Believer // Julie and the Phantoms

06

[Flying Solo]

"Where did the rest of your band go?" a boy wondered.

"Wait, were those holograms?" a girl in a purple wig questioned.

"Yes!" Julie said, pointing at the girl. "Yes, they were holograms. I plugged them into the ceiling projector before the show. I'd explain it, but it involves algorithms and science stuff." Everyone clapped.

"That's wild," Luke said. "They could see us when we were playing but not when the music ended."

"We should double check," Reggie decided as he patted Luke on the chest before going to the stairs and circling his hips. "Yeah, I don't -- I don't think they could see us!"

"I wish I couldn't see you," Alex muttered.

The principal told the students to leave. "Okay, people, back to class."

Julie said to the music teacher, "Mrs. Harrison, I am so sorry for not asking for permission. I just wanted to show you I belong here."

"As amazing as that was, your spot has already been filled by another student," Mrs. Harrison said.

They watched as a boy dragged a cello too big for him down the stairs.

"Come on, that thing is way too big for him!" Julie protested.

"He'll grow into it," Mrs. Harrison told Julie. "I wish that I could help you, but my hands are tied."

Principal Lessa walked up to the two. "Mine aren't, and as much as I didn't approve of this little stunt that you pulled, I will not go down in history as the principal who kicked Julie Molina out of the music program."

Julie chuckled and exclaimed, "Thank you!"

"But... when you win your first Grammy, I want to be thanked."

"Definitely."

"Congratulations!"

"Oh! Aw!" Mrs. Harrison exclaimed, hugging the girl. "Welcome back." She chuckled, as did Julie.

Julie ran back to her best friend.

"Wow, you did it," Flynn said in a blunt tone.

Julie smiled and replied, "Thanks to you."

Flynn didn't return her smile and instead asked, "When did you start playing with a hologram band?"

"It was just one song. Yeah, we're not a band. They are, we aren't."

"Why have you been keeping those cute boys a secret?"

"There's a reason for that. It's really crazy."

"I'm all about crazy. Let's hear it."

"Uh, they're from, um, they're from Sweden. Turns out they're not only great at making meatballs, but also great at making music. Anyway, who's excited that I'm back in the music program?" She did jazz hands.

Flynn remained unimpressed. "Are you lying to me?"

Julie looked at the ground and said, "Yeah. Yeah I am."

"Since when do we lie to each other?"

"Flynn... I'm sorry."

""I'm sorry?" That's all you've got?"

Flynn ran from the gym.

"Flynn-" Julie ran out into the hall. "Flynn, wait! Flynn? Come on!"

"Hey, nice job," a guy said.