Hi everyone. Sorry it took so long to post this. I had a story due in Language Arts and a bunch of homework. I also had a lot going on. I hope that you like it, even though it's been two weeks since I have posted. Enjoy! But first, I guess I never really set the age for them. The kids are in sixth grade. Everyone is twelve, except for Freddy, who is thirteen. It is the end of the school year for them.

Disclaimer: I do not own School of Rock. (I think that you know that, unless you are stupid. I own the movie and the soundtrack. Do they make a poster? If they do, that's one more thing that I don't own.

Dewey's Niece

Chapter Four

The Midnight Competition

It had been a few days since the Zack had gotten the phone call from Kristi. He hadn't told anyone about it, even Freddy. If Freddy knew, he would be really jealous. And if they hadn't made that deal, Zack would have asked Kristi out already. But today was Wednesday, the day before the band's competition. Everyone, even the rest of the class, was over at Dewey's house to practice really hard.

"Ok everyone," Dewey called. "Tomorrow is an important day, so we have to practice really hard. You know what song we are playing: the new one."

Everyone nodded in agreement. "What about school?" Frankie asked.

"The competition is at night. Everyone has to be here, at my place, at seven sharp. The concert starts at eight. The winner will be announced at midnight. Mountain Dew will be available throughout the night. Everything clear?"

Everyone cheered. "Ok, let's get rockin'!" Dewey yelled. Everybody took their positions. Some were in one corner with their instruments. Others were positioned around the apartment. Gordon was at the table with his laptop working on a lightshow. Billy was on the couch working on an outfit for Kristi to wear. She was going to play with the band. Everyone was psyched about having her play, especially Freddy and Zack. Dewey counted them off, and they began. Michelle and Eleni were clapping and cheering. Then it was time for the guitar solo. Dewey decided to let the two guitarists decide who would play the solo. They never decided, so they both started to play, equally as good as the other.

Dewey stopped them with, "Stop, stop, stop. What the heck? You two," he said, pointing to Kristi and Zack. "Were supposed to figure out who was going to rock out with that solo at the competition tonight. I'll give you one minute to figure this out. Start now."

Kristi turned to Zack. "You have to play this. You are SO much better than I am."

Zack's cheeks turned pink. "No, you should. For your first gig. I'll survive without a solo."

"But this is your band. I'm new to the whole band thing. You play."

"No, you have to."

Kristi gently pushed him. "No, you play."

Zack smiled and pushed her back. "No."

"Yes, play it Zack."

"No."

"Yes."

"Stop!" Dewey said. "If you can't decide, the band will." He turned to the band. "If you want Kristi to play, raise your hand." It looked like everyone raised their hand. "If you want Zack to play tomorrow, raise your hand." No one did. Not even Kristi. He raised his hand for her. Why didn't she raise her hand for him?

Kristi smiled. "So I get to play?"

"Yeah," Dewey smiled. "Is that ok, Zack?"

He forced a smile. "Yeah, sure." Kristi looked at him funny. "You take the solo, I don't mind," he told her.

"Alright, thanks," Kristi smiled. "Can we play the song again?"

"Yeah, let's get rocking'," Freddy yelled. He tapped on a cymbal and counted them off. And they did an awesome job until practice was done.

"Great practice ladies and gents," Dewey cheered. "Now get lots of rest and be here at seven sharp tomorrow. See you later."

Everyone left except for Billy, Freddy and Zack. Billy walked up to Kristi and handed her a bag. "Here is your outfit, Kristi. I hope you like it." He smiled at her.

Kristi took the bag and looked inside it. "Thanks, Billy. I like the looks of it. And it's my size?"

"You bet. I have to go home and hem up some pants. Bye."

Kristi smiled and waved goodbye. She then realized that Freddy and Zack were still there. Kristi sat down the bag and went over to the drum set, where the two boys were standing. "Hey, why are you still here?"

"Oh, no particular reason; we are still packing up," Freddy smiled. "I can't wait to see you rock tomorrow."

"Thanks," Kristi smiled.

"Well we have to go, come on, Freddy," Zack said sternly.

"Are you ok, Zack?" Kristi asked.

"Sure, let's go," he replied, dragging Freddy with him.

"Alright, bye."

"What the heck, Zack? You seem really ticked," Freddy said as they walked out of the apartment and started down the stairs.

"No, nothing's wrong," Zack lied.

Freddy stopped and turned to face Zack. "It's the solo, isn't it?"

"Bingo." Zack kept going.

"Why are you so mad? I thought you didn't care if she took it. And if you like her-"

"Like her?" Zack stopped. "I hate her right now. That solo has my name written all over it. If she rocks on it, which she will, all the people will like her more than me. Soon my name will disappear from the band's list faster than Tomika can eat a foot long sub."

"That won't happen."

"She's better than me, sure it will," Zack stormed out of the building. Freddy followed him.

"Chill, you're ticked off over nothing. But anyway, you don't like her anymore?"

"Don't ask me that now! I am in the middle of a crisis!" Zack spotted his mom's car and turned to leave. "Bye," he yelled at Freddy.

Freddy gave him a confused look. "Alright then, bye."

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It was five after eight on Thursday night. Everyone had crammed into Dewey's old van and headed to the competition. They band played at ten fifty-two. They were all hanging out backstage with Mountain Dew cans. They were also getting very hyper. Kristi was standing with Marta, Summer, and Katie. She had changed her two purple streaks to red ones. She was wearing a white tube top with the band's logo on it. Then she had one of the school's grey jackets on. Its sleeves were ripped so it was like a tee-shirt. Kristi also wore a plaid skirt with thick soled shoes. She was tuning her guitar with Katie and her bass. When that was done, Kristi sat down her guitar and sat down on the couch by Zack and Freddy. Zack glared at her and got up off of the couch. Freddy slid over by Kristi and put his arm around her. As he did this, many different thoughts went through Kristi's mind. Oh my gosh! He just put his arm around me. I don't even know him that well, but who cares? I do know that he plays the drums better than anyone I know, and that he is hot, if you could put it that way. What if he likes me? I like him. But will that bother Zack? I lied and said I liked him-but was it a lie? I guess so. He isn't that cute, but he has a good personality. But he has never said anything to me, really. So, I won't say anything to Zack, and I'll have a good time talking with Mr. Hottie! She smiled at him; then shot a look at Zack. "Is he alright?" she asked Freddy.

"Oh, sure," he replied. "He didn't get enough sleep, that's all."

"He wants the solo, doesn't he?"

"Maybe, but you should keep it. You rock when you play it."

"That's what everyone says."

Freddy smiled. "Because it's the truth. Now cheer up. It's going to be fine." She smiled at him, and they started to flirt. There was one problem with that; Zack saw the whole thing. Now he was even more ticked off. I thought she liked me. Now she's flirting with my best friend, Zack thought.

"Group huddle," Dewey called out. The band came over and stood in a circle. "We are on in five." The band cheered. "Everyone get ready. Like the last few gigs, we only have one song. We do have something new though. This chick." Dewey gestured to Kristi, which made Kristi smile and Zack scowl. "So let's get ready to rock." The band cheered, got their stuff, and went out on the stage to rock.

The band played their song with accuracy and fury. Kristi sent the crowd screaming with her solo, while Zack just stood their and tried to force a smile. School Of Rock left the stage with a cheering crowd. When back stage, Katy, Marta, Summer, and Kristi got together and screamed.

"You were awesome," Katie smiled.

"You rocked," Marta screamed.

"We are so going to win," Summer cheered.

Freddy went up to Kristi and pulled her aside.

"What's this for?" Kristi asked.

"I just wanted to say that you were great."

Kristi smiled. "Thanks. You were great too." She turned to go back to the group when Freddy stopped her.

"Wait," Freddy said. He cheeks turned red as he said, "I also wanted to ask you something. You can't possible know how hard this is, but I like you a lot. Will you go out with me?"

Kristi smiled. "I'd love to, 'cause I like you too." She gave him a hug and went to find Katie and tell her what just happened.

Later, the band stood by the stage with their fingers crossed. It was eleven fifty-nine, and the judges were going to announce who won. Kristi and Freddy were holding hands. They were really excited.

One of the judges went onto the stage. "This year was one of the best years yet. The performers were great, but we only can pick three winners. Our third place winner is…" The judge opened an envelope. "School Of Rock. Come onstage to get your trophy." The band came screaming onto the stage. Dewey grabbed the trophy and held it in the air. He passed it on to Kristi so he could grab the check for one hundred dollars. Freddy kissed her on the cheek as she passed the trophy to him. Freddy turned around to pass the trophy to Zack, but he had seen the kiss and left the stage. The band decided to follow, since the applause was dying.

Kristi ran after Zack, who was standing in a corner. "Zack, what's wrong?" she asked.

He turned around and glared at her. "You've done enough damage, alright, now leave me alone." He turned and ran away from her.

Kristi started to follow him, but she stopped. She thought of the phone call she made to him. It really made him think that she liked him. There was more to this than she could think of at the time. Oh, what did I do now, she thought.

Thanks for reading. Please review. If you give me good reviews, it helps me to get writing faster, and posting sooner. These next few chapters are really interesting, so I will probably be posting really soon. All of the reviewers get invisible Green Apple Dum-Dums. Here are the responses:

Mel15- Thanks.

Legolas-aragorn-r-hot- LOL. Thank you.

Ahnigurl- Thank you, most of the story is already written, I'll try to add it at the end, if I can.

Flatfoot-92- Thanks.

Mellowqyellow36- Thank you-what do you mean by 'don't embarrass Zack'?

Shadowfaxgal7- LOL, but I like to watch the Three Stooges, but I love the review, (don't worry, I'll make you do that )

GuesswhoIam- LOL

Swimmerkitti- Sarcasm Thanks for the flame. It was my first one.

Nanners-77- Thanks.