The Concert

The negotiations

Pulling up to the front of school felt so bizarre. It doesn't feel that long ago that the town suffered a huge tragedy that took the lives of so many. The memorial set up at the school entrance still had fresh flowers being laid, amongst the soft toys, footballs, pom poms and pictures. A reminder of a dark and traumatic time. Yet only a select few were aware of the truth that happened that day. The Starcourt Mall was destroyed by a freak accident, a fire that was responsible for the deaths of many fellow students, including Billy. A wry smile crossed my lips as I look at the polaroid pictures stuck to my dashboard. That was such a fun and carefree day. Looking at the silly faces, the laughter and joy caught in that moment in time, a moment that people that didn't know him very well would refuse to believe was him. He was so angry and distant at the end...right up to the point he wasn't.

A familiar face broke my line of thought, a broad smile and floppy hair, Steve stood leaning against his brown BMW. I grabbed by backpack and got out the car. As I got closer, I could see he was giving me "the look" it was a cross of sympathy, intrigue and more sympathy "How you holding up?" he asked. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, "the same as the previous thousand times you've asked me!" I replied, "seriously can you stop looking at me like I'm some fragile lamb that's going to come unhinged at any minute, it's starting to piss me off". Steve raised his eyebrows and shuffled his feet, "Someone got out of the wrong side of bed today!" he stood up straight and we stood face to face "I get it, you're a strong, independent badass" he said in an almost mocking tone. He stepped closer and lowered his voice "but it isn't every day that you find out there's whole other dimension, filled with lots strange demonic monsters, that possess your boyfriend turning him to a homicidal maniac, who at the last minute swapped sides to be a hero..." Steve stopped midsentence, and stepped back "you're doing the face again" I narrowed my eyes and inhaled deeply, "he wasn't my boyfriend. And yes, it was a lot to process. And I know you mean well, but seriously Steve, if you don't stop with the sad puppy dog look every time you see me, I might have to punch you in the throat". Steve took another step back "Understood, geezz!" he said as he widened his eyes.

"Steve, Freya, what are you guys doing here?" a familiar and probably one of my favourite voices called out, I turned around to see Dustin and Mike walking towards us. "Hey Squishy face!" I said affectionately, "I am here to meet with Mr Harper and discuss the final plan for the charity concert". Dustin smiled and raised his eyebrows at Steve, gesturing for his response. Steve suddenly realised "oh, I'm dropping something off for Nancy". Dustin shot me a look and we both smirked, "what?" what's that look about?" Steve demanded, we both sniggered and shook our heads "nothing" Dustin chuckled. Steve held his hands out "what?" looking to Mike for an explanation, "beats me" he shrugged in return, which made us laugh more. I looked at my watch "I need to get going" I smiled, said my goodbyes and headed into the school.

The meeting with Mr Harper was quite productive, he was happy that so many people were eager to get involved with music, even if it was just for the charity concert. He was equally impressed as concerned by some of the names on the list "don't worry Mr Harper, it'll be an amazing show, plus we get to see the potential from some that wouldn't otherwise be so open about their talent". He smiled and looked over the list again, "I hope you're right, it's certainly an interesting mix of people". I smiled in a bid to reassure him, "just wait and see, it'll be great! Are we still ok to hold our first official practice on Tuesday evening?" Mr Harper nodded "Yes everything's been ok'd by the principal, just don't wreck the place ok", I smiled and nodded. "I don't suppose he mentioned anything about the extra credit for some of the people on the list, to help towards graduation?" Mr Harper repositioned his glasses, "He's still looking into the viability of it, he will let me know once he has deduced whether it's worthy of his time, or mine for that matter" Inhaling deeply I raised my eyebrows, "of course, I mean, who would want the credit for getting even the most wayward of students through graduation...and all via the power of music" I said with a smile. Mr Harper sat back in his seat and folded his arms, "and you really think that you can get all the people on your list, not only to play together in a concert, but to also apply themselves enough to commit to the extra work needed to go towards this extra credit, should the principal see fit to give it the go ahead?" Placing my hands on the desk in front of him, "Mr Harper, I find your lack of faith disturbing" which in turn made him smile "yes, well Vadar aside, you are going to great lengths to help some of these "wayward" students as you say". Shrugging my shoulders and standing up straight "maybe some of them just need to be told a different narrative" Mr Harper narrowed his eyes in curiosity "Pardon my French Mr Harper, but you can only be told you're a pile of shit that will amount to nothing for so long, until you start believing it..." Mr Harper sat deliberating for a second and then finally nodded his head "yes well... there's definitely truth in that. Fine, I shall make another effort the see if we can get the principal on side". I couldn't help but beam, "thank you Mr Harper, you wont regret it!" He rolled his eyes "I hope not". The bell rang for the start of the day.