Hit That Note ↑
Chapter 10
The next day, Breanna got up from bed and yawned. The previous evening seemed like a massive blur and she groaned remembering what she got herself into. Serious work for the upcoming concert aside from the competition. I’ll think about that later. Breanna glanced down at her cell phone noticing 2 messages in her inbox.
1. From: Tristen
RE: tristenn where’ve u been?
Hey Brea, wazup, girl? Evrythng’s fine here. Got ur millions of msgs lol Sorry cudn’t reply earlier..Mom’s great :) Hope u’re having the time of ur lifeee! Luv u. Miss u. Muah.
Breanna smiled and quickly replied to Tristen’s message. In that instant, she wanted to drop everything, get on a bus, and go home but shrugged the thought away.
“Meeting in twenty minutes, are you ready?” Reena’s voice made Breanna jump in surprise, “You got the message, right?”
“Uh, yeah…Just now.”
Breanna tried to control laughter at the sight of Reena. She was wearing a huge pink robe tied with a feather boa of the same colour tone. To complete her appearance, Reena’s face was covered in a green, slimy substance which Breanna assumed was a face mask. Suddenly, they heard a knock on their door and, before Reena could hide in the bathroom, Russ and Ryan burst into the room.
“Woah! What happened to you?” Russ was grinning from ear to ear and pointed at Reena’s face.
“I met an idiot who doesn’t know what a face mask is,” Reena’s green face was slowly changing colour to match her pink robe, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get ready for our practice.” With that she stormed off to the bathroom and slammed the door. Ryan laughed, “What else does that girl do to get attention..? Anyways, Brea, have you seen Nick? He went to sleep late and wasn’t in the room when we woke up.”
“I have no idea. Probably in the practice room already.” Breanna was wondering the same thing when they stepped into the room,”We only have five days till our first performance. I’m so excited.”
“Yeah, we just have to add the final touches,” he glanced at his watch, “We’d better get going. I’ll wait with Russ outside,” he started walking towards the door, “By the way, cute PJs.” Breanna laughed and prepared for the day.
After Reena reappeared from the bathroom, the four teenagers made their way to the practice room and, as they expected, Nick was already striking the beat to their song at the drums. He stopped playing and waved to Ryan.
“Hey Nick,” Ryan grabbed a guitar, “Where’ve you been?”
“Just around…” Breanna looked at him and they held their gaze for what seemed like a very long time. Ryan coughed, “Is there something we should know..?”
Reena spoke in a sarcastic voice, “How cute, we’ve got a couple in our band. Now can we start practicing before I die of boredom?”
Breanna looked away and grabbed a microphone a little too quickly for it dropped down on the floor. Ryan gave her a curious look and smiled, “Don’t worry. Happens to me all the time.”
“Let’s go,” Nick began the intro before Breanna could answer and the rest of the band joined in. She waited for the intro to finish and broke into the song ignoring Reena’s smirk.
“Have you ever felt that there’s someone behind you?
But when you turn there’s no one there
Have you ever wanted someone to guide you?
When it was just too much to bear…”
This time, the practice went smoothly with no interruptions. They were lost in the music as Breanna’s voice filled the room, taking small breaks and resuming the practice. It was already six o’clock when they finally felt too exhausted to go on and were surprised at how quickly time has gone by.
“Man, Breanna, your voice is amazing,” Russ gave her a huge smile, “Good job everyone. We’ll do this again tomorrow and we gotta decide on our outfits. I’ll go eat something. I’m starving.” He quickly pulled Ryan along with Reena out of the room before Nick and Breanna could follow. The room was abruptly quiet and empty. Without saying a word, Breanna hurriedly began to pack.
“Hey, what’s the hurry?” Nick dropped his drum sticks, “Don’t go in the hallways alone, you’ll get lost again.”
“Again? How do you know I got lost before?” Breanna stopped fumbling with her purse and glanced up.
“Brandon,” Nick put his hands in his pockets and stood before the door.
“Since when are you two close? Wasn’t I the one supposedly ‘ditching’ our band for him?” Breanna could hear her voice slowly get cross, “You weren’t surprised to see me yesterday so I guess you already knew about Bands on Rise? Or are we such close ‘friends’ that you didn’t even bother. I wonder what else you’re hiding from me.”
Breanna expected Nick to defend himself in an angry tone but he remained calm, “Nothing at all. I found out about Bands on Rise only a while before you stepped through the door.”
“You were already a member of the band.”
“The only reason I joined was because Brandon said you’ll be in it.”
Breanna was taken aback. Not only from the fact that Brandon had no way of knowing she’ll agree to be a part of the band, but also by Nick’s composure. He looked slightly exhausted and Breanna couldn’t distrust his answers. Once again, she felt foolish for doubting his trust and shifted the topic.
“I heard you went to sleep late…Why were you up?”
Because the band we became a part of yesterday is illegal, he thought, remembering the conversation he overheard the previous night. Instead, he just shrugged. It would make her worry too much.
“So how are we going to do this?” Breanna asked, “Our competition is on during the same weeks.”
Finally Nick smiled and came close, “We’re in this together right?”
Breanna smiled back and Nick wrapped his arms around her. Breanna couldn’t remember the last time she felt so safe and carefree.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Brandon was standing at the door looking slightly uncomfortable. They didn’t notice him approach the practice room and quickly broke apart. Brandon glanced at Nick and spoke, “Uh, Ness wanted to speak to you.”
Nick grabbed his hat and answered, “Alright, I’ll go there now. Brea, I’ll see you later.” He walked out of the room and Brandon broke the silence.
“How was your practice?” he looked bothered and Breanna wondered why he always appeared at the wrong time.
“Um, it was great,” she forced a smile, still feeling awkward, “I think we’re almost ready to perform.”
“Your band’s in the caf, I’ll lead you there,” he waited for her to leave the room before silently leading the way.
Chapter 11
Nick ran down the corridor and knocked on Ness’ door.
“Come in,” her voice echoed from within the room, slightly muffled by the sound of a Beatles song. Nick stepped in and they glanced at each other. Without speaking, Nick felt her upcoming words were not ones he’ll fancy. Ness was standing beside a window, arms folded, and tuned down the volume on the player as he entered.
“Brandon said you called me?” Nick took a seat on a small, red chair. Without a word, Ness reached into her pocket and withdrew a key from one of the academy dormitories. Looking down at it, she finally spoke.
“Looks familiar?”
“Yeah, it’s a key from one of the academy rooms. What does it have to do with me?”
“You should know, it’s yours,” she looked up and waved it in the air.
“Oh, I must’ve dropped it,” he reached out for it but Ness’ didn’t release her grip and they stood, both with one hand on the key.
“You know, don’t you?” Ness’ looked straight at him and he returned her stare. At long last, she let go of the key and stepped away. Nick placed the small item in his pocket.
“Know what?”
“I’m not stupid so you either stop pretending you don’t know what I’m talking about and quit this guessing game or else.”
“Or else? You’re a part of your own guessing game. You’re not who I thought you were. I’m going,” he turned and headed for the door.
“Nick, trust me on one thing. If Breanna finds out, I’ll make sure Hit That Note doesn’t make it past the first elimination round,” she winced as the door slammed shut and dropped onto the couch. Why am I doing this? The bulletin board on the wall answered her question. If Breanna finds out the concert’s illegal, she’ll quit and our band won’t find a new singer as good as her. Nick hates me right now. All because of her. The thought made tears roll down her cheeks. ‘You’re not who I thought you were’. This time, instead of wiping them away, she let them fall.
“This is an announcement to all of the band contestants. Your compositions will be evaluated by a panel of judges including well-known choreographers, fashion designers, and musicians. Remember, every single part of your performance will be criticized. From the twenty bands located at different parts of the academy, fifteen will be eliminated. This will leave just five to compete for the grand prize of tuitions and a chance to perform at a striking concert around Canada. It’s time to step your game up and get ready for the show this Sunday! Good luck.”
Breanna scanned the cafeteria and sighed. There were only three days left until the first grand performance. She watched as a lively group of teenagers passed by.
“Any of these kids could be going against us this Sunday,” Ryan was sitting beside her at a round table next to Russ.
“You think we’re ready?” Breanna felt the nerves settling in.
“Of course,” Reena joined their conversation, “With our song, we’ll make it to the top five.”
“Just look at this, Reena’s actually being positive?” Russ laughed, “Can someone get her a chair? I don’t think she’s feeling well.”
“Shut up. We’re good and you know it. Although I don’t mind someone getting me a place to sit.” When no one nudged, she grabbed a nearby chair and dragged it to their table.
“But eliminating fifteen bands, don’t you think that’s a little too much?” Breanna asked.
“This isn’t a school talent show. They need the best. Either way, I know one of our competitor bands,” Reena smiled and took a sip of her strawberry punch.
“How? No one knows who’s going against us,” Russ looked at her doubtfully.
“I have connections,” Reena grinned again and waved to a guy at the neighbouring table, “I heard some random guy blurt out his practice room number so I did a little investigating.”
“You’re crazy,” Russ shook his head but looked interested, “Don’t tell me you heard their song.”
“Of course I did. And it wasn’t as good as ours.”
“It doesn’t mean other bands are as bad. There are twenty of them.”
“Who cares? We’re still getting in the top five,” Reena beamed, “See you guys at practice tomorrow.”
Breanna looked over at Ryan, “She actually gave me confidence. Can’t wait to see what other bands are all about. We’re prob…” her voice was cut off as someone covered her eyes with their hands.
“Guess who?”
“Duh, Nick,” she looked up and laughed, “Try not to say anything next time. You’re too obvious.”
“Hey, I tried. What’s up?”
“Reena heard one of the other band songs and thinks we’ll nail our performance.”
“Finally some good news,” he sat beside her and looked around, “Look who’s there.”
Breanna turned in the direction of his gaze and saw Brandon talking to a tall man with a dark beard. Something looked strange about the scene.
“What’s going on?”
Two policemen stepped into the cafeteria and walked over to Brandon. After a minute of negotiating, Brandon stepped between the two officers and they led him outside. Before departing, Breanna saw him briefly look in her direction. She stood up and Nick put his hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing.”
“I hope.”
The day of the first performance was quickly approaching and Hit That Note spent almost every moment of free time on practices. Some evenings for Breanna and Nick were spent on the practices with The Hits and finally, Sunday has arrived.
“Breanna, come out already,” Reena shouted from their room as Breanna took a last glance at her outfit in the full-size bathroom mirror. She was wearing a fitted red dress with golden high heels. Her usually straight, brown hair was flowing down her shoulders over large gold hoops in natural-looking playful curls. Breanna bent over, finished applying her shimmering eye shadow, and stepped out of the bathroom. She was surprised to see the entire band waiting for her.
“Woah,” Nick turned and grinned, “Brea, is that you?”
“Very funny,” answered Breanna sarcastically and smiled back, “You don’t look too bad yourself. Love the spiked up hair.”
Ryan stood up to demonstrate his outfit. The three guys were wearing black pants and graphic t-shirts topped off with loose ties. They were interrupted by knocking and Reena, wearing a red top and golden leggings, opened the door.
Chapter 12
Larisa stepped through the door and widened her eyes, “I don’t have to say this but you guys look amazing.” Ryan let out a cheer and smiled. Breanna glanced around the room and had to admit Larisa was right. They resembled a complete, professional group, not to mention the tight bonds between them. Even Reena, who was suspiciously studying her nails, was a part of their ‘family’.
“I hope you guys are ready,” she said, “Follow me.”
It happened so quickly, Breanna couldn’t believe they were already the next band up. Sitting in a sound-proof room, it felt like ages passed before Larisa reappeared behind the door.
“Follow me,” those two words were enough to give Breanna chills. Oh my god. Just don’t freak out. Nick came over and took her hand, “Brea, you look pale. The crowd will be supportive. We’ll do great.” Breanna, who thought the last time she was this nervous was at a preschool reading test, couldn’t get a word out and ended up saying, “Um…yea…great…” That was supposed to mean, “It’ll be great as long as I don’t fall off stage, swallow my tongue, or simply trip on my high heels." Which wouldn’t be that bad if Nick was there to catch me. Or he might fall off stage with me. That would be horrible. Breanna felt the paranoia sinking in, blocking her concentration. She closed her eyes and might’ve dosed off if it wasn’t for the loud cheers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands up for Hit That Note!”
Breanna took a last breath and was the first to step on stage. The blazing spotlights blocked her sight for a few seconds and, after adjusting to it, she saw the huge crowd whistling and waving. A large number of faces blurred into one enormous mass. One long table was positioned at the right of the stage and, predictably, the judges were seated in a row. Nick raised his drumsticks and set the beat off, “One, two, three, four!”
Breanna opened her mouth and at once the nervousness was gone. She let the music block out negative thoughts and controlled the vibration of her voice. In no time the song was done and the rest of the band gathered in the middle of the stage for a bow. Finally Breanna was able to observe the people sitting in the audience and at once her eyes met with Brandon’s. She felt relieved, he was safe. A crowd of more than three hundred people and I see him? Breanna looked away. I’ll never understand what he intends with those long “never-ending” stares. She felt it was a strange gaze, as if he was trying to tell her something or challenging her to break it, which she did perfectly.
The host pounced up on stage and applauded. He looked as if he was in his mid-twenties.
“I’ll have to admit, you guys made the decision of the judges a lot tougher. Give it up for Hit That Note.” He clapped again and gave Breanna a thumbs-up.
When off-stage and back in the waiting room, Russ gave out a long whistle, “That was sick! Did you see the look on the judges’ faces?” He blew a fake kiss towards Reena before turning to Breanna, “You looked like you were born on stage.”
“Thanks, Russ,” Breanna smiled, “I didn’t think I’d get a note out of me. You guys did an awesome job too.”
Larisa peeked inside and whispered, “We’ve got the results, let’s go.”
If it wasn’t for the fact that none of the other competitors were revealed, Breanna might’ve felt calmer. But this made the whole experience even more exciting. As they stepped on stage again, Breanna was surprised to see around twenty other teenagers looking as bewildered as her. Nick, on the other hand, looked amused. He raised his eyebrow and led their way to the crowd.
“What’s going on?” A short boy wearing an oversized tuxedo shrugged, “We don’t know.” He shifted his gaze up and down at their band before turning away.
The teenagers were finally joined on stage by a tall, blonde woman. She greeted the bands with a French accent and smiled at the crowd.
“Ladiez and gentlemen. Say hello to the top five bands!” She moved aside and the spotlight shifted on the shocked teenagers in the middle of the stage. The crowd burst into a wild applause and Breanna found herself wedged between Reena and Nick. Everyone was laughing cheerfully and were interrupted by the French ‘model’.
“The decision waz hard,” she put her hands on her hips to exaggerate her words, “But thingz will get harder. I really hope you guys won’t slack off,” she laughed, probably the only person in the building to find her attempted joke funny, “Ze next challenge is in two weeks. Zat’s two Sundays from now. You guys have to play three songs. One zat you’ve written by yourzelf, one by a popular band at ze moment and,” she smiled, “One song by ze famous Beatles. Good luck.” She went off stage and the lights went off. Quick and simple. Many band members on stage groaned at the last song theme, the Beatles, while many grinned, probably fans of oldies. Breanna didn’t know whether she should feel happy or miserable. Although her song choices were of a large variety, she didn’t know if she could handle a Beatles song. Not to mention, the opening of Bands on Rise next Sunday was quickly approaching.
