We had a small drive ahead of us, the first concert was that night down in Miami, Florida. On the dancer's bus Terri was taking a little nap before we got to the venue. Alana, Mandi and Steph were in the back of the bus watching tv and talking.
"Man, am I the only one who thinks Terri is insane?" Mandi asked.
"Why?" Alana replied.
"She has Nick Carter at her house all the time and making moves on her and she just talks trash about him and doesn't want anything to do with him. I mean come on if I had him hanging off of me I'd take advantage of that."
"Girl I know what you mean. She's crazy, she doesn't seem to care that her brother is a Backstreet Boy. God I envy her." Steph replied.
"And you know another person who annoys me sometimes?"
"Who?" Alana asked.
"Jen, I swear sometimes she is such a bitch, like the day I was asking Terri about her bro and Nick she just like bitched me out and told me to go away."
"Really? I've thought she's pretty nice so far." Steph said.
"Listen don't go bashing Jen. She's one of my really good friends and she's incredibly sweet. She's had a lot happen to her these past few years."
"Oh yea? Like what?"
"Well she lost her mother in a plane crash, she had a huge falling out with her dad and moved down here to live with her Aunt, she got pregnant, she was raped, and she got married and had Tristan, I don't know how she's made it through all of that and kept her composure."
"Wow, that's incredible. Maybe I better get to know her a little more." Mandi thought.
We made it to the gates of the venue and were greeted by hundreds of screaming fans being held back by security guards as the buses went through the gates and then shut behind. Everyone poured off the buses and went to the backstage area. The guys got their mics on and went out to do sound check and in the meantime Terri, Mandi, Alana, Steph, and myself went into a rehearsal room with mirrors that was backstage in the venue to run through the dances to make sure we were 100% ready for this show. We spent all the time the guys did soundcheck and meet and greet practicing we were all definitely perfectionists who had to have everything nailed for the first performance.
"Are we all ready for tonight?" I asked.
"Definitely." Mandi said.
"Yea, but listen can we run over the opening sequence again just to make sure I have this?" Steph asked.
"Sure." We all agreed and played the music for the sequence on the cd player. Midway through the dance I saw Joey, JC, and Chris open the door and stand in the doorway while I was watching the dancing in the mirror. When the music stopped they all walked in.
"Hey, we're all getting ready to eat dinner now." Joey said.
"Oh ok, where are Lance and Justin?" I asked.
"They're getting Randy and Tristan from their 'babysitter' and then heading over."
"All right. Well we're ready."
After we ate I took Tristan with me to get changed and get my make up done while everyone else went their separate ways to do so as well. When I emerged from the dressing room quite a few people were going nuts.
"Have you seen Steve?" One of the crew members asked. .
"No, why?" I replied.
"He's suppose to introduce the opening acts and all that stuff in 5 minutes."
"Oh." I replied as Kim, the wardrobe manager came out of the dressing room.
"Kim, have you seen Steve?"
"No." She repied simply.
"Damn, Listen can you go out there and introduce the opening acts? Steve is nowhere to be found."
"I can't Brad I have to stay here and make sure everyone is ready and working in their wardrobe."
"Well I'd be glad to do it for you since it's such an emergency." I offered.
"Really?" He said bright eyed and quickly hugged me. "Thank you so much. Now quickly follow me."
"Ok Kim, can you go back in and tell the babysitter, Tina, that I'm going out there and to keep an eye on Tristan." She nodded and I ran off behind Brad.
"All right here you know what you have to do, go out there talk to the crowd a little introduce the first act come to the side stage and then go back out and then introduce the next act then go back and give the audience another little talk and then you're done."
"No problem." I said calmly.
"Here's your mic and you're on." He said pushing me out to the stage. Once I was out there everyone went crazy with their screaming.
"How ya doing Miami?" I yelled as I pointed the mic to the enormous crowd and they all screamed. "Wait I don't think you heard me. How ya doing Miami?" I screamed louder as the sound intensified. "That's what I like to hear. Well first off let me introduce myself, I'm sure some of you know who I am but for those of you who don't my name is Jen Bass." Enough said, everyone screamed "Boy do we have a great show for you. We've got 2 awesome opening acts that I know you've gonna love. And then after that we've got a group a few of you might have heard of. Has anyone heard of *NSync?" I asked and everyone shrieked. "Well I guess that's a yes. Well lets kick this party off with 5 of my friends who've come all the way from Europe to be with you tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, put your hands together for 5ive." The guys came running out to the screaming crowd and immediately jumped into "When the lights go out." Then they followed it up with "If ya gettin down" then decided to tone things down with "Until the time is through." They were ready to totally make the crowd go crazy.
"We're ready to rock you Miami." J yelled as "We will rock you" started. The guys took their final bows and ran offstage which was my cue to run onto the stage.
"All right, weren't they hot?" I yelled while the crowd screamed in approval. "You know what? If I wasn't married I'd go after those boys. Well enough about those hunks, it's time to introduce you to a group that's just getting started but trust me you'll be seeing a lot of these 3 girls in the future. Make sure to watch for their first single "love pumpin" to roll into stores soon, here they are straight out of DC, Kat, Maggie and Jess collectively known as Fly Flava." I shouted as I ran offstage. The girls performed "Love pumpin", "Wanna be luva" and "Divas in the making" before making their way off the stage and once again I had to go back out.
"OK so the girls wanna know, what did ya think of them?" The crowd was going nuts still. "Glad you liked them. You know what I've noticed about Miami?" I paused a moment. "You guys really know how to scream and party! Well listen up sit back and chill for about half an hour or so and then we'll be back with what you've all been waiting for... *NSYNC!" They screamed, again. "Thank you Miami." I said running off that stage.
"That was great, you're a natural out there. Thanks again for your help." Brad said taking the mic from me.
"Hey if it ever happens again you come find me and I'll help ya out." I said as I went off to the dressing room to touch up the hair and makeup. On my way out of the dressing room I bumped into the guys who were on their way to do the hackey sack.
"Was that you out there?" Joey asked as they all approached.
"Yea, because no one could find your brother." I replied.
"How was it?" JC asked.
"That was like the bggest rush I've had in awhile. Thousands and thousands of people out there screaming at everything I said. They're all pumped up. I loved that. And by the way may I comment that you're all looking extremely handsome in that wardrobe."
"Aw stop don't make us all blush." Chris commented.
"Yea, whatever. Well good luck, I'll see y'all out there. I've gotta go check on Tristan."
"Don't bother. I just did and Tina has Randy and Tristan entertained." Lance said
"That's great. Well then I guess I better catch up with the others since we have to be out there before you guys. Try to nail your hackey stuff the first time around so we're not waiting out there forever." I joked.
"Haha, yea right, remember we suck." JC said.
"I know but we all still love ya." I said as I gave Lance a quick kiss and literally ran to the side stage where Mandi, Terri, Steph, and Alana were.
"Are we ready to kick some ass?" Mandi shouted.
"YEA" we all screamed together as some of the backstage crew walked by looking at us strangely.
We were all extremely excited to get out on that stage and work out butts off but of course we were also terrified, but we weren't going to let it show. All of us spent our short span of time waiting doing stretches, running through some moves and whatever kept us focused.
"Ok, this is totally corny, I know, but do you think we could all do a little prayer together? Cause to be perfectly honest I'm paranoid I'm gonna screw up out there." Steph admitted.
"That sounds like a good idea. Let's huddle up." Said Mandi. We all stood in a little circle and held hands.
"Ok I'll start. God, please help me, Mandi, Jen, Terri, and Alana to give our all out on stage and have a perfect show and not screw up and ruin it all. Ok now we'll just go around the circle."
"I'm all with what Steph said and please we've worked so hard please don't let us fail now." Mandi added.
"I'm with everyone else when we ask you to please not let us mess up. Everyone involved has worked so hard and don't protect just us from failure but also Lance, Justin, Chris, JC, and Joey because this is their life and they've worked so incredibly hard to get where they are today." I said.
"Yea, let me just say ditto to all of the above statements. We really need you today." Terri added briefly.
"Of course I'm last to talk and everyone said everything I had to say. But I'll just reiterate for you. Don't let us ruin the whole performance and have everyone in the world hating us and give luck to the guys too cause they're the stars of the show, and guide us through every inch of this tour successfully. That wraps it up." Alana finalized.
"Amen" everyone said together.
"Awe, now wasn't that just so cute." Chris said coming from behind.
"It was, wasn't it?" Alana joked. "You can't blame us for feeling we needed a prayer to get us through this night."
"I'm not bashing it. I just commented."
"Ok it's over just drop it. So I see you got through with the hackey rather quickly." I commented.
"Yea, we're getting a little better." Joey replied.
"OK people we have approximately 7 minutes until showtime. I need you 5 to come with me and get to your positions on the stage balcony. Ladies you need to go to sidestage and assume your positions. You know your key." The backstage manager said rather quickly.
We all gave each other some quick good luck hugs before the guys were wisked off to the rafters. Terri and Alana went to the right side of the stage, Steph and Mandi to the left, and I had to sneak onto the dark stage and take a center position
(NOTE: THIS IS THE NSA TOUR BUT IT IS NOT GOING TO BE THE SHOW THEY DID EXCEPT SOME ELEMENTS.)
The music started and we just waited for the key(NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS JUST A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE SHOW, NOT THE ACTUAL NSA TOUR BUT MY MADE UP TOUR)
The opening starts with video playing in the background with 15-20 second snip its of *NSync's big hits ( I want you back, Tearin' Up My Heart, God Must Have Spent, I Drive Myself Crazy, Bye Bye Bye, It's Gonna Be Me). When it had gone through each video it went to the fuzzy screen (like you get when the cable is out) That was the cue for me and the others to come out. We all walk out from our positions with either our hands on our hips or our arms crossed and our little dialogue started.
Alana: Ok, what was that all about?
Me: I'm not sure but.. I don't know about you guys but I kinda liked it. (I sat down on the stage facing the big screen I kinda turned around to look out to the audience.) Hey Mr. Video guy who puts things on the big screen are you out there? (I looked around) OK well I know you can hear me. How about you roll that beautiful bean footage again? (the audience started to scream)
Mandi: Jen, don't be crazy. There is no video guy who is going to put that up there again for you to watch. And come on I mean even if there was, I don't wanna see that again! I mean why do you want to see that again?
Me: Well they can sing, they can dance, and *mumbles* they're pretty hot.
Mandi: Ok gimme a break. They can sing, they are KINDA hot, ok really hot but I mean I can dance just as well.
A Deep voice(Along with the presence of a man on the big screen) : Amanda. Do you doubt that I, Mr. Video guy who puts things on the big screen exists?
Mandi: Ummm meeeee? Of course not, it's just that...
A Deep voice: Well don't doubt me, for I am real. And Amanda, not only do I know your name I also know that you too wanted to see the video again. (Mandi sits down next to me and stares at the big screen with her mouth practically hanging on the floor)
Terri: *laughs* BUSTED!
A Deep voice: *Clears throat* Terri... I know. (Terri sits down and hangs her head)
Steph: *starts to laugh but is interrupted*
A Deep voice: Stephanie, I know! (Steph sits down as well and rolls her eyes)
Alana: Well I guess I better just sit down and keep quiet. (Alana sits down before the man has a chance to speak)
A Deep voice: That's one of the best ideas I've heard all day. Now, again, by special demand lets take one last look at the footage again. But this time Amanda, since you can dance so well I want you to dance for us.
Everyone: *laughs*
Mandi: Why do I have to do this all by myself?
Steph: Because you're the dancing star Mandi *everyone laughs*
A Deep Voice: Hmm... This might be funner if you all participate. Yes, all of you will dance, since I KNOW that you are thinking what great dancers you are.
Everyone: *Mumbles and complains but takes a spot on the stage*
The footage rolls and we all started to dance with the videos starting with "I Want You Back". Mid-way through the video everything went fuzzy and we stopped.
Terri: Thank God for technical difficulties!
Alana: I'm with ya.
NEW Voice: This is no technical difficulty. We just thought it was time to bust in and show you how to really dance.
Me: Ok, umm who are you or should I say who is "we" and are you dissing our moves?
A different voice: I think you know who "we" are and we're just saying you're in need of some dance tips from the pros.
Me: All right, well since I obviously don't know who you are how about you come out and show us what to do "PROS"
Another different voice: It would be our pleasure.
The fuzzy screen turned black and everything was dark through "You're all I've ever wanted, You're all I've ever needed, yea, so tell me what to do now..." Then bursts of colored lights shined on the stage as one by one the guys appeared. Then a different light shined on the dancers who were stunned.
Justin: Just follow along.
We ran behind the guys and followed their movements and even improvised a little. For a few moments the song had turned into a dance off. At the end of the song they came over and gave us their seal of approval. We began to briefly talk to them.
Steph: Well I'm glad we finally get some credit after being totally embarrassed by that Video dude.
Me: Yea, who was that?
Lance: (in a deeper than usual voice) did he sound a little like this.
Me: You jerk that wasn't funny *hits him lightly*
The rest of the show went by smoothly with more dialogue, stage effects, video footage and gags, and so much more. After a long, strenuous, hour and a half virtually flawless performance the show was over and it was time to relax. Everyone went back to the dressing rooms to change back into normal clothes and then got on the bus and headed out of the venue quickly and off to the after party.
I took Tristan, who was wide awake, to our bunk and turned on the TV to catch some Leno. I laid there half ready to doze off.
"Pssst. How's it going in here." Lance said peeking through the curtains.
"I'm totally exhausted and look, just look at what is on Leno." I said pointing at the backstreet boys who were nearing the end of a performance. "This night is going great."
"Well you should be tired. You girls really did a great job. I just came to see if you were going to go into the after party with me."
"I'd love to baby. But I'm just spent for tonight. Plus Tristan is awake so I wanna spend some time with him while he's awake."
"All right well if you change your mind just come through the back entrance."
"Ok, if I get a burst of energy I'll come after you." I smiled. .
"Ok, and if you don't and you're still awake when we come out I'll come back here with you."
"Sounds good. Is anyone else going in?"
"Well we called over to the other bus and Kim said that everyone except Alana was asleep. So I know that Kim and Alana are coming in and Kristin is but I think Erica and Tiffany are staying on the bus, I'm not sure though."
"Ok, I was just wondering. Well it feels like the bus stopped so you better be getting in there." I said followed by a kiss. "But just cause I'm not in there doesn't mean you can do your vulgar dancing Mr. Bass."
"I wouldn't dream of it. I'll save that for you." He joked back.
"Oh yea."