Chapter 5

Marissa was at the drums before Ricky could say another word. ". . .Can I?" she asked Ricky for permission. Ricky nodded, smiling. But his smile became a frown quickly after Marissa played what sounded like a herd of elephants stampeding. Ricky covered his ears. "Aaaah! Stop! STOP!!" She stopped, barely hearing him over the noise. He got up and walked over to her. "I'll help you. Before somebody's ear falls off."

Back in the barn, Alison heard footsteps. "R-Rafe?" she said hopefully. Jamal entered, not hearing what she had said, and Alison sat back down. "Hey, Spunky," he said, smiling in his usual way. "Hey," she said, concentrating on the picture of her and Rafe. "Look. . ." he began. Alison picked her head up. "Alison, I heard what happened. I" -he saw Rafe's blood stain on the floor- "I'm really sorry. Is there anything I can do?" He sat down next to her and put his arm around her. He was surprised when she put her head on his shoulder. "Yeah," she said. "Bring Rafe back." Jamal looked down sadly. "I wish I could, Ali. I wish I could."

Marissa held the drumsticks in her hand eagerly. Ricky put his hands on her arms and she jumped slightly. "Watch," he said. He used his hands to get her into a slight but catchy rhythm. Marissa smiled enthusiastically. Ricky laughed. "Great job!" he said. "But it's my turn now." Marissa handed the drumsticks to him. "Now," he said, "I'm a pro. Watch the master at work." He flipped the drumsticks in his hands to show off and began to perform a very complicated and cool-sounding rhythm. Marissa couldn't help but tap her foot.

Livvie started when she heard a rapping on the door. She opened it, and saw. . . "Jack? What are you doing here?" she asked. Without answering her question, he replied with, "Livvie, can I come in?" "Sure," she answered. Jack came in and sat on the couch he remembered so well. "Livvie, there's something I have to tell you."

Jamal saw that Alison was starting to cry again. He caressed her soft, blonde hair and kissed her head. "So, did you hear what Livvie said about that brainwashing crap?" Alison asked. "Yeah," Jamal said, trying not to reveal that he believed it too. "Hey," he said, "Why don't you stay with Marissa and me for a while?"