The Ending You Deserve (MARIANAS TRENCH)

Chapter 9: The Warning

*Miranda's POV*

I went up to Mike who had just been greeted by Jeanne with a welcoming, warm-hearted hug. They were talking a bit, but as soon as Jeanne saw I was there, she immediately introduced me.

"Oh, Michael, dear," she started, "this is Miranda, the girl I was telling you about." I thought it was cute that she still called him Michael even though almost everyone else just calls him Mike.

"Hi Miranda," he greeted me with a warm smile. He really had a great smile, that made me want to melt inside.

Next thing I knew I was pulled into an embrace. He sure knew how to give a good hug.

Holy crap Miranda. You're hugging MIKE AYLEY from MARIANAS TRENCH, you're FAVOURITE band of all time! I started to tense up, but after giving myself a mental pep-talk I managed to calm down.

I was pretty lost for words, especially how I almost cracked and released my "inner fangirl." I managed to ask him, "is it alright if you sign my poster?"

"Yes, it most certainly is alright," he smiled, using almost my exact words.

"It appears someone's taken my spot," he said, putting emphasis on the "someone." He looked over to Matt and gave him a look of disappointment and shame, while shaking his head. Matt diverted his attention from Adrianna to hold up his arms and shrug. He laughed and Adrianna joined in.

Those two seem to be getting along well. I shot her a look, with my eyebrows moving up and down suggestively. She just laughed, rolled her eyes and looked back at Matt.

"Alright, all done," he said handing me the poster, with a smile. He was such a sweetheart.

"Thanks!"

"No problem, did you want a picture too?" he asked. Oh thank god he suggested it and I didn't have to ask him for another favour.

"Yeah, I'd love that, thanks," I said.

He put his arm around me, (I died a little inside). If I was this nervous with Mike, then what the hell would I be like with Josh? I had to calm down, and be cool, calm and collected, like Adrianna. I could do this. Breathe, Miranda, breathe!

We both smiled for the picture and I thanked him. He went on to talk to Jeanne, then went over to visit with his family after realizing he hadn't talked to them yet.

Soon after Mike left, I noticed another familiar face.

"Ian!" I said excitedly. With meeting every guy I got a little less nervous, and a little more confident. This is good, I told myself.

"Hey! Uhhh..." he stammered, putting his hands in his jeans' pockets and shifting his weight uncomfortably.

"Miranda, it's Miranda," I filled in, warmly.

"Oh Miranda, the Miranda I've heard so much about from Auntie J Dawg here." I laughed at the nickname. Jeanne smiled as well.

He was wearing a tight, bright blue T-shirt with a hand and the phrase "High Five" on it. To be honest, I could've sworn I'd seen Josh wearing it during an interview or something.

Ian and I made small talk about the show. In a lull in the conversation I asked for an autograph and a photo with him. He posed with his red cup holding what I assumed was beer.

Soon after me thanking him, he left to talk to Mike and his parents.

That left me and Jeanne to chat. I looked over and noticed Nathan playing ping pong with one of the girls there. They seemed to be having a blast, laughing and joking together. it made me smile, Nathan was such a great friend to Adrianna and I, and I liked to see him happy. The girl was about our age in her early twenties, with long dark brown wavy hair, big brown eyes and a nice smile.

"Holy crap. That's Darla Taylor, from all the Ever After videos, isn't it?" I muttered to myself, but Jeanne overheard.

"Yeah that's her," she smiled, "You never know who'll you'll find at these gatherings."

We went on to talk about a few things, and then she warned, with a look of concern on her face, "There's something I have to tell you...it's about Josh."