Excerpt 5

I read the letter again. I’m confused. Why does Jonathan want to talk with me? He has pretty nice handwriting, especially for a boy.

Maybe his idea has something to do with the Spring Review. What else could it be? Maybe he has some more advice for me. He was really helpful the other day.

I look at the large clock on the wall. Rehearsal starts in fifteen minutes. I’d better hurry.

As I walk to the auditorium, I wonder if Jonathan thinks we should practice our songs together on the days we don’t have official rehearsals. No! Maybe he wants to tell me there is no hope for me and I should quit before I make a fool of myself. Oh! Now I got it! Maybe he likes Sarah, and he wants me to introduce them to each other. Who knows? I still haven’t figured it out by the time I arrive backstage.

I look behind the tall red velvet curtain that separates the auditorium seats from the stage. A boy is standing there. I am still too far away to be sure it’s Jonathan.

“Hey Jonathan, is that you?” I call out.

I wait a few seconds, but there’s no response. I walk a little closer. “Hey Jona …” I don’t even get the whole name out.

“Hey Billie, what’s up?” he asks.