| Kallie walked in for her usual 2 period break. She saw Deana and Amy sitting around the table. “Was just waiting for ya,” Deana smiled. “You wanna go to the cafeteria or the deli?” “Whatever you want,” Kallie said. Amy sighed. “Oh, I’m sick of deli food. How many sandwiches can you possibly have?” “I agree. OK, cafeteria it is,” Deana said as she grabbed her bag. Kallie was about to start out the door, when John Montrose blocked her path. “I have a bone to pick with you.” Kallie froze as Amy touched her shoulder. “Later John. We’re eating.” “Not until you hear what I have to say.” Kallie still was frozen. “O-OK, what is it?” “How dare you change the freshman curriculum! I taught that program for 20 years. You come in here with your young self and decide to change it into MTV 101!” “John, it wasn’t a reflection on you, it’s just the kids…” “Don’t know music from their ass! You’ve just made them have an excuse to listen to that crap they have on their CD's everyday!” “Enough!” Kallie and John turned to see Kevin. “What right do you have to talk to a fellow colleague like that!” “Easy, because I have seniority. I was teaching long before she was in diapers!” Kevin stepped up to him. “And that makes it alright? You have no business in the program anyway John… you stopped teaching it about 5 years ago when I started teaching, and it was still as boring as when she started. I’m just happy she had the balls to change what I wanted to when I first came in!” “I will speak to Howard about this!” John turned on his heel and stormed down the hallway. “Rat bastard,” Kevin grumbled. He went to Kallie. “Are you alright?” “Yeah, think so,” Kallie said shakily. “What’s his problem?” “The same problem a lot of teachers have when they’ve been teaching for 30 years. Total burnout. I say put me in the pasture if I ever get like that.” He gave Kallie a hug. “You sure you’re OK?” “Yeah… I’m fine,” Kallie tried to relax; hugging the person who may be the only one who truly understood her. ~*~ Kallie angrily threw her briefcase on the floor, flung her shoes off and crashed on the couch. She felt just the way she had at St. Martin’s Prep: people criticizing her for every move she made. Howard spoke to her later that day, completely taking her side, and assuring her that she was doing fine. She needed to talk to someone, and fast. She called Brian, but just got his answering machine. Looking around, she stared at the computer. Part of her wanted to go on, hoping her would be on, but the other part was scared to. She found herself fighting a battle inside of her head. I may know who he is, but HE doesn’t. Maybe if I just talk once… Are you crazy? Maybe so… but whose to say it can’t work? Don’t do it… he’s not who you think he is There’s only one way to find out. She went to her computer, turned it on, and signed on to AOL. She checked her mail then instantaneously, Strngalong signed on. Kallie immediately IMed him. Musekgrl: Hello Strngalong: Hey! Thought you had dropped off the earth Musekgrl: Sorry about that. I was just really busy with work and all Strngalong: Oh, that’s OK. You’re here now right? Musekgrl: Absolutely LOL. So how are things? Strngalong: Good… you? Musekgrl: OK Strngalong: Just OK? Come on, you can tell me. Musekgrl: Have you ever had a breakthrough in your life, then someone comes along and completely trashes it? Strngalong: And even though you know you’re right, you still think about it? Musekgrl: LOL exactly. Strngalong: I’ve had it almost everyday of my life. Musekgrl: So, how do you not think about it? Strngalong: Not take it seriously. Listen, everyone thinks they can solve the world’s problems, but they can’t, even me. I wonder how some people will sing for the money and the girls, but others won’t. I thought that’s where I would be, but I think about the music more than the fame. Sure, it would be nice to have a estate in Beverly Hills, but it’s also nice to stand up for your principles. Musekgrl: So what are you trying to say? Strngalong: I’m saying that you know how you do things. If others like it, that’s great. If they don’t, screw ‘em. You’re a strong woman, Muse. Don’t let others dictate what you do. I mean, that’s why you moved to LA right? Musekgrl: Yeah Strngalong: You said that you wanted a change. Isn’t it time to make the change? Musekgrl: You’re right. Thanks Strngalong: No problem Musekgrl: Has anyone told you that you’re the best at advice? Strngalong: You’re the first Musekgrl: When have I heard that before? LOL Strngalong: LMAO me too Musekgrl: Well, I gotta go. Thanks, cause I really needed it. Strngalong: Wish I could do more. Musekgrl: You’ve done plenty. Bye Strngalong: Later babe Kallie signed off completely refreshed. Maybe this could work… she smiled to herself. ~*~ Kallie was sitting with Brian at the Blue Note, while she was keeping him company during his dinner break. She told him of her altercation a few days ago, and he assured her that she was doing fine. Brian always made her feel better, but who really made her feel better was Strngalong. “Wow, it’s really pouring out there,” Kallie looked out the window. “Yeah,” Brian wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Do you need a ride home tonight?” Kallie asked. “I got my car.” “Uh, no,” Brian looked at his nails, “I have one, thanks.” “OK,” Kallie took a sip of her tea. “You alright?” “Yeah, fine, no problem,” Brian said. “I gotta get back to work.” “Alright, see ya later,” Kallie said as she looked at Brian. Man, he was acting weird all night. Kallie looked out as AJ came up to the stage and gave a performance. His pick was one he had written; however it wasn’t the one she had been hearing the past few weeks. However, it was beautiful as ever. He got off the stage to rousing applause as he went to the booth in the corner and had a drink of water. It was unusual for him to stay; in fact he usually played and left. But the way the rain was coming down, Kallie figured he was waiting for the rain to subside. About an hour later, the rain was as prevalent as ever, and Kallie was about to get ready to leave because it was closing time. She grabbed her stuff and turned around when she saw someone enter in the doorway. “Amy!” Kallie smiled. She gave Amy a hug. “Hi,” Amy smiled. “What are you doing here? I mean, it’s closing time.” “Well, I’m meeting someone.” “Really, who?” Amy looked beyond her as Kallie turned around. Brian gave them a wave, pointed to his watch and mouthed “Five minutes.” Amy waved as Kallie stared open-mouthed. “Wait a minute, you and Brian?” Amy nodded. “Well, I gave him my number that night we went to the club, and he called me a few days ago. We’re going out tonight.” “I think that is so great!” Kallie smiled. “Brian is such a great guy.” Amy stared at Brian and smiled. “He seems to be.” “Well, I better get to my car,” Kallie gave Amy a hug. “Have fun tonight.” Brian came up to Kallie and Amy. “Ready to go?” “Yup,” Amy smiled. Kallie turned to the both of them. “I’ll talk to you this weekend.” “Bye,” Amy and Brian ran to her car to avoid the rain and pulled away. Kallie opened her umbrella and walked to her car as she heard a motorcycle trying to start. She looked across the street and saw AJ trying to start his motorcycle, but to no avail. “Damnit!” AJ took off his helmet and knelt down to inspect the bike. Kallie walked over to AJ as he was looking at his cycle. “Everything alright?” “She won’t turn over. Probably because of the rain. She does this every time.” “You… need a ride home?” Kallie asked. AJ turned around and looked up at her. “That’s OK.” “What are you gonna do, stand in the rain and get sick? Come on, you can get it later.” AJ looked at the bike, then stood up. “You talked me into it. Let’s go.” AJ and Kallie ran to the car and got in. He ran his fingers through his wet hair as he pulled his wet T-shirt that was clinging to him. Kallie went into the back seat and got him a towel. “Here. Looks like you need to dry off.” AJ dried off his face and hair as Kallie slowly drove home in the rain. The ride was silent, with AJ looking out the window and Kallie concentrating on her driving. Kallie pulled up to the building as they ran to the entrance and took the elevator to their floor. They both got out and headed to their doors. “Kallie,” AJ said as Kallie was about to go inside. “Yeah?” “Thanks for the ride.” Kallie smiled. You’re welcome.” “Uh, how’s the music class going?” “Great. The kids love the new style.” “Glad to hear it. Well, thanks again.” “No problem. Bye.” Kallie opened her door and went inside. Chapter 9 Contents Chapter 7 |