Chapter 13: Early Sonday Morning

It took another week, but by the time Sunday came around, I was ecstatic. Reluctantly, Silvia had ordered my plane ticket back to California. I was going home. My plane would leave on Wednesday, and by Thursday at noon, I would be in Chad's arms again.

Skylar seemed almost as reluctant as Silvia to let me go. I found myself thrilled to be leaving, but I also couldn't help worrying about Skylar being left alone with Silvia and Jay.

"I think it might be good for him to get away for while," I proposed as I sat watching Silvia prepare dinner. Every night since the confrontation, I had seen her sit around thinking. I wasn't sure, but I felt- and hoped- that I had gotten through to her and that she wouldn't leave Skylar with Jay.

"Why do you say that?" she questioned, draining the spaghetti she was preparing.

"He's overwhelmed," I replied. "With everything that's been going on and with Jay..." I paused for a moment to emphasize the seriousness of the situation. "Then of course finding out that he has a sister and being forced to adjust. He needs a chance to get away."

Silvia sighed, acknowledging that I was right. "And what do you think we should do?"

"He should come with me," I suggested. "It doesn't have to be long, and he can come back whenever he wants. This way he'll be able to spend some time away doing something interesting in a place that he'll be safe. He loves So Random. It'll be nice for him to be able to meet the cast and hang out on set."

"I don't know, Sonny," Silvia said. She had turned her attention to stirring spaghetti sauce. "It might be nice for him to get away for a while, but I'm just not comfortable with him flying all the way to California without me."

"He'll be with me," I said, hopelessly trying to reassure her. "If you really don't feel comfortable with him going alone, why don't you come with us?" I suggested. I didn't really want Silvia hanging around the set, but I was certain that this might be able to help Skylar with what he was going through. Even if Silvia was there, him being able to get away from Jay would be more than worth it.

"I can't, Sonny," Silvia replied. "I have things to take care of a doctor's appointments that I just can't miss."

"Then like I said, I'll keep him safe," I insisted.

Silvia sighed. "Get my credit card and order him a ticket," she said, giving in.

I jumped up from my chair and did something I never thought I would do; I gave her a huge hug. Silvia seemed much to surprised to hug me back, and I made sure to leave before she could collect herself.

"I don't want to go to California!" Skylar screamed when I told him the news.

"But it'll give you a chance to get away from Jay," I explained.

He thought this over for a moment, seeming to debate whether or not it was worth it. After a few moments, he shook his head and turned away from me. "I don't want to go to California," he repeated.

I sighed. I understood why he wouldn't want to fly across the country with some girl he barely knew, but I needed to get him away from Jay. My conscience kept screaming at me that something terrible would happen if I left him here and it would be all my fault.

"Please Skylar," I begged.

He shook his head, adamant on his answer.

I stood for a moment trying to think of something that might be able to convince him that the trip was worth his while. "You'll get to meet the cast of So Random. I could probably even talk Marshal in to letting you be on the show," I said at last.

"I can meet Tawni," Skylar said hopefully.

I nodded although I was pretty sure what he was hoping she would be and what he would actually get were two totally different things. He thought this over for a moment before nodding in acceptance.

I couldn't hide the fact that I was thrilled. I was going home, and I was taking my brother with me.

Chad's P.O.V.

"I've tried for a few parts to a few different movies, but none of them were right for me," Crystal droned on. "I'm not sure why, but I think this one will be better."

"Why would you say that?" I asked, trying to think of an excuse to get away from her.

"Well, everyone here is just so much nicer," she replied. "I mean, no one else would just give me a tour. Being in those places was like being left alone in the jungle to fend for yourself."

"Sounds like MacKenzie Falls," I mumbled. Crystal laughed. By laughed, I mean LAUGHED. Like longer and louder than any joke deserved.

"Chad, we really should spend more time together," Crystal said. "I'm having a little party in my dressing room tonight. You're invited."

A dressing room party?!? "Crystal, I already have a girlfriend," I said, slowing pronouncing each word hoping to get the point across.

"I know, silly," Crystal replied. "Everyone's invited. I just thought you might like to stop by. I'd really appreciate it."

"Alright," I sighed. "I'll go. But only for a little while."

"That would be great!" she cheered. "I can't wait."

Walking into Crystal's dressing room that night, I honestly couldn't help but wonder how long she had been planning. The room had been decorated to the point that I couldn't even tell that it had once been a dressing room. There were balloons and tables with drinks circling the perimeter. And who carried that chandelier in here?

"Chad!" I heard Crystal call before I could see her. I turned around to find her standing behind me in a red cocktail dress. "I'm soooooooooooo happy you're here."

I took a quick glance around and recognized a few of my costars from MacKenzie Falls and the cast of So Random. But who were all these other people.

"Did you know that there's going to be a new show filmed here?" Crystal began, pretty much answering my unspoken question. "Something called Sunlight or Moonlight or something. I thought I'd invite the cast over too since we're all new here."

"Great," I said sarcastically and Crystal smiled. When was she going to go badger somebody else?

"Come on," she said, grabbing my hand. "There's something I want to show you."

I'm sorry this chapter wasn't very long and it took so long to update. I promise to make the next one longer. Please Review.