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it’s the topic--a girl who can’t give herself comfort and love until se steps outside herself.
    Whatever. As the emotion takes over, Maggie leans into the keyboard. Her eyes close but her fingers aren’t missing a note.
    The chatting in the garage peters out. Then it stops.
    Maggie’s choice is soaring. The words are ringing clear and urgent, yet somehow they sound like a whisper in deepest confidence.
    I’m so swept up, I don’t want the song to end.
    And when it does, the garage is dead silent.
    Maggie’s hands are resting on the last chord, her eyes still closed.
    When she opens them, she looks a little bewildered. As if she’s just awoken from a dream in a place she didn’t expect to be.
    I think Justin is the first to start clapping.
    I know I’, the first to cheer out loud.
    But in a second, we’re all screaming and whistling and stamping our feet.
    Rico plants a big wet one of Maggie’s cheek. She’s turning red.
    “She did it!” Dawn yells.
    I have to sit down. The tension as turned me into a sack of jangled nerves.
    But I’m relieved.
    For the first time all night, I’m thinking, she can do it.
    You know what? The rest of the songs are just as good. The band even plays through the scheduled break (and they never miss a trip to the through.)
    When I call the end of rehearsal, we give them a standing ovation.
    “You finally got your mojo working!” Mr. Chavez shouts.
    Must be some ’70s term. (NOTE TO ME. Find out what a mojo is.)
    Everyone’s happy. Maggie’s happy.
    I’m really happy. Mainly because of Maggie. But also because of the band.
    I HATE to admit this, Nbook. But I haven’t heard them sound this good since James was kicked out. for the first time, I don’t miss his playing.
    So I’m dancing around, praising everybody, telling them the Homecoming Bash is going to be fantastic.
    And for some reason, I start thinking about Brendan.
    I don’t know why.
    Then I see Maggie. She’s talking to Justin and Dawn
    She’s beaming.
    Thank god.
    Wed 10/7
    Study hall
    Hey. Remember me, Nbook?
    Don’t be hurt. After last week, I needed a break from writing.
    OK. Update. The latest headlines.
    FLASH!
    VANISH LOOKING GOOD
    Friday’s rehearsal sizzles. Saturday is a little ragged. Sunday we rest, Monday we’re hot again.
    Only 3 mote days, Nbook!
    Maggie’s singing is much better. Still slipping in and out, though. Saturday’s rough for her. Some big fight between Mr. and Mrs. Blume the night before, I gather.
    Anyway, right after “This Is War,” I discover.
    FLASH!
    JUSTIN STILL CARES
    About Maggie, that is. He leans over to me as Rico’s tuning his guitar and asks,
    “Is she okay?”
    He’s got this really concerned look in his eyes.
    Last week I suspected he liked her. Now I’m sure.
    Hmmm. Maybe Maggie will get a second chance with him after all.
    029
    Anyway, I tell Justin that Maggie’s fine.
    And in case you’re wondering.
    FLASH!
    FUENTES STILL MAJOR FORCE IN BLUME’S LIFE
    Well, a force anyway.
    Before Friday’s session, though, Maggie almost freaks out. Papi has saisd I can’s go with her because Tio Luis is taking the family out to café Con Leche. Mami says that Maggie should go by herself anyway.
    Breaking the news to Maggie is not easy. But she ends up going. And surviving just fine.
    And going back to Monday.
    She says she’s not feeling much or an improvement yet, but she’s learning a lot about herself. Dr. Funetes is helping her plan meals with the advice of a nutritionist.
    (Oh. Guess what? I finally ask how she’s paying for this. Turns out her father is paying. Maggie just tells him she’s seeing a therapist and she doesn’t bat en eye. She des not, however, tell him why she’s going.)
    I wish she were eating more now. She’s not.
    Which is frustrating.
    You know, Nbook, sometimes I still don’t get it. I mean, eating seems so easy.
    Like walking. Or breathing.
    Maggie san play the piano. Ace math exams. Sing.
    But a simple think like