Miranda made her way out on the stage, facing another day of rehearsal. School hadn't been all that bad today, so she knew that the run through for the upcoming spring play wouldn't be all that bad. As she peered out into the audience, she noticed five figures sitting in one of the middle rows. "What the heck?" she questioned more to herself than anyone else.

"Don't ask me who they are," commented Rick from behind her.

"Did I ask you?" she smirked.

"Miss Star has obviously arrived," he joked.

"Oh can it. I'm just curious. Not just anyone is usually allowed to sit in here after hours."

"They aren't just anyone," Mr. Kosh, their director, said quietly. "They're the answer to your prayers for getting out of class tomorrow afternoon."

"You've lost me," she laughed.

"They're a young group just starting out. Based out of Orlando, Florida I hear. They've been doing small tours around the US to different schools and store openings."

"How old are they?"

"Ah, I'd say they range from the ages of thirteen to twenty-one."

"Whoever they are, they all look cute," commented an unwelcome voice. Miranda just knew it. Erin, the class bimbo, was sure to make them all feel welcome in their little Lutheran school.

"What am I?" Rick harshly asked. He and Erin had been dating for at least five months. Things weren't looking up. He could do better.

"Let's get our minds out of the clouds and show them our drama students know what they're doing, shall we?" Mr. Kosh beckoned.

Great, five cute guys and she had a couple solos in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat'. Why oh why did she have to win the part of the narrator? Miranda slowly began singing, trying to imagine the five young strangers weren't there. After all, she was a bony, four eyed, brace face fifteen-year-old. She felt like the ugly duckling waiting to turn into a swan. There was one thing she was proud of though, and that was her voice.

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"I always loved this play," Brian's Kentucky-style voice twained.

"You would, church boy," laughed AJ.

"Cut it out," hissed Kevin. "I'm tryin' to listen."

"This girl isn't half bad," commented Howie. "Sounds almost like a professional."

Nick, the youngest, sat in his seat and was becoming very antsy. Its things like this that he didn't get to experience. He was on the outside looking in. He was never the student anymore. His classroom was the tour bus. "I'd rather be playin' Nintendo," he sighed.

Brian leaned forward. "You'd always rather be playin' Nintendo," he giggled.

"I said be quiet!" hissed Kevin once more. "You like the play so much, pay attention."

"I said I like it, but I've also seen it."

"Well, you've never seen it performed here, so shut up!" He raised his voice a little, making them all sit back. Kevin was the oldest, twenty-one, and right now he was the grumpiest as well.

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Miranda finished the opening song, glad that she hadn't messed up too badly. It was still rehearsal, so she had plenty of time to brush up. The five figures caught her eye again.

"Okay, onto the song ‘There's One More Angel’," instructed the director.

"Hey, Kosh! Is it okay if I go introduce myself since I'm not in this scene?"

He smiled. Mr. Kosh was a push over. Every drama student loved him since he was so easy going. "Sure, Miss Welcoming Committee."

"Thanks!" She made my way up the aisle, almost bouncing from her Mountain Dew rush the entire time. As she got closer, she knew all five sets of eyes were on her, making her feel a little more self-conscience. "Hey guys!" she smiled. What was she thinking?

They all looked at her like she was crazy. That's when one of them stood up. "Nice to meet you, and might I say that was a mighty good version of Jacob and Sons! Brian Littrell at your service."

He held out his hand and she wasn't quite sure what to make of it. She decided to grab for some kind of confidence though. "Thank you very much! The name’s Miranda Bronson. I hear we all get to hear your wonderful voices tomorrow."

"That's right! I'm Kevin Richardson. The one in the shades on is AJ McLean."

"Yo," he smiled.

"This here is Howie Dorough."

"Nice to meet you, Miranda," he said, standing up to shake her hand.

Miranda smiled shyly as she waited for Kevin to introduce to blonde hair boy sitting on the end. "And the one that can't wait to get out of here is Nick Carter."

She looked his way, watching him roll his eyes. "Was my singing that bad?" she smiled.

His eyes widened at her question. "No! It's just that there's other things I'd rather be doin'," he replied honestly.

"You and me both," she laughed.

"Hey Randa!" yelled Rick, running up the aisle. "Would you mind goin' down the street to Wendys? We're all hungry and since you weren't around, we voted on you."

She sighed, knowing this was the way it always went for her. "Sure," she said, shrugging her shoulder. "Just get everyone's order and their money. I'm not covering for anyone this time."

"You're the greatest!" He kissed her cheek and ran off.

"Yeah, but not great enough to date," she whispered. Rick had always been a crush of hers, but one she knew she'd never have a chance with.

"You goin' to get something to eat?" AJ asked.

"Yeah, it's a ritual thing during rehearsal. It's also a ritual that I'm the gopher."

Brian laughed lightly. "Would you possibly want some company?"

"You guys?" They all nodded, Nick's head moving the fastest. "Sure, someone needs to carry the bags," she smiled. Miranda watched as Nick bolted from his seat and ran up to her. Damn he was short. "Hold on, sparky. I need to get the stuff first." All the guys laughed, Nick trying to play along. Woops, maybe shouldn't have done that.

"Here's the orders and money!" yelled Rick. He looked at the guys. "You takin' them with you?"

"I need someone to keep me company while I run around for you guys."

"Oh, okay, cool. Hurry back!" He ran off, returning to his spot on stage.

"Some people can be so dense," she sighed. AJ and Brian seemed to be the only ones that caught on as they smiled sadly. "Well, I guess it's time I'm off to show you some of our wonderful city. The tour will make you say, 'Please don't bring me back here again!' since the rest of us are trying to get out."

All five of them laughed. So far, this day was turning out better than she thought!