Jauregui.

two

Taking a deep breath, I quietly left the room. Thankfully, because it was Friday, the other girls had already left for school and to Miss Layla's knowledge, so had I. I had told her a few days prior that I was in the school play, and would be in practice until late tonight, to buy myself some time, albeit I do not know how believable it was. Once I successfully got out, I took a deep breath, relieved, before grabbing my bag and walking away. 

Since the box-office wasn't very far, I took a bus, and was able to walk the rest of the way arriving around 7:52 AM. Right on time.

I stood in the line, quietly. While I waited, I thought about tonight. The familiar feeling of excitement in the pit of my stomach returned and I smiled to myself. The whole process was relatively painless. I gave the man my name and the permission slip, just incase. He quickly found my name on the list and handed me my ticket and lanyard.

It was now 9:13 AM, so I had about five hours before I needed to line up for the meet and greet. I wandered around the arena for some time, before deciding to explore the area. Luckily, there was a nearby coffee shop and bookstore, so I decided to go there. 

Losing track of time, I left the shop at 2:15 PM, and hurriedly ran back to the arena and followed the signs to the meet and greet entrance line. Thankfully, they hadn't taken all of the fans in, although they were halfway done. I rushed to the end of the line and stood in place, trying to catch my breath.

"Hey!" A girl's voice said, and I looked in front of me, to see a smiling girl, who looked to be a few years older than me.

I pointed to myself and the girl laughed and nodded. "Yes, you. Who else?" she asked in a joking manner and I smiled as well.

" My name is Maia and I'm 15," she said sticking her hand out.

"I'm Ave and I'm 12," I said, using my nickname, shaking her hand as we exchanged pleasantries.

She smiled and we talked. Maia talked for the most part and I listened, asking in a few words occasionally. However, I didn't mind. I don't like talking as much as I like listening. 

Every so often, we were taken through different entrances and our names and lanyards checked by different members of the Fifth Harmony team. Finally, after what felt like forever, Maia was called to go in. 

"Enjoy every second of it!" I said to her with a smile and she pulled me into a hug.

"I will! You too!" She said, before following the team member. Another member of the team ushered me into a make-shift waiting room and smiled at me.

"You're on deck, sweetie. How do you feel?" She asked.

"Oh my Gosh, I'm so giddy! I don't even know how to articulate how I'm feeling! I can't wait to hug them and see them in real-life," I said, with a smile.

"You're so cute!" The lady gushed, "Has anyone told you that you look kinda like Lauren?" She asked, to which my mouth dropped wide open in shock. If only.

"No, but thank you for the greatest compliment!" I responded, in awe. 

After a few minutes, she began talking to someone from her earphones and nodding. "Averi, it's your turn. Have fun!" She smiled before opening the door. I walked down the long hallway and followed the signs around the corner, before arriving at the room. I took a deep breath before turning the door handle.

--

"Hi cutie," Camila waved at me and I waved back shyly. Suddenly, I forgot everything I wanted to say. 

"Aw, Mani. Look! She's adorable!" Ally said grabbing onto Normani, making me giggle.

"Hi honey," Dinah said, bending down to hug me.