“Um…okay. But don’t expect much of a tour. I’ve never been there either,” I say as we set out over the lawn and down toward the entrance.
“Really? I figured it would be popular.”
“It is…for certain people. But you usually have to be dating someone to want to go over there.”
He glances at me, and my whole body heats. I don’t want to talk about dating with Max. I know he didn’t ask me to do this so we can make out under the oak trees.
I’m not sure what I’m expecting to find when we step into the shade of the tree-covered path—maybe trash, or drug paraphernalia, or bras slung over tree branches? But it’s just a very quiet, very pretty forest. The dirt path is wide enough for us to walk side by side, and the bubbling of the water from a nearby stream is soothing.
“So, can I ask why you were in Sire’s office?”
“Wait, are you worried about me? I didn’t know you cared about my well-being.” His smile is teasing.
“Maybe I don’t.”
“Good to know. I won’t waste your time, then. We can just take in all this natural beauty. Or I could tell you about this fascinating conversation from my philosophies of government class I’m taking. We’re starting—”
“Max!” I snap, feeling like a little kid again. I shove hisarm, and he has to catch himself so he doesn’t fall into the foliage along the path. “Fine, yes, I care. A tiny amount.” I huff. “Are you happy now?”
He chuckles. “Significantly happier.”
“You really do make everything into a competition. Even conversations.”
“Life is more fun that way.” He pauses and turns to look at the stream where it’s turned into a tiny waterfall. “I was in Sire’s office because I’m challenging Brody for the position of section leader. Sire and the others wanted to talk to me about it before moving forward.”
I gasp. “You’rechallenginghim?”
In our marching band, section leaders are chosen by Sire and Mrs.Lewis before our season begins. They’ve never said exactly how they make their choices, but it’s pretty obvious that it’s on the basis of musical skill, leadership potential, and seniority. There was no question that Brody would be named section leader this year. He’s been part of the music program here since fifth grade, just like me. He was first chair in symphonic band last spring, and he’s been the de facto leader of percussion since then. And once you’re named section leader…that’s it. I can’t remember a section leader ever being ousted mid-season. It would shake up the entire section and obliterate Max’s relationship with Brody.
“I’m challenging,” Max repeats, his voice low and calm. “They already made it clear how unusual this is, but once I explained what’s been happening when they aren’t around, they agreed that a change might be needed. They’re going to discuss it more, and talk to Brody, and then give us a final decision on Wednesday.”
I run my hands through my hair, trying to smooth my curls and my thoughts even though I know it won’t help. “But…Max, are you serious? Do you know what this will mean?”
“This isn’t my first year in band, even if I’m new here. Brody is furious, and he’ll be even worse if they side with me. And if Brody gets to stay as section leader, he’ll never let me live it down. I’ll have to hear about it every day for the rest of the year.”
I gape at him. “Then why would you do it?”
“Because he’s a bad section leader and the group deserves better.” His eyes narrow and his expression darkens. “Brody thinks the way to get the best out of people is to ridicule and shame them. He’s constantly calling out the younger players when they get out of rhythm or miss their marks on the field, and he encourages the rest of us to laugh along with him while he makes fun of them.”
“I could have told you that. In fact, I think I tried.”
He winces. “I know. And I was a stubborn idiot for not listening. But he was cool with me, and, I guess, I wanted to believe you were just biased against him.” Max shoves his hands into his pockets and starts down the path again. It narrows and weaves slightly upward so that I have to shuffle very close to him to keep at his side. “What’s the real deal with you and Brody? He told me a few things, but I’m pretty sure they were lies.”
“I’m sure they were.”
“Did you date him or something?” His voice is uneven.
“Wow, you really have no respect for me at all, do you?”I shiver with disgust. “I wouldneverdate Brody. He’s hated me ever since freshman year when I won the Most Valuable Member award, and he was sure he deserved it more. I think if Nova or someone else had won, he’d have let it go. He did during sophomore and junior years when he didn’t win. But since a color guard member beat out all the band members, he was livid. He loves pointing out how much we suck, as if that’ll prove that I never should have won that award to begin with.”
“That story sounds way more plausible than anything he told me.” Max winces. “I’m so embarrassed that I believed he was a friend. I think he was only chill because he realized I could be a threat if I wanted to be. And now I do.”
“You and I have never seen more eye to eye. I almost believe you’ve turned over a new leaf. No pun intended,” I say and gesture at the trees.
“Yeah?” He stills and turns to me. It’s so quiet here, with only the gentle rustle of the branches and the trickle of water. I understand why couples come here to be alone. “I’d like to make it up to you. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”
Out of nowhere, an image of him kissing me fills my mind. My breath quickens and I look away. When I was young, I spent an embarrassing amount of time imagining what that might be like, but I know kissing is the last thing I should be thinking about. Max and I have only taken the smallest steps toward rebuilding our friendship. I shouldn’t be throwing other emotions into the mix when we aren’t on steady ground to begin with.
“The best thing you can do for me is replace Brody.Assuming Sire actually chooses you as the new section leader.” I give him a teasing smile in the hopes that it masks any other emotions that might have been flitting across my face.
