Chapter 18

Tay's point of view

    Well, we are home for some much needed rest.  Christmas was great.  I even got my driver's permit.  Crystal 

and I have been calling and e-mailing each other since the tour ended in October.  My parents and her Mom 

said we could keep in touch but we could go out seriously.  I asked Mom and Dad if I could invite her to come 

for a couple of days around New Year's and to my surprise they said yes.  I called her and asked her and then

our Mothers talked for awhile.  Finally she was able to come.

    Crystal arrived the day before New Year's.  School doesn't get back until January 6th so she can stay

until the 4th.  I'm glad she gets to come to our New Years bash.  We always invite tons of friends and family 

over New Years eve to play games etc.  It's always fun.  Katie and her family will be here of course.  But 

unfortunately Penny can't come which has Zac feeling a little down.

    We started out with dinner.  Everyone brought a dish to serve so there was tons of food to eat.

Then we played games.  I introduced Crystal to all my friends.  Then Crystal and I had time to talk. 

We also exchange presents.  Crystal and her Mom complained that they didn't have time to take pictures

during the tour.  But of course my camera happy family did so I chose some of the best pictures and 

asked my Mom and sisters to make a scrap book to put them in.  So I gave her that and she loved it.

She gave me a choker.

    "Thanks for the scrap book.  I love it."  she says.

    "You're welcome.  Thanks for the choker. How were finals?" I ask her.  She had hers before she got out 

for Christmas Break.

    "You're welcome.  Finals were o.k.  I think I did pretty well on all of them.  Are you going to be ready for 

yours"  She says.

    "Cool. Yes I'll be ready.  But I'm not looking forward to them.  At least I get to relax a little before I

have to start studying."  I say.

    "That's good.  I think Mom and Justin might get married sometime this year."  She says.

    "You're not too happy about that are you?"  I say.

    "I am.  I'm happy Mom has found someone.  It's just going to be weird for me that's all."  She says.

    I give her a hug and say "It'll be ok.  You know if you ever need to talk..."

    "I know.  Thanks.  What are you guys doing this year? Going back into the studio?"  She asks.

    "Yes. " I say.

    "I bet you can't wait to get your license."  She says.  She already has hers.  She's 9 months older than me.

    "Nope, I can't wait.  But I do feel sorry for the people on the sidewalks."  I say.

    "Yeah.  Remember almost hitting those people with the golf cart?"  She says laughing.

    "Oh boy.  I'm never going to live that one down."  I say.

    "Nope, you won't."  She says.

    Dad gets our attention and says that the ball is about ready to drop in Times Square.   We all go to

the family room and watch tv.  We all shout "5..4..3..2..1.. Happy New Year!"  

I kiss Crystal and say "Happy New Year." 

    "Happy New Year to you too.  I hope it's a good one for both of us."  She says.

    "Me too" I say.  And it should be.  I get my license, we get to go in to the studio to record our new

album, I have my family, and I have a great girlfriend.  Who could ask for anything more?

Chapter 17

Chapter 19

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