On My Way • Why Don't We | ✓

two

June 8, 2017 ; Vancouver, Washington
Evelyn

Today 7:21 AM

Daniel
good morning!

Evelyn
good morning :)

Daniel
so, have you decided yet?

Evelyn
it's been 12 hours since
you last asked me

Evelyn
but, i'm thinking about it
read 7:23 am

incoming call from Daniel

"What's up?" I ask while grabbing my backpack and car keys.

"Did you decide?" Daniel's voice is eager on the other side of the line.

I sigh, opening my car door. It's been like this everyday for the past week: Daniel will call me every morning and afternoon to ask if I made a decision.

"I talked to my parents, and they're supportive idea as long as you are there," I open my car door and throw my backpack onto the passenger seat, "They basically don't want me traveling across the country with a bunch of unknown boys."

"Okay . . . so, if you decided, you could come!"

I pull the phone away from ear while he shouts. Setting it down on the dashboard and clicking the speaker button, I turn on the engine.

"Yeah, but I wanted to make sure that all the band members are okay with it. I'm just worried that this is a special experience for you guys. It wouldn't be as fun having a girl tag along."

"Ev, don't worry. They're okay with it, I promise. Plus, you would be a great addition to the team."

"Fine," We're both silent for a moment as I back out of my driveway, "I guess I'm going on tour with Why Don't We!"

"Seriously?" I hear fumbling in the backpack before Daniel shouts, "Guys, Ev is coming on tour!"

I can faintly make out a few voices shouting back, and they sound somewhat positive. More loud noise follows, and I wait patiently until Daniel is back on the line.

"Ev, this is going to be the best summer ever!"

"Even better than the summer of road tripping?" I ask.

"Even better," He promises, "This time, we don't have parents."

I laugh at this.

"Hey, how's your art project going?"

"Oh, I'm still working on it, but I have studio time tomorrow afternoon again. I should be able to finish," I pause, remembering something, "Hey, does Why Don't We have a hired photographer?"

Daniel's voice sounds confused over the line, "Um, well we have a photographer we were planning to hire, but if you have a better suggestion, I'm sure we can think about it."

"It's just that Nova has been looking for a summer intern or job focusing on photography, so if you had an open position, that would help her a ton, but don't feel pressured because of me," I chew my lip as I wait for the stoplight to turn green.

Daniel pauses over the line, talking to someone on the other side. Their voices are muffled.

"Don't tell anyone I said this," His voice lowers, "But, the person we were planning to hire isn't the most dependable. They've forgotten about shows and stuff. So, if Nova was willing show up to all the shows, that would be amazing."

"I'm sure she'd be okay with it. I'll get back to you?"

"Sure, Ev," He pauses, "And, hey, have a great day."

"Thanks, Daniel. You too."

. . .

"I have news," I say, spinning my combination lock.

"Mmmm?" Nova looks up from her phone, "And, what would that be?"

"You were looking for a summer internship, right?"

She nods.

"Well, I found one for you."

"I checked everywhere. You couldn't have found something," She slips her phone into her back pocket, now interested in the conversation.

"Daniel invited me on tour, right? Well, they actually need a reliable photographer, so I asked if there was a spot for you. They just want you to actually show up to all the shows," I open my locker and turn to face her, "Unlike their other photographer."

"If I'm hired to take photos at events, I'll show up at events," She rolls her eyes, "So, you're saying I would go on tour with them? Like you are?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "It would be really fun, and you can get your internship."

She smiles, "Wow. I would have to obviously talk to my parents, but that's amazing. Thanks, Evelyn."

"Of course," I zip up my backpack, "I'm heading to the library to study. Text me if your parents are okay with the whole tour thing."

She nods, "Thanks. See you."

I wave goodbye to her. Nova always seems confident, which is something I admire in her. She'll talk to people, and immediately, they'll want to hang out with her more. Instead, I stick to my core group of friends.

I turn the corner and enter the library. The air is cold against my skin as I wave hello to the librarian and take a table in the center of the room, pulling out my laptop and notebook to shush for math. I am finishing up my assignment when a voice interrupts my studies.

"Hey, Evelyn," I look up from my work.

"Oh, um, hey," I smile weakly, adjusting my glasses, "Hi . . . Cameron."

"So," He slides into the chair across from me, "What're you studying?"

"Oh," I look down at my paper, avoiding his eyes, "Math."

He laughs, "Nice. I'm so unprepared for the final."

I nod, looking up to smile at him.

"You're smart. You'll do fine."

"Um . . . thanks?" I shrug.

"I should get going," He stands up, "Megan's probably waiting. Talk to you later."

I let out the breath I was holding as he walks away, "Bye, Cameron."

My phone buzzes inside my backpack. I dig through my pocket to find it.

2 new messages

Today 4:10 PM

Daniel
nova is welcome
as our new photographer

Evelyn
great! thank you so much.
she's talking to her parents

Daniel
of course
read 4:11pm

---

Today 4:11 PM

Nova
my parents are a bit
hesitant, but they're
considering it. they agree
it's a great opportunity,
and one i need for college

Evelyn
the position is open for
you. they'd love to have you
read 4:12 pm