun recording," my mom said.
"Okay," I said, "I'll try my best."
"You smart ass," she said.
"I know, that’s me," I said.
"But seriously, have fun. Go shopping, do whatever. Enjoy your break from the tour," she said.
"I will," I said.
"Ten minutes until Flight 224 takes off. Repeat, ten minutes before Flight 224 takes off," said a voice over the loudspeaker.
"Tell Jamie Lynn that I'm really sorry. I didn't do this on purpose," I said.
"She knows," my mom said.
"I just feel so bad. She really wanted me to be there and I can't," I said.
"She'll get over it," my mom said.
It seemed we just sat there in silence for a few minutes until my flight started to board. "I'm going to miss you honey," my mom said and hugged me.
"I'm going to miss you too," I said and hugged her back.
"Have a nice flight," she said.
"I will. I love you," I said, slowly walking toward the terminal.
"I love you too," she said.
"Bye," I said and handed the lady my ticket. "Bye," I heard my mom call to me as I began to board the plane. I quickly found my seat and sat down. I buckled up and pulled out my CD player from my bag. I took off my sunglasses and set them in my purse. I soon fell asleep listening to the music of Korn. I guess half way to New York; the guy sitting next to me tapped me on the shoulder. I took off my earphones and looked at him, "Yes?"
"Your phone is ringing," he said.
"Oh, thank you," I said and took my cell phone out of my purse.
"Your welcome," he said and continued to type away at his lab top.
"Hello," I said into my cell phone.
"Hi doll, you sleep well?" asked Johnny.
"Yes I did," I said.
"That’s good to hear. Dan is picking you up at the airport and you staying at the Hilton," he said.
"Okay, is that all?" I asked.
"Yup," he said.
"Okay, thanks Johnny," I said.
"Your welcome, doll," he said.
I turned off my cell phone and put my earphones back on. Unknowingly to me, there was a long week ahead of me. I'm not talking about recording; I'm talking about love.
Chapter Three
Chapter One
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