Adopted (Book 1) *EDITING*

Chapter 28: Ready to go.

RIIIINNNNGGGG. The bell rang and we all stormed out of the practice room. In the past 30 minutes I had taught Rina some vocal warm up, helped Karen remember our stage plan, and in my mind went over what Brendon had taught me about stage presence. This might actually go well. Right now, Karen and I are walking ahead of Rina and Jenny. We are walking out to the school theater where we hope to find Charlie and Dan.

We walked into the school theater to find a huge anoint of people, sitting down in small groups. I guess we're supposed to sit in groups. I look around, trying to find Charlie or Dan. Right after I gave up looking, Dans voice makes me turn around.

"Hey, there you are. Charlie and I are saving you and Karen seats for roll call." He said pointing over at a waving Charlie. I smile and wave back before following Dan over to the saved seats. I sit in the seat next to Charlie who smiled at me.

"Nervous?" He asked, looking at the staff on the stage adjusting lights. I shake my head and look at them too.

"Nah not really, I'm used to performing. You?" I said looking at him. He smiles at me before looking at his hand which was picking at the seat.

"A little, this is my first time performing in front of people." He says, still smiling. "I get nervous over everything though." I look into his eyes.

"You'll be fine." I say, patting his shoulder. "Just don't drop your guitar pick during your solo." I said, watching his smile fade to a nervous look. He then looked back at the stage. Out walked the school principal.

"Ok everyone, settle down. I need to call role." He said, taking a look down at his clipboard before beginning to list of names. One he got to us, we rose our hands. Once everyone was called, he spoke up again. "Great, your all here. Now if you could all please make your way backstage so you can all prepare your gear." He said, looking around. People started to get up and go. I turn to Dan.

"Did you happen to bring your drum set, a guitar, a bass, and a key board?" I said with a nervous grin. He slowly shakes his head.

"Shit... Doesn't your school have that stuff?" He asked. I nod.

"Yeah but it all sucks, your gonna have to use their drums though." He sighed and runs his hand through his hair. "Maybe we could call Brendon and have him bring a bass and guitar." I said hopefully. Dan reaches over and ruffles my hair.

"Smart kid." He said before pulling out his phone. "I'll give him a call." He said hopping up and starting to walk to the backstage area. I look over at Karen and Charlie.

"Brendon's bringing a bass and a guitar from the house studio." I said with a smile. They smile back. "We should probably go backstage now." I said, hopping up and starting to walk the way Dan went. I hopped onto the stage and walked into the backstage area. It was pretty big for a school stage. I look around, trying to find Dan. I find him with the kids who will be doing the drum battle. The two kids have drum sets that are way more advanced than the school drum set. I walk over to Dan, Karen and Charlie follow. As I get closer, I start to hear the conversation.

"Dude, I have my set set up almost the same way." Dan said, patting the side of the snare drum. I walk up and stand next to him.

"Oh hey Sydney." One of the guys say.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" I ask even though I already know.

"Drums, do you know him?" He replied, holding drumsticks behind his neck. I nod.

"Yeah, this is Dan. He's the drummer in panic." I say. His eyes light up. "Hey, would it be okay if we use one of your drum sets for our performance?" I ask hopefully.

"Yeah sure. He said with a smile. I look up at Dan.

"Problem solved." I said with a smile. I walk over to Karen and Charlie, I hear Dan talking.

"Hey do you want me to tune you set?" He said. I giggle and stand next to my friends.

"You guys excited?" I asked, nudging Karen. She smiled and nodded.

"I can't wait." She said happily looking around the crowded backstage area. Before I could say anything else, Brendon comes crashing in with two cases.

"There you guys are." He said, setting the cases down. "I got Dans call and came as soon as I could. He went down to his knees. "I brought Blue for Charlie." He said opening the case revealing one of his favorite guitars that he had named Blue. He carefully lifted the guitar out of its case and handed it to Charlie. "And for Karen I brought my favorite bass." He said, opening the case revealing black fender. He carefully handed it to Karen who carefully put the strap on. "I also brought your mic." He said reaching into his backpack and pulling out my tour mic. There wasn't anything special about it really. Other then the fact it has been around America and had a small strip of duck tape around it letting people know it was mine. I turned it over in my hands. It also is wireless. "I didn't want you using the mics with the wires since your gonna be moving around." Before I could thank him, he spoke up again. "Do you have a piano or a keyboard? If not I can run back to the house and grab the studio one I don't see one so-" I covered his mouth with my hand.

"Brendon calm down. I'm using the schools keyboard." I said with wide eyes. Karen and Charlie giggle. "God how many coffees have you had today?" I ask. He shrugs, I remove my hand from his mouth. I look back at my friends, Karen and Charlie are now sitting against the wall practicing. I look back at Brendon.

"You should probably go, the shows gonna start soon. Are Kenny and Dallon coming?" I ask. He nods.

"And Zack, and Spence, and his wife." He said smiling. My eyes widen once again.

"Spence as is Spencer Smith?" I ask curiously. He nods. "Oh my god." I say quietly. I jump when I hear a booming voice.

"If we could get all non performers exit the backstage area please?" Said the voice. Brendon looks down at me and smiles. He then engulfs me in a hug.

"You'll do good kid. I'm proud." He said before pulling away and heading for the exit. I smile as I watch him leave. I then look around, I see girls about to have panic attacks and I snicker. This is just a small show to me.