Freedom. It had been a bitter taste, a hard concept to chase, but I had made it to the end of the race and it was exhilarating.

"We love it," the man at the head of the table begins to say, "Some of your best work you've shown us." I smile, accepting the compliment. The other album I pitched is my best work, but they'd see that soon.

"We'll have someone work with Ava to start planning a tour to support the new album. The design and technical team are going to be really excited to work on producing a show for the tour," he says, "But you need to sign the contracts before this can be implemented."

I swallow my heart and feelings.

"There will be no supporting tour for the album," I announce.

"How do you expect to sell the album?" the man asks.

The people seated around the table seem baffled and lost from my statement. Small whispers explode and dance between each of them from my lack of commitment and desire to help sell the album.

The answer seemed simple, "It'll be fine by itself."

He seemed outraged, "You can't do this."

"As you've said yourself, my contract has expired and I wish to not sign another one at this point in time." I delicately place my hands in my lap and keep my appearance friendly, "I've enjoyed my experience here very much, and I'm very sad to go. But I would like to take a break from this crazy life style and just, regroup before I make my next moves," I truthfully explain.

I expect them to throw a fit, scream, shout, lay on the group and throw his body in a tangled mess. But a smooth poker face slides on his face and it sends chills down my spine. His eyes give away his furious emotions, but he can't act upon them, not if he wants me to stay in the future. This is the only place I've known, he probably thinks I'll come back.

"We understand," he finally says, "We respect your decision and wish you luck in your future endeavours. When you produce more material, we would be thrilled to have you on board with Del Ray Recordings."

"Thank you for your understanding and your kind offer. This has become a third home to me, and I do wish to part of happy terms. I just need to sort my head space before committing to more work."

One of the men seated next to the boss coughs and slides a piece of paper in front of him to read. He almost looks annoyed, but takes what's written on the page into consideration before speaking.

"Are you interested in doing promotional interviews or gigs?" he asks.

"Anything for the fans," I say, "as long as it fits in with my schedule."

"We'll be in contact."

Before the situation spirals, I stand up in my chair and smile pleasantly at everyone.

"Thank you so much for having me as a part of your team." I make a hasty exit and scramble to the elevators once more. Every time I find myself hauled up in that office room, I'm running to the elevator for cover. Glad to note this will be the last time I do it.

I click on the buttons to take me to the ground floor, and soon enough the elevator gently moves and arrives at my destination. James is where he usually is, tucked behind the desk with his head stuck in office work. I skip over to the desk and rest my arms on is.

"Hello, Stranger." I chuckle.

"You are very happy this morning, any particular reason."

"I finished my album." I bop from side to side happily, "and I quit," I whisper that part.

James eyes go wide with shock, "Really?" he questions.

"You're looking at a free unemployed woman here," I cheer happily.

"What's on the cards next, I'm curious little one."

"Maybe things, maybe my own label." I wink. "And if that was to happen, I'd want you on my team." It's a very long shot, but I like the idea of playing boss. I would take all the costs necessary to have James on the team because of his good ear for music. Not only would he help me, but so many other people.

"Are you being serious?" He's even more shocked that my announcement of leaving the record label.

I didn't quit know myself, "It's a long shot, but something I'd like to do," I answer.

"I don't know." A flicker of doubt crosses his face. "But I'm excited about the prospects. I don't see myself moving from this desk any time soon."

"You don't need to quit your day job right this second. Just know, when I get this idea of mine in the words, there will be a spot for you and it won't involve you stuck behind a chair." The fact Del Ray Recordings aren't smart enough to move James honestly surprises me. He's amazing with music, he was clearly born to make it.

"Thank you."

When I hear the sound of the elevator, I decide it's time to get moving in case it holds someone I don't want to deal with.

"I'll see you around James, goodbye." I shoot him one last friendly smile before running out the front door and towards Archer's vehicle parked in the usual spot. I open the door and slip inside the vehicle.

"Hello, Riley," he calls over his shoulder.

"Do you want to know the good, or good news?" I ask proudly.

"I'm intrigued."

"Finished the album." I beam.

"And?" he prompts.

"You're looking at a free woman, ready to tackle the world as I see fit," I tease.

"Wow, you really managed to escape it all."

"Your confidence right now Archer, it's very overwhelming." Laughter fills the air.

"I haven't seen you this happy in years, I'm glad you're happy once again." Archer turns his attention back to starting up the vehicle and driving out of our bay.

"Can you take me home, please?" I ask.

"No special tread, like your favourite café?" Archer sounds almost disappointed by the fact we're missing out on a celebratory drink. Somehow Archer and I have managed to slip into that patter, going for coffee when something good or bad happens.

"Take away, and I want a hot chocolate this time." I smile.

"Chocolate cake too?"

Now that I don't have to worry about keeping fit, a treat would be nice, "Yes, a big one too."

Archer drives to our favourite hole in the wall café. We have to park some distance away to get to the shop, but he doesn't seem to mind. I got the coffee's last time, so I don't mind when Archer is the first one to hop out of the car to buy the drinks. I snuggle back in my chair and bask in this funky aura.

Within good time, I arrive home with a very hot chocolate and cake. I wave goodbye to Archer before slipping inside the building and making my way up to my floor. Excitement still courses through my body as I run up the steps by two.

As soon as I burst through the door, I put everything down and fish out my mobile phone to start making phone calls. The first person I call is Alex.

"Hey baby," he answers on the second call.

"Hey yourself!" I tease back, "How are you?"

"Better now that I'm hearing your voice," replies Alex.

"I have some exciting news." I skip over the fluffy introductions and head to the jugular. "I finished up at Del Ray Recordings," I practically scream.

"Are you serious?" he shouts just as loud.

"So serious right now." The time I scream, loudly while jumping up and down.

"We need to celebrate as soon as possible, baby," he replies.

"Yes we do. Archer and I have already gone out for coffee." I giggle.

"I'm very happy for you. Look Rils, I need to get back to practice, but I'll try and call you later on tonight. I love you," he replies.

"Oh." The happiness swirling through my body is knocked down a level, "talk to you later."

When the call ends, I slip my phone back into my pocket and move towards the chocolate cake. I get halfway through when my phone starts ringing. Reluctantly, I pull the device out of my pocket and see Ava's name flashing across.

"Hello," I answer.

"I just heard, and oh my gosh, I'm so happy and angry at you right now!" The stern voice of Ava floats through the line. "The record label just called to tell me about this. They aren't happy, but I am for you." Her voice is happy, genuinely happy and excited which suddenly escalates my mood as well.

"I'm sorry, but I'm just, happy," I reply, "I never expected to finish the album but once I finished the final song last night, it just, felt complete and I was happy to leave. Everything just felt right," I waffle onwards.

"Now that I don't have someone to manage, you better decide what you're doing so that I can manage your arse," she teases.

"Oh baby, my sexy behind is always going to need your lovely guidance and scheduling," I tease, "You're my tour mom and I can't do this without you."

"Consider your fine self-council, I want to know what you plan on doing after the award show, okay?"

"Wouldn't expect anything else." I laugh loudly, "Have fun at your job."

"Have fun being unemployed," she throws back with a teasing tone.

"I will, when I go for a nice sleep and lazy around the house in my pyjamas."

"Bye, Riley." I smile as I hand up the phone and return to my chocolate cake.

Before I finish the cake, I take a picture of the cake and upload it to twitter with the hash tag celebrations. I walk across to the lounge room and place my phone on the docking system. I place the music app on shuffle and start dancing along to the music with sporadic movements.

But as I try to dance the chocolate cake off, I notice my phone is flashing with notifications and I get curious.

I open the twitter app once more and start my investigation. I have a tone of messages floating my wall asking about my music career. Even I'm confused. I click on a trending post and read about how someone has leaked the information that I've left Del Ray Recordings in favour of a break from the chaotic lifestyle music has presented me. Now everyone wants to know the story.

Explaining doesn't sound appealing, so I turn it to silent and place it back on the dock to play music.

There's a knock at the door which surprises me. I answer it to find Lucy with a grin from ear to ear.

"You horrible friend, why didn't you tell me?" she screams as she wraps me in a tight hug.

"I was, just throwing myself a celebratory dance party," I explain.

"It sucks having a friend who is famous because you legit find out with the word finds out too," she grumbles with annoyance.

"I'm sorry, I promise you were on the list of people to call."

"At least I'm the first one to celebrate with you." I nod my head with agreement, leaving out the detail Archer and I have already gone for coffee. Don't want to piss her off this close to the award show in case she makes a hack job of my dress. Not that she would, but the threat is still real.

"One more dance and then I'm calling my parents." I pull Lucy inside and close the door. She doesn't need to be told twice to dance because she drops her bag and starts pulling some radical moves on our make shift dance floor.

After the song, I take my phone back and dial my parent's number. On the third ring, someone finally answers the phone.

"I could be dying, and you wouldn't know," is the first thing I say.

"Riley's on the phone," I hear Lucy call out.

There's some random noises and then my mother is screaming about something incoherent. It's a jumble of happiness and worry.

"What are you going to do next without a record deal?"

"I could get away with living off what I'm earning, don't worry about it."

My mother continues her worried rant about how she wants me to take some kind of direction with my life – let it be music or some kind of studies. I assure her things will work out and things will be fine. I just need some space to re-group with everything.

"I just called to make sure you're all still coming to the award show, that's all."

"Yes," she simply answers, "we're going to arrive on the day for it."

"See you then."

"Love you, Riley."

"Love you too." We hand up and I turn back to Lucy and smile.

"What next?" she asks.

"We need to get my dressed finished for the show. Do you want to get it and come back here?" I ask.

I'm feeling happy and confident, but going near Sasha and Lucy's apartment isn't going to keep me happy. I know I broke things off with Nathan to protect him, but the wound still stings bright red. I'm happy though, my life is heading in my intended direction.

"I'll get the dress and we'll re-group here!"

"Yes." I nod my head, "and I'll get food, so don't worry."

"I'm feeling like Mexican." She winks.

"I was totally craving cheap Mexican food as well." I poke my tongue out.

"You're welcome." Lucy grabs her bag and heads out and I follow after shortly. Tonight is going to be a long one, but I want to help Lucy finish this dress, even if it's just my moral support or being dubbed as coffee bringer.