My New Life with Reba

Chapter 9

I wake up to my alarm clock going off at one o'clock in the morning. Reba, Narvel, Shelby, and I are flying to LA today for the taping of the pilot episode of "Reba" (we have to leave early because of the time change). We were supposed to tape it on the eleventh but since I had my little unconscious period Reba and Narvel had to reschedule. I grope around still half asleep for some fairly clean clothes, since all my other clothes are packed (we will be staying at a hotel until Narvel and Reba find a house in LA). Eventually I throw on a pair of faded skinny jeans and an old stained sweatshirt. As we pile into the limo I try and see what condition my family is in. Shelby looks like he just rolled out of bed, of course. Narvel did put on a suit but you can definitely tell he didn't shower... And finally Reba looks the worst out of all of us. She didn't shower, she didn't get dressed, and she doesn't even look like she got any sleep! Narvel must have seen me starring at her cause he suddenly says "she was studin that script all night long" and shakes his head. "Well excuse me for wanting to do a good job" she says with a yawn. That is so Reba. She and Narvel chitchat about what is going to happen today on our way to the airport and Shelby continues to sleep.

Once we finally boarded our private jet, Shelby crashed on the couch and Narvel made Reba get some sleep in the back bedroom. I sat in a chair by the window and held my knees to my chest. Airplanes still scare me to death. Funny how no one cares and we do it anyway... After about an hour I force myself to relax. I turn on the TV and try to pay attention to it. Surprisingly I fell asleep on the plane and was woken by Reba telling me it was time to get off. I step through the doorway and am in shock. I love everything about Nashville, I really do.. but LA took my breath away. All the palm trees and sand and smell of the ocean.. It's wonderful. I really want to go explore Hollywood but I have to go to the TV studio with the rest of the family. I feel like a little kid with my nose pressed against the glass of the limo watching everything we pass but I don't care. Suddenly my family starts laughing. Confused I turn and give them questioning look. Narvel quicks point to Reba and says "she did it!" and they all laugh again, "did what?" I ask. "I may have or may have not put the most adorable picture of you with you nose on the glass on Facebook" she says showing me "ugh why!" I exclaim and they all laugh again. "I wish I had gotten a picture, send it to me mom" he says to Reba. The rest of the ride to the studio they sit and laugh about it...

Once we get to the studio, Reba is shown her dressing room and is taken to wardrobe and hair & makeup. Just as I see Narvel talking over important details with the director, a big, tall, blonde girl comes over to me squealing, "I can't believe I get to meet you" she says excitedly and hugs me tight. Somehow I manage to say "...I don't know you... and your crushing me!" "Oh! I'm sorry!" she says and releases me. "I'm Melissa Peterman, I'm playing Barbra Jean on the show" she says with a big smile. "Oh well nice to meet you," I say, "I'm Em--" Melissa cuts me off and says "I know who you are, your Emily Thomas, Reba's adopted daughter." I laugh slightly, "yes I am." Melissa then sees the director and quickly says "gotta run!" I then see her talking the director's ear off. I feel sorry for him. Suddenly a young brunette with a ponytail and clipboard runs up to me. "Emily Thomas?" she asks. I mentally laugh, I didn't know so many people knew me here.. "that's me" I state. "Miss McEntire would like a word with you...immediately." she commands. "Okay..." as I follow her I start to get worried. What did I do wrong? Am I in trouble? Before I can ask myself anymore questions, we arrive at Reba's dressing room. The girl leaves and I am standing there like an idiot. As I start wondering where Reba is, the bathroom door opens and Reba sighs with relief seeing me. "Oh thank goodness your here!" she says and hands me a script "I need you to run lines with me." I laugh realizing I'm not in trouble. I turn to the right page and Reba begins. *1 hour later* "Don't worry, you got this" I say with a smile. "I know" Reba says "I just really want to do a good job." "And you will" I say confidently. Just then there is a knock at the door and Narvel pokes his head in to say they are ready when she is, and we walk to the set.