Chapter 4

Ann sighed silently when she heard the door open. She had asked that they leave her alone for a couple of hours so she could get her head on straight.

"Dear heart, are you alright?"

Ann smiled when she heard Johnny. He wasn't at the hotel when she asked to be alone, so he probably didn't know she wanted to be alone. Then again, he probably knew by now, and decided to check on her anyway.

"Ann?"

"I'm ok Johnny." She replied turning towards him as she stopped strumming her guitar.

He raised one eyebrow but said nothing.

She sighed before setting her guitar on the bed. "I'm fine, as fine as I've been for the past five years."

"It's killing you being back here isn't it?" he asked softly as he sat down next to her on the bed.

"They don't know it's me, and they never will. As far as they will ever know, I'll have died there. All of our families and friends believe that, all because of that bastard who couldn't even speak proper english."

"I know my love, but that's the way our lives will be, the price of our freedom. We have found our own place in life at last. I know it is hard Ann, none of us have returned to cities that were important to us, only you have. But through this we will grow stronger. We are a family, together nothing can stop us, and no one can hurt us. We will survive, you will survive this. I promise you."

She smiled softly at the man she loved. "You're right Johnny, we will survive. We leave Angel Grove in two days, I can make it through two more days."

"That's my girl." He replied with a smile as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"So, what time is it?"

"Six."

"What! We have to get going, Ernie is expecting us at six-thirty for a practice." She nearly yelled in shock as she stood up.

"Relax love, the others are all set, we just needed you. Let's put your guitar away, get some shoes on your feet, and we're set." He replied trying not to chuckle at her expression. One minute it had been shock, then she had rolled her eyes when she found out the others were ready. Now she was shaking her head and looked like she wanted to kill someone.

"Are you making fun of me?" she asked raising one eyebrow.

"No." he replied, "I'm falling in love all over again."

She smiled softly then turned and put her guitar back in the case. "Can you take this out? I want to change, then I'll be out in a few minutes."

"No problem." He replied taking the case then walking out of her room.

"Is she doing better?"

He looked over at the others. "She's not perfect Rach, but I think she'll be ok as soon as we get out of here."

"I hope so." Steph replied with a half smile.

"So what is she doing?"

"She's getting dressed Robbie. She'll be out in a minute. Let's get the last of this stuff in the van."

"Let's go."

They turned back towards the door he had just left and looked at Ann in surprise.

"That was quick." Rach said with a smile.

"It's not like we are performing tonight. And don't get your hopes up Robbie, tomorrow we will probably take as long as normal to get ready." Ann replied with a smile, shaking her head as Robbie gave a look of mock horror.

"Let's get out of here. I've stared at these walls too long." Rach said with a laugh as she pulled her boyfriend towards the door.

Ann looked at Steph and they both started to giggle as if on cue. Johnny shook his head, and placed an arm around each of their shoulders.

"You two are nuts, you know that?" he asked with a smile.

"It takes a nut to know one." Stephanie replied with a grin before walking out of the room.

"Don't I know it." He said with a smile looking down at Ann. "I think we are all a little nuts."

"I think that's what keeps us sane."

"Insanity keeps you sane?" he asked raising an eyebrow, "How does that work?"

She laughed softly, "Think about it love, we are all a little nuts, but compared to before. I think we are perfectly sane."

He smiled before reaching down to pick up her guitar. "I think you are quite right dear heart. Let's go, we'll feel better after a nice session."

She smiled as she wrapped her arm around his waist and they walked out of the hotel room. Life always did seem better after a session.

:-:-:-:-:-:

Ernie smiled as he made the five smoothies for the group practicing across the room. When he had found them online he had been drawn to the group, even now he felt like he knew the lead singer from somewhere. He had definitely made a good choice when he choose them to perform, they were amazing. Especially the girl.

He looked up when he heard the door open. He was just about to say they were closed when he saw who it was. He turned back to the drinks, knowing they would sit down on their own.