Living On Marshall Street-ON HOLD

Chapter 5: Music Class

"What instrument do you play?" asked Mr. Carson, the music teacher. He looked really young to be a teacher mid twenties maybe? I was in a large room surrounded by all types of instruments; pianos, guitars, violins, drums, you name it!

"Piano," I said glancing at the beautiful grand instrument only a few steps away from me.

"Okay, take a seat on the right side then." I made my way over to the percussion instruments section and took a seat. I was late thanks to those two bullies and Austin, natrually, I had made an entrance causing everyone to glance my way. I really hated attention.

"You're late," Mr. Carson said suddenly.

"I know," Austin replied obviously still pissed at what had occured a few minutes ago. He then sat down in the strings section of the classroom. You have got to be kidding me! He was in this class too?!?! This class along with creative writing were supposed to be my favorite classes yet, he was making me hate them!

"Alright so I have nothing planned to teach you guys today, so we are just going to hear some of you play something," Mr. Carson said sitting on a stool in the middle of the room. "Who wants to go first?"

No one raised their hand.

"Austin, why don't you come and play something; it might help you calm down a bit." Mr. Carson said. Apparently I wasn't the only one that realized that Austin was upset. Austin stood up grabbed an acoustic guitar and made his way to the center of the room. He played the song "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias beautifully and I was actually surprised he could play at all. He didnt look like he was the type of person who could play an instrument. He was tall and lean. You could see some muscle in his arms while he was playing. He looked like the athletic type and maybe he was. You could be both musical and athletic right? The song was beautiful and kind of sad. Once he was finished he stood up and made eye contact with the group of students. His gaze immediately stopped at me and his eyes widened in shock. He had just realized that I was in this class with him.

"How about you go next Jezebel?" Mr. Carson got back my attention. Usually I hated playing in front of people; I get nervous and mess up most of the time. This time though, I want to play. I want to let all my anger and frustration out just like Austin had. I made my way over to the piano and sat down. I could feel Austin's eyes on me the whole time. It made me feel uncomfortable. I played "According To You " remembering how he had called me weak. He practically told me I wasn't capable of defending myself. Well, according to me you're stupid, you're useless, you can't do anything right, Austin!

Once I was finished, my classmates applauded, and I sat back down. Austin's gaze still on me.

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"That was a really cool song," I heard a voice behind me as I was putting all my books back in my locker. Last period had ended and now it was finally time to go home.

"What do you want, Austin?" I couldn't help but say it in a cold, hard voice still very upset with him.

"You," he smirked.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "You " really?

"I just don't get why you're so pissed at me," he continued.

"You can't just call me weak and defenseless and expect me to be happy about it!" I snapped.

"I didn't mean it; I was upset."

"Well so am I!" I slammed my locker's door shut. We both stayed silent and just stared at each other. It had only been a minute but it felt like thirty.