Between Love and Music

9- The Sound of the World Ending

I glanced at my worn out pair of Converse in despair. I tried to remember exactly why I was dressing up in the first place. It’s not like I was going anywhere important; just school. On my bed lay a pair of ripped shorts, a blue tank top, and a black jacket that stops at my ribs. My hair was down like usual, but this time it wasn’t unruly like it normally is. Instead, loose curls flowed onto my shoulders. I changed out of my pajamas and into the dressier outfit on my bed. The, I stuffed clothes for gym and marching band into my bag. After I had left my room for the final time that morning, I noticed Jeydon sitting on the couch, watching the news.

“When are you going back to college?” I asked, hoping for him to say tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, I love my brother. I just love him more when he isn’t around me. My moods have been totally drained since he’s been here. Usually, I can ignore my parents and do my own thing, but all he wants to do is hang around me and ask when I’m going to do sports again. Even though I never did in the first place. I guess he’s just like the rest of my family. Never paying much attention to me unless I do something wrong. Otherwise, I’m like the middle child: Alone and ignored.

“Next week.” He replied, not glancing up at me. I groaned on the inside, turned on my heels, and left the house. As I was walking down to my car, I noticed my sandal was pinching my toes. I’m not even at school and I’m already missing my Converse.

~*~

“Can you shut up for about three seconds about what I’m wearing?” I snapped at Ryan. She was quiet for exactly three seconds before rambling on again. I pinched the bright of my nose, thinking about slapping a random freshman just because I feel like it. “I mean, you’re usually wearing a band shirt and skinny jeans. And what’s with the sandals? Did you actually curl your hair? Hope! Answer me!” I glanced down at her distressed and confused face. “I’m wearing this because I feel like it. Good enough for you?”

She looked at the floor, letting her next words come out in a soft tone. “You’re not gonna start dressing like those preps are you?” She was worried about me…becoming a prep. I waited a second before bursting about into laughter. A grin spread slowly across her face. She shook her head at me and began walking in the direction of her next class. I laughed to myself again, pulling books out of my locker.

“So you do know how to laugh!” A voice said from beside me. I peered behind my locker door to see Chase’s beaming face.

 “And you still know how to be obnoxious.” I countered.

He grinned. “You’re cute.” I tried to contain the flips that were going insane in my stomach. Was it the muffin I ate this morning? Or maybe the milk was bad. Either way, my head was getting dizzy as well.

 I scowled. “And you’re stupid. Are we done here?”

“Not quite. Kein wanted me to tell you that we need to stay after in class today. He emailed your fourth period teacher already.”

“Why do we need to stay after?”

“He didn’t give many details. Something about a part he’s working in.” I nodded, thinking it was probably just a new part we needed to do. No big deal. Eventually, Chase had to leave me alone since we didn’t have first period together. I wasn’t sure why, but I wanted him to keep talking to me. Third period just looks better and better. Unfortunately, I have History and Algebra to get through.

Walking through the door of my first period, I found my seat in the back. As soon as I was able to slam my book onto my desk, Will was whispering to me. “Care to explain?” He gestured to my outfit, giving me the once over. I rolled my eyes, but then realized maybe Will would have an idea of what was going on with me lately. “Will, what would you say if whenever I see Chase my stomach feels weird, and my head gets all clouded?”

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and then grinned. “Sounds like you’re a little wonderstruck.”

“Wonderstruck? What’s that supposed to mean?” I demanded.

Will simply laughed. “Look it up, dear.” With that, the bell rang, signaling the beginning of class.

“Okay class, please turn to page 187 and read Chapter eight and nine.” Our teacher stated.  I flipped to the page and grabbed my phone from my pocket, finding my Dictionary app.

Won´der'struck'

a.

1.

Struck with wonder, admiration, or surprise

What is that supposed to mean? That’s like…a crush. No. Just no. I don’t like Chase. That’s like being best friends with Freddie Cougar. You just don’t do it. I returned my attention to my book and started to work on my assignment. It was a failed attempt though. The words kept swimming off my page. Even when I could read a line, I couldn’t remember what I had just read. My mind was in another place. I gave up and spaced out for the rest of class. I didn’t believe in love, or crushes, or anything like that. So what are all these…feelings? I’m probably right though. The milk could have been bad.

~*~

“Okay guys, let’s do that measure one more time to makes sure that we’ve got it down.” Mr. Kein instructed the class. So far, the band has been working on our music for an upcoming concert and it sounds really good. The piece is super easy. I breezed right through it the first time, not having the slightest of problems. Chase was doing just as well. Our percussion section is stellar, even though we’re the only two decent ones. Besides Kaleb, of course.

Mr. Kein’s attention turned to the flutes. He began to run through one of their parts. I zoned out, twirling my drum stick in my fingers. Before I could react, it spun out of my hands, and flew into the wall behind me. A few heads turned to see what had happened, but besides that, no one seemed to notice. Or care. I watched as the drum stick rolled, stopping inches from my foot. I went to pick it up, but stopped when a hand was already there. Chase picked up the stick, handing it to me with a grin on his face. “Thanks.” I said, my voice cool. “No problem.” Chase replied, a confused look flashing across his face. My stomach flipped again. I’m checking that milk when I get home. The bell rang, stopping Mr. Kein mid-sentence. He bid the class goodbye. I didn’t move, remembering to stay after.

“So what’d you need us for?” I called to his podium after everyone had cleared out/

“Oh! I need to rehearse something for the big competition on Saturday.”

“What is it?” Chase asked slowly, sending me a skeptical look. I mirrored it, waiting for Mr. Kein’s response.

“I want you two to have a little romance scene in the ballad.”

Hear that? That’s the sound of the world ending. The only thing I could manage to say was, “Excuse me, what?!’’

I really hope you like this. It took me about two hours to write it all. Anyways, love you guys for reading! :)