Read Falling Too Fast for Free Online

Maybe they could become a group after all? Karina got up, cleaned the pieces of grass off her jeans, and then offered Alexis a hand. Alexis hesitated. There was a small smile creeping onto Karina’s lips.
    â€œI can’t believe you guys want me in your mariachi group. Have you heard me play that stringy thing?” She crossed her eyes and made a crazy face. “You must be really desperate for members. I don’t get it. Why do you guys care so much?”
    Alexis blinked, stunned. They were desperate. But this was a highly unusual situation. Most schools had waiting lists for their mariachi groups. People had to audition to even be considered. Mariachi was a prestigious school activity — just not at Dos Rios. If only she could find the right words to show Karina and the rest of the group how great high school mariachi could be.
    â€œYes, we are desperate,” Justin said, coming up behind Alexis. “We want to form a group. We want to perform. We do care and we’re not ashamed to admit it. Mariachi music is more than just singing love songs at restaurants.”
    Alexis stared at Justin. He looked taller, more confident standing there. She couldn’t help but feel proud.
    â€œMariachi music is powerful. It can bring people to their knees. When I play my trumpet, I feel the song coursing in me,” he continued. “Our music is who we are — it’s in our blood. I feel like I can do anything when I play.”
    Everyone stared at Justin. No one dared laugh. The gleam in his brown eyes told them that he was speaking his truth. His words moved Alexis. She wondered if his speech was enough to sway the new recruits.
    When no one said anything, Alexis said, “I have an idea. Do you guys want to see something?”
    The group exchanged glances and then nodded.
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    They drove to the new performing arts academy, located in the city of Mission. On the way, Alexis explained the world of competitive high school mariachi. The way it usually worked was that each school ensemble would go head-to-head against other schools in their district and then move up to compete statewide and even nationally, if they were really good. There were cash prizes for best male singer, best female singer, and best group ensemble — and of course the bragging rights that came with these titles. Some contestants had even been offered record contracts after the tournament. Every year there were rumors of sabotage or cheating, so schools fiercely guarded their teams and performance secrets.
    Pedro, the tall lanky twin, whistled when they walked onto the campus. The high school looked more like a college, with its numerous state-of-the-art buildings and perfectly manicured lawns. This was the arts magnet school that Alexis had wanted to apply to, but their waiting list was ridiculous.
    â€œYou sure it’s okay if we’re here?” Marisol asked. Alexis turned back to face her.
    â€œWell, technically you guys aren’t in mariachi yet, so we’re not competition.” Alexis smiled in a flirty way. “This is just a field trip.”
    The group nodded approvingly. She led them to a modern-looking building with south-facing windows that curved into a semicircle. Alexis’s heart started to beat wildly as they climbed the steps. She had a secret agenda. Only Nikki knew, because she was her best friend. Christian Luna, aka “El Charro Negro,” went to this school. Alexis was secretly hoping to see him, or better yet, actually talk to him.
    Mariachi music poured out of the main concert hall. In the lobby there was a wall-length glass case filled with gold trophies and photos of the high school mariachi regional champions. In the middle of the group was Christian Luna, wearing his signature black outfit. Her heart skipped a beat. But this was no time to swoon over him, she told herself. She was here to inspire her would-be mariachis. Alexis motioned for them to be silent and the