Mod High

Detention Slip

"I am very disappointed in all of you." Mr. Bastelli chided. "Especially you, Ms. Roth. You are the best model student we have had since the founding of Mod High. I'll let you off with a warning this time."

"But, Sir," I spoke, barely audible. "It wouldn't be fair for Garfield to receive detention when he wouldn't have been in the locker rooms if he weren't helping me. In fact, none of us would be here if it weren't for me. I don't deserve to be let off easy if they are all getting punished."

Mr. Bastelli stared at me in disbelief. The rest of the group shared similar expressions as I willingly accepted a week of lunch detention and after school D-hall.

"This type of thing won't disappear from you records. You realize that, Ms. Roth?"

"Y-yes, sir. I understand." I added, "But that won't make me change my decision."

"Very well. The four of you get to class, and don't forget to sit at the table by the entrance of the cafeteria. You won't be able to have off-campus lunch this first week."

We each accepted our punishment and made our way to our first class, Victor and Richard going one way, Garfield and I walking the opposite direction.

"That was a really cool thing you did back there," Garfield stated.

"I wouldn't let you guys take the fall for something that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been soaked in coffee."

He laughed loudly. I wasn't sure if it was because he was picturing me with coffee all over again or because the situation seemed a bit ironic. I was the 'model' student, but if it weren't for me, no one would be in trouble.

"So, what's your first class?"

"Band," I answered.

"Really? What do you play?"

"Flute."

"That's awesome. I have art, so I'm right across from you," he smiled.

"Cool..." I responded awkwardly.

The longest I usually spoke at school was during presentations. Having Garfield continuously talking to me and asking questions was leaving me feeling exhausted and uncomfortable. Yet I didn't really mind his company. I looked up to see him watching me again with a ridiculous smile plastered onto his face.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," he shrugged. "You're just even prettier up close."

I felt my face heat up at the compliment. My bangs fell forward as I began watching the ground before me. Luckily, we reached the large double doors of the Band Hall.

"So, I'll see you around?" Garfield asked.

I took note of the slight redness of his cheeks and the glimmer in his eyes as he asked the question. I bit my lower lip and looked at the doors.

"Sure," I finally said.

"Great!" he smiled. "See ya, Rae!"

After a long, detailed explanation to the Director, she finally accepted my tardiness and allowed me to take my seat at the second chair in the flute section. First chair belonged to Terra, though she rarely showed up to class. I couldn't say I was too torn up by her absence. When she was here she never let me forget I was second best. What she didn't know was that I deliberately messed up on one note during our chair tests so I wouldn't have to play solos during contest. The spotlight was not where I wanted to be.

As I put my instrument together the director proceeded with the warm-up. I was about to join in when a new girl opened the doors and walked into the room. She approached the director with a note in her hand. She was very pretty, with long red hair that ended just above her waist, and tanned skin. Her eyes were a brilliant green illuminated with innocence.