They were quiet until about halfway to the venue, where the bus was leaving from. “So…” Laura said.
“How are you? I mean, like, nervous? Excited?” AJ asked.
“Oh God, I’m excited, I’m nervous, I’m everything at once!!” Laura said smiling. “I know I’m gonna miss John and Felicity, but this is the best thing for me. I’m so happy to be doing this, it’s not even funny.”
“I’m glad,” AJ said. He looked over at Laura. She was smiling like crazy. He laughed. He liked seeing her happy.
“Why are you laughing?” Laura said.
“Oh, no reason,” he said, laughing again.
When they got to the venue, they found out that the boys’ bus had an extra bunk for someone else. AJ asked Laura, “You wanna come on our bus?”
“Sure, why not?” Laura said and smiled.
~*On The Bus*~
“Hey, Brian, what do you make of this?” Kevin asked and pointed out the window to where AJ and Laura were putting Laura’s suitcase and duffel bag in the bottom of the bus.
“I dunno, I think he likes her,” Brian said matter-of-factly.
“Ya think?” Kevin said sarcastically.
~*Outside The Bus*~
Laura and AJ had put all of her things in the bottom of the bus and they made their way up the big steps.
“Hey guys,” Laura said. “I guess I’ll be sharing a bus with you.” She smiled.
Laura walked back to where the bunks were and chose a bottom bunk. AJ took the one above her, in the bunk across from her was Kevin, and Howie was above him. Brian and Nick were in the two other bunks, Nick in the top one and Brian on bottom. They were across from where the tiny “kitchen” was, if you wanted to call it that.
They got on the road and everyone decided that, to pass the time, they should watch a movie. Laura had brought some of her favorite movies, in case she got bored in the numerous hotels she knew she’s be staying at. Some of the many included She’s All That, Ten Things I Hate About You, Armageddon, and a few Disney movies such as The Little Mermaid and Cinderella.
The guys and Laura went back to the “living room” section of the bus. Laura had brought her bag of movies with her and let the guys pick one.
“Is this all you brought?” Nick asked sarcastically.
“No, I’ve got more, but they’re in my suitcase under the bus.” Laura said informatively.
“Alrighty then…”Nick said.
The guys couldn’t decide on a movie so Laura popped Ten Things I Hate About You in the VCR. They all took seats around the room. AJ, Howie and Kevin were on the couch, Laura and Nick on the floor, and Brian in the chair next to the couch.
Soon after the movie started, Laura had begun reciting the lines from the movie. AJ leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Are you gonna do that the whole movie?”
Laura giggled and said, “Sorry, this is my favorite movie, and I’ll try to stop. If I don’t, just smack me, ok?” She knew AJ wouldn’t really hit her. Not after he knew what she’d been through with John.
AJ sat back on the couch. The guys watched the movie, but Laura kept reciting the lines, much to the annoyance of everyone. Luckily, Laura’s cell phone rang and she went to answer it.
~* In Laura’s Bunk*~
“Hello?” Laura said, with no idea in her mind about who could be calling.
“Hey,” the voice on the other end said.
“Oh my God, Mom?!” Laura screamed.
“Hey!! What’s up?” Mrs. Dianeska said.
“Oh gosh, I haven’t talked to you in forever!!” The last time Laura had talked to her mother was at Thanksgiving last year, at the annual family get-together in Tampa.
“I know, how’ve you been, daughter-of-mine?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Guess what – I got a job as a dancer!!” Laura said, trying not to spoil the surprise.
“Really? For who?” Mrs. Dianeska asked, eager for the details.
“Ok, don’t freak out, but…Backstreet Boys!!” Laura yelled so loud that the guys could hear her, interrupting their conversation.
“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!” Laura’s mom screamed on the phone. “Oh, honey that’s so great! I’m so proud of you.”
“Yeah I just wish I could’ve told you in person, but I kinda had to keep it quiet.”
“I understand completely. So…how do you like them? Anyone in particular that catches your eye?” Laura’s mom asked suggestively.
“Mother!! I can’t believe you would ask me that!!” Laura said, but thought of her answer anyway.
“Ok, I’ll leave you alone. I just wanted to say hi and catch up. I gotta go. I love you.” Mrs. Dianeska said.
“Ok, bye mom. Love ya too.” Laura said and hung up the phone.
