Mod High

Secret Garden

"Hey, Rachel! Wait up!"

I stopped mid-step. Great. Not even first period and another headache was rushing my way. This one just happened to look like a lanky blonde boy with bright blue eyes, a lazy smile, and a band tee.

"What do you want, Gar," I crossed my arms.

"Hey, why do you get to use a nickname, but I can't-you know what, never mind. Forget I said that. Um, I, uh, I actually wanted to apologize. I mean, I wanted to yesterday after detention, but you sort of ran off right after, and for a book worm you've gotta lotta speed, so I didn't get to say I'm sorry. So that's what I'm doing. I'm saying sorry. I'm sorry."

"Um," I blinked. "It's okay?"

He let out a deep breath.

"Really?" His eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Rae-chel. Rachel."

He lunged forward like he wanted to hug me, only to come to an awkward stop and patted my shoulder. He stood up as straight as possible and laughed uncomfortably. The two of us fell into sync as we walked the remainder of the way to class.

"Sure," I said, forcing a half smile. "I...I'm sorry, too."

Garfield cocked his head to the side.

"Why are you sorry? I was the one who was bugging you and-"

"You were just concerned," I lowered my eyes. "I'm not used to-um. I...I shouldn't have let my illness get the better of me."

As we reached the doors, he looked directly in my eyes, and for an instant it felt like he was peering directly into my soul, singling out all my insecurities and hanging them in the air between us. He took a step closer to me, his mouth opened but no words came out. He bit his lower lip and tore his gaze from mine.

"We'll call it even, then," he finally said. "Hey, wait for me here after class, okay?"

Before I could answer he darted toward the door across the hall. Guess I would have no choice but to wait up on him later. I swear, if he makes me late to History, he would be history.

When I entered the band hall, I was shocked to see Terra was there. I took my spot at second chair and waited for the director to instruct the freshmen over the rules of taking the chair test. Basically, I was able to tune him out for a good fifteen minutes before my section was called into the office.

Terra gave me the once over as she walked out of the office after executing a flawless musical routine.

"Why do you even bother with that thing, anyway? It's not like you could ever beat me," she smirked then added, "Taking Garfield will be as easy as taking first chair."

The bitter words swirled in my mind threatened to burst forth. I was prepared to verbally thrash, maybe even physically harm, her for all the horrors she had put me through since freshman year. Lucky for her, the band director called on me in.

"What piece do you have prepared for us today, Ms. Roth?" Ms. Rouge asked. "It looks like...Minuet by Boccher-"

"Actually, if it is alright with you, I would like to change the song."

Ms. Rouge paused for a minute before nodding, "What do you have in mind?"

"Vivaldi's Allegro Concerto for Flautino in C Major."

"Do you have the music?"

"No. I will be playing from memory."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Very well, Ms. Roth. You may begin when you are ready."

I took a deep breath. From the very first note, I imagined battling Terra. All of her insulting words, all her pranks, every little sneer. The music bounced, flowed, channeled every spark of energy within me. This was a way for me to expose my frustrations without hurting anyone. The notes were perfectly executed, but the song became my own. There was no possible way she could take this away from me. The final note wafted through the air accompanied by awed silence.