Wow, I've been forgetting to dedicate! So sorry. I'm going to be starting again.

dedicated to: Alyssawhites

We arrived to a grand parking lot in the back of the open ground space in which the festival was going to be held in. From inside the car you could already feel the vibrations of the music thumping against the ground. Big balloons, all of different shapes and sizes filled the air. I spotted an astronaut one, a caterpillar, and a butterfly. From the looks of it there were more, but the big walls covering over the festival made it hard to make them out.

"This is so surreal." I heard Aria's voice squeak as she leaned closer to me to stare out the window. She seemed beyond excited, nervous too. But I don't get it, she's not the one playing.

We made a small turn into one of the gates. A big sign reading Performers Only shined the entrance. Okay, this really was exciting. I never pictured myself walking through one of these doors and now here I am. About to enter the doors of Coachella. Another thing I never pictured myself ever saying.

The atmosphere in the car got excited. It was just Aria, Sarah, and I; but there was a chauffeur driving us. Still, we made it feel exciting. We all have someone that we care about up in that band that's about to perform in front of thousands, celebrities even. It's truly an amazing feeling to know about.

We arrived out back behind one of the many staging ground. 21 was performing in one of the smaller ones at day but if they do good and they pick them out of the six members already playing, they'll get to play in the main stage at night. This was now getting really exciting. There were large vans parked out behind the large looking stage. If this was the smallest one, I just imagine the big main one..

The chauffeur came to a stop behind the Porsche Jack was driving. Immediately, we all got down our cars.

The space out here was much louder than I imagined. There was music playing, really loud one too. It was hard to make out what it was exactly my cousin was yelling at towards us as he stood by the truck unloading our equipment.

Not understanding what he was shouting and eventually giving up, I met up with the rest of the girls. We were all lost.

Jack got out of the Porsche, turning back around to look at us. His eyes fell on me and me only, before he flicked his vision to come his way.

I grabbed Aria and Sarah by the hands and dragged them up with me. When we reached Jack he was leaning against the side of the black vehicle. Hands crossed over his chest.

"What is he saying?" I raised my voice enough so he could hear me, referring my question back to Ashton who was giving orders to the guys unloading their instruments.

"He wanted to know where's Matt." Jack answered.

"How am I suppose to know?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

"Because you're his favorite." Shawn replied while walking up towards us from the passengers side of the Porsche. I'm taking it he road here with Jack.

"Uh.. Johnson is his friend too." I implied.

"Yeah but dudes don't really check in with dudes. We just hang out for the heck of it but he's really closest to you. And who knows, maybe he has the hots for you too."

I felt Aria's eyes burn into me as he finished saying that. It was almost as if she understood what was going on. I took a moment to glance back at Jack who just stood there watching Shawn. Jealousy clearly in his eyes. Maybe if Shawn knew about us he wouldn't say stuff about me with other guys. I know he didn't mean it intentionally, maybe he's just trying to make a joke out of me still being single. You see, that's another reason why I want this secret relationship to get out there. I can't stand having to hide the fact that Jack and I are together. It's harder work than you think.

"I don't know where he is." I admitted.

I felt Jack's eyes start to wander around. When I looked back at him I noticed his jaw start to tense, eyes unable to look at me.

"Well we have to find him!" Sarah exclaimed. "We're here under his name."

I bit the inside of my cheek, looking anywhere else but to my pissed off looking boyfriend. The space around us only got more busier. You could hear the small crowd on the other side of the stage start to chant for the performers. The DJ couldn't keep them up with his music for much longer.

"They're not letting us up on the stage without recognition." Cameron came walking up to us. His eyes giving Jack a deadly glare before turning back to me with a more satisfying look.

"Can't we call him or something?" Aria asked looking back at me.

"I doubt he'll pick up his phone with this noise." I answered.

"Well we have to do something." Cameron's eyes went wide.

I dared not to touch the subject with Matt, or even Cameron as a matter of fact, not in front of Jack. I knew it would make him more upset than he already is. But then I remembered, my cousin is in this band too. I had to do something either way.

"Hand me my phone." I reached out a hand to Aria who was standing right besides me. Everyone else watched. I even took the moment as she dug into her bag to look back out at Jack. An uneasy look growing into his features.

"What are you going to do?" Cameron cocked his head to the side.

I grabbed my phone in my hands and immediately started dialing. "Matt gave me a number in case something like this ever happened. He told me it was someone who help."

"Who?" Cam shrugged his shoulders.

My eyes nervously made contact with Jack's for a quick moment before having to flick my vision back over to Cameron who was the one that asked me the question.

"His father."

Everyone's jaw nearly fell to the ground. I understood the story behind it and just as I suspected, they brought over the story again.

"You have The Michael Espinosa's phone number.." Cameron's eyes widened, trying to restate what I just said.

I plainly nodded my head, dialing the number I had written on my notes onto the dial pad of the screen.

"You do know Michael only gives his number away to the people signed to his label?" Cam arched a brow. "Heck, not even! Sometimes not even the very popular ones get even a little sneak peak!"

"I'm telling you," Shawn stepped in. "He has the hots for her." He paused to look back at me. "Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?" He chuckled in a joking way.

"No." I immediately responded.

I know, him just handing me his phone number like that is pretty unusual for the family. Matt told me it's because there's too many they can't trust and they'll have his father and him going crazy. When Michael calls the guys, it's always by a business number, never a personal phone number. And every time the guys call it's always been to his office. But that's all it is, Matt just trusts me. He always had and I don't know why. I'm just a trustable person.

I could just imagine the look of jealousy still present in Jack's face as I held the phone up to my ear. He really wasn't making things easier either. I want to show the world we're together just as much as he does.

"Hello?" The deep voice on the other end of the line brought me back to reality.

Quickly, I put a smile on my face.

"Yes hello, this is Zoey Wineguard speaking. Is there perhaps a Mr. Michael Espinosa around?" I asked.

"Ah yes! The girl my son told me about." The voice sounded again. "Tell me, what can I do for you?"

I looked back over at the people surrounding me. Eyes catching one last good look at Jack who couldn't even bare the chance to look at me. He was looking away, towards the stage where Ash and Johnson were still talking things out with the stage manager. It broke my heart seeing him like this.

"Zo..?" Sarah whispered back at me, snapping me out of my thoughts to go back into the conversation.

"Oh yes, well, Erm.." I paused. "The band.. 21. Yeah, we were kinda late and now they won't let us up the stage."

"I'm sorry, you were late?" His voice didn't sound so nice anymore. It was more deadly and serious than before. "Do you understand this is a favor I'm giving you guys? This is a sacrifice and you repay me by not even showing up on time?"

I gulped the dry lump down my throat, focusing back on Cameron who had a leading look on his face for me to keep talking. I can't believe he's making me do this. It's his band not mine!

"We're here now, Sir." I grew worried to what he'd say next. "And I can promise you the guys won't let you down." I quickly added. I've never been so scared of being in trouble before, and I had my father around while growing up. For crying out loud, this isn't even my fight to start with! It's theirs.

There was a long period of silence. I was becoming more nervous with what would happen next.       Then he spoke.

"You're lucky my son has spoken very well about you and I can believe you when you make a promise." He breathed out. "He really likes you, you know that?" Now was one of those times I really regret putting the call on speaker because my already jealous boyfriend overheard the whole thing.

I cleared my throat towards the awkward situation. Ignoring what he said, I changed the subject.

"So what do we do, Mr. Espinosa?" I asked. "About the band?"

"I'll contact my son immediately, he should be up there on the stage already." He explained.

"Alright." I nervously answered. Anxious to hang up already. "Thank you."

"Don't let me down." Was the last thing we heard him say before nodding and hanging up. God that was such an adrenaline rushing call.

I released a long sigh I didn't even know I was holding. Stretching my arm out, I handed my phone back to Aria to put away in her bag. Immediately, they all rushed up to me. Cameron mainly had a huge, foolish smile on his face.

"You did it!" He exclaimed holding his arms out to embrace me. "You actually did it!"

I awkwardly stood still as he gave me a quick squeeze. Gazing over his shoulder during our embrace, I caught Jack steaming up in the background. This helped in nothing. Just made things worse.

He pulled away. A deadly glare forming in my face as I stared down at both guys.

"You guys left me hanging back there." I stated. "He was suppose to yell at you guys, not me!" I frowned while crossing my arms over my shoulder.

"We're sorry." Shawn looked at me with a facial expression of guilt that only lasted for a moment. "But he likes you better. Did you see how quick he let it slide that we were late just because it was you speaking?" He paused. "If it was any of us, we'd probably be told to go home or something."

Well, they had a point there. No one could ever trust these guys, let alone together.

"You're our good luck charm." Cameron smiled looking down at me, sympathy in his tone.

I immediately shrugged off the moment I was in. Looking back at the girls, I was about to tell them something before my chance slipped and I was interrupted by yet another person.

"HEY GUYS!"

We all turned around and saw Ashton and Johnson waving at us from the stairs to the stage. They were signaling for us to come. Then, all of a sudden, wearing a light denim washed vest over a white t shirt and shades over his eyes.. Matt popped out of the entrance my cousin and Johnson were stepping into. He was holding his phone to his ear, giving him the chance to only wave one hand back at us. A big smile displaying in his features before slowly disappearing again behind the stage.

"That's our call!" Cam exclaimed, looking back at us before quickly jolting up to his feet and sprinting over to the stage.

"Holy Shit." Shawn admired the back of the stage for a moment before brightly smiling back at us. "This is really happening."

Not putting much thought into it, he gripped Aria's hand and raced behind Cameron.

"Look at them." Sarah admired her brother running away with Aria up to the stage. Her arms crossing over her chest as a small grin appeared in her lips. "They're grow up so fast." She joked. "Wait for me!" She shouted the next second, breaking the moment before racing back up behind them.

And then there were two.

I still didn't know whether or not I should talk to Jack. Of course I wanted to talk to him, I always do. I just wasn't so sure if talking to me would be what he wanted most now.

There was another moment of silence. He still wasn't looking my way. I was grateful he didn't get the chance to see me open my mouth to speak because once I regained my conscience I noticed the right thing would be not to say a word. So that's what I did. I released the air I held in my mouth before shutting it closed.

He needed some time for himself.

I stepped up and began to walk over the green grass and over to the stage. I didn't give him a second look as I passed his body. But I later found myself trapped in place as I couldn't do anything other than to look back at him once I felt his large hand catch a grip on my arm.

My head slowly turned. Eyes trailing down my shoulder and then up the length of his arm to finally meet up with his dark brown eyes. They seemed to go black now. It was a scary feeling that rushed upon me that instant. I've never seen him like this before.

"You're mine." His voice was deep and serious.

I didn't know what to say. I was in awkward position either way. First he's all jealous and can't say a thing about it, and then he's telling me that I'm his.

Should I be taking that as a good thing?

Not saying anything else, I gave my head a light shake. Nodding with what he said, before slowing walking back away from his hold. This wasn't a good place to have this conversation. He has a stage to get to.

A gasp fell heavy from my mouth as I was pulled back by the same hand gripping my arm. This time with a much greater force that made me crash back into his body. I didn't have time to look back up at him. Jack had leaned into me, lips crashing hard against mine. It was a hard kiss, I felt a pressure on my lips that I never experienced before while kissing Jack. His lips felt warm against mine, tongue making its efforts to slide into my mouth.

I felt like I couldn't breath.

Jack kept urging the kiss harder and harder. My eyes shut tighter, hands swinging over to his chest to prevent him from bringing me closer to him.  But it didn't work, his force was greater than mine.  My heart began to race. I gripped the fabric of his flannel, fisting it in my grip. Jack effortlessly swung my body over in front of him. My lips parted from the kiss as I felt his fingertips dig into my waist, giving him the chance to finally get what he always wanted; to slip his tongue in my mouth.

"Jack.." I breathed out, feeling weak and completely compelled to his touch.

My breath hitched as his hand grabbed my ass, squeezing harshly, before going down to guide my leg to come up and wrap around his. I wanted nothing more than this moment to happen, but not here, not outside and not before his concert.

"Jack." I made efforts to shake my head away. This was wrong. What if someone catches us?

"Don't say anything." I felt Jack concentrate harder on the kiss.

My heart started pumping harder, body getting hotter by the second. His hands went back to my cheeks, cupping them to bring my face closer to his. He was preventing me from escaping.

I wasn't going to lie, it was a satisfying kiss. Maybe even a little exciting. I've never been kissed like this is before. I think this beat the bathroom make out session.

"Jack.. We can't.." I found it difficult to find the right words. The sensation of having him kiss me all over left me utterly speechless. "Not here." Taking in every breath I could, I did my best to push him away.

Reluctantly, I managed to do just that.

When I did, I felt his drowsy eyes focus on nothing more than my lips. My hands were resting over his chest. The beating of his heart was rapid, almost as if it was about to pump right out of his body. Mine felt the same. We both remained staring at each other, gasping for as much air as possible for the moment.

Our actions didn't go unaware.

One of Jack's hands moved over to draw away a strand of hair from my face. The other resting over my waist, his index finger digging into the top of my high waisted shorts.

I watched his every move. Still, I felt afraid to say anything. But something inside me, something that felt the need to come out, forced itself from the tip of my tongue.

"I'm not like her." I shook my head. My arms rising up over his shoulders to lace my fingers from the back around his neck.

I knew that's what he must've been thinking about. The look was still prominent in his face. A look of hurt, and not knowing if to trust me or not. She broke him. Now it's up to me to put him back together. He has to know that with me he'll never have to worry about that. Ever.

Jack's eyes dropped down, not being able to look at me. His other hand met the other one around my waist, bringing me closer to his leaned body against the Porsche. A small squeeze was given to my body, as if he didn't want to let go.

This just broke my heart. I made my efforts to look into his eyes, but he quickly covered his pain behind his smile.

Jack nodded his head. "He's just a friend.. Right?" He asked with worry in his tone. His shaky smile sending me to my edge.

"Just a friend." I repeated, my face turning into a worrisome frown. I never knew my friendship with Matthew had him like this.

Jack licked over his lips, nodding before looking back up at me.

"Okay." He softly smiled.

"Okay." I repeated.

I couldn't bare the thought of him thinking I was like her. Still, I couldn't blame him. It's all he's ever known, to be cheated on. But he has to know I'm not like her. I'll never cheat, it's wrong in every way possible. He just needed to know that.

My forehead pressed to his. He was looking down and the heels in my boots made it easier to reach his height. I fluttered my eyes shut, throat becoming dry as I began to speak.

"I'm yours." I softly whispered.

I felt the vibrations of his chuckle run along my arm that was wrapped between his neck and shoulders. A long sigh later being released from his mouth. Another gentle squeeze was given off by his presence. I felt safe with him. That's something I can't really say about most people. Not even my parents made me feel safe at times. With all their lies and never being home and stuff, we never really had a safe relationship.

But with Jack it's different. It's always been different.

"GUYS!"

I immediately pulled away from Jack at the sound of a guy yelling towards us. I nervously cleared my throat, placing a few strands of hair behind my ear.

I wasn't really that worried of getting caught after I saw just who it was that was calling us.

Johnson stood at the edge of the stage by the stairs, looking out back behind him to make sure no one was around him. He looked back at us with pinning eyes, a deadly look on his face.

I heard Jack chuckle behind me as Johnson ran a finger across his throat. He was giving us a threat that he'll kill us if he we didn't get up there. It was hard not to laugh, Johnson wasn't a scary or threatening type. Jack and I just laughed, nodding our heads that we'll be there in a second. Taking our word for it, he turned back around into the stage.

I watched him for a another second or two before my attention was sealed back down to a hand lacing it's fingers with mine. I looked down, following the long arm back up to meet Jack's face. His eyes mainly.

It was then a thought came rather jumping into my mind.

"Are you nervous." I asked, smiling a bit with the question myself. Jack.. Nervous.. It seemed pretty crazy.

"Hell yeah." He surprised me with his answer.

My smile eased as a saw a nervous one grow on his lips. I've been seeing a lot of different sides to him in this trip, many I've grown to like.. A lot.

"You'll do great." I chuckled. Placing my other hand over his shoulder. "You always do." My voice got softer with the compliment.

"Come here." He pulled a smirk across his face, pulling me back into his body. We held each other in a short embrace. Sealing the action, he kissed me. Lips gently pressing to the roof of my forehead.

My eyes fluttered closed to the touch. A small smile curving in his lips against my skin. I didn't want him to leave, I wanted to stay in this moment. But obviously that wasn't going to happen.

I felt his body slowly draw away from mine. Fluttering my eyes open again, I found myself alone on the spot. My body swiftly turned to look at Jack's back walking over to the stage.

A small smile appeared across my lips in admiration. Without thinking, I started to speak again.

"Break a leg, Gilinsky!" I called out.

Jack's body swiftly turned, walking backwards with his arms raised out besides him. "Already broke an arm." He joked while cocking his head to the side. A wide smile being displayed by his perfectly aligned teeth.

My arms crossed over my chest, shaking my head with a shy smile as I watched him walk away. His voice calling back out moments later which made me turn back up to him.

"I expect you to be out in that crowd, front row too." He pointed back out.

"And if they put me in the back?" I joked.

Jack looked to his side for a moment; turning back at me with a half smile in his lips. "Then I'll find you." He shrugged his shoulders. "I'll always find you."

A blush heatedly made its way into my cheeks, turning to look away slightly. He just called me his girl.. I looked back up at him just in time to catch him wink at me. His body turned again, this time racing the rest of the way back up to the stage.

I couldn't contain the idiot smile that appeared on my face moments after he got on the stage. It felt nice, to be wanted for once. My parents always wanted me to be something I'm not, and well, Ashton just stepped up because my parents were paying his rent and he was still hiding the fact that he wasn't attending the university they were paying for. Of course he doesn't see me like that anymore, but it started out that he only wanted me because I'll be taking away a big price from his list of priorities.

So yes, it's definitely nice to be around someone who wants you for you and just you. I just never figured it'd be Jack who'd see me like that. We couldn't stand each other at first. Now we can't stand a chance being apart.

-

After the girls came running back down from the stage we rushed back to get to the front. The guys were about to perform and we didn't want to waste a second of it.

They handed me my backstage pass, theirs already being swung around their necks.

Both girls started piling me with questions, questions about what was taking so long. Of course, since Sarah was there and she still doesn't know about anything I couldn't say the truth. So instead I lied.

"I tripped and got some mud on my boot." I answered. "I didn't want to go up there with nasty feet."

Sarah chuckled with my story. " Wow, you're just as clumsy as your cousin."

Aria knew I was lying but either way we just laughed it out. Soon enough we reached the front.

There was a good enough crowd surrounding the stage. I'd say a good 50 people or so. But not nearly half of them really seem like they wanted to be in this stage. They preferred to go see some of the other bands, one in particular was really lighting up the stage but their music was unfamiliar to me. Hopefully the guys can change that.

"Right here." The big, bald security guy wearing the yellow polo escorted us towards the front metal bar a couple of feet away from the stage. Thank God for these VIP passes Matt gave the girls. I didn't think of that before. I guess now it's a matter of getting used to the fact that we're part of the VIP list now.

Shit.

First in the line was Aria. I stood besides her and Sarah finished by sandwiching me in between them.

"What do you think is taking them so long?" Sarah asked looking back at us after a while passed by and the DJ was still playing his music. There was no announcement of them or anything. It was weird for sure.

"Beats me?" Aria shrugged her shoulders. "When we were up there, all we were waiting for was Jack. I wonder what's going on now?"

We all have each other bewildered looks. It wasn't until I decided to take a look back when I really started to get worried.

"People are leaving." I quietly gasped making the other girls heads turn around too.

"Shit!" Sarah cussed.

We stood there watching the scene behind us. We were now down to 30 people and still losing some more. The other band on the other stage, a little bit more bigger than this one, was taking the whole crowd.

"We were told a band was coming to play." I heard one lady tell a guy. An unpleasant look growing on her features.

"Some band alright." The guy replied. "Come one, I hear the other guys are bringing the whole festival to them. Let's check them out."

"They're probably better than these guys." She replied, already turning in her heals to walk away.

"At least those guys bothered to show up." He laughed and she later joined.

That brought my blood to boil. They had no right to talk crap about an artist they don't even know about. People these days.. They have no patience nor respect.

"SHAWN PETER RAUL MENDES!" A loud scream, familiar to Sarah's, shouted out towards the stage. She was hanging on the railing, legs up on the metal bars as she supported her body forwards. "GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"

"Sarah." I tried to calm her down. Maybe at least bring her back down to the ground.

"Ma'am, you can't stand on the railing."  The security came rushing over to Sarah. She was a small girl but she didn't seem to mind that as she almost went besets on the guy.

"That's my little brother up there!" She exclaimed. "What's going on? Why aren't they out yet!"

The guy opened his mouth to respond her question but was immediately beat to it by the sound of escalating music and flashing lights behind him.   We all looked back, eyes growing wide as well as our mouths as we spotted the five figured step out from behind the stage.

"There they are!" Sarah exclaimed excitedly, smiling widely while clapping her hands. She was a true sport in deed to these guys. Even way before I showed up.

Her eyes then dropped back down to the security. The look on her face looking not so friendly anymore. "Move!" She shoved him away.

I never seen Sarah like this before. She was like a little child. An adorable, feisty little child. It made Aria and I have a good short laugh before looking back up at the stage.

The first one out was Ashton of course, walking up to the stage with grace and confidence up to his guitar where it set on the far right end of the equipment. Next was Cameron, holding his drum sticks in the air as he walked up to his drum set in the center of the stage. He even had his own little stage for his drums so you could see them above all the other instruments. In third place was Shawn who walked out, smiling and waving at the small crowd just as he walked over to his keyboard.

Finally, it was the Jacks' turn. Johnson was first and he walked out fixing his pants into the center of the stage. Jack was right behind him, fixing the ear piece in his right ear. Like always, a serious look on his face.

They reached the center in front of Cam's drums and in between Shawn's keyboard and Ash's electric guitar.

The girls and I didn't stop cheering. We seemed like the most enthused from the whole crowd compared to the small and faint claps people were giving them. Poor guys, maybe if they came on time they'd have their crowd. As always, this was all my fault.

"Hey, hey guys!" Johnson chuckled into his mic. Gilinsky was still trying to figure out his and it made me quietly laugh to myself a little.

"Uh, we usually like to start off with a small introduction before starting so uh.." He turned over to Jack who was meticulously trying to slide the mic into the stand. "Jack!" Johnson snapped him out.

Jack was a bit startled with the action that he almost dropped his mic. Who knew, Gilinsky is nervous. Clumsy too.

This will be fun to torture him with.

"Oh.. Yeah.. Um.." He stuttered. Quickly, he regained his act back and out a smile back out to the crowd. As if nothing ever happened. "Sorry for the inconvenience back there. We're well aware that we're a tad late. It's because-- Well, this is a very big step for us. We actually came all the way from Nebraska and--

"JUST PLAY SOME DAMN MUSIC!" A man shouted from the crowd, a few rude others nodding in agreement.

I turned back to the stage, blood already about to explode inside me. From the looks of it, I wasn't the only one either.

Jack's jaw tensed.

The introduction is what they love most  about performing. Ash told me it's because they're giving their thanks, they're very thankful people for where they are, and it's people like Sir-Rude-A-Lot that ruin those chances for them. They're nervous enough as it is. I could already see Sarah jumping on top of the guy, beating him as if he was some type of piñata. This time I wouldn't stop her, just join her.

Johnson shook his head back at Jack, telling him that man wasn't worth their time. At first Jack didn't want to listen, but then his eyes dropped down to mine. As much as I hated what that guy said and his rude manners, I was well aware it wasn't going to make things better.. Just worse.

That's what I gave my head a small shake in disapproval. This was more important.

Jack gave his head a small nod, looking back up at the crowd with a smile in his face. This made me proud, he was changing.

"Alright, so let's give you guys what you came for!" Jack exclaimed proudly into the mic. We all cheered, clapping back at them. "This is a new song, written especially for this event. We call it, California."

Jack turned around, giving direction to all the guys before pointing back at Cam. The beat started slowly. Then he immediately started beating on his drums the next second, dropping a base that everyone seemed to enjoy.

"I can't stop, never let a hater

Kill your dreams, 19, I got paper

Katniss Everdeen

Nah, it's always in my favor

I pull up on the scene, black tee and a Blazer

Won't chase a woman, I re-place
I'll make you have deja vu when I walk by

Like, "Hey it's that guy! Yeah aren't you from Vine?"

Hell nah I'm from Nebraska, get your facts aligned

But I ain't gonna lie, Jack and Jack
Did blow up on the app but we're more than that

Best duo in LA since Kobe-Shaq
We need a whole demolition just to hold us back"

The girls and I jumped along, dancing along with Johnson and his rap. Man, he was spitting fire! Literally! This song was all on the Jacks. They worked so hard and now it's paying off.

I took a pause from the moment to look around. I was surprised when I saw the small crowd of people slowly start to grow. The nodding and satisfied looks on their face with the music the guys were playing was a good sign.

Jack's verse came on. I immediately turned back around.

"So who's---- gonna tell me I can't do----

Anything I put my mind to----

Now I ain't tryna hear it

Bitch get up out my ear"

The chorus started and we went crazy in excitement. Singing along as he took the mic off the stand.

"I'm just a midwest kid dreamin'

California

One way ticket cause I had to show yah

Flow so sick, make you catch

pneumonia

I'm never goin' home, n-n-never goin' home

No way, no way

Never goin' home, n-n-never goin' home

No way, no way

Never goin' home, n-n-never goin' home

No way"

The crowd was so much bigger now. Live too! Jack and Jack were doing amazing up on stage. Walking around, pumping their fist in the air. They even walked up to Ashton and Shawn in their space and just.. Had fun.

Johnson started his second verse. Jack took a pause besides him, quietly mumbling the rap to himself while nodding his head to the beat. In the whole few seconds, the crowd got crazy full. I'd say they took the other guys crowd. Oh well, sucks to be them.

Jack started to sing again. The look on his face was just such an amazing feeling to experience. He was beyond happy. He belonged up there, they all did.

Smoke was shot out from the ends of the stage as the beat dropped. A surprise entrance of a bunch of dancers bursting through the sides of the stage. We were all shocked, but in a good way though. Even the guys were surprised. This had one name written all over it, Matthew Espinosa..

Jack's hand reaching out to the crowd but eyes spontaneously looking down to me.

"I'm just a midwest kid dreamin'

California

One way ticket cause I had to show yah"

A smile widely spread across my face, unable to contain my laughter. He teasingly snapped his fingers, looking down as he gave his body a body roll just as he sang the part about his Flow.

The girls went crazy with this. I didn't mind them, I knew exactly who it was meant for.

Jack gave me a quick wink. Looking back out at the huge crowd in front of them, he finished his verse.

It was getting hard to keep my place in the railing. The new people that came were a bit.. Pushy into getting front row seats. I think all of us could agree on that too. Sarah right there looked like she was about to explode.

The base got deeper. Both guys lip singing to a deep robot voice that was part of the song. The beat dropped again and both guys started jumping. Shortly after, so did the crowd.

"Midwest kid dreamin' California

One way ticket cause I had to show yah

Flow so sick, make you catch

pneumonia

I'm never goin' home, n-n-never goin' home

No way, no way"

They kept singing a few more lines of the same thing. The crowd even got the hang of the lyrics and they soon joined us with singing along to them.

Both guys finished at the same time. The other guys stopping their instruments and everything just at the speck of time.

We all went crazy cheering for them.

They gave away their waves. Throwing kisses in the end to just us three.

"Thank you, Coachella!" Jack yelled into the mic causing the crowd to get rowdy. The screaming and clapping brought a big smile to their faces as they exchanged a few looks.

They literally stole the stage. It was small and they had people so far back that it really showed that they needed a much bigger space. I never saw this coming.

"Hey!" A voice screamed over the crowd that sounded very much like Matthew's. I looked back down just in time to catch him smiling as his arms spread out wide. A nervous look growing in my face as I looked back up at the stage and noticed Jack was already looking at what was happening.

I looked back down at Matt just as I felt his arms wrap around me. He caught me by surprise. Looking over his shoulder my eyes widened back over to Johnson who quickly noticed me and turned back to Jack to get him to look away.

"What are you guys doing here?" He asked as he backed away from our hug.

I looked back at the girls and they looked back at me.

"Uh.. We came to watch the guys?" Sarah spoke up.

"Well of course you did!" He laughed. "But I mean what are you doing here in the crowd?"

We all looked back at each other one more time before shrugging our shoulders.

"You're with me!" He exclaimed. "That makes you ladies VIP's." He smiled. "Come on." He tapped his hand on the railing.

My eyes quickly widened. "You want us to jump the railing?"

"Well jumping the crowd isn't going to be any easier." He joked.

"But that security guard doesn't let us come anywhere near the stupid railing." Sarah pointed back at the security guard before rolling her eyes. Arms crossing over her chest with a small pout on her face. "And I'm not looking forward to leaving early."

Matt just shook his head and smiled. "Trust me." He paused. "You're with me, remember?"

I looked back over to Aria with an unsure look on my face. She had the same look too. I was about to tell Matt we were okay here but once I turned I was surprised to see Sarah already climbing the railing. Her hands were on Matt's shoulders and he was gripping on her waist to pull her out. It was an effortless move and he had people watching.

"Sarah!" I exclaimed.

"This next song is one of our older hits but it's just suited to have you guys up on your feet!" Johnson spoke again into the mic. "Isn't that right, G."

I looked up to catch Jack snap out of looking down at us and back up at the crowd. A smile curving his lips again for show. "That's right, J." He looked out. "This is a little jam we like to call Groove! Hit it Cam!"

Cam raised his drumsticks in the air, banging them against each other three times before Ashton and Shawn started with the cords. Again, Johnson started rapping and the crowd moved to the beat.

"Zoey!" I snapped out of my thoughts to look back down at Matt. I quickly regained notice that they were just waiting on me. Aria had already crossed to the other side and I had no idea.

Matt urged me to climb in his hold. I knew I had no choice. I was already acting strange so I wasn't going to risk anymore suspicion by not climbing over.

I looked down at the railing to put both
boots on the bottom step. My hands rose to put them over his shoulders. I felt butterflies in my stomach as his hands reached for my waist. I kept balance as I brought a knee up to the top of the silver railing. Matt helped me keep me steady to bring my other leg up too. He effortlessly lifted me up, spinning me back down to the other side of where we were standing.

"There we go." He smiled with his hands on his sides.

"Thanks." I smiled back.

"Don't mention it." He pointed out. "Now, let's get you ladies backstage." He clapped his hands, moving past Aria and Sarah to lead the way.

It was strange, I felt Jack's eyes on us the entire time and that's not necessarily a good thing. He needs to focus on the crowd and his performance. Not to mention, he's bringing more attention to us.

I was afraid to look up at him.

The security guard stood in front of the backstage entrance in a more stiffer position to prevent us from stepping any closer to the stage.

"They're with me." Matt pulled out his backstage pass. Not giving another look at the guy and just passing by. The guard didn't seem to mind, he just let us pass by before blocking the entrance again.

We climbed up the steps and stood behind the big silver stand where an usher and a sound technician were playing with some buttons on a big table that was controlling everything the guys were playing to be heard. It was so much louder back here. And glancing out into the crowd from what the guys were experiencing, it was much scarier than from below. You could see the crowd extending out to the far end of the grass. And more were still coming!

It was scary. I'd freak out if it was me performing on that stage.

I'm telling you, these guys really live what they do because not just anyone can get on a stage in front of a thousand people and sing.

I had to pull my head back inside because just thinking about it made me sick. So instead, I looked over at the guys. Ashton was really feeling the music. Walking across the stage. Shaking his head. He was really something alright.

Cam was also feeling it. He was playing those drums as if it was going to be his last.

And don't even get me started on Shawn. Now he was more chill but it was still the most excited I've ever seen him while performing.

I think it's safe to say we were all so proud of them.

"Isn't this so much better?" Matt's voice was heard from over my shoulder.

I just giggled and nodded along with him. It's really nice to know he cares about us and how we're feeling. This truly is a whole new experience for us.

"Here, have some beer." He handed me a clear plastic cup. "We're definitely going to have to cheer for this when they're done up there."

"Thanks." I smiled taking the cup under my grip. He did the same to the other girls and we stood there backstage waiting for them to finish.

"I know this isn't where I'm supposed to be, but I want this stage." Another voice spoke from behind us. They were coming up the stairs. I wasn't going to lie, the voice sounded familiar so I was definitely curious to see who it was.

My mouth fell agape I'm a gasp. The cup I was holding in my hand nearly falling to the ground as I noticed the body stepping away from the shadows and into clear view.

Nick Jonas..

Sarah was the first to release a loud scream. Immediately cupping her mouth as he flinched from the scream she shouted into his right ear.

"Ouch!" He scrunched up his face to the noise, trying to regain his hearing again. He looked back at Sarah who was now being held by a nervous looking Aria. "I didn't know there were going to be fans up here." He smiled at them.

Both Sarah and Aria giggled with his remark. Shying away from him before Matt stepped in.

I was still utterly speechless.

"Hey Nick." He smiled brightly at him, greeting him with a hand shake.

"Lee!" He exclaimed excitedly, taking the hand shake and hugging him in the end.

Jesus. That's Nick Fucking Jonas!

"How's it been, Buddy?" Nick pulled away.

"Eh." Matt shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say? Nothing really happens in the life of ordinary me." He joked.

"Hey, we're all ordinary here." Nick shook his head.

A short moment was passed on before Matt laid his eyes on me and remembered something.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Matt's eyes widened. He took Nick under his arm and pointed back at Aria and Sarah. "These are the girls that came with the band. This is Sarah, her brother is on the keys. Shawn Mendes. And that's Aria, she's dating her brother." He explained.

Nick smiled brightly back at them. He had such good manners, I swear.. It's Nick Fucking Jonas.

"Hi ladies. It's very nice to meet you."

Matt quickly turned him back around to me and I swear, I thought I was going to lose my cool. Nick Jonas was looking at me!

"And this is Zoey." He pointed back at me.

"Oh is that the girl you told me about?" He asked looking back at Matt. Yup, I'm definitely going to lose my cool. Nick Jonas knows about me!

"That's the one." He smiled back at me.

Nick quickly looked back at me with a different attitude from when he was meeting the other girls.

"Geez, it's so nice to finally meet you!" He exclaimed in excitement. Giving me his hand to shake. "I'm Nick."

Oh my God! Nick Jonas is actually talking to me!

Take it easy Zo.. Easy there..

I quickly put a smile on my face, keeping my cool as much as I could, I shook his hand.

"I know who you are." I chuckled. "Have been since Year 3000."

I immediately wanted to physically slap myself after saying that. Gasping, I quickly brought a hand over my mouth. Cheeks flushing with heat and turning bright pink in front of Nick Jonas himself. I was so embarrassed.

"Oh my God did I just say that out loud?" I closed my eyes.

I heard Nick chuckle. Looking back at him, I found out he was completely cool with it. Oh God.. I just lost my cool.

"If you like that, you should see her stacking CD's." Matt cut in. Nick immediately started to bust out laughing.

"Are you ever going to stop with the jokes, Lee?" Nick laughed back at him.

"Haven't stopped since I was four.. And I ain't about to stop now." He smiled back.

Nick rolled his eyes, turning back to me moments after.

I was so starstruck that I didn't even move a muscle, just kept yapping my mouth. That seems to be a habit when meeting celebrities. Once, I went with my parents to a small private Lionel Richie concert for their 15th anniversary and we ended up having to run backstage because he was fatigued and had a fever and my father happened to be the only Doctor in the room. He was nice enough to try and make conversation with me but I was completely shunned. Couldn't move a muscle. Even with a sick, nearly dying Lionel Richie I couldn't speak a word to make me sound as chill as possible.

"S-So you're performing in this stage?" I asked such a stupid question.

Even Nick was finding me to be a joke. "Well this isn't my stage, but I mean.. Look at this crowd!" He smiled brightly at what they've started. "It's so live! So good!" He turned back to me. "I love it."

I love you.

Okay, I admit I was going a little whack. But who wouldn't! It's Nick Jonas for crying out loud! He and Zac Efron were my first childhood crush! Not everyone can say they saw and actually met their childhood crush. And let's not leave out the part that he already knew about me too.

"Your cousin's band is good. I see them going far ahead in this industry." He nodded.

"Oh I hope you're right." I admitted.

Nick smiled back at me with a small nod. He remained close by and Matt handed him a beer.

We remained watching the rest of the performance in silence. All we did was listen to the music and cheers from the crowd.

From the sound of the verse they were now close to ending it. Not so sure the crowd wanted them to leave though.

"THANK YOU CALIFORNIA!" Jack shouted into the mic, raising his hand into the air towards the crowd cheering them on. A wide smile never leaving his face as he looked back at the guys until the crowd stopped cheering. And they didn't.

"SING MORE SONGS!" A girl shouted from the crowed. Her comment didn't go unnoticed by them and Johnson was quick to respond.

"As much as we'd love to stay here and play all this music for you, we can't because another artist is booked to play in this stage soon." He spoke feeling guilty with his hand over his chest.

"NOOOOO!" The crowd gave them thumbs down and shook their heads. The guys were stuck.

"Don't worry guys!" Jack cut in speaking into the mic. "Hopefully we'll be playing over at the main stage at midnight. So come looking for us there!" He spoke joyfully as the crowd cheered him on. "Thank you again, Coachella. You are amazing!"

"Remember, I'm Jack and this is Jack." Johnson brought the mic up to his mouth. "And together we're 21!"

The crowd got rowdy again. Cheering and clapping them on as they dropped their instruments and ran backstage.

I immediately shrieked as they joined us. We also cheered them on once they were behind the curtains. First one up was Ashton. His arms wrapped around my waist as he raised me in the air from his embrace. I couldn't help it but release a small giggle as I hugged him back.

"You did it!" I smiled as he put me down.

"We did!" He smiled. "I've never been so nervous in my life."

I gave him a soft smile as he moved on to the next one, Sarah. I repeated the action of embracing with the other guys. Hugging Cam felt a little weird for a moment judging from our situation, but it quickly passed because in the end he was trying and was my friend. Shawn came next. Then Johnson. And finally, Jack.

I embraced him just like the others to prevent suspicion. But in the end, I really did want to hug him. Only thing was I didn't ever want to let go.

"You did great out there, Gilinsky." I chuckled while whispering into his ear.

I felt a smile creep into his lips against my cheek. That was all I needed for a thank you.

That moment was all we had before we had to pull away. Once we did, the guys came to realization.

"HOLY SHIT IS THAT NICK JONAS!" Ash too tried to keep his cool by biting his bottom lip and nervously looking back at us. Wow, and I thought I was bad.

I remained close to Jack as they all shook his hand in greetings after Nick himself told them yes.

"JESUS!" Ash exclaimed. "You're amazing, Bro."

Nick chuckled as he accepted Ash's compliment. "Thanks, Bro. I can say the same thing about you too."

Ashton nearly fell into a coma after what Nick Jonas told him. He held onto Cam and we all just busted our asses laughing at him.

"Okay, okay.." Matt came in between everyone, handing the remainder of us a cup of beer. "This calls for a toast." He raised his cup in the air before clearing his throat. We all watched him about to speak. Even Nick Jonas was joining our toast!

"When Zoey first told me her cousin was in a band.. The first thing I thought was Oh Shit, She's One Of Them.." We all paused to take a small laugh. Jack not so much. Honestly, I didn't want this to be about me. This was about them.. "But then I realized she wasn't who I thought and neither was her cousin's band. 21.. You guys are a new definition of music. You're fresh, and your beats, wow, they really do make people happy. Keep up the good work guys. All of you. The wardrobe." He looked at Aria. "The lyrics.." He pointed at Johnson, Jack, and me. "The planning." He looked at Sarah. "The beats." He pointed back at Shawn and Cam. "The leading." He smiled back at Ashton and cocked his head to the side. "And of course, the managing." He shrugged his shoulders as he was talking about himself.

We all shared a laugh for a moment. "Alright, alright." It wasn't long before we calmed down when Matt started speaking again. "So here we have it. To new beginnings and bright futures." He raised his cup. "TO 21!"

"TO 21!" We all cheered, raising our cups before bringing it back down to take a sip from it.

"Alright Mr. Jonas, you can have the stage.." An usher walked in our celebration. "You're on in 5."

Nick nodded his head as he took a last gulp from his cup. Finishing the drink, he handed it back to the guy. Immediately they started handing him all his performance gear.

"I'm sorry but you guys can't be here anymore. Your time is up." One security guard looked down at us.

"Of course." Matt nodded.

We were all escorted out. But before we left Matt called out to a halt on Nick and we had no choice but to listen to what he had to say.

"Hey Nick! I expect you to come to the night performance!" He spoke excitedly.

"I'll do my best." He nodded. "Maybe Joe will want to slide in too."

"JOE JONAS IS HERE TOO!" Sarah jumped in with wide eyes.

Nick chuckled with a small nod before an usher handed him the mic.

"Break a leg, Jo-Bro." Matthew joked pointing out back behind him as he jogged down the steps of the stage.

"Thanks." He called out back.

We finally reached the bottom of the stairs and I had to admit, I wasn't feeling so starstruck anymore. Nick Jonas is just like any other guy. He was so nice to us, so nice to the band. Proud of them too. Do you know what it is to have the JONAS BROTHERS supporting your friends and family from their band. Yeah, neither do I because I still can't get that through my head.

This turned out to be a great day after all.