Silence of Music

03

Los Angeles 2020 - Los Feliz High School

A school bell rang and students giggled.

A girl walked through the hall with her head down as she made her way to her locker.

She opened her locker and opened it just before two other girls came up to her and the former greeted, "Hey, underachiever."

"Hey, disappointment," Julie replied. "Hey, diva."

Bianca frowned. "I still despise they nickname."

"All the more to tease you with it."

"Now you're sounding like the big bad wolf." She pulled down her sleeve, covering her tattoo. As far as she knew, no one else had one and she felt ashamed that she had something permanent on her arm.

"Okay, I know you don't want me to ask, but have you figured out what you're gonna do today?" Flynn asked. "B, you shouldn't be ashamed of that mark. It's a cool design."

"I'll know in the moment," Julie said. "Flynn's right. It is a cool tattoo."

"Really, Jules? That's all you're giving me? Mrs. Harrison said this is your last chance."

"I know. I was there." She let out a sigh.

"See you at the rally!" a girl said.

"Ugh! What is she handing out?"

"Hi!" Carrie greeted.

"Desperation?" Julie and Bianca guessed.

Flynn snickered. "Mm."

"Here you go," Carrie said. "My group's performing at the spirit rally tomorrow. I'm sure you guys have nothing better to do."

Flynn spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Oh my gosh, Carrie. Thanks!"

"Oh my gosh, Flynn! Don't bother coming!" She walked away and handed another flyer to someone. "Here you go. Come see Dirty Candy tomorrow. Nick?"

Flynn followed her friend's eyes. "Still? You know they're gonna get married and have a bunch of unholy babies."

"Nick's a sweetheart," Julie said.

"You'd actually have to talk to him to know that. And only one of them has to be a demon to make a demon baby. Demon!" Flynn yelled, looking at Carrie, causing the three to snicker. "There's that smile. Now, let's go prove everybody wrong."

The three chuckled lightly.

Ricardo caught his sister's eye and smiled as he waved at her.

Bianca waved back and left for her next class. The one she dreaded most of all.

MUSIC CLASSROOM

A guitar riff played and the students cheered.

"Wow!" the music teacher said as Carrie giggled. "Nice job, Nick. Almost as impressive as your game against Glendale." Nick chuckled. "Okay, we have two last performances." She clapped. "Julie?"

Julie stepped up to the piano and let out a heavy sigh.

"Take your time," the music teacher said.

Julie opened the piano, put her hands on the keys, let out another sigh and stood. "I'm sorry."

Flynn sighed as she stood and Carrie asked, "Is this when we clap?"

"Watch it, Carrie," Flynn retorted.

Students erupted in loud laughter.

The music teacher turned to Bianca. "Would you like to give it a try?"