Read Falling (Bits and Pieces, Book 1) for Free Online Page A

face was soft and welcoming. “Please?”
    I took a deep breath. “Auditions for the winter concert.” I rushed through my words and watched his reaction. I braced myself.
    “Really? Playing or singing?” He seemed genuinely curious.
    “Singing. I’m going to tryout for a solo.” I paused and waited for him to laugh. He didn’t. “I don’t think I’ll get it.”
    “Why not?” His brow furrowed.
    “There are some really good singers in choir. Some of them take lessons. I just sing along with songs I like.”
    “That doesn’t mean you’re not good. I bet you’re great.”
    “Thanks. But you’ve never heard me sing. I could be awful.” I nervously laughed.
    “Somehow, I doubt that. You could prove me wrong.”
    “By…?” How would I prove him wrong? There was only one way I could think of.
    “Singing for me.” He looked so matter-of-fact.
    “Right now? In the middle of class?” I couldn’t believe it.
    He nodded.
    “Uh. No. I don’t think so.” I vehemently shook my head back and forth. My eyes bugged out of my head in fear.
      He looked around the room. The rest of the class was still discussing the questions that shown on the screen. “Ok. Maybe it’s not the best place or time. But…” A sly grin crossed his face. It was like he was about to say ‘checkmate.’ “You didn’t say ‘no’ to singing for me.”
    He was right. I didn’t. I said ‘no’ to singing in the classroom at that moment. It wasn’t that he tricked me, I walked into it. Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to get feedback, so I could really know if I should bother to audition or if it was delusions of grandeur. Then again, it could. But it would probably be better than finding out during the audition itself and everyone watching.
    “I guess, I didn’t.” I finally admitted to him.
    “So, you’ll sing for me sometime?” His voice was hopeful.
    “But I didn’t exactly say ‘yes’ either.” This would at least give me an out.
    He shook his head and laughed. “Okay, you got me there. But, really, I would like to hear you sing. I wish I could.”
    Mr. Ludlow came by to check up on us. “Did you guys finish the questions?”
    “Yes, sir.” Patrick handed him our responses.
    Mr. Ludlow skimmed the answers and nodded. “Very good. Insightful.” He moved on to check up on another group before heading to the front of the classroom. Mr. Ludlow announced what the homework was for tonight. I wrote down the assignment in my notebook.
    “So, when is the audition?” He didn’t get distracted easily. I swear, he remembered everything.
    “Less than two weeks. But, I need to take advantage of every opportunity to practice.”
    “I totally understand. I get how important practice is.” He nodded.
    “So, you were right about 17c on the math homework last night.” I finally found a subject to switch to.
    “Yeah? Good. It wasn’t just me.” He ran his hand through his hair.
    “No. Thanks for letting me know, though. I hate when I think everything will be easy and then I hit a brick wall.”
    “It’s like your brain isn’t ready for it. Huh?” He laughed. “Yeah, that sometimes happens to me too.” He put his stuff away and the bell rang. It was time for lunch.
    “Bye.” I slowly got up from my seat. I held my notebook in my arms. There was no need to put it away, since I was going to use it once I got outside for lunch.
    “See you later. Don’t spend all of lunch doing homework.” He said as he threw his backpack over his shoulder. He walked to the door and called back, “Don’t forget. Tip off is at 3:00!”
    “Are you going to remind me every period?” I asked him.
    “Just making sure you remember!” He turned and walked out the door. Bobby and Jason were waiting for him outside.
    I left the classroom and went to my usual place against a far side tree in the quad. I sat down and leaned against the tree. About 30 yards away, I saw Patrick and his friends at one of the lunch tables.
    It was