Everything Under The Covers (Plastic Wrappers)

Homecoming

2 years later

My eyelids trembled as I forced them to stay closed, trying to sleep. The consistent background noise from the others on board masked the deafening sounds from the small plane. We had booked our flight too late and the only jet available to ferry us back to the United States from Mexico was a travel-weary older model Cir*us Vision Jet. All my staff and crew had to cram ourselves into its small space, leaving no space for me to recline my seat or to find comfort while traveling. It’s no small feat to fall asleep, yet I tried my best anyway, nestling into the small, unforgiving confines of the chair.

The noise proved too disruptive as I gave up trying to rest and sat up in annoyance eyeing the gaggle of sneezing, coughing, talking people I was forced to travel with. Besides me, sat my manager, Jane. She sat in the window seat and took the role of my babysitter. She was in charge of overseeing my welfare and to ensure that I kept to my commitments on time. She ignored me while I glared at her, silently tapping on her tablet, probably reporting back to base on the success of my latest world tour. I had my last performance in Monterrey, Mexico State. I was in a hurry to return home, so I bypassed all warnings about the plane's lack of comfort or proper service and forced us all into this flying tincan. I'm sure we had exceeded the maximum flying capacity and would soon fall to our peril.

I huffed and turned and looked across the window as we glided across the sky. At that moment I felt weary, exhausted and burnt out. Traveling from city to city in the past 9 months had been grueling for my body and mental health. I could barely get any sleep. If I did, it was only for 2-3 hours per night and they were fitful and filled with bright colors and flashes of blue and purple. An endless void that prickled me with unease each time I thought about it. But with the gruelling schedule, I had become used to sleeping as being the only escape for me. Without that? I was slowly unraveling. I needed a break. After a lot of self reflection, I'd come to the realization that if I continued this way, I would have a complete meltdown. Not that my label cared that much, they used me in the last couple of years to pump out solo albums and work. Banking on my popularity as it'd increased immensely, as my group faced a decline due to some recent controversies between some members. We were a decade-old group and our contract negotiations were coming up and I knew the label; JPYNE, were keeping me on a tight leash. So I wouldn't be poached by a rival label. Jane would eventually bring up the contract resigning. I was almost an adult and had a lot of good years ahead of me as an adult. I brought in a lot of revenue, I knew my worth. That is, if I was going to resign. I'd deal with whatever, when it came. For now, I needed to sleep. I didn't appreciate jet lag. With a cheerful smile, I shifted my position again, trying to get comfortable and closed my eyes to force slumber.

We touched down at LAX, five hours later. After a brief shuffle at customs. We emerged successfully, moving towards the exit. I spotted my mother's long-time assistant, Mr Harold, waiting for me at the entrance to the arrival gate. Taking it as my cue to separate from the herd. I bid a hasty goodbye to my staff and fled with my carry-on bag towards him. I could hear Jane yelling at me to stop after her emergence; unknown to her. I had been given directions by my family to return home as soon as I arrived back in the country. Mr Harold drew my case as I greeted him, some small talk between us. We moved to the car. He opened the doors and stored my bag in the boot. I sat in front to his chagrin and buckled myself in. Luckily for me, we had escaped without the paparazzi outside, being too trained on my crew to notice me slinking off.

We moved down the interstate and began a journey to lead me towards my mother's house in Palo Alto. Mr Harold kept me occupied with small talk. He discussed his family and its newest addition, a beautiful baby girl from his son and his wife. "They're thinking of naming her hope". I agreed that was a beautiful name. I dozed off comforted by the sound of his droning and that of the engine purring. I was suddenly awakened by Harold shaking me awake. We'd arrived at my mother's Mediterranean mansion, which she shared with her husband. The house had a popular style featuring many original design elements, such as ,trim, bright colors and porticos, balconies, and ornamental details such as heavy wooden doors and multi-colored tiles,trim, porches A two-story house with 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. It was located in an exclusive private community. And boasted of the best interior decorations money could buy. The place was a bit foreign to me. It is a bit too raucous and I never really felt comfortable living in it.

I got out of the car. And followed Harold to the front door where the foreman was standing, having already opened the door. Entering inside, I was treated to a lush marble foyer and a grand staircase underneath a lighted chandelier.

"Your mother is expecting you in the parlour, miss" he informed me.

Grimacing slightly, annoyed at being delayed the opportunity to take a quick shower and rest. I moved dutifully towards her location and observed her from the doorway as she was making a call. She sat gracefully on the main couch, laughing excitedly at what the other person was saying. Her husky voice transitioned from being breathless to awed to being clear. The melodious flow of her sweet southern accent was clear as she played with her soft platinum, feather soft hair that piled down her shoulders . She wore a low-cut ivory blue blouse over some boot-cut denim jeans. She looked beautiful, happy and most importantly content. A woman that had achieved all she ever dreamed of in the world, with no regrets left.

I continued to watch her affectionately, as she ended the call with a flourished "I love you baby, see you later. Buh Bye." Sighing happily, she sat back on the couch playing with her necklace, taping an invisible rhythm only she could hear. Tired of spying on her, I moved forward, letting her be aware of my presence.

"Allie Swan!!? my word." She got up excitedly to give me a hug. She smelt so good. Like honey and lemon fruity drops. Everything felt familiar and comfortable to me. "I can't believe I haven't set eyes on you in almost a year. Come darling, sit down. Let me see my baby."

She was my best friend in the whole world, And I missed her. Tears came down my face as I Sobbed silently, suddenly feeling months of homesickness while I had been on tour. I hadn't realized how lonely I'd felt till she drew me in for another long hug, stroking my back.Shushing me gently, "now baby rose, Don't cry shhh it's okay shhh mama's here, I'm here. My sweet girl, my baby bear, I love you so muc..."

She continued to placate me until my sobs subsided to small sniffles. Embarrassed by being vulnerable and breaking down so easily, I sat up with an embarrassed giggle, "sorry mama. Don't know what came over me. I guess I really must be tired."

"Now shush there. No harm in needing your mother for a hug. I wish I could do better for you. Be more active in your life. I wish I hadn't always disappointed you, Allison."

Her statement forced a little uncomfortable silence. I adored my mum and doted on her, but she wasn't what was known as a "present parent". She basically left me in Virginia, forgot me in my popstar world, leaving Jane and the company to care for my well-being, while she enjoyed a life of comfort. Traveling the world, being a baroness. Spending her husband's money and enjoying her life. To be fair. Both she and my stepfather, Sir Emry, offered several times to buy out my contract and get me better working conditions. But I felt there was never really a need. I had an obligation. I would fulfill my end of it. So she left me to the life of fame and checked on me whenever she remembered to. Which wasn't very often.

I noted the trepidation in her eyes as she looked at me, feeling guilty for her selfishness and self-centered behavior regarding her only child. I smiled to alleviate the awkward silence, wanting to soothe her discomfort. I actually didn't blame her. Her happiness was the most important to her. I understood and respected her mindset.