Protect My Heart

CHAPTER FOUR: EMMA

AFTER LUNCH ON MONDAY, I met Kathryn by our lockers and walked with her to choir. Choir was one of my favorite classes for a couple of reasons: First, I never had homework assigned from it, which was always a plus. And second, I just really loved to sing. As an alto, I didn't sing the melody in most songs, but it was fun harmonizing and figuring out where my notes fit in with the group. Kathryn was also an alto, so we were able to sit by each other during class, which was fun.

"How did your study date with Conner go yesterday?" I asked as we walked past the auditorium on the way to the choir room.

She blushed and bit her lip. "It was good." Then in a low voice she said, "When we were sitting at the table, he sat close enough that our arms brushed a couple of times."

I laughed. Brushing arms with someone wasn't usually that big of a deal, but when the guy you liked brushed arms with you, it was the best thing in the world. It had all sorts of hidden meanings that could be analyzed for hours.

"I think he may like you," I said in a singsong voice.

"I don't know. I-it probably meant nothing."

"I doubt it," I said, smiling.

We soon arrived at the choir room and found our seats. I glanced around the classroom and noticed someone new sitting in the bass section directly behind me. I had to take a second look when I realized it was Arie. What in the world was he doing in Madrigals? Was he like a student teacher or something? I'd never bumped into a stranger so many times in just a few days.

Before I could say anything to him, Mrs. Jolley, our choir director, tapped her baton on the music stand.

Mrs. Jolley was in her midthirties and had been teaching at Maplebridge High for the past ten years. She was short and peppy, and the students all loved her. "Welcome, students," she said. "As you may have noticed, we have someone new in our class." She gestured for Arie to join her at the front. He stood and made his way next to her, making her look like a midget next to his tall frame.

"Everyone, this is Arie Blackwell, a new senior at our school. He just moved to Maplebridge and will be singing baritone in our choir. As you all know, I've been holding tryouts to fill the open spot. Lucky for us, Arie saw the sign-up sheet and came in. Once he auditioned, I knew I'd found the baritone for our choir. I'm sure you'll agree with my decision once you hear him sing. He will also be joining in the All-State Choir this year." Arie looked a little embarrassed at having Mrs. Jolley talk so much about him, but it could have been an act. "You may take your seat now, Arie."

Mrs. Jolley went on. "Speaking of All-State Choir, practices start this Saturday and will be held at Ridgecrest High. We don't have a bus going down to these rehearsals, so I want to remind those participating that they are responsible for finding their own transportation."

I'd already made plans to drive with Kathryn, so I didn't have anything to worry about.

Later, as Mrs. Jolley led us through warm-ups, I couldn't help but notice the deep melodic sound coming from behind me. Mrs. Jolley hadn't been exaggerating when she said Arie had a great voice. His voice was warm and smooth, like melted chocolate drizzled over a strawberry. After listening for a moment, goose bumps rose all over my arms and neck against my will. Kathryn glanced at me and mouthed, "Wow." I raised my eyebrows and nodded back. How could he get those looks and have that voice?

When class was over, I tried to quickly stuff my folder into my backpack and get out of the classroom before I accidentally flirted with him. I couldn't ruin my twelve-day streak. This was the longest I'd made it so far with my boy-cleanse.

I peeked behind me as I zipped up my backpack, which was a mistake because Arie was looking right at me.

"Hey," he said when our eyes met. "I don't know if you remember me. We met at the store on Friday."