Brallie Metropolis AU | In This Together

Chapter 9 | Fire Drill

Brandon wobbled down the stairs that morning to find the kitchen running at it's usual pace. He was he exact opposite. He had bags under his red eyes, flushed face, and a brain that was going in a million and one directions.

"Oh geez Brandon did you get any sleep last night?" Lena joked as he took a seat.

He looked at her and smiled a little, refusing to respond. Brandon turned his hand to see Callie's eyes glued to her bowl of cereal.

"Where's the milk?" Jesus exclaimed.

"Over there," Jude calmly responded, motioning his head to the carton of milk on the counter behind him.

"B, get a move on. We have to leave in like five minutes. I'm taking you guys to school today." Stef said as she noticed the time on her watch. Brandon hurried up the stairs to get ready.

"Mama's not taking us to school today?" Mariana asked.

"No I have a meeting with the board in about an hour, and I have to go to the copy place to pick up my papers I have to bring. Along with a few more errands." Lena declared.

"Copy place?" She asked again.

"I had to make copies of the brochures for my meeting today. I have to have like a thousand. I thought it would be easier if I had them do it instead."

Brandon came running back down in the nick of time. "Perfect timing, B. Alright kids, lets go!" Stef hurried everyone out the door. "Love you!" Her voiced faded out as she shut the door.

Lena quickly responded loudly, hoping that Stef could hear her, "Love you, too, hun!"

During lunch at school, Callie headed to the music room to be alone. Brandon had a make up test that hour, so she didn't think he would be there. She opened the door and sat by the window in front of the keyboard, her usual spot. Callie grabbed the brown paper sac from her backpack, pulled out her sandwich, and took a bite. Then Brandon walked in.

"Oh, sorry I didn't think you would be here. I thought you had that test thing. I'll go." She said with her mouth completely full. The words were so muffled, Brandon could barely understand what she was saying. He got the message when half way through her sentence she got up and walked, more like ran, to the door.

"Callie, it's okay-" He gets interrupted.

"It's ok, I'll see you later!" He could hear her voice moving down the hallway.

Brandon plopped down in frustration and disappointment at the keyboard. The only song he could remember the notes to in that moment was the one he wrote for Callie. Before he got the chance, the bell rang unexpected for a fire drill. He scurried along with the crowd in the hallway.