Kallie arrived at Harmon High early, parked her car, and got out.  She saw the students assemble towards the front.  Kallie stopped and looked at them.  Man, they weren’t like the ones she had at St. Martin’s Prep.   With a deep breath, she walked inside, punched in, and went to the music office. She saw Amy and Deana going over their lesson plans for the day.  “Hey Kallie,” Deana smiled. “Hi,” Kallie put her briefcase on the table. “So, all set?” Amy asked. “Think so, but I’m a little nervous.” Amy took her hand.  “Just remember, teenagers are like dogs, they smell fear.  Just let them know whose in charge, and they’ll take the hint.” “Wow, that makes me feel better,” Kallie sighed.  She saw Howard come out of his office. “Hello Kallie, all ready for the big day?” “I guess so,” Kallie took her file out of her briefcase.  “Do you want to see my lesson plan for the day?” Howard took the lesson plan from her and looked it over.  “This is fine.  You’re gonna do great.  I know you will.  Do you know where your classroom is?” “I’m not sure.  I’ve been there, but I don’t remember,” Kallie said. “Come on, it’s right next to mine, I’ll show you,” Amy said.  She got up and walked with Kallie.  “Just remember.  Be dominant, but not a dictator.  If you have any problems, I’m right next door.”  They stopped in front of Kallie’s classroom.  “Good luck.” “Thanks,” Kallie smiled and went inside.  She assembled her stuff, wrote her outline for the students, and waited for her first class to arrive.     The students filed inside, just taking whatever seats they could find and were talking to each other.  Kallie leaned on the desk and tried to get their attention, but to no avail.  She remembered what Amy said, got up, went to the blackboard, and scratched her nails on it.  The sound made the students cringe and turn their attention towards her. “Thanks everyone, for noticing my presence.  Since I have your attention, my name is Miss Leighton, and welcome to Freshman Music.  Will you all quiet down and copy the outline while I take attendance?” She took roll call, leaned on the desk, and crossed her arms.  “So, what we’ll be doing is studying the basic ideas of music, different artists and types of music.” “What types of music?” one student said. “Well, classical, jazz, all the basics,” Kallie responded. “Oh you mean like Beethoven and stuff,” another mused. “Yes, like Beethoven and stuff,” Kallie said, just as musing. “Look,” another student stood up, “I thought that in this class, all you have to do is, like, show up.” “Not in my classroom.  What’s your name anyway?” “Jarred,” he said, still standing. “Well, Jarred, let me put it to you this way,” Kallie walked a little closer to him.  “Do the work, and you pass.  Just ‘show up’ and you fail.” “Then I won’t show up,” Jarred got his bags and walked out. Kallie was dumbfounded as he walked out of the classroom.  She knew if she showed any frustration, she would lose these kids right away.  Finally, taking the idea from the movie Dangerous Minds, she had a flash.  “Does anyone have his sentiments?  Because he didn’t stay to hear the deal I have for you. You will start this class with an A.  Your job is to keep the A.” The students looked around.  “We already have an A?  But how?  You’re giving us the choice?” “Yup,” Kallie turned around and walked to her desk.  “Stay and try to get keep an A in this class.  Leave and you get an F.” The students looked at each other and smiled as Kallie smiled back.  “Alright then, let’s get started.”  ~*~ Kallie walked into her apartment after her last class of the day.  The students, knowing that they had an A to begin with, seemed to be interested in what Kallie had to say.  Although she was a little miffed at that kid Jarred, she knew that she couldn’t save everyone. At lunchtime, Kevin, Deana, Howard and Amy took her out to the coffee shop around the corner for a welcome lunch, and Kallie felt wonderful.  She felt like a real teacher. She signed on to AOL and saw Strngalong signed on as well.  Immediately she got an IM from him. Strngalong: Hey stranger!  How was your first day? Musekgrl: Great!  I had an absolute blast  Strngalong: I’m so glad.  @>->----- A rose of congratulations, though I wish I could send                    them for real :) Musekgrl: LOL well thank you Strngalong: How’s the new place?  Are your neighbors cool? Musekgrl: Not really.  One of them is an absolute asshole Strngalong: I know how those are.  I have one of them too… complete snob Musekgrl: poor baby LOL… seriously, I want to be nice but then he comes out with such an                 arrogant way about him Strngalong: You can’t please everyone, honey.  Then he must be an asshole not to like you.  Just ignore him Musekgrl: Trust me, it’s not that easy Strngalong: Maybe he’s the type of guy that if you lay off, he’ll come around.  Don’t be that pushy Musekgrl: Thanks for the advice Strngalong: Me aim to please my lady.  Your song is coming along great by the way Musekgrl: it is? Strngalong: Yup, about 75% done.  Um, I know we haven’t had to exchange personal information, but I have to ask… do you mind? Kallie began to bite her lip.  This was turning in a new direction… but she didn’t mind. Musekgrl: OK, go ahead Strngalong: Where do you live?  Not an address or anything… but I’m dying to know what city you live in… it’ll help my song Kallie took a deep breath and began to type. Musekgrl: I moved to Los Angeles. There was a pause by Strngalong as she finally got a response Strngalong: Would you believe I live here too? Musekgrl: You’re kidding!  Strngalong: Wow that is such a coincidence.  I can’t believe we live in the same city now! Musekgrl: Yeah me either LOL Strngalong: You don’t know how good it makes me feel to know you’re here Musekgrl: Me too :) Strngalong: I mean it Muse, I’m really happy right now.  So, how do you like it? Musekgrl: I like it a lot.  There’s a lot to do.  I’ve been around thanks to my new friend. Strngalong: I’m glad you have a tour guide, though now I’m a little jealous that he was the       one to show you around instead of me :( Musekgrl: Aw come on, now you’re making me feel bad LOL Strngalong: Don’t mean to… but I can’t help it… you make me happy Musekgrl: Thank you Strngalong: Well, I have to go… you’ve give me some more inspiration to write.  Talk to you                     later Musekgrl: OK, bye bye Strngalong: bye Kallie smiled as she saw Strngalong sign off.  Wow, was it fate that brought her here, to be in the same place as him?  Get a grip Kallie, you know nothing about this guy… she thought, but something told her that she wanted to know more about him.  It’s time to take the next step… Chapter 5 Contents Chapter 3