Strings Attached by Diane Dakers

Author:Diane Dakers
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459810693
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2016-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Eight

Three weeks later, my whole family is sitting in the front row of the auditorium. Dad is already fussing with the video camera. Even if I play well today, there’s a good chance I’ll die of embarrassment.

Before any of them see me, I duck back into the music room.

It’s two months before our major end-of-year performance. This afternoon’s Family and Friends concert is a test run.

I tell myself it’s just another practice. It’s on our regular rehearsal day in our regular auditorium. No biggie.

The difference is that we’re all dressed up. White tops. Black pants or skirts. Some of the girls are wearing makeup. The boys have combed their hair.

The other difference is that there are about 150 people in the house waiting to watch us play.

“This is your chance to perform for friendly faces,” says Mr. Holmes at our pre-show pep talk in the music room. “Everyone in the audience today wants you to do well. No need to be nervous.”

Easy for him to say. He’s not performing as principal cellist for the first time. He’s not playing a solo in front of all those people. I hope I don’t blow it.

Usually nobody is allowed in the music room before a concert except the performers. This time, though, Mr. Holmes has admitted one visitor—Tawni.

After Mr. Holmes finishes boosting our team spirit, she makes her way to me and Colby.

“Hey, Tawni,” Colby says. He hugs her. “How’s the arm?”

“Still in a cast,” she replies, holding it up to show him. “Which reminds me. You haven’t signed it yet!”

He leaves us in search of a marker.

“I brought you something.” Tawni places a little yellow box in my hand. “It’s for good luck today.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” I say. Suddenly I feel terrible for not spending any time with her lately.

I open the box and find a silver ring decorated with tiny music notes.

“I know we’re not allowed to wear dangly jewelry when we play,” says Tawni, “but I think you can get away with a pinkie ring.”

I put the ring on the baby finger of my right hand. “It’s perfect, Tawni. Thank you.” I hug her.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so crabby lately. It’s just that…” She’s on the verge of tears. “I just wish I was playing with you this aft.”

“Break it up. Break it up.” Colby butts in and grabs Tawni’s left hand. “I have a cast to sign.” Things never get too serious with him around.

Colby manages to draw a bass clef and a pair of music notes on her cast before Mr. Holmes raps his baton on the nearest music stand.

“Showtime, everyone!” He waves his hand toward the door. “Tawni, thank you for your moral support. We’ll see you after the concert.”

“Break a leg, not a wrist,” Tawni calls to the orchestra members as she heads out. I know she doesn’t feel as cheery as she’s pretending to be. I know she feels left out. This is the first concert she’s missed in years.

“The rest of you, pick up your instruments and line up,” Mr.

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