Post by trumpetgrl24 on Sept 27, 2008 22:14:23 GMT -5
My sister Alicia wrote most of this story. My roommate Shawna and I edited and gave feedback when appropriate. As the three girls in this story are based off the three of us. Most of the conversations were written by the person it was pertaining to, so that they would sound normal. I really hope you enjoy the story. (We actually presented this story to the Jonas Brothers at their concert in Atlanta, GA on August 20th. I really hope they read it..... ;D) PLEASE REVIEW!!!
July 17, 2008 may seem like a normal day to most people. But for three teenage girls it was a day straight from their wildest dreams.
Actually if you would have told 17 year old Aza O’Brien that that day was going to be a good one, she would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. She and her older sister Marena were stuck babysitting triplets, the triplet Tornadoes, as they had so appropriately nicknamed them, and were being driven crazy. So far the only yield from this day had been ringing ears and sticky backsides.
Frustrated, Marena called her college roommate Paige…
Brring. Brring. A very sleepy Paige Taylor woke to the sound of her cell phone ringing. Who in the name of all that is holy calls at 8:30 in the morning in the middle of summer? She grudgingly thought to herself as she blindly reached for her phone.
“Hello?” she asked groggily into the phone.
“Hey Paige. It’s Rena.” Aha. College roommates call first thing in the morning. “Please talk to me Paige. Aza and I have the triplet tornadoes today and they are a nightmare.”
“Ouch. Well, do you realize that it is 8:30 in the morning AND the middle of summer?” she asked hoping Marena would understand by her tone that all she wanted to do was go back to sleep.
“Don’t remind me. I’m so tired, I’d rather be asleep.”
“We should do something tonight though.” She suggested again with a tone that stated she wanted to go back to sleep, “How about the drive-in?”
The drive-in was one of their favorite summer hangout spots. It offered all the newest movies, an arcade, and a go-kart track. While promotionally the drive-in aimed for families, locals knew that it was the ‘haunt’ for local teenagers. The small community of the Skagit Valley, located a hour north of Seattle and a hour south of Canada, offered little else to do for the teen population, so teens could always be found on the weekends. Aza, Marena and Paige often brought several car loads of friends and would spend the four hours from the time the drive-in opened at six and the time the movies started at ten to play games and have a tail-gate party around the cars.
“Sounds good to me. KATE!!! DON’T TOUCH THAT!!!” The eldest triplet had picked up a crystal candle holder and subsequently dropped it.
Paige heard the sound of it shattering in the receiver followed by Aza and Marena’s frustrated screams. Then Marena got back on the phone.
“Can I call you back in a little bit? I gotta clean up after Kate.”
“‘K Bye.” Paige rolled over in bed and fell back asleep.
Meanwhile Aza and Marena were having less luck keeping order with the children. Their mother heard their wordless plight and decided to give them an out.
“Girls, why don’t you go out, get some lunch for yourselves, and on your way back pick me up a Starbucks?” And then in an undertone she added, “Stay out as long as you need to regain your sanity.”
Aza looked to her sister and nodded. Her eyes flashed, Safeway. Since they were going to the drive-in, they would need plenty of snacks to smuggle in. They wouldn’t want to spend an arm and a leg later for concession snacks that night.
Normally Aza and Marena wouldn’t pay attention to what went on in the parking lot of the local Safeway, but that day something was out of the ordinary.
“Rena,” Aza said confused. “There is a giant bus in the back lot.” She pointed to where a large black bus was parked. Marena was less interested in this abnormality in their small town.
“It’s probably just a charter bus, it’s no big deal. Tourists or something.” She said casually. That statement shows how much they knew at this point and how much they were about to find out….
At the same time, Paige was waking up for the second time, this time of her own accord.
Paige’s To Do List:
1) Take a shower
2) Get Dressed
3) Eat
4) Feed animals
5) Make all necessary preparations for drive in
Back at the Safeway, Aza and Marena made a bee-line for the junk food aisle. They then proceeded to pick out their ‘contraband’ which included Chili Cheese Fritos, Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles, and Sour Patch Kids.
“Oh my gosh Rena, these look so good, let’s get them,” Aza said excitedly holding up a box of Tim Tams an all chocolate cookie.
“No way dummy!” Marena shot back. “Not only is it all sugar, which you’re allergic to, but it also has milk in it and you can’t have that either.”
“I know but they just look sooo good!” Aza said in response. But Marena hadn’t paid attention to anything Aza had said. She was focused on the tall, dark haired young man who had stepped behind Aza.
“Here try these,” he said pointing to a bag of gummy worms, “They’re delicious.”
Aza turned to see who was speaking to her and nearly jumped out of her skin. There in front of her was Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. Aza tried to speak but couldn’t find any words. Marena who had seen Nick arrive had only two thoughts on her mind. One was ‘Gosh, Aza is such a dork!’ and the other, ‘Where are Joe and Kevin???’
Aza’s mind was only focusing on the person in front of her and trying to send words to her mouth. Finally she was able to stammer “You’re N-Nick J-Jonas!”
Marena’s inward question regarding Joe and Kevin’s whereabouts was quickly answered. From two aisles over they heard the unmistakable voice of Kevin Jonas. “Hey Nick! Where’d you go?”
“Over here!” Nick responded. “Snack food aisle.” And then appeared the tall, straight-haired Joe, and a slightly taller, curly-headed Kevin.
“What’s going on Nick? Did you find what you were looking f--? Oh, I guess you did.” said Kevin with a tiny laugh.
“Geeze Nick,” said Joe, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “We asked you to get snacks and you’re picking up girls! And there aren’t even three of them! How many times do we have to go over this?”
Aza and Marena looked at each other incredulously. They were mad because there was only two of them?! Oh, that was rich. However it seemed Kevin was upset by Joe’s comment as well, because no sooner had the words escaped Joe’s lips than Kevin smacked both Joe and Nick on the back of the head. Then he turned to Aza and Marena.
“I’m so sorry,” he began. “Please ignore my brother’s lack of manners and allow me to introduce us. I’m Kevin and my brothers are Joe and Nick.”
The two sisters shook their hands and Aza, always one to point out the obvious stated, with a snicker, “You’re the Jonas Brothers.”
“Why yes, yes we are,” said Nick as he jokingly cleared his throat, “And who might you be?”
Marena, the calm and professional one, jumped in. “Well, I’m Marena O’Brien and the spaz over here is my sister Aza O’Brien.”
“And how did you meet our little Nicky here?” asked Joe leaning against Nick’s shoulder.
“I was showing them some sugar free stuff.” Nick responded indicating the pack of gummy worms in Aza’s hand.
“Aza can’t have sugar, but sometimes she forgets and tries to buy stock in chocolate.” Marena added taking note that Aza still hadn’t regained her word control.
“Is she diabetic?” asked Kevin curiously.
“No, but she’s allergic to most kinds of sugar, so she’s on a similar diet as a diabetic would be. Except she can’t have fruit or dairy products either.”
“Oh wow…” Kevin responded to Marena’s obvious over-explanation.
When Aza finally regained her speech she asked them the question that had been on her and Marena’s mind since the boys had appeared. “So what are you doing in our little blip-on-the-radar town? Are you not on tour right now?”
“Well we are on tour right now.” Kevin started to explain. “But our next venue is Seattle and we have a day off, so we are staying the night here.”
“We were surprised that no one rushed us as we came in,” added Joe.
Marena looked around and saw the unmistakable figure of the boy’s bodyguard, Big Rob, just a few aisles down.
“Well around here, it’s country music and country music only,” explained Aza.
“You might like the Jonas Brothers if you are twelve years old,” added Marena.
“Or if your names are Aza and Marena O’Brien,” finished Aza looking around humorously.
“Now if you had been Rascal Flatts or something, you just might have been mobbed,” said Marena.
The boys laughed at Marena’s comment and then Kevin was sniffing the air. “There’s a Starbucks around here,” he said with a final sniff. “Where is it?”
“Well it depends on which one you want,” said Aza, “We have five within two miles.”
“And about 30 locally owned espresso stands with a five mile radius,” added Marena.
“Are you serious?” the boys asked in unison.
“As a heart attack,” said Aza, which prompted the boys to give her several weird looks. She shrugged it off and continued. “Do you want us to show you to one?”
“I don’t need it that badly, but now I know I have options,” said Kevin with a smile. “Hey,” he added with a look like he just got a wonderful idea, “What is there to do for fun around here?”
It was at that moment that Aza and Marena were sharing the same brainwave.
“Not much,” they said together.
“Not IN town anyway,” Marena clarified.
“But if you are willing to let us surprise you, we can take you to the coolest place we know,” said Aza.
And with that they had invited the Jonas Brothers to the drive-in.
Aza quickly wrote down their street address and simple directions from the Safeway to their house. “Don’t try to MapQuest it or anything, it’s not on any of the maps,” she said. “Bring pillows, blankets, and dress comfortably.”
“Is the coolest place you know a sleep clinic?” asked Joe jokingly.
“Ha-ha, no. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Meet us at 5:15,” said Aza.
“Alright, see you then,” said Kevin.
The boys walked away and the two girls let out the squeal they had been holding in throughout the entire conversation. Then they heard the low chuckling of Big Rob as they finished their junk food splurge pink-faced.
Meanwhile the Jonas Brothers talked over the conversation with Aza and Marena.
“That was interesting,” said Kevin.
“Yeah,” added Joe. “I wonder where they will take us.”
“I’m just glad we could get through a conversation without them screaming,” said Nick.
“Or sobbing,” agreed Joe. “Weird that they didn’t seem to know we would be in Seattle tomorrow,” he said thinking out loud.
“Maybe they don’t follow our every move online Joe,” said Nick.
Kevin was sniffing the air again, his Starbucks radar going crazy. “Five Starbucks huh?” he said more to himself than anyone. “Let’s check it out.”
“You and your Starbucks,” tsked Joe. “It’s a shame you don’t put that nose to good use.”
“Like how exactly?” asked Kevin.
“Like…I don’t know…at a police department. They’re always drinking coffee,” replied Joe.
“Joe, police officers don’t get there coffee from Starbucks,” said Nick. “They get it from Krispy Kreme.”
“Oh, yeah!” said Joe. “That way they can get their donuts at the same time.”
“Oh my gosh Rena!! Was that not the coolest thing ever?!” gushed Aza.
“Totally! Paige will want to know about our guests,” said Marena flipping open her cell phone.
“Don’t tell her it’s the Jonas Brothers, just say they are VIP’s or something,” said Aza. “Surprise her!”
“OK”
Paige had showered and dressed and was walking around her kitchen trying to find something appealing when her cell phone rang.
“Thank you for calling Planned Parenthood, this is Susan, how can I help you?” she said knowing by the caller id that it was Marena on the other end.
“Ha-ha Paige, I’m dying from laughter,” said Marena sarcastically.
“Well, I thought you might,” said Paige. “What’s up?”
“Oh…nothing,” said Marena, trying to hide the sheer giddiness in her voice. “Just wanted to let you know you should dress extra cute tonight. We have some…VIP guests coming with us.”
“Ooh! Exciting!” said Paige with mock enthusiasm. She wasn’t quite in the mood for games. ‘Who could be so important that I have to dress up to impress them’ she thought. ‘Although,’ she continued, ‘Rena wouldn’t have mentioned it if it wasn’t of the utmost importance. Maybe my new outfit.’
Paige jumped back into reality. “Just how important are these VIP guests?” she asked. “How extra cute should my outfit be?”
“Really cute,” said Marena. “You’ll just about die when you meet them!”
“We almost did!” said Aza’s voice nearby.
“That important huh?” said a now curious Paige. “Well I think my new outfit will be just about right then.”
“Bye Paige,” the sisters said in unison.
Paige ran to her closet and pulled out a pink tee, a black vest, dark wash jeans, a studded belt, a broken-in pair of Converse, and to top it all off, her new fedora. With her outfit laid neatly on her bed, she began to finish her do-to list randomly adding more tasks as she finished others.
Meanwhile Aza and Marena were saying goodbye to the triplets with a satisfied sigh. Then they began their preparations for the boy’s arrival and the drive-in, including picking out cute but comfortable clothing to wear.
For Aza a white graphic, 80’s inspired, tee with a pinstriped vest, a jean skirt with black tights, mix-matched pink and green socks and a pair of black Converse low tops. Her hair was pulled back and curled at the ends, and she had on very subtle makeup used to define her eyes and add a little color to her pale cheeks. She pulled out a pair of guitar pick earrings and stuck them in her ears.
Marena emerged from her room with a red tee, a pair of black skinny jeans, a black vest and red Converse high tops. Her only jewelry was the red and black bangles around her wrists. Her normally wavy hair was stick straight and swept to one side. Her eyes were defined with eye liner and mascara behind her black rimmed glasses.
They each took one last glance in the mirror as they heard the soft crunch of gravel that signaled an approaching car.
“Ooh!” said Aza trying to do her best Chip from Beauty and the Beast impression, “I hear some boys in the driveway.”
A peek out the window confirmed their suspicions as they saw the approaching Black Jeep Commander they knew was Kevin’s.
“Hey guys go ahead and put your stuff in here,” said Aza pointing to her ’98 Dodge Ram.
Three voices called “Shotgun” simultaneously, which then sparked discussion about who should get it.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors?” suggested Marena.
After a few heated rounds, Joe came out victorious, leaving Kevin and Nick to slide in the back seat.
“I can’t wait to see where you ladies are taking us,” said Kevin.
“You’re not getting a word out of us about it,” said Aza with a zipped, locked and key tossed away motion over her mouth, as she casually slide in to the driver’s seat.
“Wait a minute!!” exclaimed Joe. “How old are you?!”
“I’m seventeen,” replied a confused Aza.
“And you’re going to drive?” asked Kevin, with a confused glace at Marena who had joined them in the backseat.
“Um…yeah. This is my truck. I drive,” said Aza even more confused.
“See Joe, even she can drive,” said Nick sarcastically.
Now Aza understood. She had forgotten that Kevin was the only brother with a license. Joe shot Nick an evil glare.
“Maybe I should drive,” said Marena smugly. “I have had my license longer.”
Aza and Marena debated with their eyes, but Aza gave in.
“Fine, I guess I will just sit in back with the COOL brothers.” Aza said hoping they would catch the humor in her voice.
“Don’t worry,” Marena said to Joe, “I know what it’s like to be the middle child too; we get all the guff.”
“You have an older sister?” asked Kevin with enthusiasm.
“Yeah…” said Aza warily, “but she is married and has a little girl.” She watched Kevin’s face fall slightly.
“But you guys get to meet Paige, my college roommate.” Marena said excitedly. “You’ll love her, she’s awesome.”
“She loves your music too. But she doesn’t know you’re coming. We were planning on surprising her.”
Everyone was now settled and buckled in. Aza was in the middle between Nick and Kevin. An arrangement based on the fact that she had the shortest legs and therefore would be the least uncomfortable there. Marena turned the key in the ignition and jumped off her seat as the Jonas Brothers’ CD started playing full blast. Both girls flushed beat red as all three boys laughed.
“Gosh Rena! Check the CD player next time!!” Aza exclaimed.
“Um…HELLO!! It’s your truck!” Marena snapped back.
“Don’t worry ladies,” said Kevin between laughs, “We buy and listen to our own music.”
“Just maybe not at that decibel,” said Nick.
The girls said nothing in response, but instead tried to turn the conversation to other topics as they began their journey.
Paige had just finished her chores and checked her clock, 5:30. They always met at the drive-in at 6. In reality she had another 15 minutes to kill but decided to leave early. She got into her Jeep, blasted some Jonas Brothers music and headed towards the drive-in.
After 40 minutes of random questions they were nearing the farm and cows pasture area of the drive.
“May I ask where we are going? A farm of some sort?” asked Joe.
“Nope, just the middle of nowhere,” said Marena with a laugh.
“We’re almost there anyway,” said Aza.
The next second they turned the corner and the drive-in appeared.
“Is that a drive-in?” asked Nick.
“Are those Go-Karts?!” asked Joe excitedly.
“Sure are Joe. Maybe you can show me your skills behind the wheel,” said Marena trying to be as subtly flirtatious as possible.
“That’s not much,” said Nick in a whisper to Aza.
“Hey! I heard that!” said Joe. “That hurts me Nick.”
“You know there’s an arcade too,” said Aza breaking up the spat. “Anyone game? I’ll kick your butt at DDR.”
“I’m game. Bring it Aza.”
“Oh, it’s on Nick. It’s so ON!!”
“Oh man, I’m having such a big brother moment,” said Kevin. “I’m not sure if I should watch Nick on DDR, or make sure that Danger here doesn’t kill himself on a Go-Kart.”
“Well we’ll do our DDR showdown first then,” said Aza. “‘Cuz I want to see the Go-Kart death race.”
After paying for the double feature and backing into the primo parking spot, Marena smiled as she hopped from the truck to greet Paige.
Paige had been sitting in the drive-in for a good fifteen minutes, when she finally saw the blue pickup Aza always drove. Wanting to know more than ever who the VIPs were, she moved her Jeep closer to where they were parking.
“Hey Aza! Hey Rena!” she called as they got out of the vehicle.
“Omigosh! Paige!” they exclaimed in unison rushing over to greet her.
“So what do you think?” said Aza wiggling her eyebrows, “Nice huh?”
Paige hadn’t seen anyone else exit the truck, but in one split second she looked past Aza’s truck and she saw Kevin, Joe, and Nick jumping up to sit on the tailgate. Aza and Marena were not disappointed with her reaction.
“OH…MAH…GAWD!!!! Are those the JONAS BROTHERS??”
“Oh, well spotted Paige,” said Marena sarcastically. “Of course they are the Jonas Brothers, who else would they be?”
“Howdidyou, wheredidyou, What Did You Say?” She wasn’t making much sense, but Marena seemed to understand what Paige was trying to say.
“We met them at the Safeway when we were buying our contraband. They asked if we knew anything fun to do…” Marena began to explain.
“And here they are,” finished Aza as if it were the simplest thing in the world to ask someone like the Jonas Brothers to the movies.
Paige looked over at Kevin Jonas not twenty feet away.
“Can I meet Kevin?” she asked excitedly, while practically swooning.
“You can meet them all if you would like.”
“OK!!”
Almost on cue they walked over to where the three girls were standing.
“Hi,” said Joe, “You must be Paige.”
“Aza and Marena told us so much about you.” chimed in Nick.
“But their descriptions honestly don’t do you justice,” said Kevin with a debonair smile. Even in picture form this smile of Kevin’s made Paige melt. In person however, Paige thought she had become a puddle with a mouth. The fact of the matter was that Kevin Jonas had been thinking about her, simple ole Paige. It made her want to squee.
“Paige is like my other half.” Marena said casually.
“I think I’m the funnier half,” Paige whispered to the boys.
“Hey! I heard that!” Marena said with indignation.
“Oh c’mon Rena, you know it’s true.” Aza told her in a patronizing tone.
“It may be true most of the time, but I think I’m pretty funny too.” she retorted.
“I think you’re very funny,” said Joe. “But if you would like some help, I’d be glad to volunteer.”
“Oh, that’s just what we need,” quipped Nick, “Two Joes.”
Sensing the battle of wits arising, Paige decided to break the tension. “Well, I’m up for a round of Go-Karts,” she said, “Any takers.”
“Well I would love to,” said Kevin, “But we’re going to watch Aza and Nick on DDR first.”
“You’re challenging Aza to DDR?! You’re a brave man Nick.” Then she leaned in like she was sharing an important secret. “Be Wary! She’s a tricky little bugger.”
“Well, let’s get to the butt kicking!” Aza said enthused.
“Where’d you learn to be this good?” asked Nick stumbling through the footwork on the video screen, “You’re totally creaming me!”
“Mostly cast parties, but I had a really good friend too. He taught me a lot.” Aza responded not missing a beat in the song. She had already beaten Nick in the previous two rounds and was going for the win with a 97 combination score.
“Geeze, Nick,” egged on Joe, “At least try to keep up!”
“If you keep talking like that Joe, I’ll play you next.”
“I’m good.” he said with a tone of not wanting to challenge her.
The song ended and Aza won again.
“Well,” said Marena. “We should probably go get in the Go-Kart line if we want to have a go before they close them.”
“You guys go, I’m exhausted,” Aza said with a sigh. After they walked away, she added, “Do you wanna go Nick?”
“Um…no, not really.”
“Oh. You don’t want a rematch do you, because I’m not going to lie, that took a lot out of me.”
“No. I’m good. Thanks though.”
“Ok. Well, do you want to split some nachos or something?”
“That sounds good to me.”
After getting their nachos and fighting over who would pay, (Aza won again), they climbed into the bed of the truck to eat. In between bites they began to ask each other questions.
“So, you’re seventeen,” said Nick. “What grade are you in, or are you homeschooled?”
“I attend public high school. I just finished Junior year so I’ll be a Senior in the fall.” Then she turned the pressure back on him. “If you weren’t a musician, what would you do?”
“I’d probably do some kind of sport.”
“Oh, you’re a jock type…interesting,” she said sarcastically.
“Not a big sports fan?” Nick questioned.
“I was in junior high. I played volleyball, basketball, and softball. And I was a cheerleader for the youth football league. But as I got into high school I got more involved with the band and drama programs, the sports thing just kinda faded. But I do love the Yankees, and I watched the Superbowl the year the Seahawks were in it.”
“Oh. That’s cool then.”
They were quiet for a while. Aza looked around nervously. In her mind she was screaming, ‘C’mon Aza! You were doing so well! Make Words!!!’ But it was Nick who broke the silence.
“You’re kinda quiet,” he pondered. “Is something wrong?”
“No, not really. I’m just not secure in one-on-one scenarios with guys much.” she responded. “Actually, I’m not that good with guys period.” She blushed slightly and turned away.
“You seemed okay earlier,” he said with an encouraging smile.
“I know. I’m usually okay for the first few minutes or if I’m in a group. Especially if I’m with Marena. But sometimes I clam up, and don’t have much to say. And now I’m rambling. Great Aza, real smooth.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Nick said with a slight smile. “Most people say I’m quiet too, but when I am not with my brothers I don’t have much to say either. I play off of them a lot.”
Another small silence came between them while they both tried to think of more conversation topics. This time Aza was the first to speak. “What do you do about rumors?” Aza asked inquisitively. “I can’t stand rumors…….”
“Well, you kinda just have to ignore them. Especially if you know there not true. Be the bigger person.” Nick replied almost interrupting Aza’s train of thought.
“I see what you mean.” Aza was kinda taken aback by his response and she thought ‘If only it were that easy.’ However she knew she had to forget the thoughts coming to her head, and put on a brave face in hopes of not scaring Nick away. She smiled then added, “How is it that a fifteen year old can be so wise?”
“Everyone’s always told me I’m wise beyond my years.” He smiled then and Aza felt her heart begin to pound and the blood rising to her face. She smiled in response and then looked over her shoulder noticing that Marena, Joe, Kevin, and Paige were next in line.
“Looks like there is going to be a showdown over there,” Aza pointed out.
“C’mon,” said Nick, “Let’s go watch.” He jumped down from the tailgate, then extended his hand to help Aza down. How was it that such a gentlemanly gesture could make her feel like a giddy school girl? Taking his hand, she hopped down from the tailgate and straightened herself. The two began to walk towards the track. A mixture of confusion and elation crossed over Aza as she realized that Nick had not let go of her hand.
They arrived at the track just in time to hear Paige exclaim, “Alright guys. In this race, anything goes!”
And just like that they took off down the track. Kevin took an early lead, but Paige kept neck and neck with him the rest of the way. Joe and Marena lagged behind a little, but then BAM! Joe hit a wall! Marena laughed and drove right by. By the end of the three lap race the results were
1st place: Paige Taylor
2nd Place: Kevin Jonas
3rd place: Marena O’Brien
4th place: Joe Jonas (who hit the wall not once, but twice.)
The contenders exited their cars and walked towards the exit.
“I can’t believe you hit the wall Joe…twice.” Marena said with a slight snigger.
“Yeah,” Kevin added, “maybe it’s a good thing I’m the only one with a license.”
“I couldn’t see where I was going. I was….distracted.” He smiled at Marena, which was something he had been doing a lot. Just staring at her and smiling.
“You’re like Aza,” Paige said, “ADOS, Attention Deficit….ooh Shiny!”
“Ha-ha, Paige,” said Joe unenthused. “I wasn’t distracted by anything shiny.”
“Well, at any rate, remind me to not ride with you if you ever get your license.” Paige stated.
“Remind ME to never ride with him if he ever gets his license.” Nick added, as he and Aza walked up to the group, still loosely holding hands.
Aza finally let herself let go of Nick’s hand as she stepped forward and explained. “We were watching.” She held her palms up and shrugged in a ‘what else where we supposed to do’ gesture.
“Yeah,” added Nick, “Geeze Joe, you could’ve tried to keep up.”
“I…well…they…Shut Up!” said a now flustered Joe.
And that’s when Marena stepped in to break up the Joe bash.
“Alright guys, enough.” she said forcefully. “Aza, how’s the concession stand food looking.”
“Well, the nachos are delicious,” she said with an inside joke look towards Nick. “And the garlic curly fries smell good too.”
‘Mmm. Garlic curly fries.’ thought Paige.
“Hey, can I ask a question?” asked Joe, interrupting Paige’s daydream about curly fries.
“Well, you kinda already did, so I guess you can ask another one.” Paige said with a laugh.
“Ha-ha.” Joe said dryly. “Seriously.”
“Sorry, but you walked right into that one.”
Joe then proceeded to ask if Aza was short for anything like Rena was short for Marena.
“Can you think of any name it could be short for?” prompted Aza.
“Umm…no, not really,” Joe answered after contemplating for a few moments.
“No,” Aza began to explain. “Aza isn’t short for anything. My mom found the name in a book she read when she was younger. She always liked it, so I’m Aza.”
“Supposedly,” Marena continued, “it means ‘songbird.’ Which totally describes Aza, when she’s not being a total dork or at school, she is singing in the church choir or in a musical. Sometimes she even sings in her sleep.”
“How many musicals have you been in?” Nick asked her.
“Oh. Hang on.” Aza counted on her fingers for a moment. “Eight.” she concluded.
“Will you sing a song for us?” asked Kevin.
“No way! Not the first time meeting you! What type of girl do you think I am?” she said hoping they would realize she was joking.
Apparently Joe was the only one who didn’t catch on. “Umm…sorry.” he said confused, and shooting Marena a ‘what is her problem?’ look.
Marena explained that Aza wouldn’t sing because then it would appear that they only invited them to break into the music business and that was not why they had invited them.
“We did it for the free stuff.” Paige said jokingly.
Marena and Aza shot her death glares.
“Kidding,” she added. “Yeesh.”
The sun was beginning to get low in the sky, so they decided to go set up the back end of the truck for the movies with their pillows and blankets.
“Wait a second,” Joe said counting everyone’s heads, including Paige’s even though she had come in her own car, “How are all six of us going to fit?”
“We’re going to cram,” said Marena nonchalantly. “It’s a little uncomfortable, but we will at least be warmer this way.” “Plus,” she whispered just to Joe, “I believe that this is what the drive-in experience is all about.”
“Once the sun sets the temperature drops like 30 degrees,” Aza added.
“But if you guys are uncomfortable, I’m sure you can pull off frostbite,” joked Paige.
The thought of frostbite changed their attitude about the close quarters of the truck. “We’re fine,” they answered in unison.
Marena stood up and put on her jacket. “I’m going on a walk to stretch my legs. Anyone wanna come?” She directed the question to everyone, but she was hoping that Joe would be the one to volunteer. To her relief he did.
As they walked they began talking.
“So, you never mentioned how old you were.” It was a statement, not a question, but Marena knew he longed for a response.
“I’m nineteen. Actually I just finished my first year of university.”
“It explains the roommate,” he said sarcastically. She had forgotten that she already mentioned she was in college. “But that’s cool. What’s your major?”
“Media Communications. Most of the classes offered at my school are for general media studies, but I am going to try to take as many film making classes as I possible can. Then when I finish I want to go to some sort of film school and get my Master of Fine Art degree in Film making. I want to do something with film production, maybe even direct. I am not totally sure yet, but God is totally in control to put me in the right direction at the right time for His plan.” Marena explained.
“Totally, sounds like you know where you essentially want to end up.”
“I think so. I actually want to work for Disney. I’ve always loved the ‘family’ image they have.”
“Disney is great.” Joe said. “It could be an amazing career opportunity for you, even if it was just a starting point. We have really enjoyed working with the people at Disney.”
“Well, what about you?” Marena prompted. “What would you do if you weren’t a teen icon?”
“Easy.” Joe said with a smile. “I’d be the next James Bond.” He laughed.
“Well, I could see working on that film,” she said while she pretended to film him. He did some James Bond stances for her. She laughed, and then continued. “But I think you have to be British to be James Bond.”
“Darn,” said Joe. “Oh, well,” he laughed, “I’ll be the next Jason Bourne then.”
“Another great movie. I love the Bourne films.”
Joe smiled at her than shivered. He rubbed his hands together then shoved them deep in his pockets. “It’s cold out here.” he said.
“That’s how it usually is on the island.” Marena said while nodding in agreement. However she was acclimated to the cold. “It’s the breeze off the Pacific Ocean that does it.”
“Are you out here a lot?”
“We try to come a lot in the spring and summer. But we used to live out here on the island. Except my mom got tired of the drive to the mainland. So we moved. But that also meant that my dad had to drive out here every day for work.”
“Your dad works out here?” asked Joe confused.
“He used to,” Marena clarified. “He just retired from the Navy a few months ago and took a new job contracting for the Army. I know irony.” She added with a smile with a roll of her eyes. “But anyway,” she continued. “The downside is that we are moving to the south, like to Alabama, so Deep South. He’s already down there, and we will join him in about a month.”
“Aren’t you excited?”
“Well…yes and no. Sure it’s exciting and all, but my school is only two hours from where we are now. And I partly choose it so I could stay somewhat close to them. Being so far away will be tough. Plus I will only see them for Christmases or when I have the availability to fly.”
“Ouch. But hey, look on the bright side. Flying isn’t all bad, and when you do see your family, it will be really special.”
Joe turned to look at Marena and smiled. He was also staring which made Marena want to look away.
“Do I have something on my face?” She asked while looking for a reflective surface, knowing she wouldn’t find one.
“What? No! You’re fine.” he said trying to act like he wasn’t staring.
Marena tried to break the awkwardness. “C’mon,” she said looking at the national anthem playing on the movie screen, “it’s going to start soon.” She slipped her arm in the crook of his and walked back towards the car.
After Joe and Marena had walked away, Nick and Aza, who were already in the truck bed, started getting settled for the movies and started back in on their previous conversation. Paige noticed nervously that she and Kevin were ‘alone’ for the first time. Butterflies filled her stomach, but she was determined to not let her nervousness show on her face.
“Is there any popcorn to munch on?” Kevin asked.
‘What a dutz Paige! The one time you forget to pop popcorn.’ Paige thought to herself vehemently.
“I totally spaced.” Paige said in an urgent tone. “I usually bring some with me.”
But Kevin was calm. He smiled. “Well, you can’t watch a movie without popcorn.” He stated this with such an air of assertiveness that you just couldn’t deny it. “I guess we’ll just have to go buy some.”
“You’re the expert.”
Kevin offered Paige his arm as they made their way to the concession stand.
“So,” he started off, “Where’d you learn to drive so well.”
“Well,” Paige responded, “My mother is a driving instructor so I guess it’s in my blood. Just like music is in yours.”
“Well that’s cool. I know I don’t have to worry about running into you on the road.” He laughed. The he continued, “So you and Marena are college roommates. What’s your major?”
“My major is Psychology with a minor in Human Kinetics.”
“Human Kinetics?” he pondered.
“It is a fancy word for P.E. You know sports stuff.”
“That sounds like a lot of work.”
“It is. Love it or hate it, I can’t be a sports psychologist without it.”
“Why sports psychology?”
“Someone has to tell the athletes when they are getting a big head.” She said with a laugh. Kevin laughed with her at the thought of someone getting paid to deflate other people’s egos. “But seriously,” she continued. “I’ve actually changed my major since starting last fall, but this is the plan for now. What about you?” she prodded, “If you weren’t a musician. Where would you be right now?”
“Well, I would probably be in college as well. And working at Starbucks to pay for it.”
She laughed. “But what about later in life? What do you see in the future?”
“Well, I see myself settling down, getting married and starting a family.” He calmly responded.
In her head Paige thought ‘Yay! Similar interests!’ Outwardly she said, “Yeah, I see something pretty similar.”
“So, who inspires you Paige Taylor?” Kevin asked. “Who is your biggest hero?”
Paige felt her heart drop as the grief of losing her cousin crept back up. She wouldn’t let him see her cry, but she couldn’t not respond either. So quietly she answered, “The troops overseas.”
“How so?” Kevin urged. “For fighting for what they believe in or….?”
“Because they risk leaving all their loved ones behind, I mean they write wills and everything, they never know if they will see another day, yet they still choose to fight. If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is.”Her voice cracked on the last sentence, but she hoped he didn’t notice. She turned away and pretended to be surveying the menu, but was really wiping a lone tear from her eye. She remained silent while Kevin purchased the large bucket of popcorn.
As they walked out the doors of the concession stand the National Anthem sounded from the loudspeakers. Paige stopped and looked towards the setting sun. ‘Thank you Andrew.’ She thought. ‘I’ll see you in eternity.’ “We should get back to the truck. The previews start right after the anthem is over.” Right on cue the symphony of car horns sounded.
“This is my favorite part of the whole drive-in experience,” Aza said to Nick. As the other four returned to the truck.
“What the previews?” asked Nick, eyebrows furrowed together in a fashion that was totally Nick. “That’s kinda weird.”
“No,” Aza laughed. “Before each show, they always play an old cartoon.”
Right on cue the screen light up with an old Tom-and-Jerry.
“See,” she continued, “best part of the whole show.”
“Most definitely,” Nick agreed.
Next to Aza and Nick, Joe had just tried the “I’m going to yawn so I can put my arm around you move.”
“What are we in the 4th grade?” chided Marena. “I can’t believe you just pulled that move.”
“Hey! Un-cool!” said Joe indignantly, “the 4th grade was the best 8 years of my life.”
“So, you’re 24?” said Marena warily.
“You know what I mean.” said Joe.
“Ok, but counting shoulders works better.”
“Counting shoulders?” Joe questioned her.
“Here, I’ll show you.” She placed her left hand on her own right shoulder. “One.” She moved her hand from her right shoulder to her left. “Two.” She rotated her hand so instead of shoulder she was touching his. “Three.” She reached all the way around his back and touched his other shoulder. “Four.”
“Oh, I get it now.” He responded with a smile.
“Yeah, and if a girl asks what you’re doing. You simply reply nonchalantly, ‘Oh I’m counting shoulders.’”
“You are being really quiet,” whispered Kevin. “Is something bothering you? Or was it just reverence for the National Anthem.”
“Actually, it was a little bit of both.” Paige responded. She wondered if she should tell him about Andrew. She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t enjoying herself, so she decided to just go for it. “I was thinking about my cousin Andrew,” she began quietly. “About two months ago he was killed in Afghanistan. Sometimes I am just reminded more strongly of him.”
“I’m so sorry.” Kevin said trying to comfort her. He hesitantly reached over to the small of her back, moving his hand in a small circle.
She started to relax. Opening up to Kevin wasn’t as hard as she had anticipated. She took a couple of deep breaths. Soon she was back to her joking self, “I’m not usually this outgoing with someone I’ve just met. Did you slip some brain altering drugs in the popcorn when I wasn’t looking?” She nudged him softly in the ribs.
“What? Of course not!” he joked back, and then gave her slight squeeze. Aza and Nick’s laughter sounded from the other side of the truck.
“Here,” Aza said to Nick, offering the same bag of gummy worms to him that he had pointed out in the store earlier in the day. “They’re delicious.”
They both laughed at the joke.
“What are you two laughing about over there?” Joe asked in a mock serious tone. “Do I need to come sit between you?”
“Oh, really,” said Kevin, “Maybe I should sit between you and Rena?” Rena blushed at the sound of Kevin using her nickname, but was quick to notice that Kevin’s hand was on Paige’s back. She gave her friend an encouraging look, by just raising her eyebrows. Paige nodded in response.
“Why don’t we all just stop talking, and watch the movie?” said Nick with an air of authority.
“Yes Sir! Mr. President!” Kevin and Joe responded in unison.
By the end of the first movie all the snacks the three girls had smuggled in were gone. Apparently usually would last the three girls all night, with leftovers, was no match for the appetite of the three boys.
“I’m going to get some more food. Do you guys like curly fries?” asked Marena.
“Yep, curly fries are good.” Joe responded with nods of agreement from his brothers.
“Regular, seasoned or garlic?”
“Why don’t you pick?” said Joe.
“Well, I’m partial to the garlic ones myself, but for tonight why don’t we just stick to seasoned.”
“Wait, I’ll go with you Rena.” Paige volunteered.
The boys exchanged glances which Rena recognized as “Girls.”
“Make sure to get Ketchup AND Mustard.” Aza yelled before they were out of earshot.
“That is so weird.” Paige said with a roll of her eyes.
“I know…Right?!”
The boys seemed to have a similar response to Aza’s tastes.
“Mustard?” asked Nick with a raised eyebrow.
“On French Fries?” added Joe in agreement.
“Where’d you come up with that?” finished Kevin.
“Family trait,” said Aza. “Only a few of us have it. It’s an acquired taste. Like sparkling water or coffee.”
As Paige and Rena stood in the concession line for their curly fries, they briefed each other on their conversations with the boys.
“They are really down to earth and funny,” said Paige. “I was surprised.”
“I know. I mean you hear stars say, “We’re just normal people,” all the time. But they really are.”
“O’Brien” They heard one of the workers call out.
They picked up their log of fries, and got as much ketchup and mustard as they could carry.
“Woah!” exclaimed Joe with a mouth full of curly fries. “These are really good.”
“And for four bucks you get this whole log. You can’t beat that.” replied Marena while dipping another fry in ketchup.
“Hey,” piped in a half-asleep Aza. “Be sure…to….share.” She managed to say this between yawns.
“Stay awake long enough to eat them.” Marena shot back.
“Fine.” said Aza grabbing a portion of the log and a cup of ketchup and mustard which she mixed together with a fry.
The second movie had ended. The three girls still wide awake, well mostly awake, as awake as one can be at 2:30 in the morning. Several of their limbs were buzzing with numbness. The boys had fallen asleep in various positions, Nick on Aza’s thigh, Joe on Marena’s arm, and Kevin on Paige’s shoulder. ‘They look so peaceful’ thought the girls.
“We should probably wake them up.” Aza said with a slight sigh. She didn’t want to disturb Nick, he looked so cute.
“We don’t want them to be behind schedule for their concert.” agreed Paige.
“Alright. Let’s wake them.” Marena finally decided.
Each girl went about waking the boys in their own manner.
Aza bent down near Nick’s ear and whispered. “Hey Nick, wake up.” He stirred looking around almost confused about where he was. Then a look of comprehension dawned on his face. “Was I that boring?” Aza asked reproaching.
“What?? No. I just don’t get a lot of sleep.”
“I know. I was kidding.” Aza assured him.
Marena took a less conventional approach. “Hey Joe, wake up, you’re drooling!”
“What?!?!” said a now awake Joe, has he frantically wiped at the non-existent drool.
“Ah, I was just kidding. But I would love to see THAT reaction again.” Marena said as she mimicked Joe’s reaction.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Paige began in an announcer voice, “I give you the Jonas Brothers.”
“What? What time is it?” Frantically Kevin looked around. Then he realized he was nowhere near a stage, and he smiled slyly at Paige as if to say ‘well played.’
“To answer your question though, it is about 2:30.” Paige stated. “Our carriage is going to become a pumpkin soon, so Aza and Marena better take you back.”
Paige gathered up her blankets and began to throw them into her Jeep. “Well, I live in the other direction so I’m going to go.”
“Wait,” Kevin said. He held out his hand for her cell phone. Her phone was passed between the three brothers for numbers to be added, and they took note of hers. “Can I walk you to your door?” Kevin asked in a gentlemanly manner. Paige agreed.
“I’m glad I ran into your friends at the supermarket, and decided to trust complete strangers.” Kevin said to Paige when they had reached her Jeep.
“Me too.” she said. “And the drive-in was my idea, by the way. I invited them.”
“Well, I guess some things just work out.”
“I guess they do.” She gave him a hug that she wished could’ve lasted forever. “Call if you are ever in the area again.”
“Of course. Drive safe.”
“You know I will. Hazard of being a driving instructor’s daughter.” They shared one last look, as she climbed into the driver’s seat of her Jeep and started the engine.
“I really think Kevin likes her,” said Nick once they were out of earshot.
“Yeah, he’s usually smiley, but not THAT smiley.” Joe concurred.
“I’ve never seen Paige that smiley either,” Marena agreed.
By the time Kevin returned, we were ready to head out. We piled back into the truck, sitting in the same seats.
“So do you do this with all the guys you meet in the junk food aisle of Safeway?” asked Joe.
“No just with the rock stars.” Aza said.
“But only the rock stars we like.” Marena chipped in.
Joe smiled and looked out the window at the star filled sky. After ten minutes of silence, Marena looked in the rearview mirror. Kevin and Nick were leaning against opposite windows with their eyes shut. Aza had nodded off with her head on Nick’s shoulder. Marena took a quick look at Joe. His head was leaned back against the headrest, and his eyes were shut, but Marena wasn’t sure if he was asleep or not. However, she didn’t want to be the only one awake, so she hit him playfully on the arm.
“Hey!,” she said with a laugh, “Keep me awake.”
“Mmm…” mumbled Joe.
“I’m serious.” She poked him repeatedly in the arm. “I need someone to talk to. Or I will have to blast some music. So unless you want me to start singing loudly and off key with the radio I would suggest you start talking.
Joe rubbed his eyes and sat up. “Ok. Never ever have I ever…”
They made it back to Aza and Marena’s at half past three. After unloading the boys stuff into Kevin’s Jeep they started their goodbyes. Again the cell phones were passed around for the input of numbers. When Joe handed Marena back her phone she smiled as she saw the <3 next to his name. Marena hugged Nick and Kevin as Aza hugged Joe.
When it was her turn to hug Joe, Marena had to stand on her tip toes to reach around his shoulders.
“I’m glad I met you,” whispered Joe in her ear. “Don’t forget to call or text.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as the hug ended. Marena could feel the blood rush to her cheeks as she silently giggled to herself.
When Aza went to hug Nick, Kevin joked, “So I guess you have a little thing for Nick.”
“Nah,” said Aza with a smile to Kevin. “It’s a BIG thing,” she whispered in Nick’s ear as she reached up to hug him.
When she pulled away, Nick was slightly at a loss for words. “We’ll see you around then?” he stammered.
“We certainly hope so.” Marena responded, a smile still plastered on her face.
With that they all piled into Kevin’s Jeep and drove off into the rising sun.
“How would you rate today?” Marena asked Aza looking her in the eyes. They shared a brainwave.
“Perfect!” They said together.
And for that moment it seemed like a Happily Ever After.
July 17, 2008 may seem like a normal day to most people. But for three teenage girls it was a day straight from their wildest dreams.
Actually if you would have told 17 year old Aza O’Brien that that day was going to be a good one, she would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. She and her older sister Marena were stuck babysitting triplets, the triplet Tornadoes, as they had so appropriately nicknamed them, and were being driven crazy. So far the only yield from this day had been ringing ears and sticky backsides.
Frustrated, Marena called her college roommate Paige…
Brring. Brring. A very sleepy Paige Taylor woke to the sound of her cell phone ringing. Who in the name of all that is holy calls at 8:30 in the morning in the middle of summer? She grudgingly thought to herself as she blindly reached for her phone.
“Hello?” she asked groggily into the phone.
“Hey Paige. It’s Rena.” Aha. College roommates call first thing in the morning. “Please talk to me Paige. Aza and I have the triplet tornadoes today and they are a nightmare.”
“Ouch. Well, do you realize that it is 8:30 in the morning AND the middle of summer?” she asked hoping Marena would understand by her tone that all she wanted to do was go back to sleep.
“Don’t remind me. I’m so tired, I’d rather be asleep.”
“We should do something tonight though.” She suggested again with a tone that stated she wanted to go back to sleep, “How about the drive-in?”
The drive-in was one of their favorite summer hangout spots. It offered all the newest movies, an arcade, and a go-kart track. While promotionally the drive-in aimed for families, locals knew that it was the ‘haunt’ for local teenagers. The small community of the Skagit Valley, located a hour north of Seattle and a hour south of Canada, offered little else to do for the teen population, so teens could always be found on the weekends. Aza, Marena and Paige often brought several car loads of friends and would spend the four hours from the time the drive-in opened at six and the time the movies started at ten to play games and have a tail-gate party around the cars.
“Sounds good to me. KATE!!! DON’T TOUCH THAT!!!” The eldest triplet had picked up a crystal candle holder and subsequently dropped it.
Paige heard the sound of it shattering in the receiver followed by Aza and Marena’s frustrated screams. Then Marena got back on the phone.
“Can I call you back in a little bit? I gotta clean up after Kate.”
“‘K Bye.” Paige rolled over in bed and fell back asleep.
Meanwhile Aza and Marena were having less luck keeping order with the children. Their mother heard their wordless plight and decided to give them an out.
“Girls, why don’t you go out, get some lunch for yourselves, and on your way back pick me up a Starbucks?” And then in an undertone she added, “Stay out as long as you need to regain your sanity.”
Aza looked to her sister and nodded. Her eyes flashed, Safeway. Since they were going to the drive-in, they would need plenty of snacks to smuggle in. They wouldn’t want to spend an arm and a leg later for concession snacks that night.
Normally Aza and Marena wouldn’t pay attention to what went on in the parking lot of the local Safeway, but that day something was out of the ordinary.
“Rena,” Aza said confused. “There is a giant bus in the back lot.” She pointed to where a large black bus was parked. Marena was less interested in this abnormality in their small town.
“It’s probably just a charter bus, it’s no big deal. Tourists or something.” She said casually. That statement shows how much they knew at this point and how much they were about to find out….
At the same time, Paige was waking up for the second time, this time of her own accord.
Paige’s To Do List:
1) Take a shower
2) Get Dressed
3) Eat
4) Feed animals
5) Make all necessary preparations for drive in
Back at the Safeway, Aza and Marena made a bee-line for the junk food aisle. They then proceeded to pick out their ‘contraband’ which included Chili Cheese Fritos, Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles, and Sour Patch Kids.
“Oh my gosh Rena, these look so good, let’s get them,” Aza said excitedly holding up a box of Tim Tams an all chocolate cookie.
“No way dummy!” Marena shot back. “Not only is it all sugar, which you’re allergic to, but it also has milk in it and you can’t have that either.”
“I know but they just look sooo good!” Aza said in response. But Marena hadn’t paid attention to anything Aza had said. She was focused on the tall, dark haired young man who had stepped behind Aza.
“Here try these,” he said pointing to a bag of gummy worms, “They’re delicious.”
Aza turned to see who was speaking to her and nearly jumped out of her skin. There in front of her was Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. Aza tried to speak but couldn’t find any words. Marena who had seen Nick arrive had only two thoughts on her mind. One was ‘Gosh, Aza is such a dork!’ and the other, ‘Where are Joe and Kevin???’
Aza’s mind was only focusing on the person in front of her and trying to send words to her mouth. Finally she was able to stammer “You’re N-Nick J-Jonas!”
Marena’s inward question regarding Joe and Kevin’s whereabouts was quickly answered. From two aisles over they heard the unmistakable voice of Kevin Jonas. “Hey Nick! Where’d you go?”
“Over here!” Nick responded. “Snack food aisle.” And then appeared the tall, straight-haired Joe, and a slightly taller, curly-headed Kevin.
“What’s going on Nick? Did you find what you were looking f--? Oh, I guess you did.” said Kevin with a tiny laugh.
“Geeze Nick,” said Joe, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “We asked you to get snacks and you’re picking up girls! And there aren’t even three of them! How many times do we have to go over this?”
Aza and Marena looked at each other incredulously. They were mad because there was only two of them?! Oh, that was rich. However it seemed Kevin was upset by Joe’s comment as well, because no sooner had the words escaped Joe’s lips than Kevin smacked both Joe and Nick on the back of the head. Then he turned to Aza and Marena.
“I’m so sorry,” he began. “Please ignore my brother’s lack of manners and allow me to introduce us. I’m Kevin and my brothers are Joe and Nick.”
The two sisters shook their hands and Aza, always one to point out the obvious stated, with a snicker, “You’re the Jonas Brothers.”
“Why yes, yes we are,” said Nick as he jokingly cleared his throat, “And who might you be?”
Marena, the calm and professional one, jumped in. “Well, I’m Marena O’Brien and the spaz over here is my sister Aza O’Brien.”
“And how did you meet our little Nicky here?” asked Joe leaning against Nick’s shoulder.
“I was showing them some sugar free stuff.” Nick responded indicating the pack of gummy worms in Aza’s hand.
“Aza can’t have sugar, but sometimes she forgets and tries to buy stock in chocolate.” Marena added taking note that Aza still hadn’t regained her word control.
“Is she diabetic?” asked Kevin curiously.
“No, but she’s allergic to most kinds of sugar, so she’s on a similar diet as a diabetic would be. Except she can’t have fruit or dairy products either.”
“Oh wow…” Kevin responded to Marena’s obvious over-explanation.
When Aza finally regained her speech she asked them the question that had been on her and Marena’s mind since the boys had appeared. “So what are you doing in our little blip-on-the-radar town? Are you not on tour right now?”
“Well we are on tour right now.” Kevin started to explain. “But our next venue is Seattle and we have a day off, so we are staying the night here.”
“We were surprised that no one rushed us as we came in,” added Joe.
Marena looked around and saw the unmistakable figure of the boy’s bodyguard, Big Rob, just a few aisles down.
“Well around here, it’s country music and country music only,” explained Aza.
“You might like the Jonas Brothers if you are twelve years old,” added Marena.
“Or if your names are Aza and Marena O’Brien,” finished Aza looking around humorously.
“Now if you had been Rascal Flatts or something, you just might have been mobbed,” said Marena.
The boys laughed at Marena’s comment and then Kevin was sniffing the air. “There’s a Starbucks around here,” he said with a final sniff. “Where is it?”
“Well it depends on which one you want,” said Aza, “We have five within two miles.”
“And about 30 locally owned espresso stands with a five mile radius,” added Marena.
“Are you serious?” the boys asked in unison.
“As a heart attack,” said Aza, which prompted the boys to give her several weird looks. She shrugged it off and continued. “Do you want us to show you to one?”
“I don’t need it that badly, but now I know I have options,” said Kevin with a smile. “Hey,” he added with a look like he just got a wonderful idea, “What is there to do for fun around here?”
It was at that moment that Aza and Marena were sharing the same brainwave.
“Not much,” they said together.
“Not IN town anyway,” Marena clarified.
“But if you are willing to let us surprise you, we can take you to the coolest place we know,” said Aza.
And with that they had invited the Jonas Brothers to the drive-in.
Aza quickly wrote down their street address and simple directions from the Safeway to their house. “Don’t try to MapQuest it or anything, it’s not on any of the maps,” she said. “Bring pillows, blankets, and dress comfortably.”
“Is the coolest place you know a sleep clinic?” asked Joe jokingly.
“Ha-ha, no. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Meet us at 5:15,” said Aza.
“Alright, see you then,” said Kevin.
The boys walked away and the two girls let out the squeal they had been holding in throughout the entire conversation. Then they heard the low chuckling of Big Rob as they finished their junk food splurge pink-faced.
Meanwhile the Jonas Brothers talked over the conversation with Aza and Marena.
“That was interesting,” said Kevin.
“Yeah,” added Joe. “I wonder where they will take us.”
“I’m just glad we could get through a conversation without them screaming,” said Nick.
“Or sobbing,” agreed Joe. “Weird that they didn’t seem to know we would be in Seattle tomorrow,” he said thinking out loud.
“Maybe they don’t follow our every move online Joe,” said Nick.
Kevin was sniffing the air again, his Starbucks radar going crazy. “Five Starbucks huh?” he said more to himself than anyone. “Let’s check it out.”
“You and your Starbucks,” tsked Joe. “It’s a shame you don’t put that nose to good use.”
“Like how exactly?” asked Kevin.
“Like…I don’t know…at a police department. They’re always drinking coffee,” replied Joe.
“Joe, police officers don’t get there coffee from Starbucks,” said Nick. “They get it from Krispy Kreme.”
“Oh, yeah!” said Joe. “That way they can get their donuts at the same time.”
“Oh my gosh Rena!! Was that not the coolest thing ever?!” gushed Aza.
“Totally! Paige will want to know about our guests,” said Marena flipping open her cell phone.
“Don’t tell her it’s the Jonas Brothers, just say they are VIP’s or something,” said Aza. “Surprise her!”
“OK”
Paige had showered and dressed and was walking around her kitchen trying to find something appealing when her cell phone rang.
“Thank you for calling Planned Parenthood, this is Susan, how can I help you?” she said knowing by the caller id that it was Marena on the other end.
“Ha-ha Paige, I’m dying from laughter,” said Marena sarcastically.
“Well, I thought you might,” said Paige. “What’s up?”
“Oh…nothing,” said Marena, trying to hide the sheer giddiness in her voice. “Just wanted to let you know you should dress extra cute tonight. We have some…VIP guests coming with us.”
“Ooh! Exciting!” said Paige with mock enthusiasm. She wasn’t quite in the mood for games. ‘Who could be so important that I have to dress up to impress them’ she thought. ‘Although,’ she continued, ‘Rena wouldn’t have mentioned it if it wasn’t of the utmost importance. Maybe my new outfit.’
Paige jumped back into reality. “Just how important are these VIP guests?” she asked. “How extra cute should my outfit be?”
“Really cute,” said Marena. “You’ll just about die when you meet them!”
“We almost did!” said Aza’s voice nearby.
“That important huh?” said a now curious Paige. “Well I think my new outfit will be just about right then.”
“Bye Paige,” the sisters said in unison.
Paige ran to her closet and pulled out a pink tee, a black vest, dark wash jeans, a studded belt, a broken-in pair of Converse, and to top it all off, her new fedora. With her outfit laid neatly on her bed, she began to finish her do-to list randomly adding more tasks as she finished others.
Meanwhile Aza and Marena were saying goodbye to the triplets with a satisfied sigh. Then they began their preparations for the boy’s arrival and the drive-in, including picking out cute but comfortable clothing to wear.
For Aza a white graphic, 80’s inspired, tee with a pinstriped vest, a jean skirt with black tights, mix-matched pink and green socks and a pair of black Converse low tops. Her hair was pulled back and curled at the ends, and she had on very subtle makeup used to define her eyes and add a little color to her pale cheeks. She pulled out a pair of guitar pick earrings and stuck them in her ears.
Marena emerged from her room with a red tee, a pair of black skinny jeans, a black vest and red Converse high tops. Her only jewelry was the red and black bangles around her wrists. Her normally wavy hair was stick straight and swept to one side. Her eyes were defined with eye liner and mascara behind her black rimmed glasses.
They each took one last glance in the mirror as they heard the soft crunch of gravel that signaled an approaching car.
“Ooh!” said Aza trying to do her best Chip from Beauty and the Beast impression, “I hear some boys in the driveway.”
A peek out the window confirmed their suspicions as they saw the approaching Black Jeep Commander they knew was Kevin’s.
“Hey guys go ahead and put your stuff in here,” said Aza pointing to her ’98 Dodge Ram.
Three voices called “Shotgun” simultaneously, which then sparked discussion about who should get it.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors?” suggested Marena.
After a few heated rounds, Joe came out victorious, leaving Kevin and Nick to slide in the back seat.
“I can’t wait to see where you ladies are taking us,” said Kevin.
“You’re not getting a word out of us about it,” said Aza with a zipped, locked and key tossed away motion over her mouth, as she casually slide in to the driver’s seat.
“Wait a minute!!” exclaimed Joe. “How old are you?!”
“I’m seventeen,” replied a confused Aza.
“And you’re going to drive?” asked Kevin, with a confused glace at Marena who had joined them in the backseat.
“Um…yeah. This is my truck. I drive,” said Aza even more confused.
“See Joe, even she can drive,” said Nick sarcastically.
Now Aza understood. She had forgotten that Kevin was the only brother with a license. Joe shot Nick an evil glare.
“Maybe I should drive,” said Marena smugly. “I have had my license longer.”
Aza and Marena debated with their eyes, but Aza gave in.
“Fine, I guess I will just sit in back with the COOL brothers.” Aza said hoping they would catch the humor in her voice.
“Don’t worry,” Marena said to Joe, “I know what it’s like to be the middle child too; we get all the guff.”
“You have an older sister?” asked Kevin with enthusiasm.
“Yeah…” said Aza warily, “but she is married and has a little girl.” She watched Kevin’s face fall slightly.
“But you guys get to meet Paige, my college roommate.” Marena said excitedly. “You’ll love her, she’s awesome.”
“She loves your music too. But she doesn’t know you’re coming. We were planning on surprising her.”
Everyone was now settled and buckled in. Aza was in the middle between Nick and Kevin. An arrangement based on the fact that she had the shortest legs and therefore would be the least uncomfortable there. Marena turned the key in the ignition and jumped off her seat as the Jonas Brothers’ CD started playing full blast. Both girls flushed beat red as all three boys laughed.
“Gosh Rena! Check the CD player next time!!” Aza exclaimed.
“Um…HELLO!! It’s your truck!” Marena snapped back.
“Don’t worry ladies,” said Kevin between laughs, “We buy and listen to our own music.”
“Just maybe not at that decibel,” said Nick.
The girls said nothing in response, but instead tried to turn the conversation to other topics as they began their journey.
Paige had just finished her chores and checked her clock, 5:30. They always met at the drive-in at 6. In reality she had another 15 minutes to kill but decided to leave early. She got into her Jeep, blasted some Jonas Brothers music and headed towards the drive-in.
After 40 minutes of random questions they were nearing the farm and cows pasture area of the drive.
“May I ask where we are going? A farm of some sort?” asked Joe.
“Nope, just the middle of nowhere,” said Marena with a laugh.
“We’re almost there anyway,” said Aza.
The next second they turned the corner and the drive-in appeared.
“Is that a drive-in?” asked Nick.
“Are those Go-Karts?!” asked Joe excitedly.
“Sure are Joe. Maybe you can show me your skills behind the wheel,” said Marena trying to be as subtly flirtatious as possible.
“That’s not much,” said Nick in a whisper to Aza.
“Hey! I heard that!” said Joe. “That hurts me Nick.”
“You know there’s an arcade too,” said Aza breaking up the spat. “Anyone game? I’ll kick your butt at DDR.”
“I’m game. Bring it Aza.”
“Oh, it’s on Nick. It’s so ON!!”
“Oh man, I’m having such a big brother moment,” said Kevin. “I’m not sure if I should watch Nick on DDR, or make sure that Danger here doesn’t kill himself on a Go-Kart.”
“Well we’ll do our DDR showdown first then,” said Aza. “‘Cuz I want to see the Go-Kart death race.”
After paying for the double feature and backing into the primo parking spot, Marena smiled as she hopped from the truck to greet Paige.
Paige had been sitting in the drive-in for a good fifteen minutes, when she finally saw the blue pickup Aza always drove. Wanting to know more than ever who the VIPs were, she moved her Jeep closer to where they were parking.
“Hey Aza! Hey Rena!” she called as they got out of the vehicle.
“Omigosh! Paige!” they exclaimed in unison rushing over to greet her.
“So what do you think?” said Aza wiggling her eyebrows, “Nice huh?”
Paige hadn’t seen anyone else exit the truck, but in one split second she looked past Aza’s truck and she saw Kevin, Joe, and Nick jumping up to sit on the tailgate. Aza and Marena were not disappointed with her reaction.
“OH…MAH…GAWD!!!! Are those the JONAS BROTHERS??”
“Oh, well spotted Paige,” said Marena sarcastically. “Of course they are the Jonas Brothers, who else would they be?”
“Howdidyou, wheredidyou, What Did You Say?” She wasn’t making much sense, but Marena seemed to understand what Paige was trying to say.
“We met them at the Safeway when we were buying our contraband. They asked if we knew anything fun to do…” Marena began to explain.
“And here they are,” finished Aza as if it were the simplest thing in the world to ask someone like the Jonas Brothers to the movies.
Paige looked over at Kevin Jonas not twenty feet away.
“Can I meet Kevin?” she asked excitedly, while practically swooning.
“You can meet them all if you would like.”
“OK!!”
Almost on cue they walked over to where the three girls were standing.
“Hi,” said Joe, “You must be Paige.”
“Aza and Marena told us so much about you.” chimed in Nick.
“But their descriptions honestly don’t do you justice,” said Kevin with a debonair smile. Even in picture form this smile of Kevin’s made Paige melt. In person however, Paige thought she had become a puddle with a mouth. The fact of the matter was that Kevin Jonas had been thinking about her, simple ole Paige. It made her want to squee.
“Paige is like my other half.” Marena said casually.
“I think I’m the funnier half,” Paige whispered to the boys.
“Hey! I heard that!” Marena said with indignation.
“Oh c’mon Rena, you know it’s true.” Aza told her in a patronizing tone.
“It may be true most of the time, but I think I’m pretty funny too.” she retorted.
“I think you’re very funny,” said Joe. “But if you would like some help, I’d be glad to volunteer.”
“Oh, that’s just what we need,” quipped Nick, “Two Joes.”
Sensing the battle of wits arising, Paige decided to break the tension. “Well, I’m up for a round of Go-Karts,” she said, “Any takers.”
“Well I would love to,” said Kevin, “But we’re going to watch Aza and Nick on DDR first.”
“You’re challenging Aza to DDR?! You’re a brave man Nick.” Then she leaned in like she was sharing an important secret. “Be Wary! She’s a tricky little bugger.”
“Well, let’s get to the butt kicking!” Aza said enthused.
“Where’d you learn to be this good?” asked Nick stumbling through the footwork on the video screen, “You’re totally creaming me!”
“Mostly cast parties, but I had a really good friend too. He taught me a lot.” Aza responded not missing a beat in the song. She had already beaten Nick in the previous two rounds and was going for the win with a 97 combination score.
“Geeze, Nick,” egged on Joe, “At least try to keep up!”
“If you keep talking like that Joe, I’ll play you next.”
“I’m good.” he said with a tone of not wanting to challenge her.
The song ended and Aza won again.
“Well,” said Marena. “We should probably go get in the Go-Kart line if we want to have a go before they close them.”
“You guys go, I’m exhausted,” Aza said with a sigh. After they walked away, she added, “Do you wanna go Nick?”
“Um…no, not really.”
“Oh. You don’t want a rematch do you, because I’m not going to lie, that took a lot out of me.”
“No. I’m good. Thanks though.”
“Ok. Well, do you want to split some nachos or something?”
“That sounds good to me.”
After getting their nachos and fighting over who would pay, (Aza won again), they climbed into the bed of the truck to eat. In between bites they began to ask each other questions.
“So, you’re seventeen,” said Nick. “What grade are you in, or are you homeschooled?”
“I attend public high school. I just finished Junior year so I’ll be a Senior in the fall.” Then she turned the pressure back on him. “If you weren’t a musician, what would you do?”
“I’d probably do some kind of sport.”
“Oh, you’re a jock type…interesting,” she said sarcastically.
“Not a big sports fan?” Nick questioned.
“I was in junior high. I played volleyball, basketball, and softball. And I was a cheerleader for the youth football league. But as I got into high school I got more involved with the band and drama programs, the sports thing just kinda faded. But I do love the Yankees, and I watched the Superbowl the year the Seahawks were in it.”
“Oh. That’s cool then.”
They were quiet for a while. Aza looked around nervously. In her mind she was screaming, ‘C’mon Aza! You were doing so well! Make Words!!!’ But it was Nick who broke the silence.
“You’re kinda quiet,” he pondered. “Is something wrong?”
“No, not really. I’m just not secure in one-on-one scenarios with guys much.” she responded. “Actually, I’m not that good with guys period.” She blushed slightly and turned away.
“You seemed okay earlier,” he said with an encouraging smile.
“I know. I’m usually okay for the first few minutes or if I’m in a group. Especially if I’m with Marena. But sometimes I clam up, and don’t have much to say. And now I’m rambling. Great Aza, real smooth.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Nick said with a slight smile. “Most people say I’m quiet too, but when I am not with my brothers I don’t have much to say either. I play off of them a lot.”
Another small silence came between them while they both tried to think of more conversation topics. This time Aza was the first to speak. “What do you do about rumors?” Aza asked inquisitively. “I can’t stand rumors…….”
“Well, you kinda just have to ignore them. Especially if you know there not true. Be the bigger person.” Nick replied almost interrupting Aza’s train of thought.
“I see what you mean.” Aza was kinda taken aback by his response and she thought ‘If only it were that easy.’ However she knew she had to forget the thoughts coming to her head, and put on a brave face in hopes of not scaring Nick away. She smiled then added, “How is it that a fifteen year old can be so wise?”
“Everyone’s always told me I’m wise beyond my years.” He smiled then and Aza felt her heart begin to pound and the blood rising to her face. She smiled in response and then looked over her shoulder noticing that Marena, Joe, Kevin, and Paige were next in line.
“Looks like there is going to be a showdown over there,” Aza pointed out.
“C’mon,” said Nick, “Let’s go watch.” He jumped down from the tailgate, then extended his hand to help Aza down. How was it that such a gentlemanly gesture could make her feel like a giddy school girl? Taking his hand, she hopped down from the tailgate and straightened herself. The two began to walk towards the track. A mixture of confusion and elation crossed over Aza as she realized that Nick had not let go of her hand.
They arrived at the track just in time to hear Paige exclaim, “Alright guys. In this race, anything goes!”
And just like that they took off down the track. Kevin took an early lead, but Paige kept neck and neck with him the rest of the way. Joe and Marena lagged behind a little, but then BAM! Joe hit a wall! Marena laughed and drove right by. By the end of the three lap race the results were
1st place: Paige Taylor
2nd Place: Kevin Jonas
3rd place: Marena O’Brien
4th place: Joe Jonas (who hit the wall not once, but twice.)
The contenders exited their cars and walked towards the exit.
“I can’t believe you hit the wall Joe…twice.” Marena said with a slight snigger.
“Yeah,” Kevin added, “maybe it’s a good thing I’m the only one with a license.”
“I couldn’t see where I was going. I was….distracted.” He smiled at Marena, which was something he had been doing a lot. Just staring at her and smiling.
“You’re like Aza,” Paige said, “ADOS, Attention Deficit….ooh Shiny!”
“Ha-ha, Paige,” said Joe unenthused. “I wasn’t distracted by anything shiny.”
“Well, at any rate, remind me to not ride with you if you ever get your license.” Paige stated.
“Remind ME to never ride with him if he ever gets his license.” Nick added, as he and Aza walked up to the group, still loosely holding hands.
Aza finally let herself let go of Nick’s hand as she stepped forward and explained. “We were watching.” She held her palms up and shrugged in a ‘what else where we supposed to do’ gesture.
“Yeah,” added Nick, “Geeze Joe, you could’ve tried to keep up.”
“I…well…they…Shut Up!” said a now flustered Joe.
And that’s when Marena stepped in to break up the Joe bash.
“Alright guys, enough.” she said forcefully. “Aza, how’s the concession stand food looking.”
“Well, the nachos are delicious,” she said with an inside joke look towards Nick. “And the garlic curly fries smell good too.”
‘Mmm. Garlic curly fries.’ thought Paige.
“Hey, can I ask a question?” asked Joe, interrupting Paige’s daydream about curly fries.
“Well, you kinda already did, so I guess you can ask another one.” Paige said with a laugh.
“Ha-ha.” Joe said dryly. “Seriously.”
“Sorry, but you walked right into that one.”
Joe then proceeded to ask if Aza was short for anything like Rena was short for Marena.
“Can you think of any name it could be short for?” prompted Aza.
“Umm…no, not really,” Joe answered after contemplating for a few moments.
“No,” Aza began to explain. “Aza isn’t short for anything. My mom found the name in a book she read when she was younger. She always liked it, so I’m Aza.”
“Supposedly,” Marena continued, “it means ‘songbird.’ Which totally describes Aza, when she’s not being a total dork or at school, she is singing in the church choir or in a musical. Sometimes she even sings in her sleep.”
“How many musicals have you been in?” Nick asked her.
“Oh. Hang on.” Aza counted on her fingers for a moment. “Eight.” she concluded.
“Will you sing a song for us?” asked Kevin.
“No way! Not the first time meeting you! What type of girl do you think I am?” she said hoping they would realize she was joking.
Apparently Joe was the only one who didn’t catch on. “Umm…sorry.” he said confused, and shooting Marena a ‘what is her problem?’ look.
Marena explained that Aza wouldn’t sing because then it would appear that they only invited them to break into the music business and that was not why they had invited them.
“We did it for the free stuff.” Paige said jokingly.
Marena and Aza shot her death glares.
“Kidding,” she added. “Yeesh.”
The sun was beginning to get low in the sky, so they decided to go set up the back end of the truck for the movies with their pillows and blankets.
“Wait a second,” Joe said counting everyone’s heads, including Paige’s even though she had come in her own car, “How are all six of us going to fit?”
“We’re going to cram,” said Marena nonchalantly. “It’s a little uncomfortable, but we will at least be warmer this way.” “Plus,” she whispered just to Joe, “I believe that this is what the drive-in experience is all about.”
“Once the sun sets the temperature drops like 30 degrees,” Aza added.
“But if you guys are uncomfortable, I’m sure you can pull off frostbite,” joked Paige.
The thought of frostbite changed their attitude about the close quarters of the truck. “We’re fine,” they answered in unison.
Marena stood up and put on her jacket. “I’m going on a walk to stretch my legs. Anyone wanna come?” She directed the question to everyone, but she was hoping that Joe would be the one to volunteer. To her relief he did.
As they walked they began talking.
“So, you never mentioned how old you were.” It was a statement, not a question, but Marena knew he longed for a response.
“I’m nineteen. Actually I just finished my first year of university.”
“It explains the roommate,” he said sarcastically. She had forgotten that she already mentioned she was in college. “But that’s cool. What’s your major?”
“Media Communications. Most of the classes offered at my school are for general media studies, but I am going to try to take as many film making classes as I possible can. Then when I finish I want to go to some sort of film school and get my Master of Fine Art degree in Film making. I want to do something with film production, maybe even direct. I am not totally sure yet, but God is totally in control to put me in the right direction at the right time for His plan.” Marena explained.
“Totally, sounds like you know where you essentially want to end up.”
“I think so. I actually want to work for Disney. I’ve always loved the ‘family’ image they have.”
“Disney is great.” Joe said. “It could be an amazing career opportunity for you, even if it was just a starting point. We have really enjoyed working with the people at Disney.”
“Well, what about you?” Marena prompted. “What would you do if you weren’t a teen icon?”
“Easy.” Joe said with a smile. “I’d be the next James Bond.” He laughed.
“Well, I could see working on that film,” she said while she pretended to film him. He did some James Bond stances for her. She laughed, and then continued. “But I think you have to be British to be James Bond.”
“Darn,” said Joe. “Oh, well,” he laughed, “I’ll be the next Jason Bourne then.”
“Another great movie. I love the Bourne films.”
Joe smiled at her than shivered. He rubbed his hands together then shoved them deep in his pockets. “It’s cold out here.” he said.
“That’s how it usually is on the island.” Marena said while nodding in agreement. However she was acclimated to the cold. “It’s the breeze off the Pacific Ocean that does it.”
“Are you out here a lot?”
“We try to come a lot in the spring and summer. But we used to live out here on the island. Except my mom got tired of the drive to the mainland. So we moved. But that also meant that my dad had to drive out here every day for work.”
“Your dad works out here?” asked Joe confused.
“He used to,” Marena clarified. “He just retired from the Navy a few months ago and took a new job contracting for the Army. I know irony.” She added with a smile with a roll of her eyes. “But anyway,” she continued. “The downside is that we are moving to the south, like to Alabama, so Deep South. He’s already down there, and we will join him in about a month.”
“Aren’t you excited?”
“Well…yes and no. Sure it’s exciting and all, but my school is only two hours from where we are now. And I partly choose it so I could stay somewhat close to them. Being so far away will be tough. Plus I will only see them for Christmases or when I have the availability to fly.”
“Ouch. But hey, look on the bright side. Flying isn’t all bad, and when you do see your family, it will be really special.”
Joe turned to look at Marena and smiled. He was also staring which made Marena want to look away.
“Do I have something on my face?” She asked while looking for a reflective surface, knowing she wouldn’t find one.
“What? No! You’re fine.” he said trying to act like he wasn’t staring.
Marena tried to break the awkwardness. “C’mon,” she said looking at the national anthem playing on the movie screen, “it’s going to start soon.” She slipped her arm in the crook of his and walked back towards the car.
After Joe and Marena had walked away, Nick and Aza, who were already in the truck bed, started getting settled for the movies and started back in on their previous conversation. Paige noticed nervously that she and Kevin were ‘alone’ for the first time. Butterflies filled her stomach, but she was determined to not let her nervousness show on her face.
“Is there any popcorn to munch on?” Kevin asked.
‘What a dutz Paige! The one time you forget to pop popcorn.’ Paige thought to herself vehemently.
“I totally spaced.” Paige said in an urgent tone. “I usually bring some with me.”
But Kevin was calm. He smiled. “Well, you can’t watch a movie without popcorn.” He stated this with such an air of assertiveness that you just couldn’t deny it. “I guess we’ll just have to go buy some.”
“You’re the expert.”
Kevin offered Paige his arm as they made their way to the concession stand.
“So,” he started off, “Where’d you learn to drive so well.”
“Well,” Paige responded, “My mother is a driving instructor so I guess it’s in my blood. Just like music is in yours.”
“Well that’s cool. I know I don’t have to worry about running into you on the road.” He laughed. The he continued, “So you and Marena are college roommates. What’s your major?”
“My major is Psychology with a minor in Human Kinetics.”
“Human Kinetics?” he pondered.
“It is a fancy word for P.E. You know sports stuff.”
“That sounds like a lot of work.”
“It is. Love it or hate it, I can’t be a sports psychologist without it.”
“Why sports psychology?”
“Someone has to tell the athletes when they are getting a big head.” She said with a laugh. Kevin laughed with her at the thought of someone getting paid to deflate other people’s egos. “But seriously,” she continued. “I’ve actually changed my major since starting last fall, but this is the plan for now. What about you?” she prodded, “If you weren’t a musician. Where would you be right now?”
“Well, I would probably be in college as well. And working at Starbucks to pay for it.”
She laughed. “But what about later in life? What do you see in the future?”
“Well, I see myself settling down, getting married and starting a family.” He calmly responded.
In her head Paige thought ‘Yay! Similar interests!’ Outwardly she said, “Yeah, I see something pretty similar.”
“So, who inspires you Paige Taylor?” Kevin asked. “Who is your biggest hero?”
Paige felt her heart drop as the grief of losing her cousin crept back up. She wouldn’t let him see her cry, but she couldn’t not respond either. So quietly she answered, “The troops overseas.”
“How so?” Kevin urged. “For fighting for what they believe in or….?”
“Because they risk leaving all their loved ones behind, I mean they write wills and everything, they never know if they will see another day, yet they still choose to fight. If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is.”Her voice cracked on the last sentence, but she hoped he didn’t notice. She turned away and pretended to be surveying the menu, but was really wiping a lone tear from her eye. She remained silent while Kevin purchased the large bucket of popcorn.
As they walked out the doors of the concession stand the National Anthem sounded from the loudspeakers. Paige stopped and looked towards the setting sun. ‘Thank you Andrew.’ She thought. ‘I’ll see you in eternity.’ “We should get back to the truck. The previews start right after the anthem is over.” Right on cue the symphony of car horns sounded.
“This is my favorite part of the whole drive-in experience,” Aza said to Nick. As the other four returned to the truck.
“What the previews?” asked Nick, eyebrows furrowed together in a fashion that was totally Nick. “That’s kinda weird.”
“No,” Aza laughed. “Before each show, they always play an old cartoon.”
Right on cue the screen light up with an old Tom-and-Jerry.
“See,” she continued, “best part of the whole show.”
“Most definitely,” Nick agreed.
Next to Aza and Nick, Joe had just tried the “I’m going to yawn so I can put my arm around you move.”
“What are we in the 4th grade?” chided Marena. “I can’t believe you just pulled that move.”
“Hey! Un-cool!” said Joe indignantly, “the 4th grade was the best 8 years of my life.”
“So, you’re 24?” said Marena warily.
“You know what I mean.” said Joe.
“Ok, but counting shoulders works better.”
“Counting shoulders?” Joe questioned her.
“Here, I’ll show you.” She placed her left hand on her own right shoulder. “One.” She moved her hand from her right shoulder to her left. “Two.” She rotated her hand so instead of shoulder she was touching his. “Three.” She reached all the way around his back and touched his other shoulder. “Four.”
“Oh, I get it now.” He responded with a smile.
“Yeah, and if a girl asks what you’re doing. You simply reply nonchalantly, ‘Oh I’m counting shoulders.’”
“You are being really quiet,” whispered Kevin. “Is something bothering you? Or was it just reverence for the National Anthem.”
“Actually, it was a little bit of both.” Paige responded. She wondered if she should tell him about Andrew. She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t enjoying herself, so she decided to just go for it. “I was thinking about my cousin Andrew,” she began quietly. “About two months ago he was killed in Afghanistan. Sometimes I am just reminded more strongly of him.”
“I’m so sorry.” Kevin said trying to comfort her. He hesitantly reached over to the small of her back, moving his hand in a small circle.
She started to relax. Opening up to Kevin wasn’t as hard as she had anticipated. She took a couple of deep breaths. Soon she was back to her joking self, “I’m not usually this outgoing with someone I’ve just met. Did you slip some brain altering drugs in the popcorn when I wasn’t looking?” She nudged him softly in the ribs.
“What? Of course not!” he joked back, and then gave her slight squeeze. Aza and Nick’s laughter sounded from the other side of the truck.
“Here,” Aza said to Nick, offering the same bag of gummy worms to him that he had pointed out in the store earlier in the day. “They’re delicious.”
They both laughed at the joke.
“What are you two laughing about over there?” Joe asked in a mock serious tone. “Do I need to come sit between you?”
“Oh, really,” said Kevin, “Maybe I should sit between you and Rena?” Rena blushed at the sound of Kevin using her nickname, but was quick to notice that Kevin’s hand was on Paige’s back. She gave her friend an encouraging look, by just raising her eyebrows. Paige nodded in response.
“Why don’t we all just stop talking, and watch the movie?” said Nick with an air of authority.
“Yes Sir! Mr. President!” Kevin and Joe responded in unison.
By the end of the first movie all the snacks the three girls had smuggled in were gone. Apparently usually would last the three girls all night, with leftovers, was no match for the appetite of the three boys.
“I’m going to get some more food. Do you guys like curly fries?” asked Marena.
“Yep, curly fries are good.” Joe responded with nods of agreement from his brothers.
“Regular, seasoned or garlic?”
“Why don’t you pick?” said Joe.
“Well, I’m partial to the garlic ones myself, but for tonight why don’t we just stick to seasoned.”
“Wait, I’ll go with you Rena.” Paige volunteered.
The boys exchanged glances which Rena recognized as “Girls.”
“Make sure to get Ketchup AND Mustard.” Aza yelled before they were out of earshot.
“That is so weird.” Paige said with a roll of her eyes.
“I know…Right?!”
The boys seemed to have a similar response to Aza’s tastes.
“Mustard?” asked Nick with a raised eyebrow.
“On French Fries?” added Joe in agreement.
“Where’d you come up with that?” finished Kevin.
“Family trait,” said Aza. “Only a few of us have it. It’s an acquired taste. Like sparkling water or coffee.”
As Paige and Rena stood in the concession line for their curly fries, they briefed each other on their conversations with the boys.
“They are really down to earth and funny,” said Paige. “I was surprised.”
“I know. I mean you hear stars say, “We’re just normal people,” all the time. But they really are.”
“O’Brien” They heard one of the workers call out.
They picked up their log of fries, and got as much ketchup and mustard as they could carry.
“Woah!” exclaimed Joe with a mouth full of curly fries. “These are really good.”
“And for four bucks you get this whole log. You can’t beat that.” replied Marena while dipping another fry in ketchup.
“Hey,” piped in a half-asleep Aza. “Be sure…to….share.” She managed to say this between yawns.
“Stay awake long enough to eat them.” Marena shot back.
“Fine.” said Aza grabbing a portion of the log and a cup of ketchup and mustard which she mixed together with a fry.
The second movie had ended. The three girls still wide awake, well mostly awake, as awake as one can be at 2:30 in the morning. Several of their limbs were buzzing with numbness. The boys had fallen asleep in various positions, Nick on Aza’s thigh, Joe on Marena’s arm, and Kevin on Paige’s shoulder. ‘They look so peaceful’ thought the girls.
“We should probably wake them up.” Aza said with a slight sigh. She didn’t want to disturb Nick, he looked so cute.
“We don’t want them to be behind schedule for their concert.” agreed Paige.
“Alright. Let’s wake them.” Marena finally decided.
Each girl went about waking the boys in their own manner.
Aza bent down near Nick’s ear and whispered. “Hey Nick, wake up.” He stirred looking around almost confused about where he was. Then a look of comprehension dawned on his face. “Was I that boring?” Aza asked reproaching.
“What?? No. I just don’t get a lot of sleep.”
“I know. I was kidding.” Aza assured him.
Marena took a less conventional approach. “Hey Joe, wake up, you’re drooling!”
“What?!?!” said a now awake Joe, has he frantically wiped at the non-existent drool.
“Ah, I was just kidding. But I would love to see THAT reaction again.” Marena said as she mimicked Joe’s reaction.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Paige began in an announcer voice, “I give you the Jonas Brothers.”
“What? What time is it?” Frantically Kevin looked around. Then he realized he was nowhere near a stage, and he smiled slyly at Paige as if to say ‘well played.’
“To answer your question though, it is about 2:30.” Paige stated. “Our carriage is going to become a pumpkin soon, so Aza and Marena better take you back.”
Paige gathered up her blankets and began to throw them into her Jeep. “Well, I live in the other direction so I’m going to go.”
“Wait,” Kevin said. He held out his hand for her cell phone. Her phone was passed between the three brothers for numbers to be added, and they took note of hers. “Can I walk you to your door?” Kevin asked in a gentlemanly manner. Paige agreed.
“I’m glad I ran into your friends at the supermarket, and decided to trust complete strangers.” Kevin said to Paige when they had reached her Jeep.
“Me too.” she said. “And the drive-in was my idea, by the way. I invited them.”
“Well, I guess some things just work out.”
“I guess they do.” She gave him a hug that she wished could’ve lasted forever. “Call if you are ever in the area again.”
“Of course. Drive safe.”
“You know I will. Hazard of being a driving instructor’s daughter.” They shared one last look, as she climbed into the driver’s seat of her Jeep and started the engine.
“I really think Kevin likes her,” said Nick once they were out of earshot.
“Yeah, he’s usually smiley, but not THAT smiley.” Joe concurred.
“I’ve never seen Paige that smiley either,” Marena agreed.
By the time Kevin returned, we were ready to head out. We piled back into the truck, sitting in the same seats.
“So do you do this with all the guys you meet in the junk food aisle of Safeway?” asked Joe.
“No just with the rock stars.” Aza said.
“But only the rock stars we like.” Marena chipped in.
Joe smiled and looked out the window at the star filled sky. After ten minutes of silence, Marena looked in the rearview mirror. Kevin and Nick were leaning against opposite windows with their eyes shut. Aza had nodded off with her head on Nick’s shoulder. Marena took a quick look at Joe. His head was leaned back against the headrest, and his eyes were shut, but Marena wasn’t sure if he was asleep or not. However, she didn’t want to be the only one awake, so she hit him playfully on the arm.
“Hey!,” she said with a laugh, “Keep me awake.”
“Mmm…” mumbled Joe.
“I’m serious.” She poked him repeatedly in the arm. “I need someone to talk to. Or I will have to blast some music. So unless you want me to start singing loudly and off key with the radio I would suggest you start talking.
Joe rubbed his eyes and sat up. “Ok. Never ever have I ever…”
They made it back to Aza and Marena’s at half past three. After unloading the boys stuff into Kevin’s Jeep they started their goodbyes. Again the cell phones were passed around for the input of numbers. When Joe handed Marena back her phone she smiled as she saw the <3 next to his name. Marena hugged Nick and Kevin as Aza hugged Joe.
When it was her turn to hug Joe, Marena had to stand on her tip toes to reach around his shoulders.
“I’m glad I met you,” whispered Joe in her ear. “Don’t forget to call or text.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as the hug ended. Marena could feel the blood rush to her cheeks as she silently giggled to herself.
When Aza went to hug Nick, Kevin joked, “So I guess you have a little thing for Nick.”
“Nah,” said Aza with a smile to Kevin. “It’s a BIG thing,” she whispered in Nick’s ear as she reached up to hug him.
When she pulled away, Nick was slightly at a loss for words. “We’ll see you around then?” he stammered.
“We certainly hope so.” Marena responded, a smile still plastered on her face.
With that they all piled into Kevin’s Jeep and drove off into the rising sun.
“How would you rate today?” Marena asked Aza looking her in the eyes. They shared a brainwave.
“Perfect!” They said together.
And for that moment it seemed like a Happily Ever After.