A light on in Chicago

Chapter two

"We have an offer to make."

Those words swirled through Mary's head as though it were a whirlpool.

Soon, lunch came, and she hesitantly walked out of the comfort of her office and into the small, yet drafty, music corridor.  As if on cue, the clock struck 1 pm, and the four band members walked in, Pete holding a small, yet intimidating, folder. 

"I'm glad you four made it," smiled Mary, "in my office shall we?"

The five of them walked to Mary's office and sat down on the prepared chairs in front of Mary's desk, where she sat and faced them all. "So what brings you to Westwood High?" She questioned, twiddling her thumbs in anticipation and nervousness. 

"Well, I thought that we made it clear that you are the reason we are here." Stated Joe, placing his hands in his lap. 

"Well yes-" Mary started, only to get cut off by Pete.

"We want you and some of your orchestra members to be in our new album." He blurted out.

Mary stared dumbstruck at Pete Wentz. How could she, Mary Plover, be asked to help record in an actual band? It made her feel happy yet oddly sick to the stomach. "I believe you are mistaken," started Mary, fixing up her hair, "I am not the best violin player, and my string orchestra is good, but still need to improve."

"No, I believe you are mistaken," smirked Pete, "we looked up you and your orchestra perform, it was incredible. Andy here even shed a little tear."

"Hey! I'm sensitive, leave me alone," Andy grumbled. 

"If you're so bad, play us a piece right now, and we will be the judge of it," suggested Patrick, pointing to Mary's violin on the wall and a single sheet of sheet music on her desk, "how about this piece."

The piece Patrick pointed to was one that Mary had been working on for a while, it was hard but it wasn't the hardest piece that she had played. "Sure, but knowing me I will probably stuff up." Mary grabbed her violin and propped the music onto a nearby stand, she quietly counted herself in and begun to play. 

As she finished and played the last note, she looked over at the band members, waiting for their reactions. 

"That was amazing," breathed Pete.

"Breathtaking," added Patrick.

"Sweet," said Joe, making an 'okay' hand gesture.

"Sounded like an elegant swan gliding across a crystal clear lake," mused Andy, causing everyone to look at him in confusion. 

"But isn't that silent?" Asked Joe, a quizzical expression on his face.

"That part doesn't matter," muttered Andy, "let's just get back to the proposal." 

"Alright, yes, that." Started Pete, "we have already written most of the songs in the album, but I - sorry we - think that a string section in some of the songs will really finish it off. So what do you say?" 

"Um, I'm not sure, it's not something I can simply can up with an answer right now..." Mary trailed off.

"If it's about money, don't worry you will be paid, and those in your orchestra who participate will get paid too. Not poorly paid, decent pay!" Panicked Pete, he really needed Mary and her orchestra in the album. 

Just as Mary was about to speak, the bell rang, saving her. "Look, I have to go now, I have a class to teach. Here's my business card, email me tonight all of the details and I'll get back to you." Mary gave each of the men her business card and ushered them out of the door, locking it behind her. "Bye, have a nice day!"