The (possibly) Wonderful World of Disney*Rewritten

[Anna]

The (possibly) Wonderful World of Disney

Introduction
Caleb dropped his pencil on the table and leaned forward on his elbows, his head hovering over Adina’s paper and his medium length shaggy brown hair dangling in her face. She stopped writing and peered up at him. He grinned.

“What?” His friend giggled.

“Tired of this?” Adina rolled her eyes and nodded, as Caleb knew she would.

“Definitely.” She said. Caleb sat properly in his chair again and the two slid their notebooks to the center of the table, every other line on both papers completely blank, one missing the even problems, one missing the odd. They hurriedly filled in their skipped answers and slammed the books shut simultaneously when they finished.

“Mom, we’re going out!” Caleb called through the quiet house as he stood, grasping the edge of the table as he slid his shoes on. A petite woman showed up almost instantly in the doorway.

“You both finished all of your assignments?” She asked. Caleb and Adina nodded. “May I see?” The woman added suspiciously. Caleb rolled his eyes.

“Oh come on, mom!” He complained, winking at Adina when his mother wasn’t looking. She skimmed through the pencil marked pages and nodded at the impatiently waiting teenagers behind her.

“Alright, be back in time for dinner Caleb.” She said grimly, deciding not to waste time questioning the kids on how they completed so much work in so little time.

“Yea, because we’re going to be out so late hanging out with our other friends at the huge mall we’re so fortunate to have.” Adina said, her words drenched in sarcasm. Caleb shook his head, grinning.

“Who needs a mall when we have miles of cornfields?” He contradicted, mocking her cynicism. Adina chuckled and waved to Caleb’s mother as she followed her friend out the screen door in the back of his house. She jumped off the steps and took a deep breath of the fresh air, spreading her arms out and twirling in a circle.

“That was way too much.” She noted when she stopped. Caleb sauntered down the porch steps and joined her on ground level, putting an arm around her shoulders to bring her along as he walked away from the house.

“Seriously, at least at regular schools there are other kids, it’s not so boring.” He agreed. Adina stopped walking and faced him, smacking him playfully on the chest with the back of her hand.

“I’m boring?” She teased. Caleb chuckled, throwing his head back and shaking it.

“I can’t say anything around you, can I?” He asked. Adina snickered. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.” Caleb added, smiling at her.

“Aww, you’re so sweet.” Adina smiled. “That doesn’t make sense. What kind of guy are you?” She laughed. Caleb grinned.

“The kind you call your best friend.” He answered. Adina smiled at him, and then shifted her gaze towards the seemingly endless field of tall corn, much taller than herself and Caleb, separating his house from hers. She looked back to Caleb and grinned.

“Dina, not-” He started, but Adina had already turned away from him and started running. He tried to grab her before she left his side, but his fingers only briefly skimmed her waist, she was too quick. Caleb groaned. He saw the figure of a girl in the midst of the field stop and face him.

“Come on, slowpoke!” The familiar voice hollered. Caleb chuckled and shook his head.

“Just giving you a head start!” He yelled back as he took off after her. He followed her for a while before figuring out exactly where she was going, and how she was planning on getting there. The two of them had lived next-door to each other their entire lives, the only people for miles that were their age. They had always been best friends, and their families always joked about it someday turning into something more. Their families both owned farms in southern Illinois, isolated from any other forms of civilization. They had both been raised to make use of what they had rather than relying on driving into town all the time for something fun to do, purposefully so that when they reached the age that they were, their parents wouldn’t have to deal with them begging for rides every weekend. Instead, they spent their childhood under the beating sun, weaving in and out of rows and rows of corn, the only place besides their house they knew how to get to. Over the years they had learned to maneuver through the mazes of the field.

As Adina took a sharp right, Caleb swerved to the left, taking constant turns until he reached a small clearing in the corn. He dropped to the ground and leaned back on his elbows, crossing his legs at the ankles. He didn’t know why Adina chose not to take the shortcut, but he took it to his advantage. He did his best to look bored and relaxed, knowing his friend would show up momentarily.

“There you are!” He mused when she did. “What took so long?” Adina shook her head, her breath slightly heavier than usual from running so quickly.

“That isn’t fair!” She complained. Caleb laughed.

“I was smarter than you and remembered something you never thought of. Of course it isn’t fair.” He agreed mockingly. He sat up and held his hands out, grabbing Adina around the waist and pulling her carefully down beside him. He reclined again, now laying flat on his back with his hands clasped behind his head. Adina mimicked his action, leaning back perpendicular to him and resting her head on his chest. She bent one leg at the knee and crossed the other over it. Caleb sighed as Adina plucked a weed out of the dirt next to her and picked at it.

“You know what’d be great?” He murmured, closing his eyes. “If we could always stay like this, just like this. Just us, relaxed and carefree, not having to deal with school or parents.”

“Or little sisters.” Adina added.

“Or little sisters.” Caleb agreed. “Think about it, right here, right now, the weather is great, we don’t have to be anywhere, or with anyone, and we have nothing we need to do except just lay here.” He unfolded his hands and took one away from pillowing his head. He casually reached towards Adina and took the remains of her ripped up weed from her hand and flicked it away. He laced his fingers with hers and rested their intertwined hands on her stomach before finishing his statement. “It’s perfect.”

[Anna]

Chapter 1

The quiet hum of an electric fan propped up in the window; the muffled sound of “Is Forever Enough?” by Hawk Nelson leaking out from Caleb’s headphones; the patter of fingers moving swiftly over a keyboard in the next room as Noelle typed up one of her infamously long novels or poems; the whispered sound of Adina’s steady breathing; the slam of a car door; the swing of the back door, the rustling of grocery bags being dropped onto the kitchen counter.

It was all too normal, just an average summer afternoon. The relaxed silence and miserable humidity hung in the air, only interrupted when a single shout shattered the peace.

“Adina! Noelle! Everybody!” Adina’s mother’s voice floated through the house. “Come here, quick!” She shouted. Adina sat up from where she had been laying spread out on the cool comforter on her bed. Caleb immediately hit pause and looked questioningly at his friend. The typing stopped in the room next-door. As if planned, everyone on the second floor of the house stood at the same time and emerged into the hall.

“What's going on?” Noelle, Adina’s twelve year old sister asked. Adina shrugged.

“Mrs. Cartell? Is everything ok?” Caleb shouted towards the stairs and quickly marched towards them, followed immediately by the girls.

“Everything’s fine! Everything’s wonderful!” Mrs. Cartell replied in a singsong voice. Noelle chuckled as the three of them reached the kitchen.

“Mom? What's going on?” She giggled as they watched Mrs. Cartell dance across the room, putting groceries away as she glided along. She gracefully put a bag of frozen vegetables on the counter and skipped over to the children, hugging each of them in turn, Adina last. As she pulled away, she slid her hands into her daughter’s and pulled her out into the center of the floor, spinning her around. Noelle broke into a fit of hysterics, Caleb struggling not to do the same. Adina pulled her hands free and grabbed the edge of the kitchen table before her mother could pull her away again.

“What has gotten into you?” She questioned.
“Mom’s gone crazy!” Noelle laughed.

“Your mom isn’t crazy, don’t say that!” Caleb said, but he cleared his throat to stifle a laugh.

“I have exciting news for you!” Mrs. Cartell exclaimed. Adina rolled her eyes.

“The last time you had exciting news for me,” She said, folding her arms and looking disgustingly at her younger sister, “she happened.” Noelle stuck her tongue out at Adina and looked away, her chin high pompously.

“What's the news, mommy?” She asked sweetly, kissing up. Adina scoffed. Their mother ignored the banter. She turned to her oldest daughter and took her hands, swinging them back and forth as she spoke.

“I was at the grocery store.” She began.

“Oh wow, was the fresh bread on sale? That is exciting!” Caleb mumbled. Adina grinned and her sister giggled. Mrs. Cartell overlooked it and continued. “So while I was there, my phone rings. It was a long distance number, and Lord knows why I would get a long distance call on a Sunday afternoon!”

“Who was it?” Adina prompted, growing impatient. Her mother tended to ramble.

“I answer it anyways, and there was a man on the other line. And he asked for you!”

“Ooh, Dina’s got a boyfriend!” Noelle teased. Adina shot her a death stare.

“And I said I’m sorry, but she isn’t available, this is her mother.”

“Mom, who was it?” Adina asked again.

“Michael Keeling!” Her mother exclaimed. In response, she got three blank stares. “Do you remember the county fair two years ago?” Adina nodded. “And do you remember when you participated in the talent show? You sang that little song of yours?” Adina nodded again, impatiently. She had performed in the show every year since she could remember; it wasn’t something she’d just suddenly know nothing about. “Michael Keeling was there! He was watching! He saw you sing!” Adina pulled away from her mother’s hold.

“Wonderful. Some old creep is stalking me.” She mumbled, crossing the room to return to her best friend and sister. She pointed toward the doorway, and they followed her cue, turning around to leave. Her mother stopped them.

“No, honey! He’s a talent scout and casting director! For Disney! He wants you to go to California and meet with some executives or whatever their titles are; he wants you to audition!” Adina froze. She looked at her mother, and her sister and Caleb stared at her.

“R-really?” She asked, her voice faltering. Her mother nodded, the smile never leaving her face. Adina’s expression went blank. She gulped and spun around, pushing past her little sister and running out of the kitchen. She ran up the stairs two at a time. In the kitchen, everyone exchanged confused glances. Noelle took off after her sister, Caleb close behind. Her bedroom door was closed.

“What's wrong with her? This is…incredible!” Noelle hissed, pausing to come up with the right word to describe the situation. “And she goes off and hides in her room” Caleb pushed her aside.

“You know, Noelle, maybe if you took the time to try to understand your sister, you’d get along better. She’s probably just nervous or something.” He hissed back. He knocked softly on the door. “Dina? Can I come in?” He asked. He tried the handle, but the door was locked. “Adina, let me in, let’s talk about this.” There was no response.

“Oh yea, trying to understand works so well.” Noelle smirked, stepping toward the door. She put her hand on the knob.

“Quit your crying; this is great news.” She called through the door. “We’re coming in.” She warned. She turned the handle fiercely to the left and the door slowly creaked open. Caleb raised an eyebrow. Noelle rolled her eyes. “Now, which gets you farther? Being her friend, or…?” She trailed off and Caleb scoffed. Noelle snickered and flung the door open. Adina was half hidden in her closet. She emerged, holding out two different tops. She beamed. The instant she moved, the room buzzed with excitement.

“Which one?” She asked, moving each briefly in front of her. She shoved both blouses at Noelle and disappeared back into the closet, this time coming back with her arms full of various skirts, dress pants, and Capri’s. “If I wear this one,” She said, jerking her chin towards the shirt in her sister’s left arm, “I can wear these pants for a more professional, dressy look,” She struggled with the bundle of clothes in her arms, eventually managing to elevate one specific pair of pants before continuing. “Or these jeans for a casual, relaxed look.” She contemplated, dropping the heap of fabric and holding up a single pair of denim cutoffs. She demonstrated, holding the pants up to her body. She looked down at them and frowned. “Scratch that, I don’t have the thighs for these anymore.” She grimaced. She shook her head and tossed the jeans aside. “Ok, forget those. How about…” She looked frantically at the dropped pile of clothes at her feet. Suddenly she started laughing to herself, shaking her head. She backed up to her bed and plunged onto it, the mattress squeaking with the sudden weight. She continued with her uncontrollable laughing fit, her shoulders still shaking as she finally spoke.

“I’m going to California!”

[Anna]

Chapter 2
Hollywood, California. Busy, bustling, exciting, and celebrity infested Hollywood, California. Adina took in the view as it flew past her in a blur from behind the taxi window. Coming from the small town life that she did, it was all joyfully overwhelming. She clutched her cell phone tightly on her lap, anticipating the vibration that would draw her attention immediately from the scene outside her window. When it came, she jolted, jumpy from nervousness and excitement. She quickly scanned the small screen, reading the recently received text.

There yet?

Adina smiled. Caleb had asked her the same thing every five minutes since she announced her arrival in California. He had always been slightly impatient. She typed a response as fast as she could, having to go back and edit the entire message once she was done. Her fingers were shaky and she had made too many typos to count. Finally satisfied, she sent the response.

NO! almost, I think. Ahh im so nervous!!

“You’re going to do great, don’t worry about it, Dina.” Adina looked up at her mother and raised her eyebrows.

“You’re reading my texts?” She accused, unintentionally smiling. Her mother chuckled and squeezed Adina’s hand.

“Tell Caleb you’ll call him as soon as you’re done and turn off the phone. That’s the place, right up there.” She said, pointing to a building a couple blocks away. Adina sighed more dramatically than necessary as she shut her phone off. As they approached the building, the butterflies in her stomach grew, if it was possible for her to be more nervous than she was before. She subconsciously bit her lip when the driver finally pulled up to the front door and turned to look at his passengers expectantly.

“Thank you.” Adina’s mother smiled politely and paid him. The driver took the money.

“My pleasure, ma’am!” He grinned as he fanned the wad of cash out in front of him. Adina stumbled out of the taxi, her mother following.

“Oh my god, we’re here!” She squealed, hopping up and down fretfully. Her mom smiled and pushed her gently towards the door.

“Honey, don’t be nervous. You’re going to do great.” She said confidently. They pushed through the doors, the universally known script printed carefully on the glass, spelling out one of the most famous names in the world: Walt Disney. “Let’s see, this says you’re to go to room 204.” Mrs. Cartell thought out loud, surveying the paper she held in front of her. She glanced at the map of the building on the wall and pointed down the left hallway. “This way.” She determined. Adina followed her until they reached the correct room. Adina gulped as she stared at the letters on the wooden door. Room 204-General Auditions. “Go on.” Her mom prompted softly. Adina nodded and put her hand on the cold doorknob and turned it, pushing the door open. Six brown eyes-two of them a bit more on the hazel side- instantly shot towards her. They belonged to three teenage boys, sitting with their chairs arranged into a triangle at one end of the room. Although they looked significantly different, it was clear that they were brothers. Adina’s mother patted her on the back before walking away, crossing the room to sit nearer to the only other adult in the room, who must have been the boys’ father. Adina smiled awkwardly, the boys still staring her down.

“Hey there, beautiful.” One of them grinned, making no point of making it the least bit unobvious as his eyes grazed over her body. He was clearly one of the oldest of the three. Adina folded her arms across her chest and felt her cheeks heat up a little bit. She didn’t respond, just took a seat away from them. She saw the boy next to the one who had spoken snicker and whisper something to his brother. He just shrugged in response and slouched down in his chair. Once the three of them started up conversation again, Adina looked them over. The one who had talked to her was about her age. He had his dark hair styled into a faux hawk and had thick, defined eyebrows. His brother, who Adina guessed was a bit older than her, had his hair spiked and his eyes seemed to be smiling. The third boy was undoubtedly the youngest. He was, much to Adina’s embarrassment and regret, watching her as she examined them.

“You can sit with us if you want.” He offered, smiling at her. Under his chocolate curls, his eyes glowed, transforming his face into one of a tiny, hopeful puppy. He scooted his seat aside enough for another chair to fit next to it, and Adina stood up reluctantly. How could she say no?

“Hey.” The spiky haired boy smiled. “I’m Kevin.” Adina smiled back and nodded as faux hawk stuck his hand out in front of her.

“Joseph.” He said coolly. “Or Joe. Whichever you prefer.” He added. Adina shook his hand politely, and he held on longer than necessary. Kevin glanced between their hands and Adina’s face and cleared his throat, subtly kicking the leg of Joe’s chair with his heel. His grasp on Adina’s hand loosened and he released, smirking.

“And,” Kevin said, pointing across from him to the youngest boy and sneaking a quick amused look at Joe, “that’s Nicholas.” Nicholas glared at his older brother, as if to say ‘I can introduce myself’.

“I’m Nick.” He repeated. Adina nodded.

“Hi Nick.” She smiled. “I’m Adina.” She said, turning to face all three boys again.

“Adina.” Joe grinned. “That’s a lovely name; gorgeous name, gorgeous girl. It suits you.” Adina smiled back at him.

“Thank you. It means ‘one who is not impressed by flirtatious male teens’.” Nick and Kevin burst out laughing.

“Ooh! She got you good, Joe!” Nick exclaimed.

“Nice!” Kevin laughed, holding his hand up. Adina chuckled and high fived him. She glanced at Joe. He shrugged and rolled his eyes, making it clear that the comment didn’t affect him.

“So are you auditioning for something?” Nick asked, looking up at Adina with genuine interest. Adina smiled and sat back in her chair, relaxing. She had gotten a bad vibe from Joseph from the start, but as long as she ignored him, being with Nick and Kevin was extremely comfortable, and took all the pressure of the day off of her shoulders.

“Well if I’m not, I don’t know what I’m doing here, the door did say general auditions.”

“Makes sense.” Kevin smirked. “So do you sing, act, or what?”

“Mostly singing. I play piano too.”

“Me too! And I play guitar and drums.” Nick beamed. Adina laughed.
“Wow, impressive! How old are you, exactly?” She asked, quickly glancing him over. He seemed like a fun kid, and he was adorable. She couldn’t help thinking Noelle would love him. Nick’s cheeks turned the faintest shade of red.

“Thirteen.” He told her modestly.

“Pretty talented thirteen year old.” Adina complimented. “What about you guys?”

“Backup vocals and lead guitar.” Kevin smiled and leaned back in his chair, obviously thinking very highly of his abilities.

“Joe plays the tambourine.” Nick said before his brother could speak for himself. Adina giggled.

“Hey, I sing lead too!” Joe protested.

“I sing lead.” Nick grinned, nodding at Adina.

“Yea, whatever.” Joe rolled his eyes. “I’ll bet I’m better than her anyways.” He said, jerking his chin in Adina’s direction.

“Alright, you’re on!” Adina challenged, her competitive side taking over. She’d had a bad feeling about him from the beginning, and she could tell he felt the same way about her. From the moment his mouth opened, she could see in his eyes that he had only been flirting because she was a girl and he was bored. He didn’t care one way or the other what she thought. Adina was confident in her voice, and she didn’t mind one bit showing Joe who he was messing with. He looked shocked that she took his bet seriously. Kevin raised an eyebrow and looked at her. She smiled at him and Nick. “Wanna judge?”

“Uh…sure.” Nick got up and moved to sit next to Kevin, and Joe stood his ground beside Adina’s chair.

“I’ll go first. Sing whatever you were going to for the audition.” He ordered bluntly, staring down at her. His foot began tapping, and he sang the beginning of a song Adina had never heard before.

“And what was that supposed to be?” Adina blinked when he was done.

“I happened to write that song.” Joe informed her. Nick laughed.

“Not on his own he didn’t.” Adina smirked. Nick clearly didn’t let the fact that he was younger than his brothers get in the way of thinking of himself as the boss of their little band.

“Yea, I figured.” She said coldly, standing up. “My turn.” She announced as she placed four fingertips on Joe’s chest, pushing him down onto her chair. She cleared her throat and closed her eyes. Softly at first, she sang her audition song, “Listen to Your Heart” by DHT. She stopped after a few lines and peered down at Joe. He was staring back up at her with wide eyes. “Had enough?” She asked innocently. He knit his eyebrows.

“Sing the chorus.” He dared. Adina shrugged and obeyed. Joe still wasn’t satisfied. “Sing this, exactly how I do.” He paused. “I was fine, ‘till 7:05, ‘till she walked out the door and right out of my life.” He stopped and looked at Adina expectantly. She tackled the tune without a single slipup. “Now in Nick’s key? Nick, sing 7:05.” He ordered, not taking his eyes off Adina. Nick sang the lyrics, his voice much higher than Joe’s, but nowhere near anything Adina couldn’t handle. She repeated after Nick, and Joe nodded. He pointed to Kevin. He hesitated, but sang the song, a much lower version than the first two. Too low. Adina shrugged.

“Can’t.” She said. Joe didn’t respond, and Adina sighed. “I was fine, ‘till 7:05, ‘till she walked out the door and right out of my life.” She sang, as low as she could. Joe nodded, his face scrunched up in concentration. “What?” Adina demanded. Joe turned to his brothers, answering to them rather than her.

“She’s good, I’ve gotta admit. Great range.” He said. He glanced back at her. “But that’s about all she’s got going for her.”

“He didn’t mean that!” Kevin said quickly. Adina shrugged, not letting herself care.

“Yea, he’s not really mean, he only gets like that when he doesn’t like someone!” Nick added, grimacing immediately after. “No, I mean…it’s not that he doesn’t like you. What's not to like? You’re nice, and a really good singer, and you’re really pretty.” He corrected. After a moment of thinking about what he had just told her, he blushed. Adina chuckled.

“Thank you, Nicholas.” She smiled. She turned to Joe, her smile disappearing. “And I don’t care if he doesn’t like me. I don’t like him either.” Joe smiled at her, but his eyes remained icy.

“Well at least Nick does! How does it feel to have a boy have a crush on you for the very first time?” He asked, his voice innocently sweet. Adina laughed, letting out an intentionally fake laugh.

“I guess the same way it’ll feel for you the first time a girl doesn’t reject you.” She shrugged, imitating his friendly smile.

“I don’t have a crush on her.” Nick mumbled, his face a deep shade of scarlet now as he crossed his arms and looked down at the floor. Nobody paid him any attention.

“Well…” Joe started, his voice raising.

“Jonas? Kevin, Joseph, and Nicholas?” A woman appeared suddenly in the waiting room carrying a clipboard. Her eyes left the papers she held and scanned the room, stopping on the boys.

“That’s us!” Kevin said, glancing at Joe. He grabbed a guitar case from behind his chair and Nick did the same. Joe slid a tambourine from underneath his seat and held it up to chest level. He shook it a couple of times.

“That’s a cute little instrument you’ve got there.” Adina teased. Joe rolled his eyes.

“Can’t have a band without percussion.” He replied. Adina shrugged, dismissing the subject.

“Come on boys!” Their father called from across the room where he was waiting with the woman holding the clipboard.

“Good luck!” Adina wished as they walked away.

“Don’t need it!” Joe called over his shoulder. Adina chuckled and got up, leaving the empty chairs surrounding her to join her mother.

“Meet some new friends?” She asked vaguely. Adina stared at her. Had the parents not heard the argument that took place literally seconds before?

“The little one is such a cute kid; he’s barely older than Noelle. And the oldest seems really nice too.” She paused and shook her head. “I don’t know about that faux hawk though.” Her mother smiled.

“Well, I’m glad you had fun.” She said. After a few minutes, the sound of two guitars strumming and the unmistakable jingle of a tambourine drifted through the closed door at the other end of the waiting room. Adina listened as Joe’s voice accompanied the instruments, soon followed by Kevin’s and Nicholas’. They were singing the same song Joe had in their little sing-off, a pretty catchy tune with somewhat repetitive lyrics about a girl named Mandy. They sounded good, she had to admit.

By the time they came back out, Adina was already gone, nailing her own audition. It went great, the instant she walked into the small room and was greeted by the friendly, smiling faces waiting for her, all of her anxiety disappeared and was replaced with confidence. She had always been told she was a natural born performer. She was pitch perfect, not messing up one single time, although she normally did when practicing at home.
Even so, after the day she returned home from California, her life went on as if she had never left. She went back to her daily routines. She dragged through school every morning and spent a majority of her free time hanging out with Caleb. She helped out on the farm when she was needed and battled off her sister the rest of the time. She didn’t hear from Disney at all, and forgot all about the boys she had met in the audition room until about two and a half years later.

[Anna]

Chapter 3

“Dina?” Caleb asked hesitantly. Adina looked up, startled.

“Huh?” She said blankly. Caleb raised an eyebrow.

“What should I wear when we go into town?” He repeated. Adina noticed the few various t-shirts and sweaters lying out on his bed. She furrowed her eyebrows.

“I don’t care, it’s not like we know anyone anyways. Besides, since when did you care about fashion?”

“Dina, weren’t you listening? I was asking how the weather was! You know, since you just came in from outside?” Caleb’s voice trailed off as he looked out the window.

“Oh.” Adina mumbled. “Um, a hoodie. It’s getting kind of chilly.” She shrugged.

“K.” Caleb selected a sweater and pulled it over his head. “Everything ok? You’re acting kinda weird.” He noted.

“I am not!” Adina snapped, glaring at him. Caleb chuckled.

“Whoa, put the claws away! I get it, ‘girl stuff’. ‘Nuff said. We have some chocolate and stuff downstairs, help yourself.” Adina’s expression softened.
“No, not that; you’re safe for another week or so.” She teased. Caleb smirked.

“Thank God!” He said, glancing at the ceiling for a moment. Adina half smiled and Caleb sighed. “Alright, you’re still mad.” He stated, strolling over to her and sitting on the floor, facing her.

“I’m not mad.” Adina contradicted. Caleb nodded.

“Alright, that’s good to hear.” He decided. “But you aren’t my usual Dina. What's up?” He offered a friendly smile and rested his arms on his bent knees, ready to listen.

“Michael Keeling called last night.” Adina said softly. Caleb’s smile faded, just for a moment.

“Didn’t we just agree we didn’t know anybody from town? What happened to our socially pitiful lives?” He asked, trying to pick up his mood again. Adina shook her head.

“He isn’t a boy from town.” She corrected. “He’s that guy from Disney. The one who got me the audition back in 05.” Caleb raised an eyebrow.

“Oh.” He nodded, like it was a normal, everyday occurrence. “Um…” He glanced toward his window and stood up. “This sounds like a good long car ride talk.” He offered a hand and Adina took it. He pulled her up to standing position and grabbed her jacket from where it hung over the back of his computer chair. He grabbed his wallet and stuffed it in his back pocket as he tossed the sweater to her. “Ready?” He asked. Adina nodded, folding her jacket over her arm and holding it tightly to her midsection. She followed him down the stairs and to the kitchen, where he grabbed the car keys and vaguely listened as his mother went over yet again what they needed from the few stores the small town had. The ride was silent for a few minutes, and Adina just stared out her window at the neighboring farms they passed.

“He said when I auditioned, there weren’t any open positions that I could fill. At the time they needed younger girls, you know, closer to the age of the targeted audience.” She suddenly said quietly. Caleb didn’t respond, just turned the radio off and waited for her to continue. “But now I guess their biggest star is starting to lose popularity and stuff, and wants to move on to bigger things or whatever. And she was basically their oxygen, without her they're dead. Ratings are dropping. They need a few new people to fill in the gaps. They reviewed my audition tape; they think I could be just what they need.” She paused. “They said they’d give me a recording contract and everything, and they’d put me on tour with their hottest band. Apparently kids worship the guys, they could really help me.”

“That’s great, D!” Caleb smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. Adina shook her head.

“I’m not going.” She said sternly. Caleb glanced at her from the driver’s seat. “I don’t want to be their rebound, just some replacement. There's gotta be a reason this girl wants to leave, right? Besides, people don’t take Disney artists seriously; I don’t want to be famous to a bunch of three year olds.”

“Your sister watches Disney.”

“Even worse!”

“Maybe, but she’s almost 15. So you’ll have some older fans.”

“15. Yea. I’m almost 19.”

“You’ll have 19 year old fans.” Caleb assured her.

“Yea, right.”

“I’m 19, aren’t I?” Adina didn’t respond. “Dina, look out the window. What do you see?” Adina sighed.

“I don’t know, corn. Horses. Clouds. What's your point?” Caleb was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and reluctantly said what he knew he needed to.

“My point is you’re not going to get anywhere out here! You’ve always wanted to be a singer, don’t you remember? You used to go around the house in your nicest clothes singing into a hairbrush and make me take pictures and interview you. It’s always been your dream, and now, after nearly 19 years, that dream is being handed to you on a silver platter and you’re just going to throw it away. You have the talent, Dina. You have an amazing voice, you’re gorgeous, and you have a great personality. So if this is about being worried you’re not good enough, I don’t know who you think you’re kidding. Get out there and try at least. If you really aren’t happy, you can always turn back, or try something different. Just don’t forget who your number one fan is when you’re big and famous.” Adina was silent for a few moments, and then suddenly started laughing quietly to herself. “What?” Caleb grinned. “I can be deep and sincere every now and then.” Adina giggled.

“Thank you, Caleb.”

“Of course. Now honestly, that offer sounds way too good to pass up. So if you don’t take it, I’m going to.” He glanced at his friend. “But you’re going to take it, aren’t you?” Adina shrugged and turned back to her window. Caleb sighed and looked back at the road in front of him. He turned the radio back on and the only sound in the car was the sound of music. After a while, they arrived at a small strip mall and Caleb parked the car.

“Yes.” Adina said quietly as they unbuckled their seatbelts. Caleb looked at her.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m going to do it.” Adina nodded surely. Caleb smiled.

“Of course you are.” He said, copying when she got out of the car. “So,” He said, jingling his keys as they walked towards the stores. “Who’s this lucky band that gets to have you on tour with them?”

“I don’t know. Noelle basically freaked out when she heard, it’s some boy band or something, I think.” Adina said. “They’re called the Jonas Brothers.”

[bloodtypeespresso]

aww, i love it! wait strike that! i LOVE it! LOL, yeah i'm a dork!

[Nanna{darkblue}]

Oct 10, 2008 17:35:15 GMT -5 bloodtypeespresso said:

aww, i love it! wait strike that! i LOVE it! LOL, yeah i'm a dork!

I love this!!... Keep going!

[Anna]

big humungo update. lets just say i had a lot of free time last night when my sweet and loving brother decided to ditch me to go out with his girlfriend. so now, i present to you, the result of sitting alone in a dorm room for a few hours

Chapter 4
Adina picked at the fraying edge of the table cloth impatiently. Her sister was leaning against the wall behind her chair, watching silently. Her mother sat beside her, her hand comfortingly resting on her daughter’s thigh, hidden beneath the table. Her father sat across from them, his elbows on the table and his hands folded in concentration in front of his chin. He stared thoughtfully but sternly at Adina. Finally, he spoke.

“We can’t just leave, you know.” He said; his voice hoarse. Adina nodded, not making eye contact. Her father was almost always out in the field, she rarely saw him inside this early in the day. When he wasn’t working, it meant something serious. “There is work to be done here, crops to tend to.” He paused. “This farm is your life, Adina.”

“But it doesn’t have to be!” Her mother interrupted. Mr. Cartell looked at her. She nodded subtly.

“Your mother and I had a long talk about this.” Mr. Cartell returned his stare to his eldest daughter. “I’m not saying I like it, but she thinks you should go.” Adina looked up, the smile growing on her face. She had never expected her dad to go along with it. “But,” Her father continued. “There's no way I can leave, and there's no way I can manage the crops and the house if your mother leaves. So if you go, you’ll be going alone.” There was a brief silence.

“That’s fine.” Adina finally said quietly.

“We would love to come with you, honey.” Her mother quickly added. “But it’s just impossible right now. I want you to think about it, Adina. If this is really what you want, I want you to go for it. I can call Mr. Keeling back right now, if that’s what you want. Otherwise, no one is forcing you out.”

“Mom, I said I wanted to go already.”

“Are you absolutely sure though?” Adina could hear the regret in her mom’s voice. “You’ll be all alone, without me or your dad, or Noelle. Or Caleb.” Adina sighed and tried not to let the words sink in. She knew what her mom was doing; she was trying to convince her to stay at home. She didn’t want her to leave. Adina looked over her father’s shoulder, barely able to make out the small square of paper posted on the refrigerator. She knew exactly what was on it, though. A phone number. Michael Keeling’s phone number. She nodded confidently. Caleb had been right; her lifelong dream was being handed to her on a silver platter. She couldn’t let herself pass it up.

“I’m going.” She decided, not waiting for criticism. She pushed her chair back away from the table and stood. She approached her sister, who instinctively moved aside to clear the doorway. For years there had been an unspoken rule between the two: they stayed clear out of each other’s way. “Noelle?” Adina asked cautiously. Her younger sister raised an eyebrow.

“What do you want?” She hissed, keeping her voice low so their parents couldn’t hear.

“I need your help.” Adina admitted. Noelle’s gaze softened.

“You need my help?”

“That’s what I said, isn’t it? Come on.” Adina grabbed her sister’s arm and dragged her out of the kitchen.

“Let go!” Noelle ordered once they were out of the room, yanking her arm back. “What do you mean, you need my help?” She asked, sprinting up the stairs to keep up with her sister. Adina stopped in front of Noelle’s bedroom door.

“I need you to tell me everything you know about the Jonas Brothers.” She pleaded. Noelle’s eyes lit up.

“Follow me.” She ordered, pushing past the older girl to get into her room. She plopped down in her computer chair and quickly connected to the Internet. “They’re amazing.” She gushed as her sister hesitantly sat on the edge of her bed. Adina looked around. It had been a while since she’d been in her younger sister’s room, it had changed a lot. The walls were covered in posters, mostly of the same three boys.

“Is that them?” She asked, pointing to the picture hanging beside her. Noelle glanced at what she was pointing to and nodded, smiling.

“Aren’t they cute? If you’re seriously going on tour with them, I’m coming.”

“Oh no you’re not!” Adina exclaimed. She found herself laughing. Noelle was smiling as well.

“Alright, so I’ll start with the obvious.” Noelle began, crossing her legs Indian style and clicking on various folders and files. She pulled up a picture and Adina examined it. “That’s Nick. He’s the youngest. Well, actually, they have a younger brother, Frankie, but he isn’t in the band. He’s going to be eight in September. Nick is 16 in September, he’s amazing.” Noelle admired. “He’s kind of quiet and serious, but at the same time really fun and interesting. He’s really smart, and he pretty much started the band. His voice is like heaven, my gosh, and besides singing he plays the guitar, piano, drums, and can do all kinds of crazy back flips-they all can. He’s just incredible, I can’t even describe it.”

“Right, moving on.” Adina prompted impatiently. Noelle nodded, the dreamy look not fading from her face. She opened another picture; she had folders and folders of photos of these boys.

“That’s Joe, the middle one. He’s 18, 19 in August, so basically your age. He’s hilarious; I swear he can make anyone laugh. He’s pretty crazy, and people always judge him as wild and immature. He’s really sweet though, and when he wants to be serious he is. He sings lead with Nick, he’s incredible. He can play guitar, piano, and all that too, but mostly he just sticks to the tambourine.”

“Tambourine?” Adina blinked. Noelle nodded, not paying her much attention as she looked through lists and lists of files to find the next picture.

“Kevin’s the oldest, he’s 20. He’s the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet.”
“You’ve never met him.” Adina pointed out. Noelle ignored the comment and continued.

“He’s kind of like a combination of Nick and Joe in a way, but not really. I don’t know. It’s hard describing them to other people, because there's so much to say, but you can’t exactly put it into words. They're just amazing people. Anyways, Kevin plays-”

“Guitar and sings backup?” Adina interrupted, the whole description and the photos of the boys being all too familiar.

“Yea.” Noelle nodded.

“Noelle, do you by any chance have any pictures of these guys a few years ago? Like say, I don’t know, in 2005?”

“Of course I do.” Noelle scoffed, opening another folder.

“Of course you do.” Adina muttered and stood, hovering over her little sister. “Move.” She ordered, taking control over the mouse. She quickly clicked through pictures, briefly looking over each one. “My god.” She said to herself. The three boys in the pictures were clearly the same three boys she had met at her audition. The little one who had seemed to develop some sort of crush on her, the middle one who she had so quickly grown to despise, and the older one who she hadn’t really had anything to do with. The three boys she was about to be thrown on tour with. She shook her head slowly as she looked through the various photos. “What have I gotten myself into?”

[Anna]

Chapter 5
“I can’t believe you’re leaving!” Caleb sighed; watching as his friend rummaged through her purse, double-checking that she had all the essentials.

“Only for the summer.” She replied, preoccupied. Caleb looked at her.

“What if it isn’t though?”

“What are you talking about? I’m doing this tour and I’m coming home.” Adina stopped what she was doing and looked across her bedroom to where Caleb was half leaning on her desk, arms folded across his chest. He shrugged.

“Well, think about it. This tour is to promote you, right? So if you get really big and famous…” Adina cut him off.

“Caleb, I’m coming home. I promise.” She laughed. Caleb forced a half smile.

“Have fun, Dina.” He said, straightening up and opening his arms. Adina stepped into his hug and they stayed just as they were for a few minutes.

“I’m ready!” The two broke their embrace when the eager, sing-song voice filled the room around them. Adina glared at her sister.

“Gee Caleb, we were having such a nice time together that I forgot evil existed.” She said coldly. Noelle just smiled back and let herself into the room, plopping down on Adina’s bed where she could see herself in the mirror directly across from her on the wall.

“Get used to it sis, you’re stuck with me for the next two months.” She grinned, keeping her eyes on the mirror. “Besides, it’s not like I barged in on some private thing, you guys aren’t dating or anything. I might stay out if you were.” She shrugged. Caleb laughed awkwardly. Noelle ran a hand through her hair. “How do I look?” She asked, standing up.

“Like a nerdy little girl with a grandma haircut.” Adina said blankly, without bothering to look up. Noelle ignored the comment.

“Caleb?” She asked, turning to face him. He shrugged uncomfortably.

“I don’t know, you look fine?” He said, more of a question than a compliment. Noelle sighed.

“Ok, listen. You’re a 15 year old single guy. How do I look?” She clarified. Adina laughed out loud.

“Like Nick would even look twice at you!” Noelle scowled. Caleb sighed.

“Noelle, you look great, alright?”

“Are you just saying that to get me to shut up?”

“Pretty much.” Caleb admitted. Noelle shrugged.

“Whatever, you guys will see. All the gossip sites will be talking about it. Nickelle. It’s kind of a pretty name, isn’t it?” She asked, this time joining her sister and neighbor when they burst out laughing. “Well I’m going on tour with him for two months, it’s a start, right?” She giggled. Adina dropped her smile and rolled her eyes.

“You wouldn’t be if I had any say in it.” She grumbled. Noelle smiled.

“But you don’t, and we’re leaving in half an hour.” She gloated.

“Whatever. Just stay out of my way when we’re there.” Adina compromised, knowing her sister was right; there was nothing she could do about it. Noelle scoffed.

“Duh, why would I even want to stay with you?”

“Get out of my room.” Adina sighed, sauntering over to the door and opening it. Noelle stuck her tongue out at her as she left and Adina quickly closed the door behind her. “Very mature!” She yelled through the wood. She swiftly turned the lock on the doorknob and leaned against the door, crossing her arms angrily. “I can’t believe I have to take her! What ever happened to 'you're going alone'?” She griped. Caleb shrugged.

“Might not be so bad.” He said optimistically. Adina laughed.

“Might not be so bad.” She repeated, rolling her eyes. Caleb smiled.

“Ok, ok, I get it. Don’t let her ruin the experience for you though, ok?” He asked. Adina rolled her eyes again, but nodded.

“Dina! Let’s go, you guys need to be at the airport in an hour!” Mrs. Cartell’s voice drifted up the stairs and into the bedroom. Adina’s eyes widened.

“Oh my god,” She breathed. “I’m leaving. I’m actually leaving.” She said, as if this was news to her. Caleb glanced between her and the car parked in the driveway just below her window. He sighed and quickly picked her purse up off of her dresser.

“Don’t forget to call every day.” He reminded, giving her another quick hug. “And have fun.” He added and handed her the purse. She absently took it and nodded.

“Thanks.” She said.

“Come on.” Caleb prompted gently, opening the door and lightly pushing her forward a bit. He followed her down the stairs and into the front hallway, where Mr. Cartell was already carrying the girls’ bags out to the car.

“Oh, Adina!” Mrs. Cartell exclaimed, her eyes beginning to water. She held her arms out and Adina smiled, returning her long hug. “Be careful, ok?” She asked. “And Noelle, you listen to whatever your sister tells you. She’s in charge.” Adina smirked at her younger sister. “Oh, you girls are going to have so much fun!”

“I know I am!” Noelle grinned.

“You’d better get going, your father is waiting.” Mrs. Cartell decided, hugging each of her daughters one more time. She sighed. “Caleb, sweetie, why don’t you stay a while? I’ll make you some lunch. Oh, it’s going to be so lonely around here!” Caleb glanced at the girls. Adina stifled a chuckle.

“Um…sure Mrs. Cartell. That sounds great.” He smiled. Noelle laughed.

“That sounds like so much fun!” She said derisively. Her mother scowled.

“Oh, you get out of here!” She ordered mockingly, gently smacking Noelle on the shoulder. She grinned.

“Fine, I will. I have a plane to catch.” She laughed. “Bye Caleb.” She stepped forward and hugged him.

“See ya kid.” He smiled, returning her hug with one arm and ruffling her short hair with the other. Noelle picked up the last bag remaining in the hallway, her carry-on, and slung it over her shoulder before jauntily skipping out the door.

“Bye Caleb, see you in August.” Adina smiled. Caleb smiled back and pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly and lifting her slightly off the ground.

“That’ll be one Jonas Brothers concert I wouldn’t miss for the world.” He whispered into her hair before letting go of her. She stepped back and laughed lightly, using a hand to fix her hair

“I’ll call you tonight.” She promised as she left. Mrs. Cartell and Caleb quickly went into the living room and kneeled on the couch, leaning over the back of it to look out the front window. They waved as Mr. Cartell pulled out of the driveway and drove away.

“Well,” Mrs. Cartell said, “there they go.”

“Yea.” Caleb sighed. “There she goes.”

[Anna]

Chapter 6
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Toronto, Ontario in approximately 10 minutes. We ask that you keep your seatbelts fastened, return your seats to an upright position, and turn off any electronic devices. The weather in Toronto is currently 75 degrees Fahrenheit, 23 degrees Celsius. It is 4:47 PM on Thursday, July 3rd. We are landing on time in terminal 2. Thank you for flying and enjoy your stay.” Adina sat back in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Look! There it is!” Noelle said, interrupting her brief meditation. She was leaning on the window, pointing ahead of the plane. Adina could see the airport in the distance and took a shaky breath.

“There it is.” She repeated. Noelle chuckled.

“What are you so nervous about?” She asked. Adina looked at her and shook her head, not answering. Noelle shrugged and turned back to the window, and they sat in silence until they landed.

“Hurry up; I want to beat the crowd.” Adina mumbled as she unbuckled her seatbelt and got up, opening the overhead compartment. She grabbed her younger sister’s bag and tossed it to her before taking her own. “Let’s go.” She said. They left the plane as fast as they could, thanking the flight attendants and pilot on their way out.

“Where is he?” Noelle asked once they were in the busy airport, standing on her toes and looking over the crowd. Adina scanned the area, her eyes stopping on a man standing on the far side of the space, near the door. He was talking busily on his cell phone, and didn’t seem to notice the girls.

“Over there, come on.” Adina ordered, pointing to him. They walked up to him and he looked up, startled. He quickly ended his conversation and smiled at the girls, snapping his phone shut.

“Adina! Good to see you again!” He exclaimed, a broad smile on his face. Adina and her mother had returned to California the week before to get all the paperwork done, contracts signed. “How was your flight?”

“Great, thanks.” Adina smiled. She motioned to her sister. “This is my sister Noelle.”

“Noelle.” He nodded, holding his hand out. She shook it. “I’m Michael Keeling, nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Noelle nodded politely.

“Now, you’re staying on the tour until when exactly?” He asked.

“She’s gone the instant we get back to Illinois.” Adina answered quickly, glancing down at her sister.

“Illinois, right.” Michael said, his voice trailing off as he pulled a small pad of paper from his jacket pocket. He flipped through the pages until he found the one he was looking for. “Ahh, August 24. We’ll be in Chicago.” He made a note next to the date and his eyes skimmed the rest of the page. “And you’ll be with us until September, correct?” Adina nodded. Michael smiled. “Great! Well, should we go meet the boys?”

“Yes!” Noelle exclaimed automatically. Adina rolled her eyes and Michael chuckled.

“A little excited, are we?” Noelle blushed. Michael smiled. “Let’s get going.” He said. He led the girls outside and into a large parking lot, stopping at a small car. He unlocked the doors and they got in. “Everybody is already at the hotel, the first show is tomorrow night, and then we’ll head back to the States. I’ll get you both a schedule as soon as we get there. There will be one other girl on the tour, she’s going to be working on some things with the boys in the future and is also a bit new to Disney, so we’re getting her introduced to a larger audience too. You’ll both be sharing her bus, so I’d advise you to try to make friends with her. It’s a long summer.” He glanced in his rearview mirror as he drove, looking at Noelle in the back seat. “She’s your age, I think. Maybe a bit older.” He nodded.

“Cool.” Noelle said, unconvincingly. Michael continued telling them various pieces of information that they’d need to know, until a hotel came into view.

“That’s where we’re staying?” Adina asked, staring at it.

“That’s where we’re staying.” Michael grinned and pulled into the parking lot. He parked and they got out of the car. The girls automatically went to the trunk to get their bags. “Hold on girls, we’ll get someone to carry those up to your suite.” Noelle’s eyes widened.

“Suite?” She asked, grinning at her sister.

“We can carry our bags, it’s no problem.” Adina insisted.

“Nonsense! I’ll get somebody out here right away. You two just go on inside and make yourselves comfortable, I’ll be there in a minute.” Michael smiled, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. He turned away from the girls as he began talking to someone at the front desk. Adina and Noelle exchanged glances.

“Well, let’s go then.” Adina laughed. “I could get used to this.” She said as they walked towards the front door. Noelle froze when her sister had her hand on the metal handle, ready to push the door open.

“Oh my god,” She whispered. Adina followed her gaze to a group of girls standing at the far end of the lobby, surrounding three tall boys clad in skinny jeans and dark sunglasses.

“That’s them?” Adina guessed, recognizing the boys as the ones from the posters in her sister’s room. Noelle just nodded, still staring. “Well, what are you waiting for?” Adina asked, taking her sister’s arm and dragging her through the doors. “Oh, no you don’t.” She said when Noelle instantly started making her way towards the boys.

“Why not? We’re gonna meet them anyways.”

“Yea, when Michael comes in! Sit down!” Adina said, dropping onto a couch that was pushed against the wall. Noelle sat next to her, keeping her eyes pasted across the room.

“Wow, they look even better in person! And look how sweet they are, taking time out of their busy days to come meet fans.” She gushed. Adina rolled her eyes. Suddenly Noelle gasped. “Oh my god, Dina! He’s looking at us!” She whispered. Adina looked, and sure enough, Nick was staring back at them. He nudged Kevin, who was standing next to him, and said something, pointing. Kevin followed his gaze and said something back with a nod and smiled at them. “They're looking at us!” Noelle repeated.

“They’re expecting us.” Adina scoffed. Noelle squealed, disregarding the statement.

“What do you think they said?”

“He probably said ‘hey, Kevin, isn’t that girl over there freaking you out by staring at us like we’re animals in a zoo?’. And I bet he agreed, and then said that you’re the one that looks like the monkey, not them.” Adina decided and leaned back in her seat, crossing one knee over the other and folding her arms across her chest.

“That was hilarious. Ha, ha.” Noelle replied monotonously. “There’s Michael, let’s go!” She exclaimed suddenly, jumping up and sprinting over to Michael as he entered the hotel. Adina pulled herself off the couch and followed. He smiled as they approached him.

“Here are your keys; your luggage is being brought up right now. My advice would be to live out of your suitcases; we won’t be sticking around long.” He said, handing them each a key card. “2203. You’re already checked in.”

“Thanks!” Adina smiled.

“Can we meet them now? They’re right over there.” Noelle said eagerly.

“I can see that.” Michael smiled, waving to the boys. “In a minute, come on.” He led them through a few vacant hallways to a heavy closed door.

“Conference room?” Adina asked curiously, reading the plaque on the wall. Michael inserted his key into the lock and pushed the door open. They were faced with a large group of people, scattered across the room. Music was being blasted from somebody’s iPod. People were sitting carelessly on top of tables and a little boy zipped around the room while a couple of girls were laughing as they attempted doing the Soulja Boy dance towards the back of the room. A group of guys stood to one side, chugging their drinks and lightheartedly punching each other on the shoulder or laughing as one locked another in a half-nelson throughout their conversation. A few adults sat around a table talking; seemingly unaware of the chaos that was surrounding them.

“Huh. Conference,” Noelle shook her head. “Hardly.” Suddenly a friendly looking woman left the table and approached them with open arms. She hugged each of the girls.

“Adina! Noelle! Welcome, I’m Mrs. Jonas. You can call me Denise. We’re so thrilled to have you joining us!” She exclaimed.

“Thank you, we’re so excited to be here!” Adina smiled.

“We’ll get the boys in here in a moment; they were supposed to be back nearly ten minutes ago!” Denise shook her head. “I’ll be right back; you two just make yourselves at home.” Adina smiled politely and nodded.

“Thank you.” She said again as Mrs. Jonas walked away, trying to get the attention of a man with ‘security’ printed on the back of his shirt. “Come on, there are some empty seats over there.” Adina said to her sister, pointing to the vacant table behind the group of guys gathered on the other side of the room. They looked at the girls as they walked past them and sat down.

“Oh my god.” Noelle breathed. “Do you know who they are?” She asked, staring at the men standing with their backs turned in front of them.

“I have a feeling you’re going to tell me.”

"That's Ryan, Garbo, Jack and John!” Noelle whispered.

“Who?”

“The band!”

“Right. Do you know all of these people?”

“Duh.” Noelle scoffed. “That’s-” She stopped, instantly distracted by the creaking sound of the door being swung open. The security guy had returned, with none other than the Jonas Brothers following close behind. They stopped and talked to their mother for a moment, each glancing briefly over to the girls. They responded quietly to whatever she had been telling them, throwing in interested nods every now and then. Then they crossed the room, smiling as they approached the table where the girls sat.

“Hi, we’re so glad to meet you; this tour is going to be awesome!” The first one to arrive said eagerly, holding his hand out for them to shake. “I’m Kevin.”

“Adina.” Adina replied. She glanced at her sister as she shook his hand. She had become suddenly quiet, not saying a word. “This is my sister Noelle.”

“Hey, Noelle.” Kevin smiled politely. She managed a soft, high-pitched squeaky ‘hi’ in return. Kevin chuckled and stepped aside.

“I’m Joe, nice to meet you.” The second brother went to Noelle first, eyeing Adina suspiciously as he shook her hand. Adina looked away sheepishly, hoping he didn’t remember her. Nick stepped forward next.

“We met at our auditions.” He said simply, in place of the introduction Adina had been expecting. Adina opened and closed her mouth, thinking for a moment that she could deny it. He knew, though, she could see it in his eyes. Finally she nodded. Kevin gasped.

“That was you? Oh wow, I’m sorry, Nick was sure of it from the instant they told us your name and showed us your picture. It’s hard to tell though, you know, after three years.” He smiled with a small shrug. Adina laughed awkwardly.

“Yea, you guys look really different too.” She said vacuously. She glanced at Joe. He had suddenly dropped out of the group, standing back a bit with his arms crossed and an annoyed look on his face. Adina scowled. She didn’t know what he had against her; but then again, she wasn’t quite sure if there was a reason for her not to like him either. And she definitely didn’t consider him on her list of top 10 favorite people.

“It’s so good to see you again!” Nick exclaimed, opening his arms and not letting her turn down his hug. Kevin tried to hide his smirk, without much success.

“Yea, great to see you again.” He agreed. Unlike his brother, he kept his hands to himself.

“You guys, too. That’s pretty crazy that they put us on tour together.”

“We should really get them introduced to everyone now.” Joe said abruptly, deciding to join the conversation again.

“What's the hurry?” Nick asked. Joe looked right at Adina, staring her down.

“The sooner we finish this, the sooner we leave.” He said harshly. There was silence for a moment.

“We do have some other things to cover today.” Kevin said finally, an apologetic look in his eyes. Joe smiled and looked at Noelle.

“How old are you, sweetie?” He asked, his tone softening to a much nicer one. Noelle glanced at her sister and grinned.

“14,” She said, returning her gaze to Joe. “But I’ll be 15 in August.” She added quickly, shifting her eyes to Nick. He wasn’t paying attention. Joe nodded.

“My birthday’s in August too.” He said, continuing to make small talk with her as her guided her away with an arm around her shoulders. She turned back as they walked away and locked eyes with her sister, beaming. Adina rolled her eyes and gave Noelle a thumbs-up.

“Sorry about Joe.” Nick apologized once they were out of earshot.

“Yea, I don’t know what’s gotten into him; don’t take it personally or anything.” Kevin added. Adina shrugged.

“I don’t really care, it’s ok.”

“I’ll talk to him tonight.” Kevin promised. Adina let herself laugh.

“It’s fine, really.” She insisted. Kevin returned her smile and shrugged. Adina got the feeling that he was going to talk to his brother anyways.

“So, ready to meet 50 people in less than 5 minutes?” Nick asked. Adina grinned.

“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” Nick chuckled and shook his head.

“No, you do not.” He agreed, holding his hand out. Adina glanced from his hand to his expectant face, then to Kevin, biting his lip with a slight grin begging to escape. Adina smiled and took Nick’s hand, and he pulled her to the middle of the room where they could see everyone. He pointed to different people as he introduced them.

“That’s Josh, our uncle and production assistant; Matt-tour manager; over there is Joel and Benji, production manager and guitar tech; Phil, Johnny, and Rob: co-managers and tour director; my mom, our assistants Fe and Coach K; Mike is security, and they’re both Jeff-that one is our bus driver, and the other is another guitar tech; those guys over there are Big Rob, our security guard, and Frankie, our brother; my dad’s over there talking to the main staging guy, we call him Cowboy; Soulja Girls back there are Maya-my best friend-and Camille, Cami for short-your roomie for the next three months; and, of course, Ryan, Garbo, Jack, and JT on keyboards, bass, drums, and guitar.” He stopped and glanced at Adina. “Did you get that?” He smiled. Adina laughed.

“I think so.” She nodded. Nick grinned.

“Good, there’ll be a 2 page quiz on everyone’s name and job waiting for you in your room tonight.” He chuckled.

“Nick, we’re leaving!” Suddenly the young boy that had just been across the room play-fighting with his uncle and security guard was at their feet, staring up at them. His father was following close behind.

“I’m sorry; the boys have an interview to get to.” He said apologetically. “I’m Kevin, it’s so nice to meet you, Adina.” He smiled, shaking Adina’s hand. “Did Michael give you your room yet?”

“Yea, he did. Thanks.” Adina replied.

“Alright then, we’ll see you later tonight for dinner. Michael will give you all the details. If you ever need anything and he’s not around, you can always ask my wife or me.”

“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

“See ya, Adina!” Nick called as he followed his father to the door.

“Yea, bye guys!” Kevin repeated. Once alone, Noelle rushed to her sister and let out an excited squeal.

“Do you think Nick likes me?” She asked. Adina smirked and lightly punched her younger sister on the shoulder.

“You’re delusional.”

[Anna]

Chapter 7
Caleb laughed.

“Whoa, slow down guys!” He pleaded, shifting his phone from one hand to the other, “One at a time!” There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, followed by laughter. Caleb smiled at the sound.

“I’m barely saying a word, I swear. It’s all her.” Adina’s voice was the first to speak again.

“This is so cool; I’m having so much fun! The boys are so nice, and oh my god, are they hot. And tomorrow, we get to go to their actual concert and go backstage, and everything!”

“Noelle, I know you’re part genius and all and probably figured this out already, but I’m pretty sure that ‘I’m barely saying a word, it’s all her’ was your cue to shut up and let your sister talk.” Caleb smiled. He could almost see the exaggerated look of annoyance on Noelle’s face.

“Fine, but you’ll see. When I’m famous for being Nick Jonas’ girlfriend, you’ll wish you had taken the time to talk to me.” Caleb cleared his throat to muffle his laughter as the phone was passed on to Adina on the other end of the line. Unlike him, she did nothing to hide her mirth, and he could hear her laughing before she even took the phone.

“She’s ridiculous, the guy makes a point of ignoring her all day, and yet she insists he’s in love with her!” Suddenly Caleb heard an unfamiliar voice in the background.

“Yea, sorry Noelle, but she’s right. I know Nick, and if he likes any of us, it’s Adina.” It laughed. Adina laughed along with her, and Caleb raised an eyebrow.

“Who was that?” He asked.

“Oh, that was just Cami. She’s performing on the tour, too. We’re getting ready to go to dinner.”

“Oh. Which one’s Nick again?” Caleb asked, trying to sound as casual as he could.

“The little adorable one. Curly hair.”

“How little is ‘little’?”

“15? Why?” Adina asked, starting to get suspicious.

“And which one is the one that’s our age? Kevin?”

“No, that’d be Joe.”

“What's he like?” Caleb asked. “You know, just to judge whether or not we could be friends when you guys come to Illinois.” He added quickly. Adina laughed awkwardly.

“You ok, Detective Caleb?” She asked. He didn’t answer, waiting for her response. “Um…I don’t know. I guess I shouldn’t bash him or anything, but he pretty much hates me for no reason at all.”

“Really hates you or ‘I really like this chick, so I’m gonna ignore her to make her like me even more’ hates you?” Adina laughed.

“What's with all the questions?” She asked. Caleb was silent for a moment, and then shrugged, forgetting for a second that she couldn’t see him.

“I don’t know; you’re my little Dina. I’ve gotta look out for you. I wouldn’t want you going out with some idiotic jerk.” Adina laughed again, and Caleb smiled.

“Ok, first of all, the last time I checked, you were only four months older than me. Second, me and Joe? Like that’d ever happen. Ew. And third, I might despise the guy, but Joe isn’t an ‘idiotic jerk’.”

“If he hates you, he must be.”

“Aw, you’re sweet. But I really have to go, we’re supposed to meet everyone at the restaurant in half an hour and we’re barely ready. I’ll call you tomorrow, I promise. Bye!” Before Caleb could respond, she hung up. He sighed and stood up. He crossed his bedroom to where his laptop was sitting on his desk, tossing his cell phone onto his bed on his way. He quickly and quietly turned the computer on and went online, beginning to type a name into the search box the instant the page finished loading. Joe Jonas. He skimmed through the first page of pictures that came up and shook his head. The boy in the pictures had great hair and a nice smile. There were tons of fan-made websites that had come up as results in the search, all proclaiming their love for him. Adina had said that he hated her, but did she add that she didn’t like him either? Caleb didn’t remember. And somehow, he doubted it. When comparing himself to Joe, he didn’t see much of a competition. Based on Noelle’s obsession with the Jonas boys, he was sure that she’d encourage her sister to get to know Joe a little better. A lot better. The other girls on the tour might, too. Maybe even the other two Jonas Brothers would join in the matchmaking game. Caleb bit the inside of his cheek and slammed the laptop closed. He got up and walked slowly to his bed, plummeting down onto the soft mattress. He stared up at the ceiling for a few quiet minutes before rolling over and reaching for the football under his bed. He twirled it in his hands, thinking. Adina was nearly 19 years old. 19 years old and single, just as she had been her entire life. Every girl wanted their very own sweet, kind, handsome prince charming, didn’t they? Caleb wouldn’t see his friend for months. He wasn’t even in the same country as her at the moment. He was stuck at home while Adina was out seeing the world, meeting new people. Joe was, according to Noelle, nice, funny, and polite. He was better looking than half the guys in town. And if Adina was given the chance to be with him, Caleb thought, she just might take it.