scales and arpeggios

chapter six: percy

"Percy, over here," Leo hisses as I walk into the band room on Wednesday. I drop my trombone at my chair and walk over to where most of the class is huddled.

"What's going on?" I ask them.

"The girls' first volleyball game is today, and you know how nervous they get," Hazel says. "We're all planning to be there, it's right after school anyway. Can you make it?" I nod at her and she smiles.

"Good, that's almost all of us." Frank's about to say something when Piper walks into the band room.

"What are you guys doing?" she asks, throwing her bag down next to the timpani.

"Nothing," Jason says quickly, and they all head back to their seats, but I walk up to Piper.

"Where's Annabeth? She's never late," I ask Piper.

"I don't know, she hasn't texted me all morning."

"Alright class, we have a lot to cover today, and not a lot of time. Please turn to your music and get ready to play," Mr. Fletcher says, walking up to his stand. I give Piper a worried smile and head back to my seat and pull out my trombone. Mr. Fletcher leads us through a few scales, and we're about to start working on Frozen when Annabeth walks in.

She's wearing a hoodie and a pair of leggings, her hair is thrown into a messy ponytail, and she's still carrying her volleyball bag. She must've rushed here. She ignores the whole class staring at her and walks up to Mr. Fletcher. I can't make out what they're saying, but it ends with Annabeth nodding her head and walking out of the classroom. Piper gets Mr. Fletcher's attention and points to the door before following Annabeth out. Mr. Fletcher returns to teaching. Annabeth and Piper return a few minutes later, Annabeth carefully avoiding everyone's eyes. I decide to just ask her what's wrong in chemistry and focus back on my music.

As soon as class finishes, I quickly pack up my trombone and leave it on the shelf before walking out into the hallway. I grab my chem book and look for Annabeth, but I can't find her. I sigh and head across the school, hoping she's already in class. When I reach the class, she's already sitting in our usual seat, her head resting in her hands.

"Hey, what's up?" I ask, sitting down next to her.

"What? Nothing, just a busy morning."

"You sure? You seemed a little out of it in band today."

She laughs, "I'm positive. Just a little anxious for the game tonight."

"Why? You're amazing at volleyball. I've seen it."

"Percy, Piper and I's passing sessions during free period aren't really that difficult."

"That's not what I meant," I tell her.

"What did you mean?"

"Nothing, but we should probably pay attention to Mr. Meany-Pants over there." I give a fake pout before focusing on the dumb words coming out of Mr. Thorn's mouth.

;;;;

After school, Jason and I gather the band kids and we make our way to the student section of the bleachers. Leo comes up to the bleachers with nachos and a hotdog.

"What? I haven't eaten since lunch," he says, sitting down next to Jason and Frank. The opposing team enters from the locker rooms. Our team comes out a few minutes later, Annabeth and Piper trailing behind. Piper spots us and rolls her eyes. Annabeth turns her head and her eyes go wide. They run over to us.

"What are you guys doing here?" Piper asks.

"What, can't we support our school team?" Travis asks.