A New Hope

Chapter 21: Home of the Rebels

~Time skip to December 13th, the day before Chloe's Birthday~

"Chloe, it's time to go! Can you grab my guitar for me please?!" Brendon called.

"And mine please?!" Kenny called.

"And my bass?!" Dallon called.

"What am I, your guys' slave?! Fine, I got them!" I called back.

I grabbed the two guitars, the bass, and my drumsticks. I still had no idea where we were going, but Brendon was making me pack a van. This was all that was left. My drumset was already in the back.

We were currently in Columbus, Ohio, my home city, for two days. I was hoping to see Katy and Riley while I was here, but I wasn't counting on it. We had been so busy with tour stuff lately, it was unreal.

I had given up my covers for the drums after the concert where I came out as Baylee's girlfriend. But luckily, we got a new cover artist: Baylee. She was enjoying it very much, too. I was happy for everyone.

"So, do I get to find out where we're going now?" I asked as I got in the van.

"Yeah. It's a local high school. George Washington High, home of the rebels," Brendon said.

My eyes got wide. No, I thought, I can't go back there.

I tried to get out of the van, but the door was locked. Dallon held me back, and I started to hyperventilate. "What's wrong, Chloe?" Dallon asked.

"I... I can't go there. Not again. I never wanted to see that place again. Not the lockers I was shoved in. Not the corner I ate lunch in. I can't go back," I said.

"Hey. We'll be right here. No one will hurt you. You'll be ok," Brendon said, pulling me from Dallon's arms into his.

I took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll be fine. I have you guys with me. That's all I need," I said.

"Great, because we want you to speak about bullying. We have a script," Brendon said.

"I don't need a script."

"The principal said we have to use the script," Dallon said.

"The principal can take the script and shove it up his ass as far as I'm concerned. He's an ass that cares zip about bullying. He only wants you at the school to get publicity," I said.

"Well, then, prove him wrong," Kenny said.

"That's my plan," I said.

After a few more minutes on the highway, then a couple more minutes down side streets, we were at the high school. It was a decently sized high school, and today was their last day before break.

I got out of the van and grabbed my drumsticks, my snare drum and my high hat. I carried them through the back door to the performing arts building and to the back door to the theatre. It was locked, but I knew where to get a key.

I walked down the hall to the band room. When I walked in, everyone looked at me. Seeing as it was the day before break, they were taking their written final. My old band teacher walked up to me. "Chloe Carlson? What are you doing here? I assumed you moved," he said.