They Never Knew -a fanfiction by Cinni and C.B.A.

Summary: Jean Cadac is not what one calls special. She's not pretty, isn't academically gifted to say the least, and certainly doesn't have any exceptional talents. But she is in band. However, at her small school in Texas, isn't everybody? So out of everyone, why did the hottest guy in school have to choose her?

Author's Note: This chapter was written by me, Cinni! Hope you enjoy and PLEASE review!

Chapter four-Smile for the Camera!

It was band picture day. In other words, there was utter chaos. As always, the band students did not want to cooperate. Most were talking to their friends or running around being immature. Some of the upperclassmen were already in their spots looking at the others in distaste. One of the band directors, Mr. Decker was herding a group of sophomores towards the rows of chairs as he yelled at some freshmen to put the rest of their band uniforms on.

Mr. Decker had been at Wedgerton High for longer than anyone could remember. He was in his 60s but looked much older. He had a bald spot on the back of his head which he claimed was from putting up with misbehaving students, out of tune notes, and just band in general. He constantly looked tired with his droopy posture and the large bags under his eyes. He was known to stay at the school all night and there had been many times when he had been found sleeping in the band office. Nevertheless, he managed to get the job done. It was only because of Mr. Decker's persistence that the band was the pride of Wedgerton High. In doing so, however, he had earned himself some enemies among the sports coaches.

Mr. Decker was constantly the band director in charge but he was not alone. His "cronies", as the students called them, were Mr. Burd and Mr. Tally. They were both younger men and seemingly incapable of doing anything on their own. They followed Mr. Decker's every move and were little if any help to him.

Mr. Burd was a tall man with brown hair who rarely did any yelling. He was probably a favorite among the band students. Regardless of his imposing height, though, his counterpart, Mr. Tally, acted much more like the part of band director...even if he was only four feet tall.

Mr. Tally was the youngest of the three and never let Mr. Decker out of his sight. He always tried too hard to be exactly like Mr. Decker, making him a little too militaristic. Despite his efforts, everyone ignored him. He did not stick out in a crowd, as he was short with undistinguishing features, except for his mountain-sized nose. He was the type of person that was probably picked on in school.

Vincent Carrington was standing at the side of the gym looking around. Lara Manra was trying to say something to him but Vincent hadn't heard what. He was too busy thinking about previous events.

"Vince, aren't you listening to me?" Lara looked at him, slightly annoyed. She wasn't used to being blown off.

"Uh, no, sorry…hey, don't you think we should get to our seats?" Vince just wanted to get rid of Lara. Why wouldn't she ever leave him alone? Didn't she have other guys to bother? To his annoyance, Lara walked with him across the room towards the chairs where many students now sat.

Continuing to ignore Lara, who was chatting casually at his side, Vince looked at the first row of chairs, pitying them for their lack of height. Most were freshmen who had yet to fill out. They looked so awkward. Vince laughed aloud at the memory of himself in his first year of highschool. He sat in the first row and wasn't given second glances by any of the girls.

Things sure have changed …Vincent thought as Lara beamed next to him looking extremely pleased with herself. Apparently she thought Vince had laughed at something she had said.

Vincent noticed one particularly awkward girl sitting in the first chair. She was staring at him. Not that that was strange; many of the girls were dreamily gazing at Vincent while glaring at their competition, Lara. But there was something about this particular girl that caught his attention. Her looks made her so awkward that she became obvious. Lara followed his gaze.

"Oh, that's Jan, or Jean, or something. She's an ugly little bitch isn't she?" Lara remarked harshly. She had finally gotten Vincent's attention. Ooh, speaking of bitches!

"I think you need to watch your mouth." Vincent said angrily, holding back the things he wanted to say to her. His parents had brought him up to be a gentleman and he very rarely swore. His words hurt Lara anyway. She was obviously shocked at his response. She continued to stand there lamely, staring after Vince as he turned to walk towards his seat by the people he knew were his height. As he neared the girl in the front row he wondered why he felt he had to stick up for her. She was still looking at him, probably clueless that he and Lara had just been talking about her. Feeling a pang of pity towards her, he paused by her seat.

"Having fun? I can tell by the look on your face, " Vince remarked sarcastically. He didn't wait for her response but felt oddly satisfied, imagining that he had made her day. No one else had talked to her since she had sat down but seeing that the great Vincent had considered her worthy to talk to, others would begin to notice her.

Sure enough, as Vincent took his seat he looked down at the girl to see the people in the second row chatting with her. It was a job well done and Vincent didn't have to worry about her anymore. Going back to the thoughts he was having before Lara interrupted, Vincent barely noticed as the cameraman asked everyone to say, "Cheese!"