Aww, Tricia, I'm so glad you like it.
It was very sad, made me kind of sad to write it. lol
But, though I hate it, there is much more sadness to come.
Thank you SO MUCH for being a loyal reader. :)
You are so welcome to change the name in your head whenever you want.
If it wasn't Chelle, it would be Tricia. Lol. :D
I am so happy you love this.
And girls! You should all follow Tricia's example and comment. ;D

-J<3

So sorry it's been forever girls, hope you are still with me! :)

Chapter 10

"Ready?" I smiled, holding out my hand to Joe. He threaded his fingers through mine and shook his head
"Not at all." I smiled. It had been weeks since he had told me, and we were as strong as ever. I pushed the thoughts of him leaving someday to the back of my mind, determined to be completely happy with the time I did have with him. Over the past weeks I'd held Joe's hand through everything. And I would continue to, especially tonight. We told Mama and Papa J the news about a week ago, and after many tears between us all, it had been accepted that this was what Joe needed to do. Tonight...was going to be the hardest night of all, other than when he’d told me. Tonight he would tell Kevin and Nick. Joe had decided that I not be with him tonight, just him and his brothers. I thought that was very brave, so I agreed. He was so nervous. All the way to the room he was squeezing my hand as tight as he could and muttering to himself that this was a "bad idea." Then we were outside the door. He tried to walk away, but I took his face firmly between my hands.
"You can do this," I said softly, kissing his cheek. He gave me a small smile, but squeezed my hand tighter as I pulled away. "What is it?"
"Stay." he whispered, so scared. "Please stay and hold my hand." He pulled me to this chest and wrapped his strong arms around me. "I...I'm scared." he mumbled into my hair. His warm breath tickled me. "Scared that.." he stopped, sounding so vulnerable.
"Scared that what?" I asked, slightly pulling back to see his face. "That they won't speak to you?" He nodded sheepishly, and I felt a pang of guilt for what I had done to him. I sighed, "They are your brothers. They love you, no matter what. Always." He broke into the huge grin I was waiting to see and kissed me. No matter how many times this boy kissed me, I always lost all coherent thought.
"Thank you." he said, brushing his nose to mine in that adorable way that I love.
"Let's do this." I said, taking his hand and knocking on the door.

~
Joe

I couldn't explain to Chelle why I was so scared about telling my brothers. I couldn't bear the thought of them ignoring me like she had, not saying a word, not even goodbye. And when Nick opened the door, it took all of my will power to walk in. Kevin walked over and said hey. And then we all sat down. I knew I was supposed to start, but with all of them just staring at me, wondering why I looked so scared probably, I couldn't do it. Then I felt her fingers tighten around my hand in encouragement, and she winked at me. I took a deep breath, with her I could do this. I just decided to start with the obvious.
"I love you guys." They looked at each other, then back to me.
"We love you too man." Nick said. I couldn't believe I was going to say this so bluntly, but I had no other choice.
"I'm leaving...the band." Kevin's eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. This I was expecting, but Nick...it was like his face just closed up. There was no emotion there at all, and I knew that this was not good for him.
"Nick?" I asked. His hand clenched the arm of the couch, and for a moment I thought he was going to get up and leave. But he didn't just stayed and stared blankly at me. I couldn't take it, so I looked at Kevin for the rest. I told them everything, about the army, about the day I told Chelle, and about Mom and Dad. When I finished Kevin stood up and walked over to me. He hugged me for a moment, then backed away.
"I love you man." he said, "And I respect your decision, but I think you need to talk to Nick alone." I looked over to my younger brother, still motionless on the couch.
"I will." I said. I didn't even have to say a word to Chelle, she just came up and kissed me on the cheek.
"Good luck," she whispered, brushing her fingers along mine as she followed Kevin out of the room. I picked up one of the chairs and set it right in front of Nick, sitting down. I stared at him like he was staring at me, determined to wait until he said something. After what seemed like hours, probably about 15 minutes, he looked away, and I barely saw the tear that had escaped down his cheek. But I did see it.
"Nick?" I said hesitantly, stating it more like a question. His head jerked and as his gaze met mine, his face crumpled. That mask was broken, and his emotions broke free. Though he didn’t burst into tears, the pain on his face was so hard to take. I had no idea what to do. Though I was older, Nick had always been the strong one, and seeing him like this was almost too much for me. And then one tear broke free, sliding down his face. He didn’t even bother to wipe it off. I put my hand on his shoulder, and he pulled me roughly to him in a hug. He just kept his head in my shoulder, holding me like he’d never see me again, and I just held him as tight as I could. After a long time he sat back down, the pain still there, but less severe.
"Joe, I..." He stopped. I nodded.
"I know, me too." He gave a small smile and laid his head back on the couch.
"I never pictured you in the army." He joked. I smiled, glad to have my brother back.
"Well I never figured I would have to comfort you." I said. He laughed.

commentingisgoodexcerciseforyourfingers. :)

-J<3

gosh i don't want to think about the day JB retires as a band...that won't be for years and years and years

i'm happy for Nick and his decision to pursue a solo career...and the fact that he prayed about it....good for him

and more family time for me and Kevin huh....thats a plus

but poor chelle....i can't imagine what it would be like to have a significant other or spouce out there fighting for our country.....she is going to need all the support and prayers she can get

beautiful chapter jess!!

post more soon! =)

bumping ladies! :)