Swallow by Sam Schill
Author:Sam Schill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wattpad Books
17
Mildred loathed the thought of band practice in the middle of this nightmare sheâd suddenly plunged into, but she knew that if she didnât go, there would be hell to pay from Tiffany Cosby.
Compared to Mildred, Tiffany was pint sized, but she wielded a powerful influence over the artistic and intellectual groups of students at Roanoke High. Mildred was already on rocky terrain with both groups and didnât want to risk backlash from them.
There was also the matter of behaving as normally as possible.
The Waco house was empty and squeaky clean, with Naomi nowhere in sight. Mildred went to her bedroom and reached for her tuba case with the same effort she often applied to pick it up, but tumbled backward from the excessive force. The instrument was lighter. She flung the strap of the clunky case over her head so that it rested across her torso from right shoulder to left hip. It felt as heavy on her back as it ever did. Tylerâs girthy arms flashed in her mind.
She pressed onward, past the thought of her terrible crime, and got on her moped.
Only a few cars littered the parking lot when she pulled in, but it looked like all band members had arrived. Unlike Mildred, theyâd made it on time. In her haste, Mildred stumbled a few times under the swinging weight of her tuba before she took it off her back and held it more steadily in her arms as she shuffled to the schoolâs door. Music notes floated out of the music room, then stopped flat.
âYouâre late, Mildred,â Tiffany spat, her tone very condescending. âYou should try to be early. You need more practice than any of us.â
One look at Mr. Philpot, the music teacher, told Mildred that he was certainly not going to reprimand his prize student at Mildredâs expense. His lips were tight and his arms crossed as he glared at Mildred with contempt. Normally, she would cower and apologize, but this day was different. She faced Tiffany. Mildred didnât look away as Aaronâs attitude spilled out of her.
âIâm sorry, it just took longer to wade through the air of bitchiness you left behind on your way in here,â Mildred said brazenly.
Tiffany gasped as though sheâd been physically hit. âDid you just call me a bitch?â
âThere are a lot of other things I could call you,â Mildred said.
âWould you prefer cuââ
âMiss Waco! That is enough!â Mr. Philpot finally spoke, his words loud and sharp.
Tiffany didnât retort but her eyes narrowed menacingly at Mildred, then she flipped her hair and settled in front of her keyboard, her delicate fingers spreading across the keys.
âSee me after practice, Mildred,â Mr. Philpot said.
Of course, Iâm the bad one, Mildred thought. She got in position with her clunky tuba, bumping into a few students in the process. Mr. Philpot tapped the metal music stand in front of him with his conductorâs wand. Everyone readied their instruments.
Practice went on forever. Mildred messed up just as much as usual, but everyone elseâs playing was improving, making hers worse by comparison.
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