Through Thick and Thin

5

Two weeks passed, and Miranda went into the band room after school. She heard people making sounds as they played various notes.

Mr. Johnson stood at the podium and raised his baton, letting everyone know he was ready to begin. The after-school band rehearsal was to learn music for the football games. These songs would be upbeat and whatever was popular during the years

He had a student pass out the new sheet music. Miranda smiles, looking at Prince's song kiss. The crowd would love that.

He gave them a few mintues to read as he walked around and helped the freshmans.

"Okay, we are going to run through it and see how far we can get."

Miranda's fingers danced across the keys of her oboe, her eyes focused on the sheet music. She listened intently as Mr. Johnson explained the tempo of the music.

As the band began to play, the room transformed into a symphony of sound. Miranda's oboe blended seamlessly with the other instruments, weaving a tapestry of harmonies. They played, rehearsed, and fine-tuned their music.

Across the field at football practice, he was tired and ready to go home, shower, and take a nap.

"Alright, team, let's run the tackling drill one more time!" Coach Thompson called out.

"Lordy," he groaned, walking to the middle of the field.

Ben lined up, ready to demonstrate his defensive skills. He crouched down, eyes locked on the approaching runner. As the whistle blew, he sprinted forward.

"Wrap up! Drive through!" Coach Thompson's voice boomed across the field.

Ben focused on his technique, executing a perfect tackle, his teammates cheering him on. They repeated the drill, honing their skills, pushing themselves to be stronger, faster, and more agile.

"Okay, good work. See you guys tomorrow for the game. Get to the bus on time, please." Coach Thomas instructed.

Ben went into the locker room behind the bleachers, and he took his plastic clothed off, changing into another t shirt and shorts.

"Hey, Ben, can you drive me home," Michael asked.

"Yeah, I got yah," Ben replied as he grabbed his duffle bag.

"Miranda, we should have a sleepover on Friday. I can come to your house or you can come to mine "

"My mother barely let's me go anywhere, so you might have to come to mine," she informed.

"Okay, I'm down with that. I'm going to block bluster tomorrow before I come over and get us some good movies."

"Alright, that sounds like a plan, I will see you tomorrow,"

"You walking home?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, it's right up the street," Miranda pointed as she placed her book bag on her shoulder.

Ben turned the music on as he drove out of the school parking lot. He turned the corner and saw Miranda walking.

Shaking his head, he pulled up beside her. "Get in,"

"I'm fine, Ben."

"I didn't ask if you were or wasn't. Michael's going to get in the back seat, and you are getting in the car."

"Hey, why do I have to get in the back seat," he groaned.

"Because Miranda is a woman and above you, so get in the back seat, and you get the car shortie locks."

"Shortie locks. Don't ever call me that again." She gritted, rolling her eyes as she moved to get in the car.

"What, I was trying something new," Ben laughed.