Edited 2019

AN: I am sorry that I did not get anything posted yesterday. I was having issues. On with the chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own it but I wish I did.

Chapter 26

Once cleaned and dressed I went downstairs for breakfast. As normal, Gran was drinking her coffee while reading the paper. Across from her, to my surprise, was Jason who had beaten me to the table. Both he and Eric were scarfing down their food as I poured myself a glass of milk, removing my plate out of the oven.

"Sook, would you mind riding in with Eric? I want to pick Crystal up and have some time to talk with her," Jason shot me a pleading look which would have been more convincing if he didn't have halfway chewed biscuits and gravy falling out his mouth.

I contemplated this for a minute before shrugging. "If Eric's okay with it, yeah. But how are we supposed to get my cello to school on his bike?" An image of me and Eric on this bike flashed through my mind, my cello strapped to my back. I started to laugh and had to suppress a snort. Eric and Jason shot me strange looks but Gran just beamed at me over her paper. Jason shook it off ignoring my odd behavior nodding his head before as he resumed eating.

"Well, Eric's okay with it," Jason said, glancing at Eric who had also started to eat again but nodded in agreement with his head down. "I think you would be taking one of his dad's cars. So you should have no problem with the cello…" He trailed off as Eric finally straightened up, placing his fork over his empty plate, swallowing his last mouthful of food.

"I was going to take the Corvette, but we could take the Escalade if you want. There would be more room that way." Eric weakly smiled at me as he standing up walking over to the sink to wash his plate off. "And we'd have no problem with your cello in that." He added turning around to face us leaning against the counter. I laughed again glad he was in a good mood today. Then, a thought popped into my head. I frowned at Eric, as I cocked my head to the side, pointing my finger at him in almost an accusing way.

"I thought you weren't supposed to drive those while he was gone… No, I am not getting in trouble." Eric's smile became a full-fledged grin, mischief hiding underneath his eyes.

"As long as Gran doesn't tattle on us… I think it will be good. What do you say, Gran?" He asked turning his attention to Gran, sending a charming smile her way. Gran chuckled under her breath, flipping the page of her paper, not even looking up at Eric.

"I don't see why not. If you can get there and back with it in one piece." Eric pushed himself off the counter and clapped his hands together loudly. Jason shot him an annoyed look. Eric just laughed.

"Then we are taking the caddie. It will give us some time to talk." He shot me a mischievous look before heading out the back door to go get the truck.

One of the few things that I knew about Eric's dad was that he had a thing for cars and not just any, but luxury and sports cars. Of the many cars he has, I'd only seen the Corvette and the Escalade. I knew that he has a Shelby Mustang, but he rarely drove it. He also had a Jag and a Bentley in storage somewhere. That man had more expensive shiny toys then he knew what to do with. Another thought popped into my head.

"Oh, Gran! I completely forgot but I need a check for drivers ed. Today's the last day to sign up and I need it when I sign up. I forgot about it last week, with everything that's been going on." Gran nodded, closing her paper.

"Let me get my pocketbook. How much is it? Also, do you know who the instructor will be?" She called back as she slipped out of the room for a minute before returning with her checkbook. Gran sat again, beginning to fill out a check.

"$175.00 and I think Mr. Dearborn but I am not sure. Classes start next week so I guess I will find out then." Finishing my breakfast, I stood to clear my plate as Eric had.

"Well if it is, then you tell him hello for me and that we have been missing him at the GDG meetings."

"I will Gran," I said, turning back to her as she handed me a check. I heard the sound of someone driving up the lane. I guessed it was Eric so I went and got my stuff. "I will see you later Gran." She patted my back before sitting back down to read her paper again.

"Have a good day sweetheart. I will pick you up at 2:30 pm." Gran said, opening the paper to the page to where she left off.

When I went out of the house, Eric was waiting in the doorway with his bag. "Let me get that," Eric said, reaching for my cello. He took it with his other hand on the small of my back, leading me to the truck. I know that it is technically an SUV, but the thing looks like a truck with the capability for more people. Eric placed my cello safely in the back seat with his bag. I climbed into the front with my bag, waiting. He got in and started the monster of an automobile up. "So, as I said earlier, I talked to my dad. He won't be back before the homecoming dance." I nodded trying to act like I didn't already know.

"Okay… well, you know how I feel about all this. I … well I want to know is, are you ok with me going with someone else?" I looked over at him noticing his jaw clench.

"Honestly, no. I don't want you to go with someone else, but I'll have to live with it. I had a good talk with Gran on the way back from town yesterday. She pointed out that my priorities were a little off. I guess what I am trying to say, is that I want you to go to the dance and have a good time. Even if it is not me." Eric glanced over at my face, holding my gaze for a moment until returning his eyes to the road. Then he smirked. "Of course, I want you to save me a slow song or two."

"I think that can be arranged." I looked at him, concerned. "Are you sure you're really ok with this?"

"Not yet, but I will." He shrugged. "I have to be, won't I?" He said returning his attention to the road again. We arrived at school with enough time for me to turn in my check and sign up for drivers ed. Eric was really nice and took my cello to the band room for me, giving me time to get to homeroom. I arrived at class, with a few minutes to spare.

Mr. Brigant was at the front of the room, ready to go over the announcements. "Take your seats. I hope you all had a good weekend and a good time at our first win of the season." Cheers interrupted Mr. Brigant and he smiled, motioning for the class to settle down so he could continue.

"First on my list is to remind you all to get your drivers ed checks into the office by the end of school today. Classes begin next week. And speaking of next week, you all know that it will be homecoming week." More cheers. "This year the senior girls are going to be having a powder puff game, before the big game on Friday. They ask that you support the school next week by dressing up for each day's theme. Monday is Pajama day and to clarify, do not dress inappropriately. Follow the school dress code and you should be fine. Tuesday is backward day, all clothing can be inside out, upside down, just be creative. Superhero day is Wednesday, so you can all dress as your favorite superhero. Thursday has been christened fairy tale day but I have been told dressing as a character from a fable is fine too. Last but not least, Friday, is, of course, the day of the big game so dress in team colors by wearing red, black and white with pride. Every day next week during lunch, the seniors will be holding a contest for best dressed and the winner gets a free dinner for two on Saturday at a restaurant of your choosing as well as flowers and a ride in a limo to the dance." Murmurs of excitement passed around the room. "The limo will be shared with all the winners throughout the week. There will be second and third place prizes also awarded, so dress to impress next week. Oh, and on Friday I will have the names of those who have been nominated for homecoming court so you will be able to vote starting on Monday, all the way up to the dance on Saturday." I heard several girls talking about the court and who will be on it. I rolled my eyes at their chatter. "That is all I have, so go ahead and chit chat till the bell rings." He finished, taking a seat behind his desk.

Amelia nearly pounced on me in her excitement. In her usual fashion of talking a mile a minute, she started. "Are you going to dress up next week? I have so many ideas. You know that I asked Daddy if he would let me take you shopping and we could get stuff for the entire week. We would be a shoo-in to win. Have you come to any decision on who you are going to go with? I didn't get to tell you! Guess who asked me! Tray! Can you believe it, I mean he is so hot and he told me he got asked to be on the homecoming court. I am going dress shopping tomorrow night and I have an appointment with the Sophie-Anne to pick out my dress. You can come along if you want. Daddy asked for two consultations and I don't know who else I would want to ask. Maybe Holly. Please come with me Sookie! But I am sure that Daddy could make it three. So Sookie what do you think? You haven't said anything." She finally finished and inhaled a huge breathe of air.

"I haven't said anything yet cause you haven't stopped to breathe!" I laughed at Amelia who just shrugged at me. "And the order of your questions: Yes, I want to dress up. Shopping would be fun but I want to pay for myself. I am closer but no decision yet. It is great that Tray asked you, I am glad that you like him. I think I can go with but I will have to ask Gran. She wanted to take me and I was also asked to go dress shopping with Tara." I mentally counted her questions in my head pairing them with my answers. "Did I answer everything?" I smiled at Amelia, excitement bubbling inside me.

"Yes, I will have to call Daddy during lunch to get him to add people. Can you think of anyone else that would want to go with?"

"Lafayette, but he won't need a dress; the triplets might like to come. Claude was always a big help with picking out pageant dresses. Any of the girls on the dance team would probably die to have an appointment with Sophie-Anne. So I think it is up to you who all you want to go with." While we were talking those who weren't in Algebra two left and the remaining of our class had pulled out their books and notebooks. Mr. Brigant got up just then to start class. The morning went by fast as did most of the afternoon. Everything went wonderfully until I was walking into the band room. Then I was tripped.

I looked up to see an irate Debbie staring down at me. "You cost me, my team. If I have to, I will cost you yours. You need to watch yourself and stay out of my way. I was a shoo-in for homecoming till you got me in trouble now I am not even nominated."

I stood up and said. "You are the reason that you got in trouble and I don't think anyone would have voted for you cause you're mean. You scare people, to get them to do what you want but I am not scared, and I won't back down. You and your uptight friend deserved to lose your spots on the cheer squad. I am sure that they are better off without you. Heck, they might even stand a chance at winning this year since you two aren't there to mess it up. You need to watch your own self and leave me be." I walked past her to get out my cello. I was proud of myself for standing up to her.

I unpacked my cello and waited for Mrs. Fortenberry to start class. I was getting anxious to find out where I placed. She came down from her office with a broad smile on her face. "Everyone hush up. I will be calling names for placement. I will be starting with the first row and working my way out. When I say your name go to your stand and if I hear you whine about your spot I will gladly put you in the back. First Violins Jonathan, Cara, Second Violins Irena, Thalia, Violas Diane, Liam, Celli Sookie, Godric, Bass Jake, First Violins Maxwell, Vincent, Second Malcolm, Arlean, Violas …"

I missed the rest of what she said. I was so shocked that I could not move. Jessica leaned over and said. "Sookie you are the first chair go sit." I blindly followed her words, taking the first chair in the cello section.

"Congratulations Sookie. I knew you would do well. I look forward to being your stand partner." Godric said moving his stuff over.

"This has got to be a mistake. I was sure you would get first chair. I was thinking I would be lucky to be second. I just don't understand why she would do this." I stared at the music stand in front of us.

"Now that everyone is seated. Let's make sure we are all in tune and then we will play "Air On The G String" by Bach. A majority of you will be site reading this, I am not expecting it to be perfect yet. We have been asked to play this at the Homecoming Rally Next Friday when they announce the court and crown king and queen. I know that is coming up real quick but if you practice like you should we will be fine." Mrs. Fortenberry said passing out the music. "We will also be playing "Ashokan Farewell". Jonathan and Cara will be playing the solos for each along with Mickey from the Jazz band." We practiced the pieces as a group it was funny to hear how off we were. I know part of it was that people had not played the music before and thus they were getting lost. I also knew that I was going to have to practice a bunch in the coming weeks. I might not have a solo but I needed to prove that I deserve the chair I was given. When class was over I packed up and went out to the parking lot to wait for Gran.