Chapter 5:
Jessica's POV:
As the plane flew us back to Chicago, we talked about Team Starkid.
"It's weird how a bunch of people wish they could see you live and meet you, but I KNOW you and I still haven't seen you live since AVPM." I said. "I would feel so sad whenever someone said that they got to meet you, or whenever you come out with a new musical that I know I won't get to see live." I admitted. "That's how I thought it would be with Twisted, but I finally get to see you all again and perform with you."
"We wish that you could have been part of some of the other musicals, but we never could afford it." Meredith said from behind me.
"How come you guys could suddenly afford it for Twisted?" I asked. "And to have money for plane tickets for all four of us?" I added.
"It was all the people who backed our kickstarter. Part of the money goes to bringing the actors and actresses together." Lauren explained.
"I would have backed, but I had no money after paying rent and buying food for the week. At least my friends backed. They helped bring me back to Chicago, without even knowing it." I said, remembering the conversation I had with Hailey and Vivian earlier in the week.
We continued to talk about Twisted until the plane landed. We practically ran out of the plane and grabbed our luggage, excited for me to see the other Starkids again.
I could feel the butterflies in my stomach grow bigger as we got in Jaime's car outside the airport and headed to Starkid Manor.
We had all lived in Starkid Manor before it was even called Starkid Manor. A few months before AVPM was written, when the Langs had the idea and were working on a script, we had decided to all chip in and buy a place for all of us to stay at. After Team Starkid officially had a name, it had become Starkid Manor.
As we approached the street we would turn onto to get to the Manor, I could hardly sit still. I had my hand on the seatbelt buckle, prepared to unbuckle it. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, I unbuckled my seatbelt, pushed the door open, and ran up the front steps.
When I opened the door, there was a chorus of 'Surprise!' as all my friends jumped out from their hiding places. I saw a 'Welcome Back Jessi!' sign above the hallway.
I was soon tackled by everyone in the room as they all circled me and gave me a big group hug.
"Hey guys!" I yelled above the music playing as everyone finally let go. "I missed you all so much!" I felt tears sting my eyes as I looked at all my friends, gathered just to welcome me back. I could see some of the others had tears in their eyes too.
I started crying once they started hugging me, one by one.
Denise came up first. "It's good to have you back." She said, her voice shaking slightly.
I tried to pull myself together as others came and hugged me, but I completely lost all control when Darren came up and whispered in my ear. "Welcome home."
He was right. This is my home. Here, surrounded by all the people I love.
