Chapter 6

2 months have past since the thing with Thomas and everything. Nat has written a few new songs; so have I, but guess what? Rosalina and Nat finally got together (finally!) I mean it's about time. They've known each other for years and everyone knew they liked each other except each other. Remember when I said: 'Nat always knew when something was up even when it wasn't stuck in his face'?' With Rosalina he was some how clueless.

Anyways, Cooper is starting to say we need to start stepping it up a bit unless we want to end up like The Adorable Timmerman Brothers; we need to find a new cello player and fast. If Thomas was going to come back he would have done it already. Since he's not gonna do anything it's time for us to suck it up and do what's good for the band.

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I waited downstairs at the breakfast table for Nat to join me. I really, really needed to talk to him, its urgent actually. You wanna know what it is?

I could hear Nat coming down. You'll soon find out.

"Nat I need to talk to you?" I said immediately as he entered the kitchen. "About what?" He went over to the cupboard and took out a box of Trix Cereal. "It's about something school," I said.

Nat let out what seemed a small chuckle, "You're gonna be a 5th grader this year. You're really growing up." "That's the problem. I don't wanna grow up I wanna stay the baby," I said looking down into my empty bowl. Nat came over to the table and sat his bowl of cereal down and went back and brought the box of cereal and milk to the table, "it's a part of life Alex. I'm sorry but everyone grows up. I mean look at me; I'm only 12 years old and dad says it won't be long before my voice starts changing and that means hectic on my music." He poured the milk into his bowl. "Are you scared?" He looked at me but kept my eyes on my bowl as if magically I could just disappear into it.

"Alex?" Nat shook my arm to bring me back to life. "Oh, um I guess not," I answered. Nat fixated his eyes on me, "okay but if you ever need any help you know that dad and I are always here for you." "I know its just being in 5th grade, the final grade of elementary, I just don't like the thought of letting go," I brushed one of my curls out of my eyes. "You'll be okay man. You know I'll be going to high school after this grade. It's gonna be a whole new world," he sighed and put his hand on my shoulder.

Later that day at practice Nat and Rosalina stood in a corner talking in low whispers to each other. Everything finally seemed okay again, but it wasn't the same without you know who.

I watched Cooper go over to the stage and start speaking through the microphone, "Okay guys we need to start rehearsals. We have a concert at the end of this month." There was a sudden outbreak of panic voices, mine's included. "How are we gonna do a concert without Thomas?" I yelled out. "Guys please don't panic," Cooper said in his normal business-like tone, "I think it's time for us to move on without Thomas. We need to start auditioning people who want to be the new cello player." "But Cooper Thomas is our friend," I heard Nat say.

I was still staring at Cooper in total shock. How could he do this to us? Better yet, how can he do this to Thomas? He could be a real pain sometimes and yes he did let us down by quitting but he's our friend. Didn't that count for something?

"I'm sorry guys but it's been two months already we must move on if we wanna stay the best band in the area. This audition is just for the best." Cooper went back to the table he was working at before with a quiet room to follow him.

How could he let what could be a complete stranger join our band that's made up of friends and family that's known each other since they could remember? How could he?