Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 32

"Oh yeah, that's me, fashion rule maker."

"Hey, I'll have Tim give James a refresher on being a gentleman as well, but for now, we're all on the same page. Chaperones for the win."

"Thanks, Tess. I may call you with one or a million questions about kids. Or just walk next door to your office," I baited.

"What?" Tess laughed.

"Oh, Billy is holding the office next to mine for one Tess Denning," I added.

"And what is Tess Denning doing in that office?"

"I don't know, but if he's smart, whatever the hell she wants," I offered.

"Hm, this is very intriguing information. Thanks for the tip." Tess shot before she hung up.

I was sifting through a box of shirts when a soft knock came on the door.

"Come in," I hollered with my head still in a box almost as large as me.

"Um, do you need some help?" Jackson asked.

"No, this is my mess; I should clean it up," I sighed. "What's up?"

"Not much." Jackson flopped back on the bed as he spoke.

"Are you excited about the concert?"

Jackson paused before answering with, "yeah, I guess so."

"Hm, I note hesitation."

"Not about tomorrow. I'm just..." Jackson collected himself again before adding, "I'm a little bummed about the tour."

"The tour? Why?"

He rolled over to face me. "I'm usually fine, but lately, I've been spending more time with Dad, you know? With the projects around the house and telling him about my music, it's been different... good different. And things are really good with him and mom right now. Did you see them at Christmas? They even joked around with each other!" There was an excited babble to his cadence.

"And you're afraid that will fray while he's away?" I offered.

"Things always get worse for them when he tours; honestly, for all of us. He and my mom just fight all the time when he's touring."

"Huh? Have you ever said this to them? They may not have realized it themselves?"

"Um, no. I'm just the kid."

"A very smart kid," I noted. "Touring is stressful for your dad. He doesn't like being away from you, but it's part of the job. And I'm sure it is stressful for your mom, too; it throws the normal rhythm off."

"Yeah, I know. I just wish things could stay like this for a little while." Jackson held his gaze on the ceiling above him, so I flopped down next to him to at least share that connection.

"I can talk to your dad," I offered.

"Yeah?"

"Of course, and just so you know, he loves spending time with you. Making that recording with you for your mom was self-described as his best day ever."

Jackson kept his gaze on the ceiling, but I could see a smile spread across his face.

"Can I ask you a question?" I added.

"Sure," Jackson curiously looked over at me.

"What do you see me as?" I asked.

"Huh?"

"I mean, I'm not your parent. I'm not your friend. What role do you see me having?"

"Oh, um, well..." Jackson pondered it for a few minutes. "I guess you are just Lily," he added with a shrug.

"Huh," I pondered the title. It was so obvious and yet so me.

Jackson added, "I like you being around. You add a different perspective, like with my mom and dad. I think you have mellowed them both out a bit. And, I don't know, I feel like I can talk to you. You're not like a friend, but I don't feel like you're a parent, like I'm going to get in trouble with you as much."

"Great, I'm the pushover," I teased.

"No, I don't think that. I know that if you catch me pulling some crap, I'll be in trouble, just like if Mom or Dad caught me, but if I have something I don't feel like I can talk to them about, I can talk to you." He shrugged. "You're like cool, but not in the creepy way that allows kids to throw ragers in the basement way. You don't try to be cool, you just... you're approachable, and you treat me like a human and not some kid. Plus, it's nice to see an adult who doesn't act like they know everything."

"Well, you're a human, and I don't know everything," I laughed.

"Mmhmm, most people don't think anyone younger than eighteen is an actual human with ideas and stuff," Jackson lamented.

"Well, I'm happy to be your approachable adult then," I nodded. "And for the record, I love you, Jackson. And because I love you... no ragers in the basement for you."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." He slid off the bed as he spoke. "Love you too, Lil," he added before he escaped the room.