✰ Jon's POV: ✰
Packing, packing, and even more packing! That's all that me and Ashland have been doing since seven o'clock this morning. We are in the midst of packing up some of our stuff so we can head to South Carolina for the weekend. That, and to see if one of us can get her childhood home, she was, and presumably still is upset about the whole ordeal, in which I can't and don't blame her, not even at the slightest. If it were me and my parents in the situation, I'd be sad too, shit.
"Babe, are you sure we need to pack all of this just to go down there for a weekend?" I asked breathlessly, zipping up the second suitcase of the day.
"Jon!" Ashland pouted at me, her soft eyes looking into mine. "Please?! Can we stay an extra day or two down there? I haven't seen my Mama, Daddy, or little brother in a while... Please, J, for me?"
After pleading and looking into the sad puppy dog eyes of hers, there was no other answer in my mind than the one and only, "yes". If staying for the weekend plus an extra day or two is what she wants, then so be it. It isn't like we have tour to do anymore, we wrapped up the last show last week. It was fun, to say the least. And no, I didn't prank anyone on stage, even though I was very tempted to.
"Yes, okay, we'll stay in South Carolina for as long as your little heart wants to. But don't be getting any ideas, we do have to come back to Tennessee at some point, you know this already," I chuckled after answering her question.
"Jon- that wasn't what I was intending," She sighed and laughed. "What on earth am I goin' to do with you, boy?!"
That last thing she said had me stumped for a minute or two. Then the answer instantly clicked in my brain. Yes, me and her have these sorts of "arguments" every day. Wouldn't trade it for the world though.
"Love me, duh! That's what I'm doin' with you all the time, don't you think I deserve that as well?" I joked.
"Of course, now then. Let's start packing up all our back into your truck. Are you sure Baby's goin' to be okay making a long drive all the way to South Carolina and back?" Ash asked, putting an emphasis on my truck's so said name.
Yeah, over the last month or so, Ashland insists that I've named my truck "Baby", which isn't the case, at all, believe it or not.
"First, Ash, my baby girl, my truck doesn't have a name. And if it did, it'd be a cooler name than 'Baby'.. Look, I'm just sayin'," I laughed. "To answer your question though, my truck should be able to make the drive to South Carolina then back up to Tennessee. We've got this."
**
"Mmkay, do we have everything? Don't worry, my dad and mom will watch after Dolly and Whitley. Just so that they are fed and watered. Don't need 'em starving or thirsting to death. Now that'd just be terrible," I giggled.
The two of us were leaned up against my truck. The breathtaking view that was right beside me is one that I'll cherish, love, and adore for years to come. Damn.. My girl is hot as hell. She was wearing a ballcap that had my name on it, a "Kick Rocks, Cowboy" top, ripped shorts, and calf-high cowboy boots. Mhm, yes sir, she was looking like a snack- no, no, wait! She was looking like a meal. There were a few thoughts that were coming in my mind that shouldn't have been there, whoops.
"Alright, let's start heading off that way. It's goin' to take us probably six to eight hours to get there. Now it may take a bit longer though, because it all comes down on how many stops we're taking to get food and everything. We both know that food stops are a must," I explained to Ash, opening the passenger side door for her, leading her in the truck. I walked over to the driver's side soon after.
"Ugh, I always forget that South Carolina is so far away from Nashville.. Jon, do you happen to ever get homesick? Do you ever miss your hometown? Your childhood home? The road you grew up on? All the memories, any of that? Because one thing's for certain, I'm missin' it a little extra than I have in a long ass time," Ashland confessed, her right-hand fingers playing around with the left-hand of fingers.
"I totally understand what you're sayin'. I really and truly do. My hometown, childhood home, the way it would smell outside right before it would rain like crazy. Sounds weird, but you know what I'm talkin' 'bout. Moral of this conversation is, Ash, everything will be okay in the end. We're headed down to Carolina, go stay with your parents, and then ask 'em about buying the house from them. See, then we can have somewhat of a vacation house, or if you want to visit your parents, then we won't be damn near ten hours away. What do you think about that? Does any of that sound doable for and to you?" I questioned.
Ashland sniffled a bit and nodded, "Sorry, I've been getting so emotional the last little while, don't mind me. That sounds fine with me. What if they already sold it though?"
Then she started back crying again.. Oh no. I know that she's okay, or at least she says she is, but her crying over minor things is making me think the complete opposite. Maybe that's just my overthinking thoughts, I'm looking way too much into this situation.
"Uh, let's try not to think about the what ifs in this situation. We'll see what happens when we get down there. Let's just focus on gettin' there first. Anyway, we need to fill up on fuel, so do you need anything from the gas station while I'm inside?" I asked once more.
She shook her head for an answer, leaning her head on the glass of the window. If there were some way to make this situation better for her, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'm praying and hoping she knows that.
So once my truck made a complete stop at the gas pump, I unlocked the doors and hopped out.
To be honest, I really wasn't looking for anything in particular, but then there was a coffee machine in there that caught my eye. Hell fucking yes! Caffeine is what I need. I've got to get through this long drive somehow. No matter how long this takes, if my girl wants to go home, then home is where I'm taking her. Besides, it's been a while since either of us have seen or parents. They are so kind, and my family gets along with them, which is great.
I'm more close to Ashland's brother, Bryson. He's a cool dude, no lie. He's a bit younger than me and Ash, but hey, I'm used to being the oldest in a group. Haha, look, it's just the truth, nothing to be upset or anything like that.
I fixed me a medium sized cup of coffee, little sugar and some creamer. As for Ashland, even though she said she didn't want anything, I bought her a bottle of water. It's twenty-four ounces, so hopefully that'll last a little while. If not, there will more than likely be another convenience store we can stop at to get more drinks, and perhaps, maybe some food, too.
"Hi, sir! How was your shopping experience?" The kind cashier asked me.
"It was pretty alright, honestly. Just wanting to fast forward time so that I'm already at mine and my girlfriend's destination. Also, can I have some gasoline on pump number two? If it isn't an issue." After telling her a summary of my visit or whatever, I set the cup of coffee and water bottle on the counter.
"Not a problem at all, sir! How will you be paying on this lovely day, sir? Cash, credit, or debit?" She asked once again.
I told her that I was going to be paying with credit card, the total was present on the little screen, so after swiping my credit card and putting in the pin number, all the stuff including the fuel was paid for. In conclusion, that meant that it was time for me to head back to the truck to put our drinks away, and put gas into my truck. Sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't.
Finally, after all the dreadful walking I had to do, I finally made it to the truck, so without any hesitation, my hand and arm reached out for the door handle, opening up the driver's side door. At first, I didn't notice it, but then not even a split second of looking up straight after settling the drinks down in the cup holders, what my eyes were seeing was a sight that broke me and my heart more than anyone will know, which is different than anything I've ever felt before in my life.
"Ashland! Are you okay?! What's happening?!" The words barely made it out of my mouth before the tears started to pool down my cheeks.
"Me? Uh, uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just a little carsick is all.." She groaned.
Just so I could be there for her, I patted and rubbed her back gently, kissing on her shoulder. Hey, you know, she's probably just carsick, like she just said. My poor Ashy cash, I feel so terrible that I'm not able to really help her out with the sickness.
As soon as she got finished- for the time being, Ash laid the seat back, and put her seatbelt back on. As for me, I went to go and put some gasoline in the truck as it was very much so needed. Hopefully this will be enough to get us to South Carolina, I would think so, but here's to hoping it is!
I put the pump back into place and quickly got back inside of the truck, my hands instantly falling onto the steering wheel. To be fair, I'm hoping this drive goes by quicker rather than slowly because if Ash doesn't feel good for the remainder of the drive, we'll just have to get a hotel room or something.
"Ashland, are you sure you're okay enough for me to start driving again? Or do you need a minute? Also, I got ya some water if you need it, by any chance. Just lay back, crack the window a little bit, get some fresh air, and how about this? You get to play whatever song you want on the radio. Any song you want, baby girl!"
She shot straight up and a big smile formed across her pretty lips, "Any song? Does that mean I can play... This one?" Ash asked as she had taken my phone since it was connected via the Bluetooth thing on the truck's radio.
She started playing Alan Jackson's song, "Right On The Money". Man, now me and her both know that he's one of my favorite artists of all time, but that song is a whole different level of goodness. Oh, now don't get me started on how much it reminds me of Ashland. Once I start, chances are, I'll never ever stop. Haha, whoops.
"Fuck, I love this song, and I love you. You know me so well, Ashy cash. You're right on the money, you know that?" I smirked, questioning her, while lying my right hand on her leg.
No lie, her legs were cold. Now I know the AC is turned on in the truck as it's getting hotter, but hopefully she isn't freezing to death because of the air being on. If anything, she can change the heat and air on her side. That's how that works.
**
"Ash, Ash, wake up. We're here in Piedmont. We're actually at your mama and daddy's house. We just pulled up," I whispered softly to Ashland.
She stirred a bit and turned around as she was lying on her side, and looked out both the windshield, her window, and my window. Ash shot straight up and grinned, "Oh my gosh, you aren't lying! Let's go, let's not be strangers and loners! Let's go say hi to my parents and brother."
So that's in fact, what we decided to do. We knocked on the door and who came to the door, you may ask? Ash's dad. He hasn't changed a bit since the last time I'd seen him.
His eyes widened and he gasped, "Ashland? Jon? Wow, I wasn't expecting y'all to come out here! Welcome, welcome. Mama should be in the kitchen, if y'all wanna go and say hey to her. As for Bryson, he's out with some buddies. I think they're fishing or something. Anyway, come on inside, guys!"
Me and Ash smiled at one another, and we strolled inside of the house. It still smelled like apple cinnamon like it did the last time I had been here. It's so insane to me that it's been so damn long since I've been to Ashland's parents' house. It's got such a nice and homey feeling to it. So why they want to move out and sell the house beats the hell out of me.
✰ Ashland's POV: ✰
Me and Jon finally arrived to my parents' house. Though, assumably I had fallen asleep, he had to awaken me, which sucked because the last few days, I just haven't been feeling well... At all. It's mainly just been nausea, but still. That, and these mood swings that have been happening has taken a toll on me, as well.
My dad was happy to see me, which is amusing! I've missed my mom, dad, brother, and everything else that's out in South Carolina. The atmosphere, the scenery, it's home. The kinda place that makes me want to come back over and over again until it isn't possible anymore. This place will forever and always be my home, no matter what.
Thank God that Jon had decided to get me something to drink from the convenience store because if he hadn't done so, I would probably be throwing up my insides in my parents' front yard. Drinking the water has been keeping me and my nausea in check, which is good, considering the circumstances.
Jon decided to go and chat it up with my dad, but as for me, my location was just going to be in the kitchen, alongside with my mom. She was cooking some sort of meal. It might've been lunch or something, but knowing her, she could be trying some new recipe she found on the internet. Not like I'd be complaining or anything. That's just how my mom's always been.
My arms snaked around my mom's waist, my head gently laying on her shoulder. She was lost in her own little world, so she obviously didn't notice me at first. I had to clear my throat to get her attention and out of her mind, and it's scenarios.
"Mama! Hey!" I smiled big at her as she had finally turned around.
"Ashland, my pumpkin! Hey, I wasn't expecting you to show up here. Were you in town or something? Passing by? Either way, I'm so happy you're here, darlin'." Hearing how happy my mom was only made me even more happier and excited to be out here for the next few days.
But, here's to hoping and praying that my parents didn't convert my old bedroom into something different, like a storage room or something like that. Now I don't think my parents would do such a thing, but you never know.
"Actually, me and my.. Uh, friend, Jon, we decided to take a mini trip to get away from the busyness and craziness of Nashville. It's just so beautiful and peaceful out here. It'd be nice to get a house out here to come to every now and again when I'm not in the mood for Nash.." I smiled, explaining everything.
"Splendid! Are you two wanting to stay the night in your old bedroom? Because if so, there's a couple of things I'll need to get out of there before you two start settling down in there. You do still have that couch that pulls out into a bed so that your friend has a place to sleep, if that isn't an issue, that is!" She grinned from ear to ear.
In the back of my mind, that was going to be a big, fat, no! Because obviously, the bed that's in my old bedroom, it's pretty big and decent sized, so me and him will be able to fit. But it's pretty clear, I can't tell my mom about me and Jon. I don't feel comfortable with it, just yet. So maybe before him and I go back home, I'll gather up the courage to tell my parents about our relationship. Still thinking on that idea, though. So it isn't fully or clearly thought out and planned right, at the moment, anyway.
Since my mom was taking a break from all the cooking she had been doing, we both walked into the living room where Jon and my dad were talking like mad men. What on earth could they be deeply conversating about? Ahh, men, they sure are fun to be around. Now that, I will proudly admit.
Mom had gotten the random urge to go use the bathroom, so being the polite and respectful woman she is, she excused herself for a minute or more, then it became me with the two boys. Obviously, Bryson still wasn't home from fishing. But maybe he'll be back in time for dinner. If my mom is making something that will likely knock your socks off, then it's bound to be a good night after the dinner. It's always been like that, and it'll always be that way. I'm one hundred percent sure of it.
So without any hesitation at all, I sat down on the loveseat right next to J, nuzzling my face into his neck. The whole time him and Dad were talking, he slung his arm around my shoulder, his rough yet soft thumb grazed on my shoulder and the upper part of my arm. If I could have, I would've stayed there all day and night. But since you can't get everything you want in life, it soon had to end because my dad started teasing us just because me and J were cuddling with one another... Whoops.
"Ooh, what's this? Jon and Ashland, snuggling together like a couple? Did you guys finally own up to the feelings or am I just losing my mind?" Dad joked.
In response, I growled and shook my head. That's something that irks me over my dad; his teasing. He always teases me over the smallest or biggest of things. He definitely won't change that, that's for sure.
If anyone shipped Jon and I hardcore, it'd be my dad. Of course, my mom loves me and J, but still, my dad was pretty upset when he found out that me and J weren't dating that one Thanksgiving we spent down here a few years back. But soon though, his ship will be sailing. My daddy is going to be one happy camper when he finds out the secret Jon and I have been keeping from everyone. It'd probably be best if I actually told them before me and Jon leave South Carolina. Because who knows when the next time it'll be when I see my family? That's right, no one knows!
Another thing though, that I have been keeping from everyone, Jon included, is that I'm planning on taking a pregnancy test because of the nausea and other symptoms I've been feeling the last few weeks or so. Since that one night me and him fooled around, had sex, whatever you want to call it, I've been feeling like shit. So a few days ago, I purchased a test, and have yet to take it because the more I put it off and not know the answer, the more it puts me at some sort of ease, honestly.
It scares me to see the results. Yeah, me and him had a scare at the beginning of our relationship, but still, this time really isn't no different. Just because the two of us aren't on tour anymore doesn't mean we're stable enough to raise a kid of our own. It scares the life out of me that I end up not only with a baby, but without any help. That's why I'm so lenient on not having a baby this early into our relationship. But later down on the road? Hell yeah, there's no doubt in my mind that me and him are lasting a long time- perhaps the end of time, so babies for the both of us in the future are a must!
"Daddy! This isn't what you're thinkin' it is. He's my best friend. He just makes me feel safe. That, and he's right here, J makes an amazing pillow, no lie," I chuckled on my answer.
"Darn! For a second there, I thought my ship thing was sailing. Maybe next year," He laughed and shook his head. Jon was laughing just as much as my dad was.
Right as the two guys were calming down from their laughing high, my mom walked out of the hallway from the bathroom and looked suspiciously at all of us that were in the living room. Her hands lightly places on her hips, she questioned all of us, "What's all this commotion about in here?"
Then Jon and my dad started back with laughing rage they were just in a few minutes prior. Sheesh, whatever my dad must've tickled them both to the max because they are still laughing. Hey, no complaints though, at least they are laughing and not crying, arguing, or anything bad of that nature.
"To answer your question, Mama, they are giggling about something Daddy ended up sayin'. I don't t-totally remember what it was that he had said, but obviously it has lingered in both their minds long enough to the point that they're still laughing over it," I ended up giggling myself.
In fact, all of us were laughing until the front door opened, and there stood my baby brother in all his glory.
"Bryson! My little brother!" I practically almost tripped over the rug that's in the living room just to get to my brother. Look, hugs needed to be shared between the two of us. It had been a while since the last time I'd really seen him last.
"Hi, big sis. And oh my God, did you bring Jon Langston with you?! J man! How goes it?!" My brother ended up pulling away from our hug and sat on a armchair that's near the loveseat, talking J's head off already.
**after they all eat dinner and are now relaxing in the living room!**
My dad was napping off the meal we had eaten at dinner. It was a really delicious and wonderful spaghetti recipe. It was a lot different than what my mom normally cooks, but I'll admit it, it was like super good, she needs to make that recipe again. That, and it felt amazing to actually eat something and keep it down without throwing it up.
Me and Jon were cuddled up on the same loveseat that we were sitting on previously, a fluffy blanket around us both. He was stroking my hair in his fingers while my mom had just walked into the living room, shut out the lights, right after she had got done cleaning all our dishes from dinner.
"Hey, guys. Y'all wanna watch a movie or anything? At least something before you two head off to bed and everything? You don't have to, I'm just offering," My mom sweetly asked the both of us. Bryson, I don't even know where he went. Probably went to bed already, which is okay, he deserves the rest.
"Mmm, what do you wanna do, Ash? You call the shots, gorgeous," Jon hummed softly, lightly stretching, thus causing me to move out of his way for a quick second.
To be fair, there was no way in hell that I was going to be walking upstairs to head to bed, at least at the moment, anyway, so my answer was definitely going to be a yes. Just so that could buy me a little time before going to bed.
"I'd love to watch a movie. What do you have in mind, Mama?" I questioned sleepily.
Okay, so maybe I was a tiny bit tired, but definitely not tired enough to go to bed. Again, at least not yet. That, and spending time with my parents is very crucial! Even if my dad is asleep, he's still in the same room, so it counts. In my book, that is.
"Well... I was thinking of The Parent Trap. But if you have something else in mind, we can watch that instead. I just know that's one of your favorite movies.." My mom said softly to me as she sat in the one armchair that my brother was sitting in earlier.
The happiness that had entered in my body was one like no other. Eek! My favorite movie, "The Parent Trap"! I haven't seen that movie in so long, it's honestly a shock that my mom still remembers that I love that film, despite not watching it in sometime.
"Yes! Let's watch that one, please! I haven't seen it in so, so long. For old times sake, let's watch it. Jon, I'm not sure if you've ever seen this before, but sit back, relax, and enjoy. It's funny, and overall a good film. I'm not sayin' that because of the whole being biased thing," I giggled softly while lying my head on his chest, his arms instantly wrapping around me, managing to make me feel warm and safe like always.
"Mmkay, sounds good to me. Mama Craft, you can play the movie. I'm relatively sure that I've seen it before, though I could be wrong on that. But maybe seeing a scene or something from it may refresh my memory," J called out to my mom, so in which, she finally switched it on and it started to play and everything.
Through about maybe ten or so minutes of the movie playing and everything, that sudden wave of nausea came upon me like it always does. Ugh, too bad that there's no fix or anything for this. I mean, yeah there's antacids, things like that, but it isn't because of my eating habits or anything. This sickness only appears in the morning time and the night time..
With only less than five minutes passing, it was way too strong, so I threw the blanket that was around me and Jon, and rushed straight into the bathroom that's downstairs. Thank goodness that I had made it before throwing up on the carpet or anything. It was rough, honestly. Maybe... Maybe this is the world's way of telling me it's time to take that pregnancy test... My biggest fears are slowly and surely becoming reality as the days pass on..
~ ahhh Jon and Ashland are going on their first little "vacation" with one another as a couple!! 🥺 isn't that just adorable?! To me, it is! 🥺 I'm so excited that I was able to get this chapter out to you guys sooner rather than later, as I'm terrible at updating half the time because school & writer's block gets in the way, like A LOT. I do sincerely apologize! and also please vote on this chapter, lol i've spent way too many all nighters writing this and making it perfect!
~ soooo, now that the two have arrived and have gotten settled in South Carolina with visiting Ashland's fam, notice how at the end of the chapter, Ash rushed into the bathroom not too long after the family starts the movie. What do you guys think is happening?! 👀 obviously, I'm the author, so I know what's happening, but hearing what my readers think is always fun!
~ also come look at my profile picture I made for myself. It's so cute🥺😍 tbh, i really suck at Photoshop butttt however, I did try my best to my abilities!! the heart crown things were soon added to the photo because I had to hide the fact that I'm terribly bad at cutting out photos lol, but here it is! ⬇️
~ if you guys enjoyed this chapter, lemme know, vote, comment and add this story to your library. thank you in advance!! 🤍💕
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