I sat at the table. Dinner wasn't as much.... mystery soup.
I stirred it around, absolutly bored.
"Eat, Becca! What's wrong with you?" my Mom aquires, gestering to my motionless spoon.
"Nothing........." I drone, my mind totally off.
"Kevin again!" my brother sneers under his breath. I sigh. It's true!
"You're JEALOUS!!" I accuse. He ALWAYS does this!
"Becca, PLEASE!! Those guys aren't worth ANY of that! They probably don't even CARE!!! And you're just going to starve because of them?? This is about your "acting career" isn't it? Isn't it? How could you even want such a job??" This was my stepdad. He did this EVERY NIGHT!
My eyes welled. It didn't have to say all the time!!!!!!!! I shot out of my chair, tears blurring my imediate vision. I slammed the door, and I began to just throw things around. I felt like I was blowing up inside. Grabing my ever so loyal purse, I ran to the closer bathroom, also slamming its door. I opened the window blindly, then, one foot at a time, slipped out it's sill.
***
I burst through the double-doors, tired and feeling completely tore up inside. The beautiful church was filled with people, all chatting and laughing- absolutely enjoying themselves. I scanned the faces, knowing if I saw either of their faces, it would be certain.
Then I saw her.
"Mrs. Jonas!!!!!!!!!!" I annouced, sprinting toward the couple.
They turned their heads, both looking utterly confused. My legs gave out, and I fell into Paul's arms.
"Wha-......................., wha.... what is it??" he stammered, doing his best to balance me.
Completely sobbing, I tried to straighten out my own sounds. Then, with that attempt, I blacked.
***
"Hello?............ Hello?!"
I blinked several times, clearing my vision. I glanced around me, then, confusion and terror encased me.
"WHERE AM I??!!!!!!" I squealed, then stared into the woman's just-as-confused faced.
She stroked my head. "As of now, you're in my car. You came up to me and Paul after our church service...... for what reason, I really don't know....."
I widened my eyes.
"I made it.........." I wispered.
"What are talking about..?" She started.
"I..... oh, no, I really don't know what I was thinking!!"
"What??"
"I........ we............. can we talk?"
***
I glanced up, looking hopelessly at the couple sitting across the table from me.
"So..... you came all the way here........ on your own......" Paul looked down into his coffee cup.
Denise glanced over at her husband.
"What are we going to do?" she whispered, her voice slightly paniced.
He looked over at her lovingly.
"Anything we can." he looked me square in the eyes, complete knowledge glanced at me.
"OK!" Denise got up, and began to go upstairs. "Come on, Becca."
She opened a hallway closet, and pulled out a pair of sheets and a comforter.
"You can sleep in Kevin and Joe's room............ if that's OK."
I shrugged. "Where ever- I'm just WAY happy to have someone to take care of me, and a bed to SLEEP in!!"
Denise laughed. "We will always be there for you." She gasped.
"Oh, please please PLEASE let me take you shopping tomorrow!! You'll need new clothes if you're going to an interview the next DAY!!!"
I gasped. "YOU are going to take me to an interview?! Where??"
"Well, you want to be an actress, and, because of our sons, we have a VERY close relation to Disney, well, I'm sure we can set something up. I'll see you tomorrow. Get some rest."
I finished changing the sheets on Kevin's bed, then, after trully thinking over the day, I fell asleep.
***
"Hi!! Wake up! Come on!!"
I blinked. There, at the end of Kevin's bed, sat the one and only Frankie.
"Huh?" I sat up, blinking even more.
"Mom's made waffles- come on!"
He jumped off the bed and ran down the stairs. I pulled the covers off of me and followed him. The wonderful aroma of waffles surrounded me.
"Morning!!" Paul and Denise chimed.
"Morning!" I greeted back. I sat down as Mrs. Jonas placed a few waffles in front of me.
"These are great!!" I compliment after the first bite.
"Oh, this is NOTHING!! Wait for her killer French Toast!" Frankie shakes his head for enthusiasim.
Denise laughs. "OK, Becca, you almost ready!?"
Shoveling the last of the waffles in my mouth, we head out the door.
***
"THAT WAS GREAT!!!" I squeal as we opened the front door, both of our arms filled with bags overflowing with clothes. "Thank-you!!"
"Hey, I've always wanted a daughter to take shopping- thank you!!"
"Becca, come here!" Frankie stood half way up the stairs, and in his arms he held two electric guitars. "You play?"
"You bet!" I squealed, gripping a black and white one.
"One moment, don't you want to change first? It's a bit unexpected, but my boys are coming home tonight, and I thought you could wear one of your new outfits."
"ABSOLUTELY!!! I know just the one!" I scrambled for the load of bags at the foot of the stairs, plucking out several peices of clothing as I dashed to the bathroom.
***
"That does look pretty good on you!" Paul smiled as I modeled the style.
I felt blush cover my cheeks.
"Are you ready to jam? They aren't here yet!" Frankie stood pouting on the staircase.
"Sure!" I shrugged as I marched up the stairs, grabbing the black electric out of his hands.
"Up!" he demanded. I shot him a glance, but decided to fall in behind him.
I plugged in the guitar to it's amp.... which also was in Kevin's room. Frankie climbed onto Joe's bed, then trew his arm down the guitar's strings, blasting the room. I glanced over at him.
"What! We came up to jam, didn't we? GET LOUD!!"
I played to first few chords to Austrailia. "So did I."
"You know my brothers' songs??"
"Don't YOU?!" I gave him a look.
"DUH!" he shot back, finishing the chorus I left off on.
It didn't take long until we had played through all of Austrailia, SOS, and just as we finished Inseperatable, and we were really getting wild at it (Imean, jumping on the beds and everything), I glanced up, to see three silent figures in the door way. Nick, Kevin, and Joe.
My breath came short.
I got off the bed, looking down briefly to check my outfit (black guitar shirt and faded jeans).
"I- I................ I'm sorry. I mean................... hi?"
Joe slipped his hand forward, grinning his friendly way.
"I'm Joe, and it's great to meet you............ Becca."
***
I shyly stole a look around the table as Nick nudged me.
"You're pretty good with your chords, and, not to sound all cheesy, but your singing isn't half bad either. Mom said you were going to a Disney interview tomorrow- that sounds great!" he shoved his fork in his mouth.
"Yeah!!" Joe chimed in. "Have you ever played in a band before? You would totally steal the show!"
I looked down at me plate. How could they do this to me?! I couldn't take thier complaiments...........
Joe and Nick rolled thier eyes toward Kevin, his expression giving away the fact he had something to suggest.
Joe shrugged. "HAVE you played in a band?"
"No, I haven't." I heard the words string out.
"SHE SHOULD PLAY WITH US TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!" Kevin exploded. "It could really help her interview tomorrow!"
Kevin slapped his hand over his mouth.
Joe sighed. "he said it.............." he mumbled.
Nick slumped.
I sat up, directing the question to Nick. "WHAT are talking about?"
"Well......." Joe gave me a matter-of-fact look. "We were going to surprise you, but I guess you can practice before hand this way. We wanted you- all of us- to play with us tomorrow at our homecoming concert."
I began to shake. "............. really................?"
"Absolutely!" Kevin stood up, taking my plate for me. "So what do you say?"
***
I looked around the dressing room.
"Kevin? Kevin!"
I shot down to where he was, then stared up at him.
"Where do I stand.......? Do I look-"
"You're fine! I'll show you." and with that, he began down the same path I took only seconds ago. But then he stopped.
"You look beautiful..." he whispered, then took my hand.
I could feel every inch of me freeze.
"Right.......... here." he slapped his foot on the stage. It was pretty close to the front, making me feel even more nervous.
"Are you almost ready to go? We're on in.............. ten minutes."
I shake my head with artificial excitement. I REALLY didn't want ME to make the Jonas Brothers look bad tonight!! I followed him around to where Nick and Joe were.
"You look great!" they chimed together.
Kevin reached around and handed off HIS guitar.
"Here. I've got another in the back."
I ran through That's Just The Way We Roll.. just in time.
***
Nick let the last note flow as Kevin inched beside me.
"You're doing REALLY good-- I- I didn't think you were. This is our last song- you OK?"
I nodded. "This is AWESOME!"
"You wanna start us?" Joe was looking over at me, along with Nick and Kevin. I nodded again.
Our last song- I could do this!
"This is our song." Kevin whispered. I froze. I can't do this! I can't do this!
But I started. And finished.
After our bow, I flew to the back stage.
"I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FIRST CONCERT- I............ I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Kevin came over and threw his arms around me, and as he drew them back, he clasped a beautiful heart necklace around my neck.
"I would have gave it to you earlier-"
"Kevin! Becca! Fans? Meet?" Joe reminded as he ran out the door in another Joe-Nick race to be first.
Kevin looked down at me. "Let's go."
***
I breathed in the cool night air, then sighed as I looked down at the necklace.
'Love' it had inscribed on it's smooth surface, shining in the full moon light.
Kevin stepped over to me, taking my hand again. But this time, I didn't freeze up.
"You........... are you ever going back?"
"No. I won't leave you." I smiled.
~**~
My foot began to tap impatiently.
This was taking forever.
The judge was taking his time looking over his crowded desk of papers, like I just didn't matter.
I began to glance behind me to see Denise, Nick, and then Kevin. Where were Joe and Paul?
"Miss Rebecca!"
I spun around at the sound of the gruff judge's voice as it clawed through his throat.
He rolled his eyes inconsideratably.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think you belong to..." He looked behind me then shook his head shamefully. " this family. You have a great one where you are, and you running away just proves you are a rebellious child that wanted to show everyone she wasn't trustworthy."
I stomped my foot.
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!!! THIS IS MY CHOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I began to scream, then shot back, realizing how stupid I was making myself look.
Judge Peak stared at me as if I had rats crawling on me. His face began to turn red, and I readied myself for what he had to say.
"This case is CLOSED!!!!!!!" He bellowed, then threw his gravel down.
I fell down, tears welling in my eyes.
It felt like forever, my thoughts just raging in my head, but I was brought back by Kevin reaching out his hand.
"You all right?" He asked, but it didn't matter- he was too disappointed to hide it.
I didn't answer- I just took his hand. Nick, Denise, and now Joe were right there, too.
Nick opened his arms for a hug, and I fell in and began to cry.
~**~
As we walked out of the court house, I was met with Mom, who obviously heard the news.
"I'm getting you back!!" She cheered as she hugged me.
'You never actually lost me..' My mind growled. I eased away from her to turn to the people I loved so much more than I could say.
Nick was now silently crying, Joe was gone again, and Kevin looked ready to completly fall apart at any given moment. And Denise, crying too, but softer than Nick, was busying herself with comforting Nick so no one would fuss over her.
I walked over to Nick first.
Pain stabbed my heart as I looked into his hurting face. I hugged him again, and I could've stayed there forever.
"I have your e-mail and all. Don't call." I mumbled.
"Why?"
"I- " I looked behind me to gester 'my Mom'.
He nodded, and he began to cry again as I turned to Denise.
"Thank you!!" I cried as I hugged her.
She rocked me as she tried to stop crying.
"It's OK, we'll meet. Again. You have to come back some time. Wait!"
She put her hands on my shoulders. "You have your Disney contract now!!"
She looked behind me and looked at my mom. She was slowly nodding her head.
She looked back at me, and smiled, hugged me once more, then let me go.
I turned to Kevin. I could just sit there forever, if it meant i didn't have to leave.
He broke into tears and hugged me suddenly.
I hugged him back, then whispered " I WILL be back."
"Not maybe?"
"No. Because I promised I would never leave you."
Tears clouded my vision. I blinked like crazy, but it didn't help.
Kevin let out a small sob, then said, " Even when we're miles and miles apart, if you're still holding on to my heart, I promise it will never be dark- I know, we're inseperatable.."
I pursed my lips together, then stammered "Yes- I DO know. Nothing will stop that. Ever."
Then Mom took my hand, and tears fell on my shirt as she took me to the car. I looked down and I realized- this was my black guitar shirt- the one I wore when I met the Jonases for the first three and a half months ago.
~**~
I stared out the window. I felt I couldn't possibly be angrier.
Mom patted my leg. "So how's it going?"
~WHAT"S going ON?!"~ "Nothing.." I mutter against my will, but I knew I didn't sound promising.
What was I SUPPOSE to say? I've just been denied my only hearts desire, and the first thing she has to say is 'How's it going?'?!!!
Another tear trailed down my cheek.
Mom sighed. "I'm sorry,... but everthing's going to be OK..."
~OK?!!~ /anger swelled inside me. I wanted to lash out and tell her how I felt... but I couldn't.
She sat back in her seat and sighed again, looking at the road.
The rest of the way home was in utter silence...
~**~
I shut my door behind me as I entered my room. It still seemed unfamiliar to me, but it had been three weeks since the hearing. But not much had changed.
I flipped open my laptop and typed in my e-mail. IM popped up.
REQUEST FOR MESSAGING:
NICK J.
My heart skipped. NICK?!
Below it read:
N: Becca?......
I moved my mouse over.
B: Hey!! What's up?
N: You sound good.. are you?
This took some pondering.
B: I'm breathing.
N: What a relief. Sorry I haven't said nothing until now.
B: You're busy. No big.
N: Thanks for understanding.
B: How are things? How's Mom and everyone?
N: Everyone's fine, actually! We just got back yesterday from Mexico. REALLY crazy.
B: I heard.
There was suddenly no reply. I just waited for about five minutes, until:
N: Becca, I miss you being here. A lot..
B: I miss you beyond the universe, too....
Another pause.
N: That's a lot. Do you mean it?
B: YEAH!!! You guys where the BEST!! I mean... now my life is just...
N: I understand.
B: Thanks.
Then the pause..
N: I really don't know how to say this... sorry...
B: Say what?
N: .......
B: Are you OK?
N: Yeah. OK, this is the thing.. you know we miss you, you miss us..
B: Yes...
N: And, you were REALLY good at EVERYTHING you did here and all, and now you sound.. depressed..
B: Yes....
N: OK.. Do you think.. you.. could.. come.. back....?
This was my turn to pause.
N: Becca?
B: I'll be there. In two weeks.
N: WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
B: You asked, I answered.
N: You think your Mom will be wanting to drive you back here, or fly, or anything for that matter!
B: Probably not. That's why I'll be walking or something again.
N: Becca, don't....
B: No. I'll be there. Just wait for me.
N: .....alright. Do you need anything?
B: No. But don't you tell anyone.
N: Alright. I promise. Love you.
My heart skipped a beat as I read that, but I reminded myself it was the brother-sister love we shared for the oh-too-short time we spent together.
B: Love you too! Bye.
~**~
I pulled my hair in distress as I stared at my money. $50. That was all I had.
I sighed as I looked up at the ceiling.
However this was going to happen- it was. End of story.
I stuffed the money in my tote, and laid back in my bed, just as Mom walked in.
"What you doing?"
I closed my eyes. ~Go AWAY!!~
"Tired?"
"...yes ...."
"Alright. I'll see you in the morning."
After giving me a quick hug, she left. Shutting the door, I rolled my eyes, then pulled the covers to my head. ~How any I going to get there?~
Then it hit me.
How far was the train station from here?
~**~
I fell back on my bed.
It was then my laptop ringed.
Nick J.
I nodded my head to myself. ~It's about time!!~
N: How's it going?
B: Good- YOU HAVEN'T TOLD ANYONE HAVE YOU?!
N: No!
I felt bad for accusing him of breaking a promise.
B: Sorry. I knew you wouldn't.
N: Thanks. Have you thought about how you're getting here?
B: I'm thinking of a train ride. It's the only thing I can afford.
N: I'm glad you said that!
B: ....why?
N: Because I have some plane tickets!!
B: WHAT?!!!!!
N: Yeah- TWO!! I'm going to pick you up!
B: How are you going to do that?!
N: Tickets! That's how! And- it's tomorrow.
B: NICK!!!!!
N: Sorry.... I just wasn't thinking...
B: Fine. I'll be there. Love you!
N: Love you, too!
~**~
TOMORROW!!!!
I threw my backpack on my bed. Clothes. CLOTHES!! Can't take too much, or I'll get caught, too little, and I'm pretty much without.
Grabbing only my favorites and a few beauty musts, I was packed.
Oneca again, just in time. Mom walked in.
"What's this?"
Scanning my mind, I answered. "I'm..... going to the library."
"Well, what's all this?"
"Umm... stuff.. I'm taking back and stuff I want to bring."
"But why so much?"
She was looking suspesious.
"My friends! Yeah, they had me borrow some stuff, too, and their meeting me there."
"Oh, your hanging out with your friends! OK! When are you giong?"
"Tomorrow."
"Alright. Love you."
"You too, Mom."
As she left, I glanced at my clock. 7:05.
I had to laugh.
~**~
I stuck my shades on my head, then grabbed my bike.
"Bye, Becca! Be back in four hours!"
I winced. I wouldn't be coming back.
"OK!"
Racing down the road, excitment took over.
Right, left, right, left.
I was sooo glad I knew the whole way there!
The loud roars of airplanes thundered overhead and all around.
I sighed as I walked in. An hour later.
~**~
"Becca!"
I glanced around quick, locating the voice.
"NICK!!" I cheered as I bolted his way.
He met me with a warm hug.
"How's it been?"
"Sticky..."
"Huh?"
I sighed. "I told my Mom I was going to meet some friends. I've got two and a half hours to get out of here."
"Oh. Sorry you had to go through so much to get here..." He hugged me again, and I felt my heart melt. "But I'm SO glad you came."
"Wait! How did YOU get here? I had told you not to TELL anyone!!"
A smirk covered his face. "And I didn't."
"Then... how....."
"Mom's aunt lives this way. I 'wanted to tell her 'hi' and see her by myself'."
"And she LET you?" I knew it would take WAY more than that for me!
"Yeah! She lets three of her boys travel the country alone!"
"Not entirely alone...."
"Yeah.... but she let me. End of story."
"Thanks. For coming."
"No prob. Really."
After clearing security, we went over to the waiting area. Excitement caused me to fidget as I looked at the clock. Fifteen more minutes- come on!!
Nick sat by me after grabbing a bite to eat. "What's wrong?" he muttered, his mouth half full.
I stiffled a laugh. "Ready to go, that's all."
He grabbed my hand with a smile. "You still have an hour."
I smiled back. He was right. No one could stop me now.
"One o'clock flight, please make your way to the terminal."
I bit my lower lip as I slung my carry-on over my shoulder, still holding Nick's hand.
Jonas family- here I come!!
~**~
The plane landed an hour and a half later- which slugged by in much- anticipated seconds.
Nick smiled as we grabbed our carry-ons and headed to luggage claim.
As Nick grabbed my suitcase, a ripple of not-so-hidden giggles found us. We turned around to see a group of girls huddled together, grins spread flat over their faces while their hands tried to hide them.
I sighed.
Oh great.
But that just seemed to que them. Screaming, they charged.
Nick grabbed my hand and ran, the girls' squealing just behind me. Flying through the doors, we grabbed the first cab we saw- which was a cab that a woman and her daughter was just loading into. Slamming the doors- and JUST in time.
Sighing and leaning back against the seat, we glanced at the woman and her daughter, who looked pretty amused. Nick gave a small wave and a "....hi ....".
The woman smiled back as it sank in. "Your- your Nick Jonas!"
"Yeah."
"My daughter is a HUGE fan!!" she bragged excitingly. "Here- can you sign her book?"
Shrugging- and thankful that this was the only thing he had to sign- he scribbled his name on the cover and handed it back.
"Here, please." Nick called to the driver as they neared a Starbucks.
"I'll pay for your ride!!" the woman called as Nick reached for his wallet.
"Thanks!" he said as we unloaded and shut the door.
~**~
We watched as the cab drove away, then, as if it was an instict, grabbed my hand.
"Want some Starbucks?"
I couldn't refuse- I loved that place!!
We walked in and I ordered a caramel frappachino. Nick grabbed a double mocha. We sat down at a window seat, and for a long while just watched the busy streets. Then he turned to me.
"So.. uh.. how's the drink?"
"Great! Thank you.." For some reason I felt my cheeks flare.
"What?"
"Oh... I don't know..."
He smiled- OH, the sweetest smile!!- and, just like that it began to snow. My mouth dropped in shock. That was too weird!
"It's snowing!!" I cheered, and grabbed his hand as I headed for the door.
"Hold on- your stuff!" he laughed, still holding my hand.
We raced out the door, but once we were out, we just stood there.
Nick closed his eyes, tilted his head up, and opened his mouth. I followed his lead.
My mouth got tired after a while, and when I brought my head back down, Nick was looking at me.
"...... What?" I giggled.
He stared at me like he never saw me before, then stated, "Your..... cute..."
I blushed. "Your quite the hottie yurself!!" Hardly able to keep it in, I let out a laugh.
He pursed his lips together, but still laughed. He pulledme closer in a hug.
"You really don't know what it means to me to have you back."
I picked my head up from his shoulder, and looked into his gleaming eyes.
"...... I love you." he whispered. This wasn't the brother-sister stuff.
I couldn't find words, much less breath. I was too lost in his sincere eyes.
"I-...... I love you. Too."
He placed his hand behind my head and kissed me- briefly. Until I kissed him back.
I pulled my arm behind his neck, completely lost in an unknown universe where nothing mattered.
Slowly we pulled away. His eyes looked at me in a way I thought they never would. We began to walk down the sidewalk, snow gracefully falling all around us.
"Are you cold?!" he asked in the most concerned way as a chill swept by us.
"Only a little bit..."
"Here...." He grabbed his jacket and threw it over my shoulders.
I smiled shyly. "Thanks."
He shrugged, grabbing my hand.
"Don't worry, we're almost home."
I glanced around at all the mini stores that lined the streets. It was the greatest place, and the most romantic day. My hero had rescued me from my death, and had brought me to a wonderful place- why couldn't it be that way forever?
~**~
We were finally at the house. Sighing, and not sure if I wanted to know, I flipped out my cell.
10:36.
"Uh, it's kinda late. Do you have a key.... just in case?"
Nick looked at me with a knowing look. "My family? Sleep?"
I shrugged. "I guess your right."
Just before stepping on the sidewalk that led to their house, I spun around and pursed my lips together. ~I'm HOME!!~
"Are you alright."
I sighed. "Yeah.... I'M HOME!!! Omigosh!!!!!!"
I began to bounce up and down, squealing silently to myself. Nick put his hand on my shoulder.
"I'll ask again- Are you feeling OK?"
"Yeah! Let's go!!"
It wasn't long until we were in the house, being welcomed with overwelming hugs and voices.
Joe walked up to me, opened his arms, then his mouth as wide as it would go, then froze. "It's good to see you." He stated in a matter-of-fact voice. Then he started to bounce up and down like I did outside just shortly before.
He suddenly picked me up, ran to the couch with me slung over his shoulder, and gentle-playfully threw me on the couch. I couldn't stop laughing as he ran to the other end of the couch, sat down by my feet, then laid his head on my leg. "I missed you..." he said in a phony sad voice.
Through laughs, I managd to say "I missed you too!!"
He slowly wrapped his arms around my legs like he didn't want me to go anywhere.
Behind me, Kevin began to creep around the couch, then let out a growl as he attacked my stomach with tickles.
"Nick, grab her arms! She's hitting me!!"
I finally managed out a "HELP!!!" through my own laughs as I stuggled with the tickles, Joe holding my legs, and Nick pinning my arms.
"OK, guys, do you WANT her to stay?"
Denise made her point.
Soon, I was upstairs unloading my bag in their new guest room.
"It's like it was planned...." I began as I looked behind me at the guilty looks on all three boys.
"Well," Kevin started, " we wanted to be ready..... just in case... so we all pitched in...."
I bit my lower lip as I walked over to give them a huge group hug.
"Thanks. A ton." I whispered as I went back to getting ready for bed.
♪♥♥♥♪
I turned over in my bed at the cute kitty clock on the nightstand.
12:15.
I sigh and roll over, trying not to think about it. I tried not to think about ANYTHING, but that was the closest thing to impossible that I had seen in a while.
Too much had happened. How in the WORLD did they expect me to sleep after all this??
I closed my eyes and began to count.
By the time I reached 32, I felt a tug on my arm.
My eyes flew opened to see Nick.
"You awake?"
"I am now!" I joked. "No, I wasn't asleep, but I was trying."
"You too?"
"Yeah! How COULD I sleep?"
He shrugged. "Too much has happened. I know."
I nodded.
I looked up. He looked SO cool sitting on my bed in the moonlight, but I said nothing.
"Come with me!" He whispered.
His sudden request left me questioning.
"Come on! Follow me!"
I threw the covers off my legs and tip-toed his direction.
He led me to his room, where he grabbed a blanket and walked over to his window.
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
"It's a surprise. Just don't make too much noise. Joe's a light sleeper."
~Joe? Light sleeper?~ Well, I guess he would know better than me!
He slipped out his window, then climbed upward. ~Where is he going?~
I slowly fell in behind him, a freezing breeze catching my hair and twirling it all around my face.
He was right there, on the ledge that hung above window. He smiled encouragingly.
Pulling my hair back with a ponytail holder, I climbed up with him.
I sat next to him, my legs utterly freezing from the cold air and light snow that dusted the roof.
"Look." He pointed to the sky before he tucked the warm quilt around me.
My jaw dropped as I looked up at the sky. I would have never knew there were so many stars in the sky.
I snuggled my head against his shoulder as I took it all in. This was better than just sitting in bed!
He laid his head on mine. "So..... you'll stay this time?"
I looked up at him. "It WASN'T my idea to leave."
"I know." He threw his arm around me and held me closer.
I sighed. Then drifted to sleep.
♪♥♥♥♪
I groaned as I threw the covers off my head, slowly opening my eyes.
~Wow, what a deam....~
Sitting up to stretch, I noticed Joe at the end of my bed. He was crouched down, staring at the corner of the quilt while he contently flicked it with a dull rythem.
I shook my head. "Joe.... Before I ask, what are doing?!"
He looked up. "You're awake!! Good. Lets go eat!"
"No- you didn't answer my question..... WHAT were you DOING?"
"Waking you up."
"....... how....?"
"Well, I was seeing if you were a light sleeper like me. Because, you know, you woke me up last night."
"HA! No, I didn't! And how was THAT going to wake me up? Oh, you told me. So you know it doesn't work!"
"Actually- it did. You're up! And, yeah, YOU did! I heard all those pitter-patter rat steps on the roof. Ha, my, how the tables have turned!"
I frowned. "What are talking about?"
He gave me such a knowing look that gave me the chills. "I know that when Nick has rough days, he goes on the roof, normally because he can't sleep. I happen to know he invited you. I heard you!"
~Wow- that wasn't a dream! Sigh...~ "Oh....."
"Haha- yeah, whatever. Let's eat!"
I bit my lip. "Joe..."
I turned to look at me. Again. "What?"
"Uh... lets keep that between us. 'K?"
"The THREE of us- right?"
I felt myself redden. "Um- yeah. Hee three."
He winked, then left with me shortly behind.
♪♥♥♥♪
I sat down between Nick and Joe, just like I did before I left.
"Pancakes!" Denise sang as she popped a big plate piled with beautiful pancakes on the table.
We all dug in, and half way through my pancake, Denise looked over at me.
"So- has your mom taken you to get some filmimg done? I've heard your show's coming out in two weeks!! How exciting!"
My eyes widened as I swallowed my bite of pancake. "...I filmed my movie,... but not my show- I only filmed two days of it!"
Nick and Kevin looked at eachother and Denise frowned. I swallowed again.
"We'll check it out." Denise said finally, and we finished breakfast in silence.
♪♥♥♥♪
I walked into Nick's room and sat on his bed.
"What's up?"
His face was glued to the laptop, his expression serious. He was typing furiously on the laptop- typing somethng, mumblimg it, then deleted it and rewrote it differently.
"What are you doing?" I repeated.
He blinked, then looked at me.
"I'm writing a song. It's Christmas-y, because Christmas is next week, and we'll be at the Christmas Day parade!"
"I forgot!"
He smiled, "So did I. I'm done- do you want on?"
I shrugged. "OK- if you're done!"
"I am."
After he left the room I logged in to check my e-mails.
1 Message.
I clicked on it, and it read:
Hi Baby! I know where you are, and I hope you're OK. Take care of yourself- I'll come see you for Christmas! It's in one week, and you're brother and sister are looking forward to seeing you. They were scared when you left. Love you, Mom xoxo
I groaned and threw my head back, hitting the wall harder than I wanted. I WANTED to cry. She couldn't come here!
Rolling my eyes open, I saw Frankie in front of me.
"What's wrong?"
I pursed my lips together as I tried to think of a way to say this.
"Do you rememeber my Mom?"
He nodded his head.
"Well, she wrote me. And she's coming here, probably to get me."
This made Frankie look a bit upset.
"....so you'll be leaving?"
"No! I'm not leaving you. But she wants me to."
He cheered up.
"OK! I'll go tell Nick!!"
"Eek- no!" I squeaked after him, but he didn't hear me.
I shut the laptop and chased after him. I found him downstairs on the couch with Nick.... just after he finished telling him. ~Great..~
Nick looked up at me.
"You're leaving?"
"No. And I REALLY don't think Mom's coming. either."
nick slowly nodded his head as he looked from me to Frankie and back again.
"Good." he said finally as he got up and hugged me. I hugged him back, then he kissed me briefly on the cheek before walking away, and I stole a glance at Frankie to see if he caught that.
He was playing with his cars.
♪♥♥♥♪
We arrived up at the studio. It was just me and Denise.
"Ok, let's go check this out!" Denise turned the radio off as the opened her door. I followed close behind with my messenger bag.
"We honestly don't need to worry about this, I mean- I haven't got a notice or anything... it's probably a mistake!"
"I know Disney- and they might have FORGOT to send the notice. This won't take long." She assured me.
As we entered the studio, any naive person would have thought we interrupted a party.
And the first person I recognized was my director.
"..... Becca!"
"Oh- don't 'Becca' her! What about her show she was promised?" Denise broke. I shrinked back.
"It's not that big of a deal.." I muttered. She didn't hear me.
"Well,..." he exhaled noisily. "We lost track of her!"
Denise nodded. "OK- whatever."
"You want to watch?"
Denise looked at me, and I nodded sheepishly.
I looked at the crew, and the only one that stuck out was Miley.
She was much more intemidating in reality, with her dark make-up, long, professionally-done hair, and over-done 'fashion statement'.
She glared at me from her distance.
"OK, guys, I'm actually done for today. And look, Denise, I'll see what happened. But Miley came one day and said she was taking the part. I'm sorry."
Denise patted me on the back as a signal to leave, breaking our stare.
♪♥♥♥♪
I stared out my window in anger. How could this have happened?
Just as I closed my eyes, I heard a knock on my already open door.
Nick sat on my bed and wrapped me in a hug.
"I know it's tough. Hang in there. This was a bad mistake, and it'll shape up. And I'd promise, but I'm not Disney."
I breathed in deep, knowing it was true.
"Thanks."
"Hey- you coming to the Christmas Day Parade? I know I've brought it up already, but I want you there. That song I was working on? Well, when we were at the recording studio this morning, we had THE WHOLE THING TO OURSELVES! It was so cool- anyways, we chilled there and worked on that song. They guys agreed on that one for the parade."
"That's awesome! I can't wait!"
"We're going to stay there until the party- you can come to that too if you'd be up to it!"
"Really? Omigosh- I REALLY can't wait!"
He smiled, obviously proud he cheered me up.
"OK, so that's in SIX days. 'Night!"
"Sweet dreams!" I called back as he turned off my light.
"Thanks.."
♪♥♥♥♪
I unconciously rolled to my right- falling off my perch to the hard wood flooring.
"Ouch-" I groaned, squinting at the floor. ~I have CARPET in my room~
Rolling back to the left, I hit the.... last stair step? What was this?
I looked to my right, and sure enough, there was the LAST stair step. What was I doing, sleep walking??
I looked up at a sudden creak, and Nick was there, rubbing his eyes as he just woke up. Then he noticed me.
"......Becca?"
I tried to sit up, but I felt stiff all over.
"Yeah?" I managed to say with an edge of humor.
"What, may I ask, are you doing? Did you fall?" The last sentence was ragged with worry.
"No- no, I'm fine... I think. But what's up with Kevin?"
It's now that Nick even acknowledges his brother splayed in the middle of he stair case. He looked just as confused.
"Uh....mmmm." He started, but Joe was now next to him.
"Woah- what did I miss?!" He bursted, wide-eyed.
"We're, uh, trying to figure that out." Nick replied, still sounding a bit sleepy.
Numbness broke through my back and I clapsed.
~What was THAT?!~
Nick and Joe snapped thier attention to me at the sound of my faulter.
"I"m fine, I'm fine- really.." I groaned, but wanted them to know I was OK.
Nick shook his head and began down the stairs.
"Joe- get Kevin. He's a hard sleeper."
~Must be!~
When he reached me he streched out his hand, and he pulled me up. When both feet hit the ground, my back popped. I winced.
Nick smiled. "You alright?"
I nodded.
Joe was bent over Kevin.
"Hey, Kev.,... how you doin', man? Dude, you are like, on the stairs right now, it's crazy. You should get up.... your back's gonna hurt otherwise...."
"Joe-" Nick looked at him as if he was saying "Just get him up!"
Joe dramatically sighed. "Come ON, Kevin- Nick SAID so!!" He started yanking carelessly on Kevin's arm.
Kevin groaned, began to lift his head, then fell down a few steps.
We all stiffled laughs.
Through half open eyes, Kevin looked around at us.
"Where.... what are.... did I fall asleep here?"
His dragging voice and unknowingness made me smile.
"No, Kevin,... or at least I don't think so."
I realized I didn't know any more than he did.
~How did I get here?~
Nick and Joe both suddenly looked nervous.
"What?"
Kevin sat up, wiping his face with his hands. "All I can tell you, is I had this WEIRD dream- it was like Becca, she was telling us she had to go, and someone beside me told me that they couldn't breathe without her here- there was no air. Then Becca said that it was cool, we were all just friends, and we laughed and reminesed because Becca said she was gone- but she was right there. So that same person beside me- I don't know who it was- said that you were the girl of his dreams, and that you guys were supposed to be inseperable, but he realized he couldn't have you. So I said that if you left I probably couldn't sleep, and that I needed to be able to watch you, and grabbed you and ran. Then.... well, that's it."
** Now, once you read this, leave a comment, so I know how I did! Heart........
Meikitty
