Hey guys, I know I completely suck and I'm sorry. I'm in my last semester of law school, so in addition to classes and work I'm filling out job applications and preparing for the bar exam. I hope to have the next chapter up much sooner.
Thanks for your patience.
-Kadence
Chapter 16
"I think we need a vacation," Mitchie said.
"Okay?" Shane said, not exactly sure what Mitchie was thinking.
"Your family has done so much for me over these past few months," Mitchie said. "So I want to do something for you," Mitchie said.
"You don't have to…" Shane said.
"I know, but I want to," Mitchie said. "And I think we all need a vacation before things get crazy with rehearsals, the album release and the tour kicking off."
"Sound like you've got a plan," Shane said, putting Sky's dirty clothes in her hamper.
"I do," Mitchie said. "But I need your help."
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Shane asked.
"Nope. I'm just going to tell you that I need to borrow your cell phone," Mitchie said, holding out her hand.
**********
"Can I have my phone back?" Shane asked when Mitchie joined the group as the movie started.
"Where's your phone Mitchie?" Caitlyn asked.
"I have it. I was just playing a game on Shane's," Mitchie said. "I beat his high score, so he wants it back to try and beat my new high score."
"Of course he does," Jason said.
They all settled in to watch the movie, and Mitchie let the wheels turn in her head and started making some notes in her phone to set her plan into motion.
**********
The next morning, she sat in her office making numerous phone calls, arranging for transportation and making reservations.
Two hours later, when everything was done, Mitchie drafted an email to numerous recipients and scheduled it to be delivered the next afternoon.
It read:
TO: Undisclosed Recipients
FROM: Mitchie Torres
DATE: Thursday, April 17, 8:37 AM (Delivery scheduled for Friday, April 18, 12:00 PM)
RE: You have been invited…
We have all been busy. And we're about to be even busier, with the album releases, tour rehearsals and the kickoff of the World Tour.
So, to take a little breather, relax and recharge our batteries, we are taking a little trip.
Everyone pack your bags, for warm weather please, and be at LAX at 9 AM on Saturday morning.
Love,
Mitchie
Throughout the day, Mitchie quietly packed several bags for herself and Sky and hid them in her closet.
**********
On Friday, Mitchie, Jason, Shane and Nate spent the morning at the label, in numerous meetings hashing out tour details. Mr. Davison had found a moment to pull Mitchie aside and assure her that the schedule clear and that nothing would be schedule, and praised her generosity.
"You've all been working so hard. You really deserve this," Mr. Davison said. "It was so nice of you to put this together."
"It's just my way of trying to say 'thank you' for everything that they've done for me," Mitchie said.
"Well I hope you all have a great time," Mr. Davison said.
"Thanks. Me too," Mitchie said.
As she and Mr. Davison walked back into the room, it was just after 12 noon and Jason, Shane and Nate were all looking at her.
"What's with this e-mail?" Nate asked.
"I think it's pretty self-explanatory," Mitchie said. "There will be a few guests meeting us at LAX, but I've arranged for transportation for us."
"Guests? Who?" Shane asked. "Is that why you took my cell phone yesterday?"
"I guess you'll find out tomorrow," Mitchie said. "Now, let's get this last meeting finished since you know you all have to go home and pack now."
"Let me just take this," Jason said, picking up his ringing cell phone. "It's Dad. Hey Dad. Yeah, Mitchie planned it. We don't know either. Yeah, we'll be home to pack soon; she even cleared it with the label. Mitchie didn't say. Just that we'll find out tomorrow. Okay. We'll see you in a little bit."
"Alright, let's finish up and get you guys out of here," Mr. Davison said.
**********
The next day, 11:15 AM, outside Mitchie's house…
"Alright, is everyone's luggage in the limo?" Mr. Grey asked.
"Where are we going?" Frankie asked as everyone climbed into the car.
"It's a surprise," Nate said. "Mitchie's taking us somewhere."
"Cool," Frankie said. "Thanks Mitchie."
When they got to the airport, Mitchie led them all to a private waiting area. She'd hired a private jet, so they had a private waiting room at the airport to meet up with the other guests Mitchie had invited.
"Hey!" Shane said, when he noticed, Jack Taylor, Greg, Jake and his girlfriend, Crystal, Carol and Brian and his wife already waiting.
"What are you guys doing here?" Nate asked.
"I thought it would be good for us to spend some time together, especially so I can really get to no everyone, in a more relaxing setting before we start rehearsals," Mitchie explained.
"Yeah. We all flew home after Idol and she called us up two days ago, told us her idea and flew us all back here to meet up with you," John Taylor said.
"Am I late?" a voice said from the doorway.
"Emma," Jason said.
"Surprise," Mitchie said.
"My flight out of New Jersey was delayed. I though I wasn't going to make it," Emma said as Jason pulled her into his arms.
"No worries. I would've held the plane," Mitchie said. "It's great to finally meet you."
The two women hugged and then Emma was greeted by the other Greys, Caitlyn and the band.
"Miss. Torres, has your party all arrived?" an attendant asked.
"Yes, everyone's here," Mitchie replied.
"Then we're ready to board and take off," the attendant said.
As the group followed the attendant to the tarmac, where the plane was, Jason leaned over to Mitchie.
"Thank you," he said softly. He hadn't left Emma's side since he'd seen her, nor had he let go of her hand.
"You're welcome," Mitchie said.
**********
"We'll be preparing for landing in just a few minutes. We should be touching down at just after 9:30 PM local time," the pilot said.
"Okay, so it's 6:14 PM by our watches on California time. That means that wherever we are has a three hour time difference, so we must be on the east coast," Nate said.
A few minutes later, just after the plane touched down, the pilot's voice came on the loudspeaker again.
"Current local time is 9:22 PM and the temperature is 84 degrees, a nice, warm evening. Enjoy your stay and thanks for flying with Marquis Jets," the pilot said.
"Okay, I'll give you all a hint," Mitchie said, as the limos pulled up to the jet. "Jason and Emma, this is for you."
"Atlantis?" Shane asked, to which Mitchie nodded.
"Thank you," Jason said, hugging her. "I don't think I realized how much I needed this until I saw her in that waiting room earlier."
"You're welcome," Mitchie replied.