Chapter 5 is like a filler. So its kinda short. Chapter 6 is the Battle of the Bands.

But anyway enjoy...

Through The Years

Freshman Year

Chapter 5: It's magic!

Summer knew better to expect anything much to change after the camping trip. Sure, band practices would be easier and she would no longer need to shout herself hoarse to stop them from fighting. However high school in a different story entirely. So she was not surprise when Monday came and nothing had changed.

Summer breezed through the day. Sometimes having Zac and Michelle's company. To the people there something had changed about her that weekend. She no lingered cowered or blend it but stood up proudly and ignored whatever rude remarks sent her way with a nonchalant attitude. Summer felt stronger in that way. The insight to what Billy was going through inspired her to stand up for herself and whoever was being bullied. After all Emily always told her that change began from the heart. Her first test happened to be during lunch.

It was crowded as ever. Summer had just taken her tray that consisted of a pizza, macaroni and cheese, coke and an apple. She was on her way to where Michelle sat when a blond figure stood in her way.

"Hey Summer," Brittany said mock cheerfully.

Summer notice the group surrounding her sitting a little straighter and giving the two of them attention. Summer wanted to roll her eyes and walk away but she knew that Brittany would not allow her that. In fact the blonde was now eyeing the food on her tray before looking at her with the most fakest smiles Summer had ever seen.

"Wow you sure eat a lot during lunch. Wouldn't want you to get fatter than what you already are," Brittany said smoothly as the group around her started stifling their laughter.

Summer looked at them. They were totally pathetic. More than her when she realised that she had been cowering away from Brittany. She was never afraid of her in middle school so why should she be afraid now? Summer took a breath and then smiled. This reaction was not missed by Brittany nor her posse. They all looked confused. Summer smirked mentally. She was going to have the upper hand in this situation.

"Thanks Britt, didn't know you cared so much," Summer said brightly before her voice laced down with venom, "By the way, here's a tip. Eating your salad and then binging on carbs, so does not work. Laters."

Summer smiled to her before going to Michelle. She could see Michelle glowing from where she sat and knew no doubt that she left a very speechless and dumbfounded group of people before turning away.

"That was Amazing," Michelle squealed as Summer sat down, "You should have seen her face when you did that. I tell you it was priceless. She was..."

Summer let Michelle drown on about what happened as she took a sip from her coke.

"So what made you do that?" Michelle asked looking at Summer questioningly.

"Let's say we all needed that change," Summer replied.

Word of what Summer did to Brittany spread around school quickly to the people in freshman year. Soon Summer found herself the centre of attention. The people that Brittany had put down came to her asking to be friends and congratulating her on a job well done. There were others in the sidelines giving her warm smiles no doubt everyone felt that Brittany deserved what she got. With the attention she was receiving, Brittany's taunts and jeering became worse but Summer no longer felt small. Brittany's words were like vapour. Meaningless.

By the time the school week had ended, Summer was recognised as the girl who stood up to Brittany.

"Sorry I'm late," Summer said as she rushed into the room.

Summer had joined the school's newsletter team and there was a meeting after school. Unfortunately she was hanging around with the group of people who now admired her for what she did and did not have a polite way of leaving until the last minute. The effect you have on these people Michelle snickered.

"No problem. Sit," told April. She was the a senior and the editor of the school paper. Something Summer hoped she could be later in her schooling years, "Now let's get down to business..."

As soon as the meeting was over Summer packed her things. Her assignment was relatively easy. She had to only do research for this guy who was covering the actual story.

"So good week?" April asked.

"Strange week," Summer replied.

"Yeah, I've heard about the Brittany thing. I think even the seniors know," April said as she zipped her bag.

Summer stopped packing and looked at April. The upper high school students barely paid attention on the drama going on in the freshman zone.

"In every year, there is always a Brittany. Someone who loves to tear people down to make them feel good about themselves. You did a good thing standing up to her," April said.

"Thanks," Summer said. She grabbed her bag and walked out with April, "I just can't stand her. She's so..."

"Full of herself? Yeah I've been in your position," April said. They were both walking down the empty hallways, "You know you remind me of me. You're not afraid to stand up from yourself."

"Thanks," Summer said her cheeks a little pink from the comment. April was one of the most coolest people in school. Not only was she editor of the school newspaper but she was also a legend in the athletics department. She had a certain girl next door quality about her. People loved her.

Could people love me too? Summer shook her head. That though was so conceited, shallow and superficial. She knew she would never amount to be what April was she would be something different.

"So what is this I've heard of you serving Brittany?" Frankie asked as Summer entered the apartment. Band practice was going on and the band crew were currently slacking off. Frankie was grinning widely.

"Michelle told you," Summer told.

"Katie actually," Frankie said before giving her a big hug and ruffling her hair, "I'm so proud of you Tink."

"Yeah, yeah. Go away old man," Summer teased as she slapped his hands away. Turning to the counter where she usually sat, Summer saw Billy. He gave a warm smile that reached his eyes and Summer knew that he was proud of her as well.

Frankie would not stop bothering her (praising her according to him) and wanted to know the full story. Summer gave up trying to ignore him by checking the band schedules and began telling him about the week she had.

...

Frankie was proud. As Summer re encountered what had happened. He knew that Summer was having trouble with bullies in high school. Back in middle school he was the bigger brother to everyone. He remembered standing up for Eleni when a boy started to tease her mercilessly and not to mention what he was currently doing for Billy.

He could not help but be proud of Summer. For the past months he saw her troubled, on the edge and close to bursting to tears. He tried to talk to her but she refused. When Michelle and her started hanging out she looked better. But now she was practically lit up. She had grown up from the kid he saw back in middle school.

Frankie knew that Summer would never have bend down to what anyone said to and about her. It was only a matter of time until she stood up and faced whatever it is that was tearing her down. No he was not only proud of her for standing up but what she did for Billy. Frankie had noticed them talking underneath a tree when they went camping. After the camping trip, Billy began to look somewhat different. He was more confident and now brushed of the insults thrown to him. Sure he never physically fought back because it was what the bullies wanted but he seemed to be moving towards not being the victim and Frankie knew somehow Summer was involved.

So naturally he had to know. And he couldn't be more happy for both of them. After practice they (the band including Dewey) had all raised their cans of carbonated drinks to Summer and Billy. What they did was almost magical. They helped each other while solving their own problems. Frankie could here Summer and Billy discussing out ideas to help one another and the many others who were having the same problem. They talked about a benefit or a concert, events and whatnots.

Yup its magic alright, Frankie thought as he watched Summer and Billy.

Alright done. Again sorry its short, this chapter is like a filler for the next one.

So till then :)