"Tune up. I can only stall a few more minutes."
Crispy wondered at the empty seat to her left. How could Nick miss a concert? How could Nick miss this concert? He had the solo for God's sake.
"Uh, Mr. G? The hammer's missing again a percussionist whispered meekly.
"You're kidding me," he said in aggravation. "What a fiasco this is going to be… Crispy, your going to have to take over Nick's part for the serenade." Crispy nodded. She scrambled through Nick's music folder looking for the part she had barely ever played. She had no time to practice it, they were already on stage. How was she going to sight read music… in front of an audience…Where was Nick?
Mr. G conducted the first piece, a lively march. There wasn't anything to worry about. Not yet anyhow. Maybe Nick would come a little late. There was still a chance.
The second piece left Crispy more than a little nervous. She felt short of breath. Her horn felt slippery under her hands. How could she play if she couldn't breath? Oh God…
The band decrecendoed to a dark rolling rumble no louder than the wind outside. There was no time left to pull herself together. Despite her lack of oxygen, she started as best as she could. Despite her trembling insides, her first note was remarkably steady. The easy part was starting. She had never been able to play a high A, which of course this piece contained. She didn't manage it this night either. Though she observed that the piccolo player received considerably more applause, she had survived the night without embarrassing herself too badly, but where was Nick, who had never missed so much as one practice, been that night?