Wilted Dandelions Over Roses

Chapter 2

11:30 am

Charlotte sat in the hall outside the cafeteria, letting the rage and emotions that have built up from Dani push themselves back down her throat. Pulling out her phone and checking to make sure her mascara wasn't running, Charlotte noticed a figure disappear in the cafeteria, but they moved so fast she only felt the breeze of them past by.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ruling of the bell, telling everyone it was time to finish the day. Students ambushed the halls, loud chatter and locker slams. The under classmen boys were pulling their usual tricks of shoving into each other in the halls and running away. One of the boys was shoved into Charlotte, causing her smash into a locker. The two boys stopped and looked at her. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry-" "Seriously! Grow up!" Charlotte busted out at both boys, letting her rage eat at her again. She stormed off down the hall and made her way down a few halls and into the band room.

Entering the room, she completely forgot that she was upset as she stood there astonished. The room she had been familiar too since middle school was completely different. Mr. Yen had the room all boring brown and tan colors with few music posters that barely had any color. Now the room was nothing but bright colors. The set up for instruments stayed the same but there were colorful posters, decorations of music notes, and even shiny stars scattered the walls. Charlotte took her usual seat in the back row. Other students piled in and filled the chairs, talking amongst themselves. The tapping of a baton against a music stand called the students to be quiet.

"Welcome to band children!" exclaimed a very enthused women. "I'm Miss Becondi, your new band teacher and I am oh so very happy to be here!" her body bounced to her enthusiasm. She was about 5'6 with bright green eyes. She was a red head and her hair was excessively curly and pulled into a lose bun at the back of her head. A few stray curls she pulled behind her ear like they were bangs. Black cat eye glasses framed her face. Her over all personality seemed to be very upbeat, colorful and extremely positive. Placing the baton on the piano to her right, she spoke again. "This year I am hoping to challenge your inner musician. I have taught children from elementary to professional college level and even a few well know artist. I don't expect you all to be stars, just to enjoy it!" She flashed a big toothy grin. "Now here's my one rule of the band room: Never come in here with a bad attitude. Bad attitude means bad playing and not enjoying your creation."

Charlotte examined this women closely."Now I'm going to let today be a chillax day because tomorrow we'll be playing pieces so I know your abilities!" She turned away and went into her office room and came back out moments later with sheet music. "I'd figure you would all want to get to know my teachings more so I'll perform for you all!" She sat at the piano and laid out her music. Pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, she declared "And now presenting: Miss Becondi performing a classic!" Miss Becondi began to play a jazzy tune that many of us knew, Feeling Good. No one expected her to sing  too. She began to belt perfect pitched lyrics along to her piano.

All the students watched respectfully. I thought she was going to be shit, Charlotte thought. No one took her personality as a serious musician, but she impressed everyone there.

Miss Becondi finished her piece and the whole room clapped. A few kids even shouted for an encore. She bowed and smiled at the room. Her beaming happiness left every kid with a happy feeling. She sat back down on the bench and chatted with a few students. Charlotte scrolled down her social media feed. Minutes later the bell rung again and Miss Becondi stood by the door and wished each and every student a good day as they left. As Charlotte was about to go out the door Miss Becondi stopped her. "Charlotte is it?" she smiled. "Yeah." "Pleasure to have you in band sweetheart! I couldn't help noticing the long face you had when you walked in and you hid away in the back." concern filled her face as if she truly wanted to fix Charlotte's life problems. Charlotte shrugged. "It wasn't anything major." Miss Becondi shook her head and smiled, placing a hand on Charlotte's shoulder. "if you're not one hundred percent happy, it's major to me. If you ever need anyone to come talk to, come to my office, I'm talking to you as a friend girlie." She locked eyes with Charlotte that whole time, letting Charlotte know she meant it. Charlotte shyly smiled. "Thanks." She left without another word.