Shelly
After class I walked over to Ted and linked arms with him as if it was the most casual thing in the world. I steered us towards the door and started our journey up the stairs.
“So, what’s you’re opinion of our lovely school?” I joked. Ted kind of looked around and then looked back at me.
“… It sure is interesting, or at least I haven’t run into a dull moment since seeing you,” he joked lightly. We made it until lunch without there being any problems, which kind of surprised me.
We walked into the cafeteria together and I found Danielle sitting with Megan. They were both picking at their trays aimlessly, trying to figure out what exactly they were eating.
I sat down at the table, which seated eight, and Ted proceeded to follow, sitting next to me. I took my cell phone out of my purse and Megan slammed her water on the table, trying to get my attention.
“Yes, Megan?” I asked, irritated.
“Cellular devices are not allowed here, remember? If Bubon catches you with that again, you’re definitely going to be toast.”
“I really need to text Zach. Plus, it’s not like I’m the only one in here using a phone. Half the kids that are in here are using one,” I scoffed. I sent a quick text and then put my phone back in my purse. I looked up and saw Jacob standing at our table. He put his tray down on the table and sat down next to Teddy. He kind of looked at me suspiciously, as if I had done something wrong.
“So Shelly, did you mention to Zach that you were escorting Teddy Geiger today?” Jacob sneered at me and I gave him a little smirk. Teddy just kind of looked down, slightly confused and started eating his lunch. I kind of felt bad for him, the poor kid had no idea what’s going on.
“I didn’t know I was escorting Ted until I got here. And please don’t refer to him as if he doesn’t happen to be sitting next to you. It’s rude, even for you. I do not care how jealous you are because you don’t have enough talent to get a recording contract.” I gave him a smile and then started eating my lunch, ignoring what it tasted like.
“Really though, I just got extremely lucky that Billy was interested in my voice. Anyone from this school could probably take my place and do way better.” Ted looked around shyly and I pushed him.
“Rule number one about going to this school, never ever say you’re not good enough. People will try to eat you alive. Even if you don’t think you’re good enough, be thingyy. It works, I would know,” I smiled. Everyone at the table started laughing and I watched Ted as he gave me a wink and mouthed "Thank you", then began to pick at his lunch once again.
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Sixth period was my free period, so I dragged Teddy back into the choir room to show him what I normally did when I had a free period. Absolutely nothing.
We walked in and the first thing I noticed was Ted making a beeline directly toward the piano bench, which wasn’t in the least bit surprising. I sauntered on over to the white board located behind it and leaned against it, observing Ted’s hands as they moved across the keys stiffly.
“Crushed. It’s a song that I’ve been working on for a while. I don’t know why I feel the inane reason to explain this to you, but you’d probably ask what I’m playing anyways – “
“Ted. Shut up and sing,” I interrupted. He laughed and then I heard his voice over the piano thought. The lyrics were good, as well as the piano accompaniment, but I felt as if it was missing something.
Slowly I stood up, no longer needing support from the white board. I stuck out my hand and reached attentively toward the end of the piano keys. I laid my hand down on them gently and then pressed down, causing a sour chord to ring through the piano.
Teddy jerked back violently, glaring at me. I gave him an apologetic smile and then sat next to him on the bench, he scooted over a little bit to give me room and I could feel all of his undivided attention on me. I shook my head gently, signaling that it just wasn’t quite there yet.
“I’m not going to sugar coat this or anything. It’s a good song, but it’s got this complete ass-kicking vibe. It’s sixth period so you should be pretty warmed up by now, so that’s not the problem. I think that you need to just… let our your emotions. It sounds like you’re just singing. Like… try this,” I started to play the opening chords that I saw him doing earlier, emphasizing on certain keys for a more dynamic sound, “Snow is falling in July, all the clocks have stopped,” I let go of the keys for a moment and then started again, “Telling time. The unaware, the pedestal, the comedy, the casual lies.” I let go of the keys and looked at Teddy, who was just staring at me with his mouth open.
“…How in the hell did you do that? It’s like you went inside my brain and picked out the things I knew needed working on.” I laughed and then started playing a random song with the keys, not very many people knew I could play the piano. It was a skill that I decided I needed if I wanted to be good at singing, which really was needed. Then I could stay more in tune and all that other important stuff.
“I don’t know. I just think about the song, and then I just… pour everything into the music. I let go of everything else and I put myself in that situation, I can pretty much relate to anything,” I started to play the opening of a solo piece that I was working on for recital and just messed around with the keys, the sound was really like putty with me, I could work with it and form it into my creation.
After all, music was never set in stone.
“Wait a minute… you know how to play the piano? Ms. Web never said that about you.” I smirked and just kept playing with the sound, changing a few notes here and there.
“Well, she taught me how to play sometime in freshmen year. I had way more attitude than I do right now and I thought I was a better singer than everyone else in the room. And I probably am one of the best singers in the choir, but it’s all mind games. Anyways, Ms. Web decided that she wanted me to take my musical abilities and learn how to play. She doesn’t really mention it to people and neither do I. I mean, I don’t want to come off too thingyy, that would be rude. But I can also play the guitar, and I’ve been trying to get Mr. Stump to teach me how to play the percussion instruments, but he’s a little iffy on that subject. He thinks I’m going to break something.” Ted laughed a little bit as I stood up from the piano bench. I picked up my purse and looked at the clock.
“So Shelly, what’s next on your schedule?” Ted asked curiously. I smiled a little bit, knowing he wouldn’t quite get this next subject.
“Well, next I have Spanish. I’m actually really, really good at it. So this class should be very interesting for you.” I walked out of the room as the bell sounded and made my way up toward the stairs, hoping Teddy was going to follow.
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Ooh my, what will happen next? :]