Chapter 4

   "I'm sorry, Ms. Jerik, but I refuse to let my daughter continue to play in the band." I scream and cry at my mother's feet. The crying made my head feel even worse, but I had to convince to let me march. Marching band was the only thing I could do right.

   "Mom, I can do it!" I had pleaded but in the end she said no.

   "But, she's a rather good player and we'd have to re-write sets and music and then everyone will be angry with her!" Ms. Jerik states in my defense.

   "I can't allow my daughter to do something dangerous. As far as I'm concerned, being blind in the band is a very big problem. She probably doesn't remember where to put her fingerings for the notes." My mom replies softly.

   Ms. Jerik erupts a sigh. "Fine." She pouts. As my mom goes to the car Ms. Jerik whispers, "Practice at four thirty I'll pick you up."

   I smile at her as I drive away.

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   Honk!  I assume that was Ms. Jerik's car and quickly scribble down a note for my mom. It read:

Be back soon! At band practice!

   I realized how sloppy my handwriting must've been, but just sit it on the couch.

   Outside I get in the car. "Hey!" Ms. Jerik says as I come to the conclusion she isn't such a jerk. "How's your head?"

   "A little better. I took an aspirin not to long ago. It kind of helped," I shrug as she begins the car.

   I feel the car move and then it comes to an abrupt stop. She hops out and I get out as well. I stand outside the door reaching for anything that could help me find out where I was. I feel Ms. Jerik's arm and grab it closing the car door as she tugged me along.

   She guides me into the building and I almost fall backwards by all the smells and sounds I had never really paid any attention to. Sweaty people and over-priced perfume fill my nose, while the sounds of grunting guys and giggling girls erupt my ears.

   "Melody!" I hear Harmony cry. I shake my head trying to find the place of the voice. She's a little to the left of me. As I run that way I trip over another player.

   I hit the ground hard but, thankfully, someone helps me up. I feel up from there waist. When I get to the head I can tell it's Harm because of her short hair.

   "Thanks!" I say grabbing her shoulder, "Now, please tell me where my seat is." I say laughing and hear her giggle.

   "It's over there," Harmony says.

   "Still blind!" I say doing the peek-a-boo hand motions.

   "Right!" she grabs my shoulder and brings me to a seat.

   "Jordan?" I ask.

   "Over here!" he says and taps my shoulder.

   I nod at where his voice came from. "Where's my clarinet?"

   He hands me an object with small metal scraps all over it. I put it to my smile and realize it's upside-down. I flip it and try again. Tasting my reed I smile a satisfactory smile.

   "Now, try and play the show."

   I nod at him and find the fingering for the first note. I blow. Second. Third, fourth. Rest two, three, four. Trill. A Note. Note. Note. Note. Squeak!

   "Sorry." I shrug and try to keep playing. I can't find the notes! I can't find the notes! I panic."Help," I squeak in defeat.

    Jordan moves my fingers so that I'm playing the note. "I hope you have a good memory."

   I go back to playing after that. I finish it quickly and try again. Except for a few minor squeaks I have it down. You can do it! Don't worry!

   Jordan chuckles. Was he proud of me? I guessed so because later he wrapped me up in a big bear hug. "You are the most awesome person ever."

   I smile then hear Ms. Jerik. "Okay, guys, welcome back Melody Goldman!" I stand up and wave.

   "You're looking the wrong way," Jordan whispers.

   "Oops!" I say turning around. The class cheers and laughs.

    I laugh feeling the least bit embarrassed.

   "Okay, practice starts now. Mel, come with me." Ms. Jerik says.

   "Where exactly are you?"

   She sighs and says, "Over here!" Someone pushes me forward from behind. I fall into my Ms. Jerik's arms. She leads me into a room and sits me on a soft couch. I realize I'm in her office.

    "Okay, Mel. I have hired you a private instructor. He plays various instruments and teaches the blind how to march and play. He was once temporarily blind himself." Mr. Jerik chuckles and I hear someone else laugh along with her.

   "Who is it?" I ask.

   "Jo," she says dragging me out of her office and putting me into someone else's arms. "but you are to call him Mr. Joseph."