Alyssa propped her head in her hands, as she concentrated hard on staying awake. She could feel her senses shutting off, as she jumped practically shouting to the driver of the cab.
"Pull over somewhere I can get a coffee!" Her eyes felt heavier than she could ever remember.
It took all of her strength to keep them open, and not give into the temptation of sleep. After church she went back to the studio, and then home to pack which took 2 good hours in itself. Which gave her just enough time to shower and get to Jive in time to leave at the scheduled 7:00. As he drove through and she got her coffee, she could feel her senses begin to awaken. The hot aroma of coffee lingered in the air, as she inhaled deeply taking the warmth into her body, sipping tiny amounts at a time. She had never really liked the taste of coffee, it seemed bitter and nasty. But, as of now it was her favorite thing, anything to keep her awake. As the small yellow cab pulled into the crowded parking lot of Jive, it halted dramatically jerking forward. Rolling her eyes Alyssa slowly got out balancing her coffee on the front hood. Tightening her grip around her purse she lifted a dark blue caboodle and 2 duffle bags from the trunk slamming it shut. The driver mumbled something at her, so she threw in his money and grabbed her coffee just before he sped off.
"Now, this is the fun part," She laughed a little throwing the strap of one duffle bag over her shoulder, and then the other.
She felt her right side tip and struggled to keep her balance. Regaining her composure she took the lid of her coffee in her mouth holding it tight between her teeth, and carrying the caboodle in her free hand. With the amount of sleep she had been getting it had drained a lot out of appearance, attitude, and overall energy. Spectators watched in amusement as she waddled forward toward the buses. As she neared the spot where she saw Lance, and Joey standing she sighed in relief walking aside them. Lowering her shoulder she allowed one duffle bag to fall, then the other with more force. Dragging down her side.
"DANGIT!" Her voice was louder than she intended, her mind yelping in pain.
Throwing down her caboodle it made a loud bang when it hit the cement, as she tended to her freshly spilt coffee. A large brown stain covered the front of her shirt. Taking two shaking fingers she peeled the wet spot away from her burned stomach, sighing.
"Alyssa? You ok?" Lance tried hard to contain his laughter, it wasn't that he found humor in her spilling hot coffee on herself, it was the look she wore, and the wet spot trailed down her front side.
"Just peachy Lance, just peachy," Rolling her eyes she grabbed her stuff trudging off again. More than 15 buses lined the parking lot. Many were already loaded with equipment, several with no passengers. Walking along in utter confusion she could feel her head bob with sleep.
"Alyssa, you have a little something on you shirt," Someone's voice was loud behind her, right against her heels. Stopping dead in her tracks causing them to fall against her and bounce back she turned. Her eyes locked with tiredness, and pure aggravation. Justin's happy face greeted her, all smiles and refreshed.
"Let me ask you something, Do you think I would notice I had a big brown spot covering my ENTIRE shirt? I just might have. Not to mention the nice little BURN it left," Alyssa rolled her eyes tugging up her shirt to reveal the red irritated skin across her stomach. Tiny blisters looked like they were ready to form, as she winced in pain as her shirt brushed across it.
"Alyssa, you can change your clothes if you want, just get your bag before they load it, or they'll have your head on a platter," Justin teased as she followed the man who lifted her bags.
"Sir! Excuse me sir!!"
"One minute little lady," He told her as he set her bags inside the bus, closing the door behind him.
"Nevermind," She sighed leaning against the side of the bus.
Alyssa watched in envy as JC exchanged a tearful good-bye. With what looked to be his mom, dad, sister, and brother. A few feet beside him was Justin and his family. The tears that she had been fighting broke free as she saw Justin squeezing a small boy close to him. Patting his crying figure.
"Lets go now," Lance put a reassuring arm around her shoulder, as she turned to look at his solemn face.
It was more than obvious that he wasn't happier than anyone else was about leaving. His voice was low and graveled, his face never taking on any expressions. He led her to a large bus, gesturing her to go inside. Slowly, and effortlessly she walked up the three steps where her driver greeted her, introducing himself as Ben. She stared in awe all around her at the bus. Six bunks were the first thing as you walked in, 3 on the right, 3 on the left. As you continued back there was a small table, and kitchenette. Going to the back of the bus there was a bathroom, and a lounge equipped with a large TV, and VCR, as well as a boom box and speakers in the corner.
"Pretty nice huh?" She jumped, turning around quickly.
"Oh yeah, you scared me," Alyssa placed her hand over her pounding heart.
"Oh sorry about that. We just wanted to say," Alyssa looked back as 3 other people climbed the stairs to the bus.
"That we're very happy to be able to dance with you, and we cant wait for our first show tomorrow," Kaitlynn smiled brightly, Daniel, Hilary, and Erick standing close behind her.
"I am excited as well," Alyssa sighed, sitting down at the table in the kitchen.
The sky was clear and blue, puffy white clouds sparingly scattered across it. Endless trees passed by, as she watched in bordness the scenes fading away. They had been driving for what seemed to be days, but really was no more than hours. Her cheek was pressed against the window, cold against her tanned skin. Tangles of curls burried her face from her surroundings. Sifting out the noise,people, and all the world. Leaving her to drown in her own tiredness, and worries. Her thoughts were dimenished as the bus came to a stop. The muffled voices of the dancers were barley audible through the cloud she had built around her. Complete with every worry, fear, and minute without sleep. Curling her feet beneath her she allowed her mind to drift again.
"Alyssa, time to eat girl! Come on!" Someone's voice's was loud, as they pushed on her shoulder. Groaning she looked up at the head of golden curls crouched down beside her.
"Justin...go away please," Her complaints were no match for the stubborn look he wore on his face. Locking his finger around hers he pulled her up, snapping her out of the funk she had so willingly allowed to take over her senses.
"NOWWW...how about some FOOD!" Justin yelled pulling her arms across the parking lot and into the Mcdonalds.
He had pulled a hat over his curls, and dark sunglasses covered his eyes completing his descise. Sliding into the booth, Alyssa let her head fall against the wall, as the guys came to join her, trays full of food.
"A number 7, with no lettuce or tomato for you my dear," Chris slid her food across the table scooting in beside Joey. Alyssa looked down at it circling her finger around her straw. Her stomach growled at the scent of food all around her.
"JC," Joey paused to chew the mouth full of food he had shown everyone. "I am so going to have to move your scrawny butt from my bed. You KNOW I always take the very top bunk. Man, thats just not right," He protested, stuffing more food into his mouth.
"Give it up Joe, its my bed and I'm not moving." A smile spread scross JC's face in pure satisfaction. Joey mumbled a few words under his breathe, rolling his eyes. "WHAT was that Joey buddy?" JC cocked an eyebrow, Joey flashing an innocent smile.
"Put it to rest guys...look," Justin whispered gesturing to Alyssa. Her head lay gently on his shoulder, her arms curled around his. For the first time all day, her face was content and she actually looked like she was enjoying herself. And it was hard for him to admit...but Justin was to.
