CHAPTER 4: December—Logan
It was after sixth period on the last day before Christmas vacation. I was leaving the guys' locker room when I ran into Alan and Pete.
"Hey, Logan," Pete said. "A bunch of us are getting together in the gym tomorrow to shoot some hoops. Are you in?"
"Sorry, I can't," I said, pulling on my SHS varsity jacket. "I promised the Rodowskys' I'd come to Shea's piano recital."
"Boy, that Baby-sitters Club sure have their hooks into you, don't they?" Pete asked.
"I've been telling him that for years," King's voice said. We turned around and saw him standing there. "But does he listen to me? Noooo. So, what have they roped you into this time?"
"Well, since you're so interested in my personal life," I told him, "I told the Rodowskys' I'd come to Shea's piano recital."
"How sweet," King said. The next thing I knew, he pretended to play and imitate a glissando on the piano, then he turned around and made a farting noise with both hands. Yes, folks, maturity lives on.
Well, naturally, King's little spectacle didn't faze Alan and Pete. In fact, they actually started applauding—very elegantly, I might add, like they were at an 18th-century opera. "Brilliant!" Alan said in a stuffy, falsetto British accent, rolling the r's and all.
"Yes, but I think you guys forgot your powdered wigs," I said.
"Oh, that's right," King said. "I think mine's in the shop."
"Really? I thought your brain was," I answered. To my surprise, he didn't have an answer for that as he continued down the hall. Oh, well, at least none of them were doing that God-awful high-pitched laugh from Amadeus, if you know what I mean.
The next day, I pulled into the parking lot at the Civic Center, and got out of the car. "Now this is what I call cold," I said to myself as I turned up the collar on my black Kentucky U parka. That's when I saw the Rodowskys getting out of their car about five spaces down from me.
"Hi, Logan!" Jackie called as he ran to me. To no one's surprise, he tripped over the curb. Luckily, he was able to put his hands out to keep from landing on his face. I don't know why, but seeing that reminded me of the final dress rehearsal for Carnival. You see, we were doing this song called "Sword, Rose & Cape". During the number, Jackie had tripped over his own foot, and while he was trying to maintain his balance, he slapped me in the mouth. Luckily, he didn't hurt himself, other than losing another baby tooth, and the song went on without a hitch.
"Hi, guys," I said as I helped Jackie up. "Hi, Shea. You all set for the recital?"
He nodded. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess," he said. He was trying to sound confident, but I could tell he was still a little nervous.
"Hey," I said, patting his shoulder. "You'll do just fine. And I'll be right there in the audience, cheering you on. Well, not literally, of course, because I'd make too much noise, and I'd probably get kicked out."
Naturally, Jackie and Archie started laughing hysterically. "They're going to kick him out!" Archie gasped.
"Yeah, good one, Logan," Jackie agreed.
"Thanks, Logan," Shea grinned. I knew that was just the confidence-booster he needed.
Half an hour later, I was sitting between Jackie and Archie in the fourth row. "Do you think we'd really get kicked out for cheering for Shea?" Jackie whispered.
"I don't know," I said. "But some people may not be too happy with us."
"How about if we just cheer in our heads?" Archie asked.
"I don't see why not," I said. "Just as long as you don't make too much noise."
"Deal," Archie agreed, and the three of us turned our attention to the stage.
A minute or so later, Shea walked out on stage in a brand-new all-black suit with a bright green tie and sat down at the piano. After wiggling his fingers around to wake them up, he opened his music to the first page, and without a second thought as to who was out there, began to play.
I was so proud of Shea. He'd come out of his shell so much since I'd first met him, and that was probably the best Christmas present he could ask for.
