The WRA Draft

Chapter Thirty-Six: The First Interview

We walked into the school in complete awe.

It was huge.

You could fit three of our schools in the lobby alone. Denver held onto the handle of my backpack as we walked in.

"What're you doing back there, buddy?" I asked.

"I didn't want to get lost walking in," he answered. I laughed. He walked next to me.

I linked arms with him. "There, now we can get lost together."

Denver's checks were red and I felt my own heat up. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

"Smart move." He smiled. "We should do this more often."

I smiled back, but my cheeks still were warm. We followed the man who introduced himself as Sheldon to a loading dock to collect our instruments and uniforms.

••••

"Coming over the timeline and representing Indiana, Marrisville High School Percussion Ensemble!" the announcer proclaimed. The crowd cheered. I made a bad mistake of glancing up at the crowd. It was packed!

Denver tapped my shoulder and pointed to the other side of gymnasium where the performers had to sit. It was even more packed.

"Holy shit," I whispered. I knew that these students were a part of larger, more professional groups. That class performed earlier this morning. More students were scrambling to find seats and watch.

"We got this." he smiled.

I saw Toby waving to me. He pointed to a corner of the gym. There were some cameras. They dispersed about the gym. This was happening. I wondered how many people were watching right now because of us.

Tommy came up behind me as he passed and flicked the hood on my uniform. "Looking forward to dancing with you."

"Same here, dude." I smiled and placed my bass drum on my body. I passed Eliza as I walked to opening set.

"Love you," I whispered as we passed.

"Love you," she repeated with a grin.

I reached my set and stood in my opening position. I was on the right side of the tarp and my left arm was outstretched toward Tommy, who stood on the other side doing the same. We had our opposite hands on our hearts and smiled brightly. Throughout the tarp, others were doing the same.

The pit started the music. I focused in, forgetting the rest of screwed up world.

........We got a standing ovation.

••••

"Olivia!" I heard a voice call. I held up the tarp as Tommy and Joel folded onto the cart.

I looked around to find the owner of the voice, but saw no one, so I returned to he tarp.

"Olivia Mora!" I heard it again.

"You hear that?" I asked ."
Gabe.

"Hear what?" he asked as he lifted up the tarp.

"Someone's calling my name."

"I don't hear it."