we're more than chemistry

c h a p t e r 1 ~ music mess up

"That was perfect Jess, I didn't expect anything less."

(Starting outfit)

I walked over to Julies locker after class, Julie was already there, "Hey Julie!" I said when I got to Julies locker, "hey Jess!" Julie said.

Just after that Flynn walked over, "Hey, underachiever. Hey, overachiever." Flynn said, "Hey disappointment." Julie and I said at the same time, we all let out a small laugh.

"Okay, so I know you don't want me to ask, but have you figured out what you're doing today?" Flynn asked, Julie sighed, "I'll know in the moment." I rolled my eyes at her, "Come on Julie." I looked at her.

Flynn continued, "Really Jules? That's all your giving us? Mrs. Harrison said this is your last chance." Julie looked at her, "I know. I was there." "I believe in you Jules, you got this." I told her giving her a reassuring smile.

"See you at the rally!" We overheard Carrie say, "Ugh, what is she handing out?" Flynn asked, "Desperation." Julie said, I nodded, "Hey! Remember we need to be nice." I said.

She made her way over to us, "Here you go. My group's performing at the spirit rally tomorrow. I'm sure you guys have nothing better to do, well maybe Jess does."

"Oh my gosh Carrie, thanks!" Flynn said sarcastically, "Oh my gosh, Flynn. Don't bother coming!" Carrie said, I looked at Carrie, "I'll be there, I bet you guys will do great!" Carrie smiled at me, "Thanks Jess! That means a lot coming from you." She then walked away.

Flynn crumpled her paper, "Jess, how can you stand her?" "Well, she's not my favorite person but I make sure I'm nice to everyone. You know, you never know what someone's going through." I said, secretly wishing someone knew about my many situations.

We looked at Julie who was staring at Nick, "Nick? Still? You know they're gonna get married and have a bunch of unholy babies." Flynn told her, "Nick's a sweetheart..." Julie informed her.

Flynn and I gave each other a look, "You'd actually have to talk to him to know that." Flynn told her, I nodded, "Yeah, you haven't really talked to him that much."

Flynn continued, "And only one of them has to be a demon to make a demon baby." She looked at Carrie and yelled, "Demon!"

Julie and Flynn turned around and laughed, I just turned around embarrassed. "Flynn, manners!" I whisper yelled, she brushed it off and pointed at Julie, "There's that smile. Now let's go prove everybody wrong."

We made our way to class and as usual, I was barely on time as multiple people stopped me in the hallway to say hi. When we finally got to class we watched everyone perform. Nick was just finishing his guitar riff and I knew I was up next.

Nick finished and we all applauded, "Nice job Nick. Almost as impressive as your game against Glendale." Mrs. Harrison said, "Next up is Jessica." She said as I made my way over to the piano, "Hi everyone! I'll be playing a cover of "paper rings" by Taylor Swift." I told everyone, I started to play and sing.

I usually play the piano but I also know how to play the guitar and drums. My mom was gonna teach me the bass but then she passed away, I still wanna learn it, but it's hard.

"That was perfect Jess, I didn't expect anything less." Mrs. Harrison said, I took my seat and she continued, "Okay, we have one last performance. Julie?"

Julie got up and walked over to the piano, "Take your time." Mrs. Harrison told her, I loved her because she was so understanding of our situation, Julie placed her fingers on the keys but then quickly pulled them away and stood up, "I'm sorry."

"Is this when we clap?" Carrie asked, Julie ran out, "Watch it Carrie." Flynn said, I ignored Carrie, and Flynn and I ran out after Julie.

We finally caught up to her, "Julie! Girl, you better get back up here and show them, you can sing!" Julie looked at us with tears in her eyes, "I've tried for myself. I've tried for Mrs. Harrison, I've tried for you two, I've tried for dad, and I've tried for mom. For a whole year I've been trying, but I can't do this anymore. I can't... I'm done."

Julie ran off, "Julie." Flynn called out, "Jules come on." I called out after her. Flynn and I sat on the stairs before all going to our next class, we didn't have any other classes together besides dance, but we already had that.

After school I had lifting today. I didn't mind lifting, I liked that once I was zoned in I could power it out and it made me feel good. Like usual while I had sports after school, Julie stayed late to do her homework so I could give her a ride home.

After lifting I drove Julie and I home and the car ride was silent, we finally got home I went upstairs and changed.

(Outfit below)

When I came down Julie and I started studying. I looked up and saw my dad coming down the stairs, "Oh good, you two are home. I was about to go watch your brother's game. I've had photoshoots all day. Didn't even get a chance to eat." "Dad I made sandwiches this morning there in the fridge." I told him.

"Thanks, Jess. I got a phone call today." Julie and I both sighed, "Yeah I figured as much." She said, he took a seat, "Yeah. Well, it was my realtor friend." "Oh... that." Julie said, he continued, "Yeah, and she says if we're serious about selling the house, then she wants me to take some pictures for the website. Which means we have to do a lot of cleaning and get rid of some stuff. And maybe you two can... tackle mom's studio?"

Julie looked down and I just sat there knowing that my dad wouldn't notice how I react because he's too focused on Julie, "You guys are the experts. You know your brother and I, we wouldn't even know where to begin. It's okay, Julie if you're not ready. I..." Julie interrupted, "No. It's alright." "Yeah, we'll try tonight." I added.

"Yeah? Awesome Mijas. Thank you. Oh and don't forget the loft. You know, those old instruments that were there when we moved in? They need a new home." Our dad told us while standing up, Julie smiled, "Mom would like that." "Yeah, she would. Oh god. I'm gonna be late."

He started looking for his keys, "Under the mail..." Julie told him, "And don't forget a sandwich." I added, "You two are lifesavers." He said as he walked out of the house.

Julie and I had spent an hour studying and then decided to go try and tackle mom's studio.