Silence of Music

08

[Flying Solo]

"Where did the rest of your band go?" a boy wondered.

"Wait, were those holograms?" a girl in a purple wig questioned.

"Yes!" Julie said, pointing at the girl. "Yes, they were holograms. Ricardo and I plugged them into the ceiling projector before the show. We'd explain it, but it involves algorithms and science stuff." Everyone clapped.

"That's wild," Luke said. "They could see us when we were playing but not when the music ended."

"We should double check," Reggie decided as he patted Luke on the chest before going to the stairs and circling his hips. "Yeah, I don't -- I don't think they could see us!"

"I wish I couldn't see you," Alex muttered.

The principal told the students to leave. "Okay, people, back to class."

Julie said to the music teacher, "Mrs. Harrison, I am so sorry for not asking for permission."

Ricardo nodded. "I am, too. Julie just wanted to show you she belongs here."

"As amazing as that was, her spot, and Bianca's, have already been filled by another student," Mrs. Harrison said.

They watched as a boy dragged a cello too big for him down the stairs.

"Come on, that thing is way too big for him!" Julie protested. "And can't you let at least one of us in? You said only one spot was filled."

Bianca walked up and said, "It's okay, Julie, Ricky."

"He'll grow into it," Mrs. Harrison told them. "I wish that I could help you two, but my hands are tied."

Principal Lessa walked up to the four. "Mine aren't, and as much as I didn't approve of this little stunt that you two pulled, I will not go down in history as the principal who kicked Julie Molina and Bianca Montoya out of the music program."

Julie chuckled and exclaimed, "Thank you!"

"But... when you two win your first Grammy, I want to be thanked. Bianca, you should try getting back out there."

"Definitely."

"Congratulations!"

"Oh! Aw!" Mrs. Harrison exclaimed, hugging the girls. "Welcome back." She chuckled, as did Julie and Bianca.

The teens ran back to their best friend.

"Wow, you did it," Flynn said in a blunt tone.

Julie smiled and replied, "Thanks to you."

Flynn didn't return their smile and instead asked, "When did you guys start playing with a hologram band?"

"It was just one song," Ricardo reasoned.

Julie nodded. "Yeah, we're not a band. They are, we aren't."

"Why have you two been keeping those cute boys a secret?" Flynn wondered. "Has Bianca been keeping them a secret too?"

"There's a reason for that. It's really crazy."

"I'm all about crazy. Let's hear it."

Bianca's eyes widened momentarily as she said, "Uh, they're from, um, they're from Sweden."

Julie nodded. "Turns out they're not only great at making meatballs, but also great at making music. Anyway, who's excited that Rey and I are back in the music program?" She did jazz hands and Bianca and Ricardo smiled.

Flynn frowned. "Are you guys lying to me?"

Julie, Bianca and Ricardo exchanged a look before looking at the ground and Julie said, "Yeah. Yeah we are."