Free Allegra by Shelley Hrdlitschka Page B

big hug. Molly does the same, followed by Sophie. When it’s Spencer’s turn, he follows the hug with a kiss on my cheek. They tumble out the door, chatting all the way to the curb, where the Volvo is idling.
    Stepping back into the house, I smile to myself. The evening was perfect. Maybe I’m finally ready to “do” friends.

    At school on Tuesday, Mr. Rocchelli suggests I work in the sound room while he teaches the rest of the class. “Do you have everything you need?” he asks.
    I pull the flash drive from my pack. “It’s all on here,” I tell him, “but I don’t really know much about how to operate this equipment yet.”
    â€œHmm,” he says. “I forgot about that.” He studies me for a moment. “How about you help me out with the class today; then we’ll meet at lunchtime and I’ll start tutoring you on the composition program we use.”
    I don’t mind at all. I’m still on a natural high from the rehearsal last night, and I can see Spencer watching us from the side of the classroom. “Sounds good.”
    Spencer smiles when he sees me approaching the circle of chairs. “You’re with us today, Legs ?” he asks.
    I punch him lightly. “It’s Allegra to you, buddy. And yes, I am.”
    â€œWhy can’t I call you Legs? I like it.”
    I shrug. I don’t know, really. It’s just that it’s always been my dad’s nickname for me, no one else’s, not even Mom’s. It’s his way of being affectionate. Yet I have to admit, it sounds completely different coming from Spencer, and not in a bad way.
    â€œWhatever. You can call me anything you want.”
    â€œThanks, Legs,” he says.
    My cheeks feel warm as I sit down beside him.
    â€œAnd thanks again for last night,” he says. “That was totally amazing.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Let’s do it again before they leave on tour.”
    â€œI still can’t believe they asked me to play with them!” He shakes his head. “I thought I’d just be watching.”
    I look up and see Julia entering the room. Her eyes zero in on Spencer, and she does a double take when she notices me beside him. She takes the chair on his other side. “I didn’t think you were taking the class with us,” she says, leaning across him to talk to me.
    â€œI won’t be, usually, but I am today.”
    â€œOh.” She doesn’t look happy. “Are we still going to be partners?” she asks Spencer.
    He glances at me and shrugs. “I guess,” he says. “Whatever.”
    The rest of the class trickles in, and Mr. Rocchelli joins us in the circle. “We’re going to warm up this morning by continuing our work with ear training and music intervals. I’ve asked Allegra to help me, as she has already mastered it. We’re going to circulate and help out where we can. Any questions?”
    â€œShould we stay in the same pairs as last time?” Julia asks.
    â€œThat’s up to you,” he says. He glances at Spencer, who is picking at a hangnail. “Though it’s always good to switch it up too. Move about and use any of the instruments. Remember, well-trained ears are essential for all musicians.”
    Spencer doesn’t stand a chance. The moment Mr. Rocchelli is finished speaking, Julia says, “Spencer, let’s use a xylophone today instead of the piano. C’mon.”
    I smile sympathetically as he gets up to follow her across the room. He looks back at me but just shrugs and shakes his head. I know he doesn’t like her, but he must be too kind to do anything about it. I’m not sure I’d be so nice.
    I join the two students nearest me, who are using a keyboard. They glance at me but continue working. I just listen in and don’t offer any suggestions. It suddenly feels really odd to be in this position. I wish I hadn’t agreed to