CHAPTER 7

Season 3, Age 16*

The next day was a Saturday. Friday evening, Jesse came home from rehearsal at the normal time. I was up in my room with the door locked - just to be safe. I could hear him talking to Rick. I couldn't make out most of what was said but I did hear Jesse ask, "is Annie here?" Rick confirmed that I was and that he had picked me up. And maybe, just maybe, there was a hint of concern in Jesse's voice.

But I was probably just imagining it. For all I knew, he could've just been worried about his own ass and what would happen if he genuinely lost his little sister.

I had avoided Jesse all night and he certainly made no effort to talk to me. We briefly crossed paths when I was on my way to the bathroom. We made temporary eye contact, and then he looked down and stepped aside so I could get through.

I knew I should apologize - if anything to show him I was more mature than he was. But I really did not want to talk to him. I sighed, and walked over to my desk.

Opening one of the drawers, I found my stationery. I pulled out one of the pretty hummingbird notecards Maggie had gotten me, shortly before she went to the hospital. I didn't have very many opportunities to use them - and I guarantee that when Maggie bought them for me, she never envisioned me using one to write an apology to our brother for throwing a slushy in his face.

I took a pen out of my pencil cup and sat down. What to say…what to say.

Jesse,

I'm sorry I threw the slushy at your face at rehearsal. I was really frustrated with you and acted on impulse. Hopefully, you're okay and can forgive me.

Annie

There was more I wanted to include - pretty colorful language regarding how maybe I wouldn't have thrown the slushy in his face if he wasn't such a hardass and could actually talk to me like a brother and director without yelling in my face. But this time it was about me and my wrongdoing. I put the card in the envelope, slapped on a matching seal and headed for Jesse's room. I slid the envelope under the door and booked it back to my room.

A couple hours later, I heard the sound of something being slid under my door, then footsteps. There was an envelope with my name on it. Was it going to explode? I picked it up and opened it.

Annie,

Thank you for your apology. I forgive you - and yes, I am fine. That being said, as your director, I do have to administer some sort of consequence. You're suspended from rehearsal Monday and Tuesday. However, you can return Wednesday if you promise to follow directions without any sass…and not to throw anything at me.

Jesse

No acknowledgement of my feelings. "Sorry you felt frustrated - maybe we could talk about it and actually work things out." Of course, ultimately that didn't surprise me.

I was surprised about my punishment though. Suspended for two days? That was it? It certainly came as a relief, but I also didn't understand what possible reason Jesse had for it. If the roles had been reversed - I would've thrown his ass on the street - literally if I had actually been strong enough.

But I wasn't expelled. I leaned back against my pillows and sighed. I was going to have to tread more lightly around Jesse. He hadn't stopped pissing me off - but I was still part of Vocal Adrenaline.