Rejectables.

i also got this out of the vault from last year. this was my 7 page short story for LA. and my entry into the Berkshire County Annual Writing Contest. it's a little corny, but its kinda good haha (: so here it iiis:


Rejectables

What if you had been rejected by your circle of friends, at the same exact time as 5 other kids in your same exact school, you didn’t know any of them, but you all had one thing in common—rejection.

* * * *

Stacy Maurner had just come out of 3rd period class (science) and she was already very ticked off at the world. For she had gotten yet another C- on a science quiz, and if she kept this up, she’d never be accepted into UC Berkeley. She was punk, but not too abnormal. She had a regular group of best friends, was liked by many other people, and had a very lovely boyfriend Edward who was from the drama crowd. Why then, was she rejected?

Edward Lozano was what they called a drama-geek. Meaning that he was constantly getting lead roles in all the school’s plays, and did a spanking good job at it (always received a standing ovation). He had just gotten out of his free period class (rehearsal for the school musical) when he walked over to his girlfriend Stacy who was once again grieving the loss of another A and the gain of another C. Edward was loved by most of the school, and had only 1—or rather 4—enemies. They were: Sherri, Muffi, Karri, and Sherri’s little sister Chauntelle. Even though he had these enemies, he wasn’t alone… they were basically everybody’s enemy. Why then was he rejected?

Agnes Stocholme had just walked out of her advanced calculus class when she was jumped by the school’s biggest bully, Rex. He demanded for the homework in all the classes except—no wait…there was no “except for”—he demanded it from all classes, including gym. Seeing as she was the smartest kid ever recorded in their town called Innersville, she was always the target of beef-brained bullies who’s peanut sized brains can’t even fathom the concept of homework. Anyways, after a painful jab in the arm by Rex, her boyfriend Rocky (the school’s biggest jock) got him off her back. She had few friends, but the support of every sports team in the school. Why then was she rejected?

Rocky Martin was walking out of the men’s locker room after his personal training session with the football coach when the entire football team playfully tackled him in the hallway. He was lovable, adorable, smart, funny, charismatic, and of course, athletic. Having all of these qualities would make him popular, now wouldn’t it? The million dollar question is: if he was so popular, why then was he rejected?

Chauntelle Doleman was part of her sister Sherri’s posse. She was one of the most popular girls in school. She was dating Bobbert who was the lead bassoon player in the school’s acclaimed jazz band. As she was coming out of a routine powdering in the powder room, she was stopped by Huge McTallGuy (the school gym teacher). He was also the assistant cheerleading coach (which she was the captain of). He stopped her so as to remind her of an extended practice scheduled for that night. She thanked him and walked on down the hallway, making it seem as if she were going to 4th period biology class, but instead she met up with her sister and posse to ditch class. She was well- known, pretty, popular and rich. Why then was she rejected?

Bobbert Loosinger had just sat down on the bus when he realized that he had forgotten his bassoon. This meant trouble for him at school if his mom didn’t bring it in the next 15 minutes, so he got out his cell phone and dialed the all-too familiar number of his mom’s work number. “Hello” the person at the receiving line said after about 7 rings.
“Yes, hello, is Mrs. Loosinger there, please?”
“One moment.”
After several minutes of anxious waiting, his mom finally picked up the phone. “Hello, Bobbert?”
“Yeah. Hi mom. Uhmm…I kinda forgot my bassoon at home…again.”
“Oh my Bobster, when are you ever going to learn? Sure I’ll pick it up for you. I’m going on a snack break right now anyways. I’ll drop it off in about 8 minutes.”
“Thanks a lot mom.”
“No problem, just don’t forget it again. See you after school.”
“Bye”
“Bye” he hung up. Maybe it wasn’t going to be such a bad day after all. He had one of the most popular girls in school as his girlfriend, he was already a critically- acclaimed bassoonist, and had scholarships from over 11 colleges. Why then was he rejected?

…. These 6 kids will be rejected by their school because of one (or shall I say 3) people didn’t like the way different social classes and clicks were smelting together. With no one else there to support them, they must come together , set aside their differences, and will eventually form a band that will become famous, not only for their songs, harmony, and lyrics, but for the result of their coming together. The school has never seen anything like it before… the “Rejectables” will change the way the grueling school social aspects work, and set the foundation for generations of geeks, punks, cheerleaders, jocks, actors, and wood-wind prodigies to come.

...............

Stacy was at her locker when her so-called best friend, Claire came up to her and flat out told her that they (meaning her and the rest of their little group of friends) couldn’t be friends with her any longer. “What?” Stacy asked in amazement and anger.
“Umm…yeah…sorry Stace, but it had to be done.” Claire explained.
“What?!” Stacy replied.

“I’m sorry.” Claire repeated as she walked away.
Dumbfounded, Stacy walked off to 4th period.

It wasn’t any better for Edward either. He was on his way out of the boy’s changing room after play rehearsal when his best friend of 9 years came up to him and said “Hi Edd! Errr…this is kinda hard for me to tell you, but we can’t hang out together anymore…I’m sorry.”
Edward just looked at his friend in utter astonishment. “C’mon Danny. Danny my granny named Franny! We’re pals! Are you trying out for a part in a show like Punk’d? I mean, you can’t be serious! Can you?”

“So Sorry. Gotta go. Bye.” Danny said.

Appalled, Edward walked off to class.

Agnes had been at her locker fixing her glasses when one of her 4 friends came over to her. “Hey Sandra!” Agnes said.

“Hey Agnes.”

“Is something wrong, Sandra? You look a bit distracted.”

“Huh? What? Sorry. Uh, Agnes…?

“Yes?”

“I’m so sorry Agnes, but we can no longer be friends.”
Agnes could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She only hoped that no one saw. “You’re joking right?

“I’m sorry.” Sandra said. With that she walked away, leaving Agnes behind in the dust.

Rocky was showing off his new football moves in the hallway when his team approached him. “Hey buds!” cried out an exuberant Rocky.

“Hello.” was the muted answer of the team.

“Haha…c’mon guys! What’s the quietness ‘bout? Hmmmm…? What’s wrong?”

His best friend, Jeffree then took Rocky aside and whispered “Hey Rockmeister. It’s sorta hard for me to tell ya this seeing as we’ve been buds since we were in diapers, but I don’t think it would be such a good idea if we remained friends.”
“Huh?”

“Sorry Rock, but it’s just not a good idea. We’ll still be on the field together though.”

“Does the rest of the team feel the same way?”

“Yeah.”

“OK.”

“So you’re ok with it?”

“Well, no. I mean, what did you expect?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry, it’s just—it’ll work out better this way.”

“Whatever you say.” Rocky said. He had to keep telling himself to pull it together and act like a man, or he was going to explode like the overripe watermelon they had thrown off the school’s roof just a few months before.

“Bye man.”

“Bye.” And with that, the team and Rocky went their separate ways.

Chauntelle was at her locker fixing her hair when her sister and her posse came up to her. “Hey gals.” she greeted them with.

“Hi.” Sherri (her sister) said.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing much, we just don’t think hanging out with you is good for our image.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry sis.” And with that Sherri left on a sour note with Chauntelle.

Bobbert was just coming out of the office, carrying his bassoon when Todd, his best friend and fellow bassoonist came up to him. “What’s crackalackin’ my buddy ‘ol pal?” Bobbert said using their usual inside joke of a greeting.

“Hey Bobbert.” Todd replied.

“Is there something wrong? You’re usually the talkative one, not me.”

“Bobbert, we can’t be friends anymore.”

Silence. Finally Bobbert said “Really? What did I do?”

“You didn’t do anything–”

“Then why can’t we be friends?” Bobbert interrupted.

“It’s not you; it just needs to be this way. I’m sorry.”

“Ok. Whatever. I’m sure you are. I gotta get to class. Bye.” Bobbert said as he turned around the corner.

2 MONTHS LATER…

At prom they were the wall-flowers, the kids who aren’t welcomed onto the dance floor because of social stature. The girls were glaring at one another, and the guys were glaring at one another. You may be wondering how in the world these kids could come together and get along, am I right? Of course I am. Anyways, it’s pure and simple; they put aside their differences and become one.

“That’s it!” exclaimed Chauntelle. “I’ve had enough of this! We have no one else to turn to, but each other. Let’s at least try and get along.”

“Pfft. Like that’s really gonna happen.” Stacy retorted.

“C’mon you guys, maybe we should give it a try.” Rocky said.

“Rocky, stop trying to be the hero by trying to end feuds, it’s just plain annoying.” Bobbert said.

“Maybe we could try it for at least one day and see how it goes.” Agnes said shrugging her shoulders.

“Hmmmph. Sure. What-ev.” they all muttered at once.

And try they did. And it worked a little bit, but not all that well due to bugs in the system. One day when they were all at Stacy’s house for a study group session, they were all sitting scattered around her room when after about 30 minutes of inspecting; Agnes asked “Hey Stacy, what’s up with all the guitars in the room?”

“Oh those? Those are just some guitars my grandpapa got from this old, run-down, hippie, second-hand guitar shop. When I got those I was 8. They were the only friends I had in the world then. Even though they were broken and un-usable; I still kept them as is until we moved from Ohio to here in sunny California. Then I began to refurbish them. Now they’re all tricked-out and dapper.”

“Wow.” Agnes said. They didn’t know this, but what was coming towards them in their future was huge.

… … … … …

The next day, they were waiting around in the school’s music room for Bobbert to finish his private bassoon lessons when out of nowhere Rocky of all people asked “Hey! Do you guys want to start a band?”

They all turned to look at Rocky. “Come again?” Chauntelle asked.

“I said, maybe we should start a band, you know, for fun. Maybe to earn a little money…you know, for college…?” Rocky said.

“No, you mean you want to earn yourself some money. Right?” Stacy argued.

“No…well yes, but that doesn’t mean you guys wouldn’t earn anything. We’d split the profits. Whaddaya say?”

“Hmmm…I don’t know Rocky. It seems kind of pointless. I mean, how do you know any of us have real musical talents. Well, besides Bobbert.” Agnes said.

Bobbert then walked into the room. “What? I heard my name. What’re you guys talking about?”

“Rocky wants to form a band so that he can get rich.” Edward chimed in.

“NO! Jeez you guys, how many times am I going to have to tell you? It’s for all of us. Not just me. And who knows we may even enjoy it.”

“Maybe we should give it a shot.” Stacy said, beginning to agree.

“Whatever. But how are we gonna know who’s gonna do what in the band?” Chauntelle pointed out.

“Well, since I had a lot of spare time on my way from Ohio, I did pick up some guitar skills on good ‘ol Roger. And I’ve been taking voice lessons since I was about 6.” Stacy put in.

“Who’s Roger?” Chauntelle asked.

“Roger is that turquoise, black, white, and silver checkered electric guitar with the unicorn decal on it. You know, the one hanging over my bed in my room?”

“Oh. So you’re saying you can play guitar and sing, right?” Chauntelle verified.

“Yep. But I don’t know if I can sing, you can be the judge of that.” she laughed.

They laughed along. “You guys know that I can play bassoon, right? But did you know that I can also play bass guitar.” Bobbert stated.

“Ok. Cool. So does anyone know how to play drums?” Edward asked.

“I do. Kinda. My cousin gave me his old drum set last Christmas, and I can play fairly good.” Rocky answered.

“Okay. I know how to play guitar also.” Edward said.

“And I can play the piano or keyboard.” Agnes spoke up. “What about you Chauntelle? What instrument do you play, or do you sing?”

“I can play a little guitar.”

“Ok. We’re all set then.” Then she pulled out a piece of notebook paper and began writing in her fine handwriting:

· Rocky~ drums

· Stacy~ vocals

· Chauntelle~ acoustic guitar/background vocals

· Edward~ electric guitar

· Bobbert~ bass guitar

· Me (Agnes)~ keyboard/background vocals

“Great. So we’re all set. Tomorrow at my house? 10 AM?” Edward asked.

“Yup. See ya then.” Rocky answered.

They exchanged their good-byes. Meanwhile around the corner, Sherri, Muffi and Karri were watching. Sherri had been flabbergasted by the thought of the school rejects performing for money. I mean, how good could they possibly be? Little did she know, the “Rejectables” as they affectionately named their band, had a few tricks up their own sleeves.

The next day they all met up at Edward’s house for a rehearsal. They brought all their instruments and they set up in his backyard patio, next to his pool. Stacy and Edward had been writing songs since before they could remember, so they already had songs. They just needed to teach it to the rest of the band and hope they like them. They had been practicing the third song of the day when his next- door- neighbor (who just happened to be the owner of a well known club that hosts new, aspiring artists and bands) walked outside to do some hedge-clipping. “Ahh…young Ed I see we now have a motley crew on our hands. Haha! You youngsters sound good. Our opening act just cancelled for next weeks show, would you be interested?”

“Sure Mr. Edgewoddem. That’d be great. Thanks a lot.” Edward answered.

“Great! You’ll need to show up for rehearsal at 6: 00 pm next Thursday. By the way, the gig is next Friday at 7: 30 pm. Talk to you soon. Bye!”

“Bye!” they all shouted.

“Wow. Can you believe that? On our second day as a band, we get a gig!” Agnes exclaimed.

“Yeah. It’s great.” Chauntelle said a bit glumly.

“Umm… you didn’t seem so enthused about that. Why, may I ask?” Stacy asked.

“It’s just that I know my sister will try and meddle with our gig plans. She doesn’t want the different social groups to be mixed. And by our coming together and playing at the Rumour Room--which just so happens to be the most popular Friday night club for juniors--will threaten her and her little posse’s plans for total school domination.”

“Wow. Let’s just hope that her plans don’t work out as well as she plans. And hopefully good will triumph over evil once more. No offence Chauntelle.” Edward said.

“None taken. I mean, if we didn’t have the same last name and same parents then you wouldn’t even know we were related. We’re, like, so much different, like two completely different people.”

“I still can’t believe she rejected her own sister. I mean, c’mon. Seriously.” Rocky said.

She just shrugged her shoulders.

“Yeah…” he responded. They all then just drifted off into their thoughts.

Rehearsal Night at the Rumour Room…

Finally after a weeks wait, it was the night of their rehearsal at the Rumour Room. They had learned an astonishing 12 songs, (about 45 minutes) and they sounded phenomenal. They just hoped that the audience of peers would hear their music, like it and most importantly get the message that they were trying to send—that it doesn’t matter which social group you come from, you should be able to mingle, not tied down to one group. “Hey Mr. Edgewoddem! We’re here and ready to show you our stuff.” Bobbert said while entering the joint.

“Good! Now lets get set up—NO! NO! NO! Billy Jim, that is NOT where the mics go!—Excuse me for one second, will you? You can make yourself comfortable over there on the couches.” Mr. Edgewoddem said as he walked away grumbling about Billy Jim’s set up techniques.

“Wow. We made it guys.” Stacy said. “We’re finally here and ready to prove our point.”

“I know. Amazing isn’t it?” Agnes agreed.

“Totally.” Chauntelle consented.

“Do you think it’s really gonna work?” asked Edward.

“Who knows.” Bobbert shrugged.

Just then, Mr. Edgewoddem came into the room and said “ready for rehearsal?”

“You bet!” they all said in unison.

“Peachy Keen! Now if you’d just follow me into the ‘concert hall’ and we can get started.”

They followed him into what he affectionately the concert hall, which was a small stage with a few seats on the side walls and a fairly good sized standing pit. They walked up onto the stage and looked out into the vacant club and felt the sweet buzz of almost every emotion in their bodies resurface at once. They saw the instruments, and microphones set up behind them. They were really doing it! They picked up their instruments and began to rehearse song after song until after what had seemed like 5 minutes it was time to go. “See you tomorrow at 7: 00 pm don’t forget! Haha…I crack myself up.” Mr. Edgewoddem said as they were about to leave.

“One more day guys.” Stacy reminded in great anticipation.

After what seemed like a lifetime, it was finally here—performance night. They would try and prove their point and hope people would listen. After the first song, half the crowd was into the music and them. While the other half was still on the edge of whether or not to go back on Sherri and her gang. Sherri had her plans all set. Mick was in the rafters awaiting Sherri’s signal to let him know when to dump the giant bowl of spaghetti on them from above.

They had just finished their first song and were giving their speech telling them to forget what Sherri and her gang had to say and hang out with whom ever they wanted to, when Sherri gave the signal to Mick. As you can probably guess, he dumped the spaghetti on the unsuspecting musicians below. To the surprise of all, they began laughing. Their laughter seemed to be contagious, for it spread around the entire room. They weren’t laughing at them, but with them. It seemed that Sherri’s plan had failed, and what was worse was that she had gotten spaghetti sauce on her chiffon shirt. They had really done it! They had made a difference in the way the school’s social system worked. They were no longer “rejects,” but heroes. They closed the show with a bang—literally. The club’s electrical circuits blew and made a huge exploding noise. Luckily no one was harmed. “We did it you guys. We really did it!” they all cheered at the same time.

“I vote we have a celebration party at my house.” Chauntelle said.

“Great idea.” they all agreed except Bobbert.

“Bobbert? Can you come?” Chauntelle asked.

“Huh? I don’t know. There’s gonna be a lot of people…asking questions. And - and how do we know they’ve really changed?”

“We don’t. But come anyways. We can’t have a party without you.”

“Yeah! Come on Bobbert! It wouldn’t be a party without you.” everyone in the club roared.

“Ok. I’ll go.”

“Yay!” they all cheered.

So the “Rejectables” changed the school and are looked upon as heroes. They continue to rock out and have remained the closest of friends. Let this be a lesson unto you; it’s never too late to change something that’s not right. Stick up for it, and believe in yourself. Follow that and you’ll be golden.

The End