It's A Roller Coaster Ride We're On

“Melissa, Lauren… Mr. Herrmann wants you in his office… right away.”

“Thanks Michelle.” Lauren said, standing up.

I left my desk and followed my best friend to our boss’ office. Mr. Herrmann is the head of our publishing company, as well as Lauren’s uncle-slash-guardian. Her mom died from cancer when she was little and she never knew her dad, coming into care of her aunt and uncle. We’re both 20 years old and working for Mr. Herrmann. Even though we’re so young, and haven’t gone to college, we’re the best in the company.

Lauren is a writer and a very good one. She had many a front page article in the high school paper and a few which won awards. I myself am a very passionate photographer. I love to capture the beauty of something every day and be able to keep it forever; a memory living with us always.

Once we reached Mr. Herrmann’s office, Lauren lightly rapped on the door. I glanced at her nervously wondering why we were called here. She gave me a slight smile as we waited.

“Come in.” came Mr. Herrmann’s strong yet gentle voice. “Hello ladies.” He said, gesturing to the seats in front of him as we walked in.

“Mr. Herrmann.” I said; nodding my head as Lauren smiled at him.

“Now I bet you two are wondering why you are in here.” He said, resting his elbows on his desk and leaning forward. Lauren and I slightly nodded our heads. “Well, I, as well as everyone else in the office, know how gifted you two are. Our company was offered a very big job, needing one writer and one photographer. Both of whom are to be “easy to talk to and to get along with as well as enjoyable, carefree, able to take on heavy days with minimal sleep, and have the ability to live on a bus as well as in hotel rooms for a long period of time” and I thought that you two would fit this description. Therefore, I have a job for you. Accepting would mean you would have to leave us for awhile… about 8 months. Giving you plenty of time to research, interview, and photograph the subjects of this new book. Do you accept?”

“Yes.” Lauren said automatically, nodding enthusiastically.

“Yes.” I said as well. “One question though, who is this book about?”

“Some teenage rock band.” He said, rifling through the papers on his desk. “The… Jonas Brothers. Now you two go home and change. You are to meet these brothers and their family at Villa Italia at 7:00 for dinner so you can introduce yourselves. You will leave with them as they kick off their tour on Saturday.”

“Thank you Uncle.” Lauren said, standing up and giving him a kiss on the cheek. I smiled at him and shook his hand and then the two of us walked out. “Oh. My. God!” she exclaimed once we were back at our cubicles.

“He did say the Jonas Brothers right?” I asked, slowly lowering myself into my seat.

“That’s exactly what he said.” She said, beaming at me, twirling around in her chair. I smiled wide and couldn’t help but thrill at the thought.

****

“Mel, come on! We’re going to be late.” Lauren exclaimed. She was impatiently waiting on the couch in our apartment while I fixed my hair in the mirror of the bathroom.

“Just give me five seconds!” I shouted back, bobby pins in between my teeth while I tried to pile my hair elegantly on top of my head. This was a pretty fancy Italian restaurant after all.

“Geez.” She said and I giggled.

“Alright, I’m ready.” I said, walking out of the bathroom about two minutes later.

“It’s about time! Let’s go.” She said, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me out in the hallway, down the stairs, and outside to the car.

“Lauren, sweetheart, best friend, you’re not going to freak out when we meet them are you?” I asked, buckling my seatbelt as she put the keys in the ignition.

“No I will not. That’s why I’m pretty much freaking out now to get it out of my system.”

“You go girl.”

Fifteen minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of Villa Italia and walked inside. A large man was standing in front of the hostess podium. He looked like a security man, possibly who we were looking for.

“Miss Douglas, Miss Patterson?” he asked, looking down at us.

“That’s us.” Lauren said, smiling up at him.

“Right this way.” He said, laying his arm out, showing the direction for us to go.

He followed behind us as we walked. I glanced around looking for those three famous dark haired boys when finally I spotted them in the large booth in the corner of the restaurant. I grabbed Lauren’s arm and steered her in the right direction. As we approached, all six occupants of the table looked up and smiled at us. I couldn’t help but blush as I caught the eyes of all three older boys.

“Boys, this is Melissa Douglas and Lauren Patterson. You’re photographer and author for the tour.” The man said.

“Thanks Big Rob.” The closest to me said. “I’m Kevin.” He said, sticking out his hand for us to shake.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I said, taking his hand and shaking it. It was calloused from the guitar playing. “But really, you don’t need to introduce yourselves. We know who you are.”

“What difference does that make? It’s how we were raised. I’m Nick.” He too stuck out his hand for us to shake. He so demurely pulled our hands up to kiss them before we pulled away.

“And I’m Joe.” said the one non-curly haired one. He had the most infectious smile and I couldn’t help but lower my gaze and blush slightly. “These are our parents,” he said, motioning to the couple beside him, grinning at me, “Denise and Kevin Sr.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Denise said.

“Same here,” Lauren said. “And who’s this?” she asked, taking her seat.

“I’m Frankie, the Bonus Jonas.” He said, smiling proudly. That caused us all to laugh. We sat around, eating and chatting. Lauren and I not only got along really well with the boys, but their parents and younger brother as well.

“So how old are you two anyway?” Nick asked as the waiter brought our desserts out.

“We’re both 20.” I said. “And you three are…” I couldn’t remember for the life of me.

“Kevin’s 21, Joe’s 19, and uh… I’m 16.” He said; sounding a little… annoyed? He glanced at me before picking up his fork and picking at his dessert.

“You’re really older than me?” Joe asked, his mouth hanging open.

“Apparently so” Lauren said laughing.

“Darn.”

“Is there something wrong with that?” I asked.

“No. Anyway… are you excited to leave on Saturday? Join the infamous Jonas tour bus for a full eight months, be the envy of almost every teenage girl in the world?” he asked, pointing his fork in our direction.

“I think we can handle it.” Lauren said, glancing sideways at me.

“Definitely” I said. It’s the beginning of the ride. I thought.