If You Dare

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Third period I had music. The teacher made us do theory but I got to sit next to Jesse. He smiled when I walked into the room and I smiled back. I took the seat next to him and he laughed.

“How’d it go?” He asked.

I shrugged. “It could’ve gone better, I think he hates me.”

“Then why do you look so happy?” He looked at me curiously.

I grinned. “I look happy?”

He smiled and chuckled again. “Kind of yeah, but I’m not sure if that’s just your look.”

“What do you mean my ‘look’?” I asked imitating his voice. “By the way, I just met your brother.”

“You mean Josh is home from school already?” He asked looking a little excited.

“Sorry to disappoint you but, no he’s not.” I told him with a tiny sigh. “I met Ashton.”

His face fell. “Oh, that brother, I almost forgot about him. He was a dick to you wasn’t he?”

I shrugged. “At first, he hated me.” Then I smiled softly. “But I think he likes me now. I have that effect on people.”

He shook his head and had to laugh. “Did he tell you anything, about me?”

I thought for a moment then replied. “He called you a musical dork but that was all he mentioned.”

“Hmm, interesting, what else did he say?” He wondered curiously inching a little closer to me.

“I’m not telling you. He told me to look up a band though.” I explained lying through my teeth. “He said they’re really good. I’m going to have a listen to them tonight.”

“That would be his band. Ashen-whatever, of course he told you to.” Jesse shook his head.

I winced. “Okay, so you know the name now I can tell you I just lied. I brought it up and he told me it was his band, sorry Jess.”

He shrugged again. “I figured as much.”

The teacher walked past and dropped a sheet of paper on our desks. I looked simple so I turned it over and started writing down some of the answers.

“Whoa, slow down speedy.” Jesse laughed. “How do you know all of this?”

I grinned at him and winked. “I grew up learning this.”

“Of course you did.” He shook his head and smiled again. “My brother tried it with me but I find it hard.”

I sighed. “Well, you’ve either got it or you don’t. Some people just can’t read music. It’s not your fault if you can’t.” I assured him.

“I have to get at least straight Bs if I want to keep the band going.” He explained. “I mean Ant and I write all the music we have to know how to read it to write it.”

I shook my head. “Not always, you might know notes and beats and chords but you don’t always have to know how to read them.”

“You don’t understand, I have to know how to. I’m not allowed to be in the band if I don’t.” He told me sadly. “And at the moment I’m worried I’m going to fail.”

I smiled at him softly. “It’s cool, I’ll tutor you. But you can’t tell anyone, they’ll all expect more of me.”

He laughed. “Don’t worry Zae, I wouldn’t dare.”

I sat silent for a moment before I spoke again. “Won’t Ant be pissed with you? You know, because you’re still hanging out with me?”

Jesse shook his head. “He’ll come around.”