*1998*

It's been four years since Christopher and Lori had been gone. Jessica was now nine years old.
Stevie had become her legal guardian a few months after her brothers and sister in laws funeral.

But Jessica struggled to get used to her new life without her parents and her new life living with Stevie in California.

There had been a small period of time that Jessica rebelled against Stevie. Stevie at first didn't know what to do. She was lost. She had no idea what she was doing as far as raising a child. Especially one that was giving her hard time and feeling such grief. But she understood to an extent, that Jessica was really missing her parents.

Stevie would cry to her mother Barbara saying she felt like a failure. But her mother told her that she was doing well and Barbara even suggested that Stevie get Jessica some therapy.

Of course, Stevie was very much against it because of her own horrible experience with a therapist. But after a while, she gave in.

This time around, Karen made sure to go through every therapist in California and made sure they passed a background check and such.

Karen found a child therapist for Jessica and after a few weeks, things began improving. Jessica started to listen to Stevie and be much more respectful.

Little Jessica had been so confused and thought Stevie had been trying to take over her parents place. But after having some therapy and also a few sessions with Stevie, Jessica realized that Stevie would always be her aunt Stevie. Not her parents. But someone who would always love her no matter what and will always be there to take care of her.

• • •

September

Jessica sat backstage smiling wide as she watched her aunt Stevie twirl around on stage and sing.

Fleetwood Mac was currently back together again and was on a tour called the Dance. After Stevie and Lindsey's talk that night of the funeral, their relationship had been so much better.

They hadn't gotten back together until the beginning of this tour. Although Lindsey had been seeing a women that was way younger than him. He was with her for a few months.

Yes, Stevie and Lindsey's relationship has been so much better but to get together again as boyfriend and girlfriend was a very scary thing for both of them.

So many fears kept them apart as an item but as friends they were golden. Stevie was afraid things would fall apart if they got back together again so at the moment, she liked their friendship.

Lindsey had gotten together with Kristen Messner and he was content for the moment. Stevie had known about her and to be honest, she was jealous. But she couldn't really be mad at Lindsey because they were not together.

But the planning for the upcoming tour, rehearsals and interviews helped Stevie and Lindsey to become much closer. They would flirt a lot and they weren't even trying to hide it in front of the cameras nor their other bandmates.

Lindsey soon realized he was not happy with Kristen and broke up with her before the start of the tour.

Once Lindsey had broken up with Kristen and after gaining Stevie's trust, she accepted his proposal of being his girlfriend. They had been together officially now for three weeks.

Stevie was over the moon and she felt that this time around, they would make it. Lindsey felt the same way.

However, Jessica once again was having trouble with this new change in her life. For four years, it had been only her and her aunt Stevie. But now, Lindsey seemed to becoming a part of their family.

But she saw how happy her aunt Stevie was and she was willing to be open about Stevie's relationship with Lindsey.

But other than that, Jessica loved being on the road with the band and traveling to many places. In order for Jessica being able to be on the road with Stevie, Stevie had to hire a tutor for Jessica so she wouldn't miss any school.

Jessica was doing well in her school work and when Stevie wasn't on stage, Jessica would be with her or with Karen. Of course now that Stevie and Lindsey were together, she and Lindsey would have date nights or even spend the night with one another.

But Stevie would make sure Jessica was well taken care of first and in bed before leaving anywhere with Lindsey.

Lindsey would put his best foot forward as well and try to include Jessica on any outings he and Stevie would have.

The final bows were being taken and soon the band was walking off the stage. Stevie and Lindsey were hand in hand.

Jessica ran up to Stevie and hugged her tight. Stevie let go of Lindsey's hand for a minute to hug Jessica back. She kissed the top of Jessica's head then Jessica let's go and says with a smile, "You were so amazing, Aunt Stevie."

Stevie chuckled and replied, "Thank you my sweet girl. But you've seen me perform, what, a million times."
Jessica looked up at Stevie and said, "Like grandma Barbara says, you were born for the stage auntie. You were meant to dance across the stages of the world. It's just so magical to see." She had a huge smile on her face. She just adored and looked up to her aunt.

Stevie got emotional; happy tears appeared in her eyes. "Thank you again sweet girl. I appreciate that. I love you so much."
"I love you too." Jessica replied.

"Now, let's get to my dressing room so I can change and we can go to the hotel." Stevie said retaking Lindsey's hand. She grabbed Jessica's hand with her free hand. Jessica nodded and the three made their way to the dressing rooms.

As they walked, Jessica looked at Lindsey and said, "You did good too, Lindsey." She really was trying to be more open with him.
"Well, thank you, Jessica." Lindsey smiled at her. She smiled back then they continued their short journey to the dressing rooms.

Lindsey shared a dressing room with Mick and John. So, he bid farewell for now to Stevie with a kiss on her lips and a fist bump with Jessica. He then walked over to his dressing room.

Jessica closed the door once inside of Stevie's dressing room and Stevie began her after show routine. Karen packing up as she went around the room making sure not to leave anything behind.

Jessica sat on the sofa and grabbed a book she was currently reading while she waited for her aunt to be done.

When Jessica was preoccupied with her book, Karen leaned over and asked Stevie, "So, are you joining Lindsey in his room tonight?"

Stevie shook her head and replied, "Not tonight. But he will join me and Jessica for a late night dinner before he leaves to his room. I told him I wanted to spend more time with Jessica. He understood. Since we don't have a show tomorrow, we decided to maybe to have an outing. Just the three of us."

"Oh that's nice." Karen said as she continued to get everything together. She smiled to herself and felt happy for her boss slash good friend.
It was about time Stevie found some happiness.

They continued to pack up and finally Stevie was in her regular "uniform". Black blouse, black leggings and her ugg boots. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail.

Once having everything ready, Karen leads them to a waiting vehicle. They all climb into the vehicle and they were off to their hotel they were all staying in.

Jessica had gotten used to the schedule of the tour, but tonight she was feeling sleepy. She leaned into Stevie's side and laid her head on her shoulder. She closed her eyes and before she knew it, they were back at their hotel.

Stevie gently woke Jessica up and they all got off the suv. Jessica perked up a bit since she had a small catnap. She was now ready for dinner.

Once on their floor, Karen walked them to their room and bid them a goodnight. She then walked off to her own hotel room that was a door away from Stevie's.

Stevie told Jessica that she was going to take a quick shower. Jessica nodded and went over to her suitcase to gather her pajamas so that when Stevie was done, she can take her own shower.

Stevie got out of the shower a few minutes later and was dressed in a matching pajama set. She usually wore nightgowns but tonight she decided on pajamas.

Before Jessica went into the bathroom, Stevie asked what she wanted to eat. That way Stevie could order room service. Stevie already knew what Lindsey wanted having had asked him earlier.

Jessica answered that she wanted a cheeseburger with French fries and a sprite for a drink. Stevie nodded and let Jessica go about her shower.

Stevie picks up the phone and placing their food order with room service then she sits back on her bed to relax a bit.

But before she could get too comfy, a knock on the door interrupted her. She knew it was Lindsey. She smiled wide and walks over to the door.

Lindsey smiles when Stevie opens the door and rushes in pulling Stevie into his arms. He closed the door with his foot. He kisses her lips deeply and she responds back as she puts her arms around his neck.

They make out for a moment then Stevie pulls away as things began to heat up.

"We can't." She said breathlessly. "Jessica is in the bathroom and could walk in at any moment."
"I know." He said just as breathlessly. "I wish you could sleep in my bed tonight."

"Me too." She said, "But, I need to be with my niece. I don't want her to think that I'm forgetting about her." She then gets emotional.

As that's the last thing she ever wanted her niece to feel. She was spending more time with Lindsey and she began to feel bad.

Lindsey sees tears appear and he wipes under her eyes with the pad of his thumbs. "Hey. Don't cry. I understand. I know that you're her parent and she comes first." He said soothingly. "I know once tour is over, we can figure out how split your time with me and Jessica."

Stevie wiped her tears away then hugged him, rested her head on his chest and sighed. "I know."

"Aunt Stevie?" Jessica's voice called out.
"I'm here, sweet girl." Stevie replied as she let go of Lindsey and turned around to go back into the bedroom.

Jessica walked over to Stevie with a hair brush. "Can you brush my hair and give me a French braid?" She said.
"Of course." Stevie said as she took the brush into her hand.

Jessica sat down on a chair that was in the room and Stevie began to brush Jessica's hair.

"So, your birthday is coming up. It's on Saturday." Stevie began, "Since we have a show that day, I was thinking that we can celebrate tomorrow. What do you think?"

Jessica smiled and nodded, "That sounds good. What will we do?"
"Well, since we don't fly out till tomorrow late at night, we can pack up our things when we wake up. Then that way we don't stress about packing and we can just have fun." Stevie said as she began to braid Jessica's hair. "How about the aquarium? Then we can have dinner anywhere you want."
"The aquarium? That would be cool." Jessica said, "But, what if the paparazzi find us?"

"Lindsey and I thought of that, and we have hired security but they will stay back. They will intervene if need be." Stevie said as she finished up Jessica's hair. "I know it's been crazy getting used to life on tour. But I want tomorrow to be about you. You're going to be ten!" Stevie got emotional and smiled at Jessica. "You're growing up so fast."

"No crying aunt Stevie." Jessica chuckled.
"I'm sorry. It's just feels like one minute you were this tiny baby and now, you are growing up." Stevie said as she hugged Jessica.

Jessica hugged Stevie back then Stevie let go and led Jessica back to the living room of their suite.

Soon room service delivered their food and they dug in. They talked about the nights show and before they knew it, it was time for bed.

Lindsey bid goodnight to both of them but gave Stevie a kiss on her lips before departing to his room.

Stevie locked the door then she and Jessica walked into the bedroom. Jessica rushed over to the bed and got on her side of the bed she usually sleeps on when sharing a bed with Stevie.

Jessica yawns and lays down waiting for her aunt to come to bed. Stevie joins her and Jessica hugs then kisses Stevie's cheek.

"Goodnight, Auntie." Jessica said, "See you in the morning."
"Goodnight, sweet girl." Stevie said as she laid down then pulls the covers over herself.

Jessica turns over, her back to Stevie and she reaches over to the picture frame of Lori and Christopher. She holds it close to her and whispers, "Goodnight, mommy, goodnight Daddy." She places a kiss on them then she places the picture frame back on the nightstand.

Jessica always did this when she goes to sleep, since she was four years old. At home, this picture was placed near her bed. But now that they went on tour, the picture was the first thing packed. Jessica didn't want to forget it.

Stevie had her eyes closed and was facing away from Jessica. When she heard her nieces interaction with her parents photo, she smiled sadly and she to send up her own goodnight to her brother and sister in law.