The Band: Part 2
Reese forced himself through the doors and into the gym. A few people were milling around, talking and drinking punch. John, Joe, Jim, and Jeremy, were putting up their equipment.
Above the stage where the band was to play was a giant banner, which spelled out the name of the band, Bloody Armrest. A shiny silver drum kit had been set up directly underneath the banner. The drum kit was assembled so that anyone watching would be easily able to say Reese's face.
Well this sucks. Now everyone will be able to clearly see my face while I go through the most humiliating experience of my life, Reese inwardly gulped.
"Hey man! Come on up here and start warming up!" Jim called.
Gathering all his courage, Reese staggered towards the stage. He sat down on the small stool that was placed behind the drum kit. Reese picked up the pair of brand new drumsticks, and banged on a drum.
The few kids that were already assembled in the gym all visibly winced at the awful sounds that came from the stage. Reese was quite obviously the worst drummer in the history of the universe.
"What are you doing! I thought you said you could play!" John hissed angrily. He launched into a long lecture, but Reese paid absolutely no attention. His eyes were glued to the doors.
A few minutes later, the doors opened. Rachel Finnegan, Reese's dream girl, strolled in. She looked amazing. While the other girls were wearing casual skirts or corduroys, Rachel was decked out in a tight, black, sequined cocktail dress. She walked elegantly across the room in her black platform shoes until she was standing in front of Reese.
"Hi Reese. I can't wait to hear you play," Rachel flirted. Reese stared at her shiny, dark mahogany colored curls, wondering what it would feel like to run his fingers through her hair.
Reese smiled stupidly at her, and babbled something completely unintelligible.
Within the next half hour, the room was filled with hundreds of people. Reese stared out into the sea of bodies, trying to spot Rachel, but the gym was so packed he couldn't see a thing.
The principal stepped up onto the stage. "I would like to welcome you all to the holiday dance. Please give a round of applause to our musical guests for this evening, Bloody Armrest!"
The crowd went wild. Reese tried to block his ears from the loudness of the cheering. Joe looked at Reese. "It's time! Start playing, dude."
Swallowing the huge lump in his throat, Reese began to play. The audience booed. They started throwing things up at the stage. Bloody Armrest attempted to ignore them, and kept playing.
After fifteen minutes of unbearable mortification, the band gave up, and slunk offstage. Someone turned on a radio, and everyone immediately began dancing.
Backstage, Rachel was waiting for Reese. "Rachel, I lied. I don't really know how to play the drums. I was just trying to impress you, because I like you. A lot," muttered Reese.
Rachel grinned. "I like you too, Reese."
"Do you want to dance?"
"I would love to." Taking Rachel's hand, Reese led her onto the dance floor, where they danced the night away in each other's arms.
This is the best night of my life! Reese thought.