Between Love and Music

6-Playing the Nice Card

“Reset!” Mr. Kein yelled. I groaned internally, moving to the last set. We were in the cleaning process this week and it was going slow. On the brightside, Chase hasn’t set anything to me about falling asleep on him today. I was never going to live that one down. We played the set again. This time, Mr. Kein walked to the drum line. I sucked in air, a little scared of what he was going to say. He’s been screaming at everyone who messed up just the smallest bit all day and I wasn’t ready to have my self-esteem get kicked down. Believe it or not, words do hurt. “Nice job Chase.” He grinned before turning towards me. “Work on that measure Hope.” I gritted my teeth and nodded curtly, knowing full and well that the measure was flawless. In case you haven’t noticed yet, Chase is Mr. Kein’s new favorite now. His little Winchester prodigy.

I rolled my eyes at the thought, wishing Chase wasn’t so close beside me. He was about four inches away from my left shoulder. For some strange reason, there was a small part in the back of my head that liked him standing there. I ignored it, realizing that it was probably the heat affecting my brain. That was the thing about marching band rehearsals; you have plenty of time to think.

 We were at a hold now. I relaxed slightly, watching the guard behind Chase’s head. When the set had ended, an annoying flute-that has a thing for Chase- spoke up. “Dang Hope! Why are you staring at Chase?” I let out a sarcastic laugh. “What key are we in?’ She blinked. “Um, B flat?” I smirked. “Are you sure? Maybe you should pay attention. Your F# sounds a little bit out of tune.” She stammered, surprised of my ability to hear those notes. I’ve never been a woodwind, but I’ve been in band long enough to hear the right notes.

Meanwhile, most of the band was trying not to smile. On the other hand, Chase was howling with laughter. “Chase, shut up. You sound like a dork.” I hissed. He continued to laugh, making everyone else bust out with giggles. My comeback wasn’t even that funny, Chase’s laugh was grabbing everyone’s attention.

“Hope, you’ve gotta stop flirting on the field.” Mr. Kein stated calmly. I rolled my eyes, wanting to punch myself for the dark shade of red that was surely spreading across my face. “I don’t flirt with him.” I defended. Everyone laughed again. “Says the girl who’s been staring at him for the whole practice!” Another wind member shouted.

Chase looked at me, a playful smirk on his face. “Oh, you have?” He questioned. I felt my cheeks turn a deeper shade of red.

“No!”

He winked. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

I shook my head franticly. “I haven’t!”

 Mr. Kein spoke up again. “Alright you two, flirt after rehearsal.”

 I groaned and threw my hands in the air, giving up. I pushed the feeling of embarrassment away, focusing back on the music.

~*~

Sometimes, I wish I never joined band. Remember those jerks who messed with me at lunch? Here they were again…at my locker…..trying to talk to me. “Look guys, I know I’m epic and all, but can you please leave so I can get to class?” They chuckled.

There were four of them. Big, bulky football players. Zeke, the youngest, was actually kind of cute. If only he hadn’t have chosen to be a jerk. Alexander, was the dumb, muscular one. There was Steven, who was normal. Smart, quiet, and talented at soccer and football. Lastly, Kevin. The quarterback, cheerleader-dating, attractive, jerk. You know the type.

“I’m afraid dear, that we can’t let you move from that spot there.” Steven said.

I rolled my eyes. “Why is that? And don’t call me ‘dear’.”