Bittersweet Candy Bowl

37. A Different Side, original chapter posted 7/4/07

Page 8 of 16

Transcript

*David, Sue, Amaya, Paulo, Lucy, Yashy and Mike sit in the stands at the pep rally. David and Amaya are smiling. Sue watches carefully. Paulo still looks mad. Lucy glances at Mike, who’s holding his head and cringing.*
Lucy: Why don’t you bring earplugs to these things?
Mike: I didn’t know it was happening today!

*Paulo glances around with concern.*
Paulo: Did anyone see where Tess went?

*Abbey slides into the stands next to Mike, who glances at him.*
Abbey: Thanks for saving me a spot.
Mike: What took you so long?

*Abbey’s expression is neutral. His shoulder is scuffed.*
Abbey: Oh, just got stuck talking with someone. It was nothing, really.
Mike: .. Uhh.. Okay..

*Paulo leans over, looking at Abbey suspiciously. Mike looks pained and shuts his eyes with a frown.*
Paulo: Tess did tell me you were scouting all around last week..
*Abbey looks over to Paulo.*
Abbey: Hmm..

*Abbey glances away, closing his eyes.*
Abbey: Well, it wasn’t about that. It doesn’t really matter, okay?
Paulo: .. ?

*Paulo frowns at Abbey, who stares ahead, neutrally. Between them, Mike is crying while Yashy smiles.*
Paulo: .. Hmm.

*The principal smiles and steps up to the microphone.*
Principal: Excuse me! May I have your attention please?

*The principal pulls the microphone towards herself and gestures in welcome.*
Principal: Welcome everyone to Roseville High’s spring pep rally! I’m sure you’re all delighted to be here!

*Lucy, Yashy, Mike and Abbey sit together. Lucy watches Mike slump over the railing with a smile on her face.*
Principal: Everybody give a big cheer for all our sports teams! Let’s wish them luck for the season ahead!
Mike: Let’s not.

*The principal smiles as loud cheers fill the air.*
Crowd: Yayyyy!! WHOOOOOOO YAY!! WHOOO Yipee!! Hooray!! AWW YEAH GO TEAM!!
Principal: ♥
*Mike cries out in pain.*
Mike: WAUGHHH

*The principal takes the microphone again. In the background, neat rows of faceless students watch her.*
Principal: Next I’d like to invite the choir to sing the school song. Everybody stand up and join in!

*Abbey, Mike, Lucy and Yashy all stand. Mike glances sideways at Lucy, frowning.*
Mike: …

*Mike looks curious.*
Mike: How come you never sing along to these things, Lucy?
*Lucy looks up at him.*

*Lucy pouts.*
Lucy: I hate singing. It’s stupid and embarrassing.

*Mike looks at Lucy.*
Mike: Really?
Lucy: What?

*Mike glances away with a slight smile.*
Mike: It’s just strange.. On the rare occasions I’ve heard you sing, you do it so beautifully.

*Lucy glares up at Mike with an embarrassed pout.*
Mike: That’s all.
Lucy: …

Author commentary

Veronica: ROSEVILLEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HIGH, home of the bumblebees!

Abbey, you could literally just waltz in with blood all over your face and some of your friends would STILL be like “.. huh, something’s a bit off about this guy”.

I guess it’s excusable because Mike is too busy getting sensory overload.

Reader comments

Comment ID #2616

poor mike

Meg April 5, 2010, 2:07 AM EDT.

Comment ID #29559

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a prep in the house.

Hannibal May 27, 2010, 6:26 PM EDT.

Comment ID #245451

Wow, Mike… that sucks! Where I live, we have pep rallies every other Friday, during MAP, which occurs between 2nd and 3rd period. Why I say bad luck? We have to PAY to GO to the pep rallies, so I don’t even bother going. And the bells at my school just go “bing!” Mike would love my school.

IForgotMyUsername May 12, 2013, 9:34 AM EDT.