Chapter 10 Rehearsals and Resolutions

Friday, January 27, 1984

Music: Simon and Garfunkle "Hazy Shade of Winter"

Lindsay Weir was walking over to the union to meet Ken Miller for lunch. She took a moment to admirer the peaceful appearance of the campus covered in snow. The University of Freshman assumed the purpose of the luncheon was to go over last minute plans for the Model UN Conference, which was starting this afternoon and going through Saturday. Lindsay's job as model UN Vice Chair was to assist her chair, Ken, in running a mock UN committee for high school students assuming the role of delegates from the various countries. When she got to the table, she was surprised to see her friend Amy as well as Ken.

"Hi Amy, how are you?" Lindsay asked.

"Fine how are you?" Amy replied.

Lindsay smiled and said, "Surviving freshman year."

Just then Nick Andopolis joined the three and said, "Hey Lindsay, Amy, Ken."

"The Air Force has arrived," quipped Ken.

Lindsay said, "Hey, Nick," trying not to sound uncomfortable. She hadn't talked to Nick since she kissed him New Year's Eve.

Amy sensed some tension and said, "Nick called today wanting to meet me for lunch today, I told him to come join us."

Nick explained, "I'm going to be trying out for the Air Force Band in a couple months."

Ken said, "Nick Andopolis, band geek, now I've heard everything."

Amy playfully smacked her boyfriend and told him, "Hush!"

Nick continued, "Anyway, I've been practicing using my stage drum kit, but I also need to rehearse with a marching band set." Nick handed Amy the list of songs, "I know its asking a lot, but I hope you could help me practice these tunes."

Amy said, "I'd be happy to help anyway I can."

Nick smiled and told Amy, "Thanks."

Lindsay was surprised at Nick's initiative. Maybe he actually is changing.

Music:. 38 Special "Teacher Teacher"

Ken said to Lindsay, "As far as the Model UN Conference: you'll do fine. You know the rules, and you've read the resolutions the kids have submitted. Just be sure to keep 'em in line and you'll have a great time."

Jeff Rosso was having lunch with the McKinley Model UN group, which was representing Cuba at this particular conference. Rosso instructed the group of high school students, "Now I know staying in a hotel away from home leads to all sorts of temptations, but I need you to remember that you are still representing McKinley High. As I'm sure you've heard by now, we were invited to a model UN conference in New York City." The counselor waited a minute for the buzz about New York to calm down, then continued, "Thanks to Mr. Weir, the school board is considering letting us go. I must tell you, though, your behavior and performance at this conference will have a big effect on the board's ultimate decision."

That made the McKinley group stop and think. A chance to go to New York, and all they had to do was behave themselves for a couple of days.

While they were eating Rosso asked his club president, "So Sam, did you send in your application and film to the film schools."

Sam replied, "Yeah, thanks to the fact I work at Fotomat, I was able to get copies of the film I made over Christmas break to NYU, USC, UCLA, and Columbia University."

Rosso suggested, "Those are all fine schools, and they are extremely competitive. You should think of a back up school in case admissions doesn't go your way, or you don't get an adequate aid package. Two of the schools you mentioned have the among the highest tuition in the country, and even NYU and UCLA charge out of state students an arm an a leg. I know, I went to UC Berkley."

Sam said, "I'll think about it."

Neal teased, "Yeah, you should think about it… with 'Winter in Chippewa' as your sample work."

Maureen came to Sam's defense, declaring, "Well I saw it and thought it was sweet."

Sam said, "Thanks Maureen," while giving Neal an evil glare.

Ken and Lindsay started setting up the lecture hall for 130 high school students. The freshman co-ed was still a little nervous about running a meeting with so many kids.

Ken reassured Lindsay, "These are all geeks, who actually want to be here. Baby sitting these kids is the easiest college credit you'll get."

Lindsay asked, "Is that why you do that, for the Political Science credit?"

Ken said, "No, I switched my major to finance. But being Model UN chair looks great on MBA program applications."

Lindsay smiled, typical sarcastic Ken. She had a feeling that he was involved in Model UN because he liked it, but Mr. Ken Miller would never admit he liked an activity as geeky as Model UN.

Soon the high school students came filing in. Then came a familiar figure in fatigues dressed like Castro.

Lindsay sighed, "Oh no."

Neal waved his cigar at his friends sister.

The first session went well, no real problems. That evening there was a banquet for the high school students. Lindsay was able to avoid sitting anywhere near Neal.

After the banquet, Lindsay made it to her dorm room, exhausted.

Millie asked, "How did it go?"

Lindsay answered, "OK, but Neal Schwieber ended up on my committee. I allowed him to buy me a cup of hot chocolate over break, and now I'm afraid he thinks we are going out."

Millie said, "At least you didn't kiss him."

Lindsay probed, "Millie! What did you do?"

Millie confessed, "Well, Tommy has been more and more distant since he started bible college. Sam invited me over to watch Dick Clark on New Year's Eve. You were out with Nick. Next thing I know Sam is kissing Maureen, Bill is kissing Cindy, and Neal is kissing me. Its easy to get caught up in New Years Eve."

Lindsay commiserated, "Tell me about it." She then confessed kissing Nick at about the exactly the same time Millie was kissing Neal. Both girls decided to pretend the kissing incidents didn't happen, and to deal with them if either boy tries to make something of it.

Music: Jan and Dean "Surf City"

Neal, Gordon, and Sam were sitting in their hotel room. In the room next door were Cindy, Maureen, and two sophomore girls, named Julie and Lisa, who were at their first Model UN conference.

Neal said, "You know, Sam, they only have two queen beds in that room." The boys managed to get the last rollaway in their room.

Sam asked, "So?"

Neal replied, "So, that means that two girls are sleeping together in one bed."

Sam observed, "Neal, you are a pervert."

Finally the senior men had the courage to go over to the girls room.

Maureen invited, "Hey guys, come on in. We're just getting our teddys on and picking sides for the pillow fight."

Neal's eyes got big.

Sam explained, "Down boy, she's kidding."

Neal said, "I know that."

Instead of turning on the guys, Lisa hit the remote and turned on the TV. SCTV was on Cinemax.

Cindy said, "Sam, remember when your dad dressed like a vampire to hand out candy Halloween freshman year? He ended up scaring half the kids in Chippewa. Anyway, I just noticed Count Floyd looks just like your dad."

The girls, Gordon, and Neal laughed.

Sam just replied, "I know, I know."

Mr. Rosso was keeping a closer eye on the McKinley kids than they thought. He smiled. He knew nothing would be going on, and the boys would be back in their room in a couple hours or so. He was right. Saturday's conference also went well. The other advisors complimented Rosso on how well the McKinley delegation performed at the conference.

Two Weeks Later

Mr. Rosso brought the Model UN Club into his office. He teased, "Well, the board met last night..."

Neal, impatient as usual said, "...and."

Rosso started singing, "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today," Maureen cried, "We're going to New York!"