It Is What It Is

Chapter 3

     "You have to watch out for James," Tailgate told me at lunch. "Yeah, he does all sorts of drugs." Finley, Tailgates girlfriend, said scarcely. "We don't need you getting into any trouble." I nodded. I picked up my slice of pizza and shoved it in my mouth. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Meghan Harley. Meghan is a Junior flute player in the band, and man is she pretty. "Ah, dude quick gawking," Finley laughed. Meghan is Finley's best friend. "Hey guys!" Meghan said as she sat down in between me and Finley. She turned to me, "hey Chili." Chili became my nickname at band camp. I smiled, "yeah, glad you remembered me." She giggled. We all talked for a while when the 3rd block bell rang. "I guess I better get going," I said, "see you all in band." With that I jumped up and walked to Science. "Hey Woods!" I heard a whisper come from the men's restroom. I looked over to see James. He motioned for me to join him. I walked in. He put a sign saying 'Out of Order' on the door. Then, he sat down on a bench and pulled out a small bag and a lighter. I was shocked, "is that?" James laughed, "Pot? Yeah, want some." I shook my head, "I'd better not." James laughed again, "Suit yourself." I sighed, "I better get to class." James rolled his eyes and lit up a blunt, "alright, see yah and hey, don't rat me out." I nodded and rushed to 3rd block. I got to Science right as the tardy bell rung. "Right on time," Mr. Walls said. "Sorry, I got lost." I sighed. "It's okay, first day. Take a seat." Mr. Walls said politely. During 3rd, all I could think about was Meghan. Her blue eyes, her long brown hair. Not to mention the cute light pink color she rocked at the tips of her hair. "Mr. Woods?" Mr. Walls shook me out of my daydream. "Yes?" I said nervously. "Class dismissed," he said sternly. I picked up my bag and headed to the band room for the last class of the day. When I entered the room, Joshua Bates, the drum captain, threw a stick at me. "Hey newbie, how was your first day at Beavercreek?" I shrugged, "alright I suppose." He nodded. I got out my tenor and sticks and set up to go to the football field for practice. "Yo Chili, catch!" I looked up to see a flute cleaning swab flying at my face. Meghan smiled. I rolled my eyes, smiled, and threw it back. Tailgate walked over with his trombone and said "She likes you." I rolled my eyes. "Yeah right." Tailgate punched me. "She does, she told Finley." I stopped and looked at him. He nodded. I smiled a little. Tailgate sighed, "You know she's got a bad side too her, she's not all cupcakes and rainbows." I looked at him, "what do you mean?" Tailgate shrugged, "You know she seduced a senior her freshman year, right?" I shrugged, "So?" Tailgate laughed, "Just didn't think you were about that life." I rolled my eyes. Then, Mr. Welsh came in. "Are you all ready for the game tomorrow?" All at once the band shouted "Beaver Bands always ready!" Mr. Welsh laughed and said "Alright then, lets head to the field!" On field, Mr. Welsh recorded our whole field show. Back at the band room. We watched the recoding. "I agree; you guys are ready for tomorrows show!" Mr. Welsh exclaimed. "Heck yeah!" a senior name Creed yelled. We all laughed. "Who all is staying after school tomorrow?" About half the band raised their hands, Meghan turned around and mouthed 'put your hand up." I raised my hand. "Alright, I needed a head count for pepperoni rolls," Mr. Welsh explained. Meghan smiled. Soon the bell rang. I grabbed my bag and headed for my bus. "Hey Parker wait!" I stopped. Meghan ran up beside me. "Hey, thanks, I didn't want to stay by myself tomorrow." I laughed, "Tailgate and Finley are staying." Meghan laughed and nodded, "They go to McDonald's." I nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled and jumped on my bus.