Spellbound at the Academy

Chapter 8

"Noah Jameson asked you out??!!"

    I just told Nicole and Dahlia about Noah, and you can imagine their reaction.

    "Oh my gosh, Rhea, you're like the luckiest girl in the world!!" Dahlia gushes.

    I tell them everything that happened at the party, and after squealing and giggling in front of my locker for a few minutes, a feel a pair of strong hands grip my waist.

    I smile shyly, and right before Noah turns me around, I see Nicole and Dahlia looking at me teasingly.

    "Hey!" I grin.

    "Hey Rhea. So about that date you owe me... how about tonight?" Noah flashes me a charming smile.

    "I'd love to... I can't," I sigh. "Remember that stupid Spelling Bee we're having? Well, I have to practice with Vicky tonight."

    "Aw come on! Make it tomorrow! It'll be worth it!" Noah pouts cutely.

    "I'm sorry, I can't. We were supposed to practice yesterday, but because of your party, we had to switch the practice to today. If I bail on Vicky again, he'll hate me forever!"

    "Oh, alright!" Noah stomps his foot, trying to look angry, but failing miserably. Giving it up, his tone softens. "See you later! But don't forget about that date you owe me!"

    I wave him off, and then lean against my locker and sigh. A day should have more than 24 hours. There's just so much to do!

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    During Algebra, I see a notice on the Notice Board which is extremely eye-grabbing, with large instruments drawn all over the border. As soon as the bell rings, I go up to the notice curiously.

    "All senior band members must attend practice today in the music room during lunch," it states, in bold, black letters.

    Algebra was my last class before lunch, and I grab an apple from the cafeteria, then rush off to the music room. When I open the door, I see a bunch of people gathered around a table, chatting with each other quietly. I look closer and see that Noah, Nicole, and Scott are already present.

    I walk up to them and grab a chair.     "Hey guys! What are you all talking about?"

    "We're just talking about the band," Scott explains.

    "Rhea, there's someone you have to meet. This is our drummer, Toby Rock," Nicole says, pointing at a boy with dark brown hair that fall just under his chin, and dark brown eyes. He has a mischievous expression on his face and he holds a pair of drumsticks.

    "Yo!" he greets, drumming a tune on the table.

    I smile at him and wave, and as soon as I sit down, Professor Zinc barges into the room.

    "Hello, senior band members!" he exclaims. "Let's get right down to business, shall we? From now on, I will expect you all to make up a practice schedule for outside of the school, since in school you are only allotted the music room for one hour per week. You will decide amongst yourselves which songs to play and everything, but just for today's first practice, I have printed out sheets of music for you all. Remember, Maple Marshrup Academy's annual music concert will take place 5 weeks from now."

    In a softer voice, as if talking to himself, Professor Zinc continues, "Which I never really understood... Why host the concert towards the beginning of the year instead of towards the end?"

    Regaining his composure, Professor Zinc says, "Let us begin! Please take your places on stage. Scott and Nicole, you will be the backup singers for Rhea. The three of you, please come over here to get your microphones."