Hey guys!! Okay, so I am MAJORLY bummed that Fall From Grace has died, but here's a new thread!! This is going to be a LONGGG post since I'm including all 17(!!) chapters. New readers, welcome; old readers, enjoy. -Bri
Chapter 1
“CRAP!!” The shriek came from 15-year-old Brynna Jonas as she was flung across the small tour bus, slamming into the opposite bunk.
Her older brother’s concerned faces looked down at her. “Are you okay?” Joe asked, obviously trying not to laugh.
Brynna glared at him. “Be quiet and help me up.” Grabbing his outstretched hand, she pulled herself to her feet, being careful not to bang into anything else.
Kevin was obviously holding back a laugh as he rolled back further into his bed. “You are soo Joe’s sister.” Both Joe and Brynna smacked the back of his head, making him yelp.
“Poned.” Brynna joked, lurching a little as the bus went over a bump.
Kevin hopped out of his bunk. “There’s no way, I’m going to be able to go back to sleep thanks to you guys.” He told Brynna and Joe firmly.
“Yeah, well, you’ll live. “Joe retorted.
“No he won’t!!” Brynna stuck a dramatic pose. “He’s going to DIE!!” A pillow collided with her head a few seconds later.
“Shut up and go away!!” Nick groaned, burying his head in his pillow.
“I’ve got my sights set on you and I’m ready to aim.” Brynna sang, dancing to the front of the tour bus, grabbing a forgotten spork as a microphone.
“I have a heart that will never be tame.” Joe joined in, dancing next to her, dancing just as crazily as she was.
Kevin watched them, video camera in hand. “Should I be worried that you guys know the words?”
“We were on tour with Miley for…” Joe paused, “a really long time!”
“I knew you were somethin’ special when you spoke my name.” Brynna picked up one of Frankie’s Webkinz that he had left on the teen’s bus and started singing to it. Kevin started laughing when she kissed it and continued dancing around the bus.
“You guys are crazy.” Nick’s deep voice sounded sleepy and his curls were sticking up.
Brynna grabbed his hands and pulled him in a circle. “Now I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Brynna, stop.” Nick pulled away, looking annoyed. “I just got up.”
She stopped dancing and singing, throwing the spork onto a table. “Okay, fine.” Flinging the Webkinz back on the couch, she flopped into a chair, pulling out her iPhone. Within a few seconds, the sound of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” filled the air.
“AGAIN, Brynna?” Nick complained, stretching out on the opposite couch.
“Yes.” She snapped, her slim fingers dancing over the sensitive screen of her phone.
Nick groaned. “Then at least turn it down, please!” She glared at her twin and just turned it louder.
“You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it, you start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes, you’re paralyzed.” The sound reverberated inside the tour bus.
“Turn it down, Brynna!!” Nick angrily flung a pillow at her which she caught and tossed back.
She scoffed. “I listen to the same songs every night at every one of your concerts, you can live with Michael Jackson for one song.”
Nick rolled his eyes and switched on the TV, dropping the subject.
“Brynna come on!!” Nick yelled, hammering his fist against the bathroom door. “We have to get ready too!!”
“God Nick, you can’t wait ten more minutes?!” Brynna retorted from inside the cramped bathroom where she was curling her hair, attempting to make it lose some of its frizz.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect!” He snapped, leaning against the wall to keep his balance.
“Well some of us actually have to work to get a date, considering that most of us don’t have ten thousand screaming fangirls falling at our feet.” Nick didn’t have to be looking at his twin to tell that she was rolling her eyes.
“Just hurry up, will you?” He sighed, knowing that his sister would never be able to hurry.
She opened the door, glaring at him. Her hair had been perfectly curled and now fell in long brown ringlets down her back, the blonde highlights bringing out the golden flecks in her dark eyes. “Are you done complaining?”
“No.” He fired back childishly, shoving her out of the bathroom and locking the door behind him.
“OW!!” The loud yelp came from Joe as he struggled to straighten his hair.
Brynna hurried forward to help her older brother. “Kev, you should know better than to give Joseph a flat iron!”
Kevin looked up from where he was texting his girlfriend and picking out clothes at the same time. “You should know better than to try to stop him, Bryn.”
As if on cue, Joe snatched the iron back. “I can do it.” Brynna watched him as he managed to clamp his fingers in the hot appliance within five seconds. Sullenly he admitted defeat, handing it to her. “You can do it.”
She happily finished the job for him, expertly achieving the ‘rock-n-roll’ look Joe’s fans loved so. “Go get ‘em, rockstar.” She joked, unplugging the straighter before Joe could harm anything else. Joe struck a dramatic pose, making her laugh.
“Come on, Nick, we’re going to be there in five minutes!” Kevin called to his little brother.
Brynna watched the exchange from the couch, tuning out Nick’s answer, knowing that nothing would be different this time, after all by the end of the concert…and probably the tour, she would still be the nobody that toured with the Jonas Brothers, once again.
Chapter 2
Brynna waited backstage at another show three days later. She suppressed a yawn as the sound of Frankie’s video games sounded from the hall, audible even over the screams of the audience. Garbo was the first to come off the stage that night. Pulling off his bass, he set it in the stand and instantly headed for the showers, seeming not to notice her. ‘It’s because you’re so invisible’, her mind taunted cruelly.
“Shut up.” She whispered to herself, burying her face in her hands.
“Hey, Bryn, are you okay?” Jack Lawless, their drummer, asked her, watching her with a concerned look on his face.
She managed a fake smile. “Yeah Flawless, I’m fine.” He ruffled her hair as he passed her, not caring about the hour-and-a-half she had spent on it –and for the moment…neither did she.
“EWWWW!!” Joe’s sweaty clothes were clinging to his torso as he sped past Brynna in a flash of red and black, obviously racing for the showers on the tour bus. Brynna rolled her eyes at her older brother’s hyperness, but she was glad his sense of humor had returned. During the Miley tour, he had been so…mature and un-Joe, but now his crazy self was back and she had missed it. The other part of the band(Kevin, Nick, JT and Ryan) followed at a slightly slower pace, but all four were clearly desperate for the showers as well.
Denise Jonas passed Brynna, looking harried and worn-out. “Bryn, will you take care of the fans that won the backstage passes?” She begged.
“’Course, Mom.” Brynna hugged her mother briefly and headed over toward the cluster of fans that were nervously waiting. “Hi, I’m Brynna and although the boys are in the shower right now, they can’t wait to meet you all. It will probably be a couple of minutes before they’re back, so we’ve found some chairs for you guys and just hold tight!” As soon as she turned away from the small group, the fake smile fell off her face. Joe slammed into her as he raced for the group of fans that were waiting.
“Sorry Bryn!!” He steadied her and ran off, slowing down as he reached the knot of girls in an attempt to look ‘cool’. He flashed a dazzling smile at one of the older girls, reducing her into a heap of giggles and blushes. Brynna rolled her eyes as Nick and Kevin hurried past as well. She walked over to where Jack, JT, Ryan and Garbo were sitting, taking a seat in between the two of them, resting her head on Garbo’s shoulder as he draped an arm around her shoulders.
“You look tired, Brynna.” Ryan observed from his spot across from them.
Brynna giggled. “You try sleeping on a bus with three snoring guys.”
“I DO!!” All four of them chorused, making Brynna shake with laughter.
“Look, Joe’s already chatting up one of the fans.” Garbo noted, making them all glance up to find the young man obviously flirting.
Brynna playfully sat up and batted her eyes, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. “Well-“ She paused to give a fake, simpering giggle. “-I guess he learned from the best.”
Garbo puffed out his chest, joining the game. “Psh, you flatter yourself, Brynna Jonas. Everyone knows that one certain coolest bass player in the world taught him every pick-up line he knows.”
“No way, Kevin and I were the ones to teach him how to flirt.” JT argued, unable to hide the teasing sparkle in his eyes.
The rambling conversation continued on for sometime until Ryan and Brynna simultaneously yawned.
“PLANET EARTH TIME!!” Jack and Garbo yelled at the same time, drawing some strange glances from passers-by.
Brynna shook her head. “You guys are crazy…”
Garbo pulled on her as the backing band started to head for the bus. “Come onnnn, Brynnnn.” He drew out the last two words pathetically.
“Give me two minutes.” She promised, pulling out her cell phone to text Nick.
“Two minutes.” He tapped his watch for emphasis before heading toward one of the six buses.
Brynna quickly tapped out a text to her twin: Your backing band’s kidnapping me. ;-) She saw Nick glance at it across the room, look at her and nod quickly. Without a backward glance, Brynna hurried off to join the ‘gang’ in the already-crowded tour bus.
Forty-five minutes later, after doing a meet-n-greet, the three Jonas brothers stood outside the backing band’s tour bus, Kevin knocking quickly.
“She was soo hot…” Joe sighed for what must have been the fiftieth time since the boys had said goodbye to the fans who had won the backstage passes.
“We know, Joseph.” Kevin pacified his younger brother.
Joe pouted. “You can’t talk, you have Jamie.” Kevin blushed at the mention of his girlfriend of a year-and-a-half.
Jack opened the door to the tour bus. “Hey guys.” The three boys entered the tour bus, finding Brynna, Garbo, Ryan and JT sprawled in front of Garbo’s MacBook watching a Planet Earth. Brynna glanced up and a brief shadow seemed to pass over her face at the sight of her brothers, but it was gone so fast that Nick wondered if he had imagined it.
“Hey.” Everyone chorused, glancing up from the laptop.
Joe looked at the screen. “BATS!!” He cheered, sitting beside Brynna, instantly enthralled. Kevin and Nick rolled their eyes and found a place in the small group.
JT yawned as the episode came to an end. “We’re such nerds.” Jack joked as everyone around him stretched.
“We’re cool nerds.” Joe corrected as he pulled Brynna to her feet, leaving Kevin and Nick to get up by themselves.
Kevin’s phone buzzed and he glanced at it. “Mom says that we’re about to leave. All the fans have cleared out and things, so it’s safe.”
“I can’t move.” Joe complained, from where he was leaning up against the wall, obviously struggling to stay awake.
Brynna giggled, waving to the band and pulling her brothers out of the cramped tour bus. “Come on guys, we don’t want Mom to leave us behind.”
“Yes we do.” Joe corrected, yawning widely.
Brynna playfully smacked the back of his head. “Be nice Joseph.” He muttered something unintelligible in response and stumbled into the tour bus, hitting his head on a shelf and yelping.
Nick glanced at her, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. She tried to smile, she really did, but something was stopping the smile and she realized what it was. Anger. And then she realized that she was almost shaking with fury. The emotion was knotting in the pit of her stomach, hurting her, hating her. Why was she angry? And the answer came to her…because she was invisible. Because she was a nobody, and just because she was their sister. Because she had stepped out of the spotlight, because she had said no, she had disappeared.
Chapter 3
“Let me go!” She screamed, fighting the iron-tight hold the man had on her.
His face twisted into an evil smile. “That’s what you’d like isn’t it?” He yanked her hair, forcing her head back. “Well you’re not going to get it!” He slapped her, his hand burning her cheek. She blinked back tears of anger, fear and pain. “That’s right.” His voice was softer now, but no less threatening. “Now you’re going to be a good little girl and stay quiet.” He pushed her toward the running pickup truck. “So sit down and shut up.” He shoved her into the passenger seat and went around to the other side, leaping into the driver’s seat, pulling of the mask he had worn with one hand. When she saw who it was, she gasped. Greg Garbowsky was glaring at her, a look of pure hate on his face.
“Garbo.” She whispered fearfully, shrinking against the closed door.
“That’s right.” He spat. “I’ve been planning this for a while, Brynna.”
“Garbo, stop.” She pleaded. “Don’t do this, let me go.”
He laughed sarcastically. “Why would I do that?”
Instead of responding, she twisted around in her seat to watch the back window as they pulled away from the collection of tour buses. A horrible fear sank in her stomach as she realized she might not see Nick again.
Brynna sat bolt upright, breathing heavily as the bus rolled down the highway. Glancing out one of the windows, she saw that it was beginning to be light, so she was judging it was around 7am, four hours since she had collapsed in her bunk. Lying back down, she tried to forget the horrible dream that had plagued her for two weeks. Her brother’s snores filled the air around her and slipping out of her bunk, she padded to the front of the bus and pulled up the guys MySpace on their laptop, knowing that they were going to kill her for what she was about to do. Sitting down, she began to type.
Hey guys—
The turnout at our concerts has been amazing, thank you so much for making that possible. Sadly, we had to let our bass player, Greg Garbowsky go and so we will be holding auditions for a new bass player at every concert. We will post more details ASAP and message us if you have any questions!
JB
Kevin, Joe and Nick
Her finger hovered over the ‘submit’ button and taking a deep breath, she clicked. As she did, the wireless network went out of range, rejecting the computer’s efforts. Almost two seconds later the computer shut down as it ran out of battery. Burying her face in her hands she realized what she had almost done.
“Not good, not good, not good.” She whispered, twining her hands in her curly hair and tugging lightly, like she always did when she was upset. She couldn’t deny that Garbo had noticed a change in her over the last two weeks, ever since the dream had started to haunt her. It had started the night after she had hung out with the guys watching Planet Earth. After the first week she had purposely distanced herself from him and as a result, she had pushed away the rest of the band as well. Sighing, she went back to her bunk, climbing in and grabbing one of her pillows, curling up against it, desperately needing the comfort. She was exhausted, she knew, but couldn’t let herself go back to sleep. She wouldn’t let it happen again.
The day wore on and she forced herself to stay awake, running on Red Bull and a meager four hours of rest. They arrived at another venue, she wasn’t even sure where it was. They slipped into the building before any fans saw them and hurried backstage. The boys got ready and they entered the room, ready for lockdown. A few minutes later, Garbo came in, looking annoyed.
“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked, looking up from where he was raiding the mini-fridge.
“We need a new opening band.” Garbo announced bluntly, reaching around Kevin to grab a bottle of water.
Joe choked on the chips he was eating and Nick whacked him on the back until he stopped coughing. “Why? What happened to Rooney?”
“They left.” He replied simply. “They couldn’t handle the constant touring and left.”
Joe mumbled an oath that would have gotten him kicked out of music business had anyone else heard it.
“JOSEPH!” Kevin admonished, finally deciding on a donut that had been left on the table.
“What?” Joe asked innocently as Kevin rolled his eyes.
“So you guys need a new opening band?” Brynna asked, a plan quickly forming.
“No, Bryn, we’re going to go through this tour playing three hour shows.” Nick said sarcastically.
“Shut up, Nick.” She snapped, before taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to blow up at everyone in sight, instead, she pushed her anger deep down into a hidden pocket of her soul, far out of sight. “But why don’t you guys ask your fans?” When the guys looked confused, she elaborated. “I mean, there are some really talented people out there, why not give some of them a chance?”
Joe and Kevin looked thoughtful while Nick looked unimpressed. “So we’re going to sit through millions of fangirls doing crappy covers of our songs, until we find the one decent player?” He scoffed. “Yeah right.”
“You flatter yourself Nicholas Jonas, if you think that you have “millions” of fangirls.” Brynna retorted angrily. “And you can ask them to email them in and since I have nothing else to do,” she couldn’t resist adding the little jibe. “I’ll go through them and show you guys the really good ones.”
Kevin shrugged. “If you want to, I guess we could try it.”
“Let’s put up the notice now!” Joe cheered enthusiastically.
Kevin snatched Garbo’s MacBook before the bassist had a chance to protest. “Your idea, you type, Bryn.” He handed the laptop to his little sister as everyone in the band(JT, Ryan, Joe, Nick, Jack, Garbo and Kevin) crowded around Brynna, giving her just enough room to type.
She quickly typed out a post explaining what had happened and what they needed. She winced as she realized how close this situation was to the one she had created the night before. As quickly as she could, she finished typing the bulletin, trying to keep her hands from shaking as the dream replayed in her mind.
Was she not safe from its grip anymore? Was it going to haunt her even in the daylight? She hurried shoved the laptop into Kevin’s hands and fled from the room, ignoring the fact that they were in lockdown. Fleeing to the girls bathroom, she held back tears, refusing to let herself break down. A hot tear slid down her face and she wiped it away quickly, ashamed of that small breach of her emotional barrier. Grabbing the sink, she refused to look at herself in the mirror, afraid of what she might see. Gathering up the courage to look, she saw what she always did: a lonely girl; nothing more, nothing less. She felt unloved and broken. Her brothers were too busy holding the entire teenage girl population of the world in the palms of their hands to noticed their sister.
“You’re nothing.” She whispered to her reflection, the words cutting through her sharply. “You aren’t in the spotlight and nothing you can do will get you there, so move on.”
‘You’ve brought this upon yourself.’ Her mind reminded her truthfully. ‘They said, “record the drum solos, Brynna” and you said no, because you couldn’t get past that day, because you were too hurt. Well guess what Brynna? You’ve healed, but you’re holding onto the past, so it’s your fault.’
“Your fault.” The words repeated themselves over and over, making her sick with their repetition. She slammed her left hand down on the ceramic counter, her purity ring hitting against it with a crack that made her wince. “Your fault, your fault, your fault.” Her mind chanted obnoxiously.
“No.” She said softly, it was almost a moan. “No, it’s not.”
“You said no.” Her mind reminded slyly.
“NO!” She screamed suddenly, her knees buckling as she slid to the floor. She lay there, her crumpled form almost flat against the cold tile, the tears she had held back flowing freely down her face, running into her hair and dripping onto her clothes.
A loud rap on the wooden door brought her to her senses. “Brynna, are you okay?” It was Nick.
“Come on, Bryn, open up!” Another voice joined Nick’s plea, Joe’s.
“I’m fine.” She called back, her voice shaking. She wiped her tears, smearing her makeup horrifically.
“Liar.” This time it was Garbo and the sound of his voice made her leap up and back into the wall, shaking as her dream replayed again.
“No, no, no, no.” She whispered, tears filling her eyes again.
“Brynna, open up or we’re coming in!” Joe threatened. She remained silent, sliding down the wall into a crouching position.
“Come on, Bryn!” Kevin yelled, banging on the door again.
“Go away!” She said quietly.
Nick slipped in, ignoring the fact that it was a girls bathroom. Walking in, he stopped when he saw that Brynna was crying. Rushing over, he dropped to his knees beside her, hugging her to his chest as she sobbed. “Brynna, what’s wrong?” He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his twin cry. Sure she had been upset a few times, but she never cried unless something was really wrong. “Brynna?” She tilted her face up at him and her eyes reminded him of a caged animal, longing to break free. Something inside him told him that she was hurting, but he didn’t know how to fix it.
Closing her eyes briefly to stop the flow of tears, she pulled away, pressing the palms of her hands to her cheeks, blotting the tears away. Instead of opting to fix her makeup, she wiped it off with a Kleenex, looking suddenly more vulnerable without the mask. She managed a small smile in Nick’s direction before taking a deep breath and turning to face him.
‘Tell him,’ her mind urged. ‘He’s your twin, he’ll understand.’
She opened her mouth to blurt everything; the dream, the almost-posted bulletin, the need to feel included…but she couldn’t do it. Instead she whispered: “I’m fine.”
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: All lyrics belong to Katrina Martin. Not mine…promise. :-)
Brynna struggled not to fall off of the small couch as the bus rocked back and forth, the dark scenery and night sky showing through one of the windows. She held on the laptop as some girl’s shriek issued out of the speakers. So far almost all of the entries had consisted of “I love insert respective Jonas here!!” and the ones that had been actual songs weren’t good enough for Brynna to show her brothers and her head spun from lack of sleep and the many squeals, both from the concerts and the ‘auditions’. Deleting yet another file, Brynna scrolled down to the next email from ‘Katrina Martin’. Opening up the sound file, a pure voice began to flow from the headphones she wore. She stared in shock at the screen before replaying the song again. The girl’s voice reminded her of Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Alison Krauss rolled into one. It was…indescribable. Brynna took a deep breath and simply deleted all the other auditions. They had found their girl.
“Hey guys.” She called, glancing over to where Kevin, Joe and Nick were playing Guitar Hero. “Come listen to this…” The three boys took their time coming to stand behind her, watching as she unplugged the headphones and turned on the music.
“Turn up the amps tonight, boys
There’s nothing we can’t do
Kick up the lights and set off the flares
This is more than me and you
This whole world is falling at our feet
Don’t look down it’s too far to fall
And we’re still flying
Cue music, this is your life
No more drifting along you’ve got to live like a rock song
Get ready, this is your time so
Go hard, go loud
Cue music
We’ll rock the house tonight now
And dance till the music dies
Move to the beat, light on your feet
Don’t you dare close your eyes
You can change your life if you want to
Don’t sit down, the world can hear
Can hear you screaming
Cue music, this is your life
No more drifting along you’ve got to live like a rock song
Get ready, this is your time so
Go hard, go loud
Cue music
If you live in the moment
The moment never ends
This is where life begins
3, 2, 1, and
Cue music, this is your life
No more drifting along you’ve got to live like a rock song
Get ready, this is your time so
Go hard, go loud
Cue music”
The song ended and Kevin instantly closed the audition email while Joe and Nick simply looked dumb-struck.
“Call her. Now.” Joe encouraged, looking at the number Katrina had included, handing Brynna his phone.
Brynna laughed. “Hold on…” She opened up the email and looked at the contacts Katrina had listed. A Yahoo IM was present, so she quickly signed onto her personal IM, not bothering to change it and typed a greeting.
TwinTrouble: Hi, this is Brynna, I’m in charge of the opening band audition for JB, is this Katrina?
MusicandLyrics: Hi Brynna, this is Katrina, but you can call me Kat. ;-)
“Tell her.” Joe whined impatiently. “Come on, Bryn.”
Brynna laughed and did as she was told.
TwinTrouble: Well, JB’s standing behind me and they’re urging me to tell you that you scored the opening slot!
It took Kat a minute to reply. MusicandLyrics: …wow…I am completely freaking out right now, lol
TwinTrouble: lol I completely understand, do you need a few minutes?
MusicandLyrics: Nah, I’ll be okay…
“Good.” Kevin chimed in. “It’d be really bad if she died on us.”
TwinTrouble: Good, we’d hate to kill our opening act.
MusicandLyrics: lol Yeah, that would stink…for both of us…
TwinTrouble: Anyway, we listened to your song and it was AMAZING!!
MusicandLyrics: Thank you!! That means soo much!!
“Can we call her yet?” Nick asked, propping his chin on the back of the couch.
TwinTrouble: Do you mind if we call you?
MusicandLyrics: Not at all!! :-)
Joe quickly dialed the number and all three guys took turns talking to Kat and getting everything straightened out for the three of them and Brynna to fly down to North Carolina to meet her the next day. They got packed and waited for another day to come.
Three hours later they arrived in Michigan, stopping for an infrequent hotel stay. They hurried into the hotel, thankful it was 1am, therefore ensuring that most of their fans would be asleep, not expecting their favorite band to still be awake. After they had checked in, the four teens bolted up to the room that they were sharing.
“I call it!!” Joe yelled, flinging himself onto one of the two queen-sized beds in the big hotel room.
“Not fair, Joseph!” Brynna shrieked angrily, leaping on top of her older brother.
“Ouch!!” Joe groaned, sinking a little into the mattress as her weight descended on him.
Brynna moved herself into a sitting position, sitting on his back. “Let me have the bed.”
“No!” He cried defiantly.
Brynna got off of him, shooting him the infamous “Jonas pout”. “Yes.”
“NO!” He repeated, more firmly this time.
“YES!!” Brynna crossed her arms, glaring at him.
“Both of you knock it off!” Kevin ordered sharply, pulling Brynna away from Joe. “Bryn, you and Nick are sharing and I’ll sleep with Danger.” The room was filled with loud protests. Kevin held up his hands as if warding off an attack. “Will it seriously kill you guys?”
“Yes.” Nick and Brynna muttered together.
Joe poked Brynna. “I wanna sleep with Bryn.”
“No, you snore!” Brynna complained.
“And you kick.” Nick added to his twin, who stuck her tongue out at him.
“Seriously guys, just pick a bed.” Kevin sighed, exasperation clear in his voice.
“MINE!!” Brynna and Joe objected at the same time, leaping onto the same bed and smashing heads. Eyes watering in pain, Brynna lay back on the bed, stretching out comfortably.
“I pick Nick.” Brynna murmured sleepily, pushing Joe off the bed with her foot. Joe yelped as he was pushed to the floor, landing with a loud thud in between the beds.
Almost too exhausted to move, Nick flopped beside his sister as Joe and Kevin took turns getting ready for bed. Brynna feigned sleep as Nick took his turn in the bathroom. Kevin turned the light off and his and Joe’s snores filled the room. Brynna lay awake, feeling like the darkness was crushing in on her.
Inhaling deeply, desperate for a release from the suffocation, she slipped off the bed, sliding back the glass door and slipping onto the balcony. She went over to the railing, resting her forearms on the cold metal, linking her hands together. She watched the pool, the lights below the water making it glow a pale blue. Nick crept out of bed and watched his twin from behind the curtain, watched as her shoulders shook with sobs and as she tilted her face up towards the heavens, tears leaving their trail down her anguished face. From the expression on her face, Nick could tell his twin was swearing, but what, or who, she was cursing, he couldn’t tell. Tears streamed down her face and she let them fall. After a few minutes, she slid a shield behind her eyes, stopped her tears and composed herself, hiding the real, vulnerable Brynna behind a mask of steel- a mask she’d worn for two years, ever since her brothers had taken the spotlight, and she had stepped into a pit of blackness, where invisibility had become key.
Chapter 5
Disclaimer: Sadly I don’t own “We’re Done”. That lucky girl would be Katrina Martin. :-)
The next morning found Brynna still on the balcony, the dark circles under her eyes more predominant then ever after another exhausting night. Nick had watched his sister until the early hours before giving up and going to sleep, but she had felt his presence reminding her to stay grounded, to hold on. Slipping inside, she curled up beside Nick, shaking from a cold Michigan night.
“Idiot.” She heard him murmur fondly as he tossed her another blanket. Brynna lay there shivering, but slowly growing warmer. A few minutes later, Kevin’s cell phone alarm went off, shrieking ‘Party Like A Rockstar’ through the silent room.
“Kevin!” Joe yelled as he was jolted out of a deep sleep.
“I’m awake!” Kevin said sleepily, sitting up, his dark curls sticking straight up as he fumbled for his phone.
“Not fair.” Joe grumbled, pulling a pillow over his head.
“You suck.” Nick chimed in, his voice husky with sleep as he rolled over to face the wall. Kevin retorted something unprintable before silencing the loud music. He sat there and rubbed his eyes for a minute, before convincing himself to get out of bed and going over to the coffee maker. Brynna watched her oldest brother through half-closed eyes, not wanting to reveal that she was awake. Burrowing deeper into her nest of blankets, she listened to Kevin try and wake up Joe, a task at which he was failing miserably. Joe was obviously not willing to be pulled out of his warm den and Kevin had to resort to flicking cold water on his brother’s face before Joe would consent to getting up.
“I hate the world.” Joe grumbled as he headed for the bathroom, his hair resembling his old ‘Joe-hawk’. Brynna froze as she felt Kevin sit on the end of the bed, preparing to wake his siblings up. She knew her skin was still cold from her night outside and Kevin was sure to ask questions. As he shook her leg gently, she opted for the path of least resistance.
“I’m up.” She mumbled, faking annoyance as she attempted to wiggle out of her wrapped blankets and fell off the bed onto the hard floor below. Kevin howled with laughter as he helped untangle his little sister and she glared at him as he helped her up. She swayed for a minute, realizing with a jolt that she hadn’t slept a full night in over four days, trying her hardest to avoid the nightmare that still haunted her. After a few seconds, she realized that Kevin was staring at her, an adorably confused expression on his face.
“Are you okay, Kev?” She asked innocently, quickly hiding the exhaustion in her eyes.
He nodded, handing her a fresh cup of coffee. “Yeah, here, you might want it.”
She sipped it dreamily as she waited for Joe. “I knew I loved you guys for a reason.”
“Thank you.” Joe snatched her coffee away from her as he walked past, letting her into the bathroom.
She yelped in surprise as her drink was taken away. “Joeeeeee…” She begged. “Give it backkkk!!”
“No.” He said firmly, sitting on the bed and swallowing the beverage happily. “Now hurry, we have to leave in like, an hour.”
Brynna glared at her older brother, who was smirking evilly, as she started to get ready.
Joe bounded off the plane into the busy airport, flanked by Kevin, Nick, Brynna, Garbo, Jack, JT, Ryan and their father. “Joseph, slow down!” Mr. Jonas called after his son.
“Not so loud, Dad.” Kevin hissed, tugging self-consciously at the sunglasses and baseball hat he wore. Nick too was in disguise, sporting a Yankee’s hat and dark sunglasses in addition to the baggy pants and loose T-shirts all three guys wore. Brynna was in her normal outfit of hip-hugging jeans and a form-fitting, dark blue babydoll top. She glanced over her shoulder as the feeling that she was being watched crept over her. She noticed Garbo give her a weird look and shrug it off.
“You okay, Bryn?” Nick asked quietly, looking back as well.
It took her a minute to reply as she scanned the crowd. “Yeah, it’s just…I’m fine.” He reassuringly slipped his hand into hers as he had always done to comfort her. She smiled half-heartedly at her twin as they followed Joe.
“Hearing you laugh
And seeing you smile
I’m wasting so much time
This is right about
When I tell you
This isn’t working, baby
It’s not right for me and it’s not fair to you
The only choice I got now is to tell the truth
Baby we’re done
It’s over now, we’re over
Knew it would come
There’s nothing we can do
It happened long ago
And now I finally admit
We’re done
Watching you cry
Tears me up baby
Never wanted to see you like this
You know I loved you
I’m not trying to hurt you
It’s best for both of us
This is where it ends and where it starts again
You will find a better love around the bend
Baby we’re done
It’s over now, we’re over
Knew it would come
There’s nothing we can do
It happened long ago
And now I finally admit
We’re done
I’m looking back on all we had and I’m sad to see it go
But life is full of hard goodbyes and its better down the road
Baby we’re done
It’s over now, we’re over
Knew it would come
There’s nothing we can do
It happened long ago
And now I finally admit
We’re done”
Kat finished her song and blushed deeply as the boys immediately began to cheer. Garbo clapped especially hard and Brynna noted that he kept his eyes focused on the pretty blonde in front of him. She and Nick exchanged a knowing smirk as Mr. Jonas talked to Kat, explaining all the legal and contact details. Watching Garbo, Brynna’s thoughts began to wonder as she started to plot out a match for her good friend.
A few hours later, Kat was signed as Katrina Martin, the Jonas Brother’s opening act. Brynna propped her chin on the table as she watched Joe, Kevin, Garbo, JT, Kat, and Jack try to figure out some instrumentals for Kat’s songs. They had already signed Garbo, JT, and Jack as Kat’s backing band, so now they had to put them to use.
“Come on guys.” Mr. Jonas reminded them. “We have a photo shoot to get you four to.”
Kat look puzzled. “Four?” She shot a curious look in Brynna’s direction.
“Yeah,” Garbo explained. “You’re in the photos as well, since they’re for the tour.”
“Sweet!” Kat cheered.
Garbo playfully slung his arm around her shoulders. “And I have to warn you, those photo shoots are-“
“TORTURE!” Brynna interrupted, giggling as he shot her a dirty look.
“Psh, what do you know?” Nick joined the conversation, Joe and Kevin surrounding him.
Brynna glared at him. “Who has to wait for five hours while you guys get primped?!”
Nick smiled sweetly. “I love you…”
Brynna scoffed. “Yeah, you better.”
Nick laughed and hugged her close to him, kissing her temple. “You’re crazy, Bryn.”
She laughed and elbowed him away from her as they slid into the waiting SUV. “You know it!”
Chapter 6
“We’re trying something new.” The photographer, Andrew, announced at the photo shoot that afternoon. “Since it’s just Kat opening for you guys, we’re going to include her in the tour photos with you guys, even though she’s only your opening band.” Then he clapped his hands. “So let’s get started!” Brynna watched from her spot on the table as the guys and Kat goofed around, trying several poses, including Kat being lifted off the ground by all three guys supporting her as she lay back on their linked arms, all four laughing hysterically. Then they took turns holding Kat on their back, Joe pretending to drop her several times. Brynna noticed Garbo’s eyes flash with uncharacteristic jealousy as Kat stood with her arms around Kevin, both of them smiling. Smiling at her friend’s lovesickness, she leaned on his shoulder, forcing the horrible dream not to replay itself. He glanced down at her, obviously surprised by the contact. She had been avoiding him for almost a month and their friendship had definitely changed. They weren’t as open with each other anymore, rarely talking, almost never hanging out, and it was almost unheard of for Brynna to be backstage during the concert and soundchecks, choosing to stay cooped up in the bus instead.
Garbo casually draped an arm around her shoulders and watched as she pulled out a Sharpie, rolling up her sleeve as she decorated her forearm with random shapes. After a minute, he snatched the Sharpie from her, chuckling as she made a protesting noise. Holding her arm, he quickly scribbled “Garbo pones” on her wrist, laughing as her mouth dropped open.
She finally gave up and howled with laughter. “You are so full of yourself, Greg Garbowsky.” She chided playfully.
“I try.” He admitted, a wide smile on his face.
“What’d he write, Bryn?” Joe called across the room, effectively ruining the moment.
“’Garbo pones’.” She responded, standing up and stretching the cramps from her muscles. Joe laughed and the photographer gleefully snapped a picture, capturing the look of pure humor on the teen’s face. Brynna smirked and tossed a water bottle to Nick and he caught it easily.
Nick and Joe came over to Brynna as Andrew arranged Kat and Kevin into a new pose. They were back-to-back and both of them had their arms crossed, smirking at the camera.
“Perfect!” Andrew yelled, changing the camera chip.
Joe flopped down in a chair, his long bangs falling over one eye. “I can’t move.” He announced sleepily.
“Wake up!!” Brynna poked her older brother experimentally, yanking her hand back as he slapped her. “Ow!”
Almost ten minutes later, Joe was fast asleep on the chair, having decided that they could continue the photo shoot without him and had promptly fallen asleep. Nick, Kevin, and Kat were doing group shots and Garbo had left the room to take a phone call, leaving Brynna alone and bored.
“Dad?” She asked, making her father look up from the papers he was going over. “I’m going to take a walk.”
“Take your phone.” He cautioned and she complied, heading out of the building, the wind blowing her wavy hair back over her shoulders and spreading it out behind her. Sliding sunglasses over her brown eyes, she headed down the busy streets. A smile curved her lips as she passed a teenage girl wearing a Jonas Brothers shirt. Shoving her hands in her pockets, she pulled the hood of her jacket over her head to protect herself from the biting wind. Spotting a Starbucks, she gratefully ducked inside and ordered. As she took a seat by a window, a girl who looked about thirteen approached her.
“Hi, are you Brynna Jonas?” She asked.
Brynna was unnerved to say the least and she looked at the girl for a minute before replying. “Yes, I’m Brynna.”
The girl shrieked happily. “Oh my god, I LOVEE your brothers, can I have your autograph?” She shoved a piece of paper and a pen in Brynna’s face.
Brynna signed it quickly and before she handed it back, she asked the one question that was driving her crazy. “How do you know me?”
The girl traded the paper for a magazine she held. “That way.” She left Brynna in peace, running back to her table. Brynna slipped the magazine into one of her pockets and hurried back to the building, desperate to find her twin. Once she reached the building where the photo shoot was held, she raced inside, passing by Garbo, who was still talking on his cell phone. Just before she went into the room, she halted in front of the closed door. Part of her longing to blurt it all out, the other part of her telling her to let him find out the hard way, take responsibility for some of his choices. Taking a deep breath, she tossed the magazine into the nearest trashcan and composed herself, walking inside. The guys and Kat greeted her with waves, Nick looking up from where they were looking at the pictures Andrew had taken.
“Come look, Bryn.” He called and she went over to stand beside him. One of Brynna’s favorite poses was Kat being spun around by Kevin, her blonde hair flying back and a look of pure joy on both their faces, but of course all the pictures were amazing.
“Hey, guys-“ Brynna started, about to call her brothers to the side, about to tell them everything, but as soon as she opened her mouth, Joe’s phone started to ring.
Nick quickly leaned over to see the caller ID. “Who’s Lexi?”
Joe blushed and Nick smirked. “The fan that I met…” He trailed off.
“The one that you wouldn’t shut up about?” Kevin asked, taking obvious pleasure in torturing his younger brother.
“My phone’s ringing!” Joe shot them all a death glare as he answered his phone.
“Everyone knows it’s meant to be, falling in love just you and me.” Kat and Brynna sang together, both collapsing into giggles as Joe looked at them and drew a finger significantly across his throat.
“What was it you wanted, Bryn?” Kevin asked his sister.
Brynna’s smile seemed forced and a little sad. “Nothing, Kev.”
Chapter 7
Brynna rocked gently with the motion of the bus as they rolled down the highway, flipping through the magazine that she had rescued from the trash. She was tucked safely behind the curtain in her bunk, hidden away from her brother’s eyes. She read the article slowly, absorbing every word. When it was over she flung it to the end of the bed. True, most of the article was lies, but some grains of truth crept out of its sentences. Like, the fact that she was Nick Jonas’s twin sister and that they had hid that from the world, but other than that the story was lies. Laying down onto her pillow, she listened to her brothers conversing in the main part of the bus. Kevin seemed to be on the phone with Garbo, while Nick and Joe played Guitar Hero.
“Sure, you can take tomorrow off.” Kevin agreed. “But be back in time for the show…yes, I know you’re not…okay…yeah, sure…” She heard him end the call and sigh.
“What’s wrong?” Nick asked.
Brynna could hear the laugh in her brother’s voice before he spoke. “Garbo’s taking Kat out on a date and wanted to see when they could sneak away.”
Joe burst out laughing. “Are you serious?”
Brynna knew her oldest brother well enough to tell that he was glaring at Joe. “Seriously.”
Nick spoke up. “I think it’s cool…” He paused. “But will it mess up the tour if they break up or something?”
Then was a pause and then Kevin spoke again. “I’m sure they’ll work it out.”
The sounds of Guitar Hero resumed and the subject was dropped. Brynna faked sleep as Nick crept back to get something. He pushed the curtain aside, peeking at her as she closed her eyes, willing her body not to move. She lay there for a few minutes, exhaustion nagging at her as she forced her eyes to stay open. Sleep overcame her and she drifted off to the sounds of her brothers attempting to rap.
“Let me go!” She screamed, fighting to get out of his hold.
His face twisted into an evil smile. “That’s what you’d like isn’t it?” He yanked her hair, forcing her head back. “Well you’re not going to get it!” He slapped her, his hand burning her cheek. She blinked back tears of anger, fear and pain. “That’s right.” His voice was softer now, but no less threatening. “Now you’re going to be a good little girl and stay quiet.” He pushed her toward the running pickup truck. “So sit down and shut up.” He shoved her into the passenger seat and went around to the other side, leaping into the driver’s seat, pulling off the mask he had worn with one hand.
Brynna awoke with a scream, tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she gasped for breath. Sitting up she wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face into her knees, her stomach heaving with the force of her sobs. Within a few minutes she was pale and shaking, tears still falling onto the sheets. She had pushed her face into her pillow to muffle the noise as she cried, but she held her breath as she heard Kevin make his way to the back.
“Brynna?” She heard him ask quietly. “Come on, Bryn, we’re at the venue.” He pushed aside the curtain and stared at her, seeing the tears track their way down her face, spreading the hastily-applied makeup. “Brynna, what’s wrong?” He sat down at her feet, placing a gentle hand on her leg. Brynna shook her head, signaling that she didn’t want to talk, and bit her lip in an attempt to make the tears stop. Kevin gently pulled her into his lap, holding her as she sobbed.
“It’s okay.” He whispered repeatedly, smoothing down her wavy hair. “It’s okay.”
“Not it’s not.” She whimpered in-between sniffles. “He’s going to come get me.”
“Nooo.” Kevin reassured her softly. “You’re staying here with us, nothing’s going to happen to you.”
“Promise?” Brynna whispered, her tears drying against the cotton fabric of his shirt.
“I promise.” He replied firmly, kissing her forehead briefly before getting up. Before he walked out he turned back to look at her. “You’re okay?”
She nodded, wiping her eyes. “I’m fine.”
He smiled, before leaving. “Good.”
“I’m going for a walk.” Brynna told Nick quietly as Garbo, Joe, Lexi(who had flown up for the show) and Kat appeared around the corner of the tour bus.
Her twin glanced at her. “Okay, have fun.”
Brynna scoffed, pulling her jacket tighter around her as the cold wind bit through her. “Yeah, right.”
“Hold on!” Lexi called as Brynna started to walk away. “Picture time!” Brynna laughed, agreed and stood with her four brothers, Joe and Nick on either side of her, Kevin behind them and Frankie standing against her legs.
“Beautiful!” Lexi declared, looking at the digital picture that appeared on the tiny screen.
The group laughed and Brynna headed off on her walk as Nick watched her go, an uncomfortable feeling settling in the pit of his stomach, telling him that something was going to happen- he didn’t know what –just something.
The wind whipped Brynna’s light hair back as she walked the dark streets, her breathing steady and loud in the night, blending with the occasional bird chirp or leaf rustle. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply and jumped as something grabbed her.
Chapter 8
Brynna gasped and whirled around to find Joe smirking at her. “NOT FUNNY JOSEPH!!” She shrieked angrily.
Joe was doubled over with laughter. “That was great!”
Brynna smacked him as hard as she could, holding back tears of fright. “No it’s not, Joe!!” She turned away from him, pressing the palms of her hands to her eyes to stop the tears.
She heard him stop laughing and approach her quietly. “I’m sorry, are you okay?”
It took all her energy not to lash out at him, so she nodded and listened to him walk away. Sighing, she turned and followed him to the venue, glancing over her shoulder as she got the feeling that someone was watching her. Shrugging it off, she hurried into the main room where the band was going through soundcheck, showing off for the few fangirls that had won passes. She waved to Nick and exchanged smiles with Jack. After “Australia”, Jack called her on stage.
“What’s up, Flawless?” Brynna teased gently, accepting his hand as he pulled her on stage.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, obviously getting ready to butter her up. “So, now that your twin has given me my drum kit back,“ He gave her a pleading look. “Show me how you play.”
Brynna and Nick exchanged worried looks as she took Jack’s drumsticks, then a rush of adrenaline filled her as she took a seat. How she had missed this. She looked over at Garbo, a wide grin spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling underneath her bangs. “Tell me a song, Grog.” She joked, the band laughing as they remembered how she had started that nickname.
“Garbooo!!” Joe and Brynna greeted the bass player enthusiastically as he walked into the room, ready to begin the lockdown.
“Who plays shows at 9 am??” He grumbled, draining the cup of coffee Kevin had handed him.
“We do!” Joe retorted, a tired moan responding to his words.
Brynna poked her friend. “Wake up Grog, you and the guys have to go out there and look pretty.”
Joe struck a pose. “Yes we do.”
“Grog?” Nick inquired, turning to his sister, a bemused expression on his face.
“Grog.” Brynna said firmly. When Garbo glared at her, she shrugged. “It fits.”
Kevin burst out laughing at the expression on his best friend’s face. “Well she’s right…”
“Go away!” Garbo complained, burying his head on his arms as everyone around him laughed, including Brynna as she hugged him. “It better not stick.” He warned them, pointing a finger at Brynna as she smirked.
Garbo glared at her. “Now I’m going to pick something really hard, just for that nickname, Brynna.”
She did Selena Gomez’s sassy head shake. “Bring it.”
“’Hold On’” He dared her, knowing it was the one song she had never been able to play. She shot daggers at him with her eyes and waited as Nick played the intro and Garbo joined in as she waited for her cue. She began to play right on time and made it through a whole verse without messing up.
“An entire verse!” She cheered as the guys stopped.
Joe rolled his eyes. “Yes, very impressive, Brynna.” She stuck her tongue out at him, spinning one of the drumsticks between her fingers like a baton.
“Can I have my instrument back now?” Jack asked pleadingly when they didn’t continue.
Brynna giggled, hopping off the stool and handing him back the drumsticks. “All yours, Flawless.” He mockingly bowed in her direction before continuing the sound check.
Brynna took a seat and watched her brothers goof around on stage as Kat entered the auditorium, ready for the concert ahead. Her long blonde hair had been expertly straightened and her bright blue eyes were glowing with excitement. She ran up to Brynna and pulled her out of her chair, both of them dancing to the music, making the boys laugh.
“Kat, your turn for soundcheck.” Garbo reminded her when the boys were done.
Kat rolled her eyes playfully, a smile playing on the edges of her mouth. “See, there’s just one problem.” She explained teasingly.
Garbo leaned forward, eyes sparkling. “Do tell, Miss Katrina.”
“See, there’s this bass player in my back up band that I have a hard time playing with, because he’s, you know, just sooo crazy.” She shrieked as Garbo darted out, picking her up and spinning her around.
He finally set her down, but held her close as she laughed. “Crazy, huh?”
A smile blossomed over Kat’s face, lighting her up as she linked her arms around his waist. “Nah, just perfect.”
“When you look me in the eyes.” Joe and Brynna sang together, effectively ruining the moment.
“Shut up.” Garbo warned, letting go of Kat and taking his place in the back of the stage again.
“Cuz when you look me in the eyes, I catch a glimpse of heaven, I find my paradise,” Brynna continued the song as Garbo retuned his bass.
“You know you’ve struck it big when your little sister is singing your songs.” Joe commented dryly.
“Or maybe it’s because they get stuck in people’s heads.” Brynna pointed out.
Joe scoffed. “Then it’s good publicity. Like, one guy says to another, ‘hey, what’s that annoying song you’ve been singing all day?’ and the other guy says, ‘oh, that’s SOS by the Jonas Brothers.’”
Brynna howled with laughter. “I’m reminding you of that the next time you start singing “Bubbly”.” Joe flushed and remained quiet, an embarrassed smile making it’s way up his tanned cheekbones. Brynna smirked and watched Kat’s soundcheck in silence.
Brynna took random pictures with her iPhone as she waited for the boys to be done with their show. She laughed quietly as she caught one of Frankie being…Frankie. Her little brother paused the video game he was playing and hunted through the mini-fridge for a snack.
“When are they going to be done?” The little boy asked.
Brynna tilted her head, listening to the loud thud of the bass echoing through the venue, accompanied by the screams of fangirls. “Soon, I think.”
Frankie pouted. “I’m bored.”
“I know, Frankster.” Brynna soothed. “Why don’t you explore a little bit?”
“Okay!” He yelled cheerfully, leaping off.
“But take-“ Brynna called belatedly as he ran out into the hallway. “-a bodyguard.” She finished to herself, settling back on the couch and turning on her iPod, effectively tuning out the rest of the world.
On stage, the brothers played “Take A Breath”, unaware of the situation forming backstage.
“Camoflague the way you feel, when everything’s the matter.”
Chapter 9
Brynna jumped as the door swung open with a bang, revealing a burly man dressed in the black outfit of a security guard. “Brynna Jonas?” He asked in the way that wasn’t even a question.
She was on her feet in seconds. “Yes?”
“Your little brother wants you. He’s lost and doesn’t know where to find you.” The man explained.
“He didn’t come with you?” She asked.
The man shook his head. “No, one of the other guards called me and told me that he wouldn’t move until you came. So come on!” He beckoned her to follow him down the long, winding hall.
Brynna followed him, passing her phone on a table in the room and just leaving it there; after all, she was only going to get Frankie and be right back…right? The guard led her through mind-boggling twists and turns until they were in a room just beside the auditorium, the screams of the fangirls echoing through the walls and the faint sounds of her brothers singing just audible over the shrieks. Brynna instantly grew uncomfortable when she noticed that her little brother was nowhere to be found.
“Where’s Frankie?” She asked, her tone sharp as she glared daggers at the ‘security guard’, whose true identity she was seriously doubting at the moment. She turned slowly on the spot, looking into the dark corners of the room as if they could be hiding her little brother. She gasped as an arm wrapped around her throat, jerking her backwards, a knife pressed against the major veins in her neck. “Let me go.” She panted, fighting against the tight hold the man held on her, the sharp edge drawing flecks of blood.
She heard him scoff. “As if.” His grip on her tightened as a familiar little boy passed the door, then stopped, seeing his sister held with a knife to her throat.
“Frankie.” She whispered, the movement in her vocal cords drawing even more blood.
He stood just inside the doorway. “Brynna?”
A low hiss entered Brynna’s hearing. “He leaves, or comes with us- your choice.”
She didn’t hesitate for a second. “Frankie, I need you to listen to me. Run.” As he started to leave, she called after him. “I love you.” He nodded and fled.
Frankie ran down the hall as if he could leave the image of his sister in the room where he had left her. Stopping to watch the stage where his brothers performing, the opening notes of “Eternity” began to flow. “Looking at a picture of you, in my hands, wondering if I’m ever, going to see you again.” Ignoring every rule of concert ‘behavior’ he had ever been taught, he ran on stage, clinging to Joe’s leg as his older brother glanced down, surprised by the tears flowing from his youngest brother’s brown eyes. Joe immediately abandoned the song, seeing that something was truly wrong.
He knelt down to Frankie’s level, ignoring the murmuring coming from the fans in the crowd. “What’s wrong?” Frankie shook his head inaudibly, shaking with the force of his sobs. Joe shook his little brother a little, desperate for an answer. “Frankie, answer me.”
Kevin and Nick watched silently, knowing there was nothing they could do to help. Frankie and Joe were the closet two in the family; if anyone could get anything out of the little boy, it was Joe.
“Frankie, please.” Joe’s face mirrored true concern.
“They took Brynna.” Frankie choked, unable to watch as Joe let go of him, sitting back, a look of complete horror on his face.
“Who, Frankie? Who took Brynna?” Joe was resisting the urge to freak out on stage in front of millions of fans.
Kevin and Nick handed off their guitars and rushed over to where their brothers were talking. “What’s wrong?” Nick asked, kneeling beside Frankie, gently wiping off the tears that covered his face.
Frankie and Joe exchanged a glance, both knowing that Nick would take the news that his twin had disappeared…badly, to say the least. Standing up and forcing tears back, Joe pulled Nick to the side of the stage. Kevin and Frankie, along with the crowd, watched as Joe hugged Nick, Nick’s shoulders shaking with sobs. After a few seconds, Nick pulled out of the comforting hug and said something to his brother. Joe nodded and sighed heavily. Within a couple of minutes, Kevin knew as well and had gone to tell their parents. Acting quickly, the brothers had instituted a full building lockdown and sent security guards to scour every nook and cranny of the entire building. The fans stood silent, uncomfortable in this tension filled atmosphere. Kat took the microphone as the boys, their family and their band spread through the building, trying to find Brynna.
“Hey guys.” Her voice was quiet and shaking a little bit. “I’m sure most of you, if not all of you, have read this month’s Popstar. If so, you will know that Nick has a twin.” She paused to take a deep breath. “And tonight she disappeared.” A collective gasp spread through the large crowd at her words. “We’re not ready to call it kidnapping.” Kat assured them. “But until we find her we need your help.”
Hour One