Milo rushes into the band room, looking around to see if Nicki was sitting in her assigned seat. He sees the back of her head and immediately walks in her direction.
Milo: *stern* Nicki–
Milo stops once he sees Nicki is sitting with Gwen, now also looking up toward Milo.
Milo: *shy* H-hey.
Nicki: Hey, Milo; everything alright?
Milo lets out a breath before answering. He takes a quick glance at Gwen before looking over at Nicki again.
Milo: Yeah, everything’s fine.
He looks at Gwen one more time before walking away, going toward his seat. He shuts his eyes before letting out a deep breath. He open his eyes as he sees Danny walk into the class. Aggravated, he takes out his books and instrument as class begins.
…
The bell rings, which ends band class for the day. The other students start to pack their bags to leave the classroom. Milo hangs around, in which Mr. Harrison looks at him.
Mr. Harrison: Class is over, Milo…
Milo: Is it okay if I just practiced some more? It’s my lunch period and just wanted to practice this piece for the showcase…
Mr. Harrison: That’s why we have rehearsal rooms in the West Wing. I can’t keep you in here without a teacher being present.
Milo sighs as he gets up from his seat, gathering his things and leaving the room. Once he gets out of the room, he notices Gwen standing near the door.
Milo: *surprised* Gwen!
Gwen: Hey, Milo.
Milo: You were waiting for me to get out of class?
Gwen: I wanted to check on you more than anything. Are you okay?
Milo and Gwen start to walk down the hallway toward the West Wing.
Milo: Yeah, I’m okay…
Gwen: Don’t lie to me.
Milo stops in the middle of the hallway and looks at Gwen. She doesn’t budge.
Gwen: I saw how you looked at Nicki when you came into the class. You definitely looked like you were upset about something.
Milo raises an eyebrow, still looking at Gwen.
Milo: You’re right. I needed to talk to Nicki about… something.
Gwen: *questionable* Something?
Milo: Yeah. Nothing you need to worry about.
Milo smiles and starts walking again. Gwen follows Milo; he looks at her with the corner of his eye. He stops once again, which prompts Gwen to also stop.He can’t help but smile.
Gwen: What?
Milo: Nothing, I’m just… surprised you want to hang out with me involuntarily.
Gwen: *embarrassed* Oh, uhm.. I’m sorry–
Milo: You don’t need to apologize. I just figured you’d go to lunch and hang out with your friends…
Gwen looks at Milo, seeming uncomfortable. Milo takes note of Gwen’s body language.
Milo: Do you always have lunch by yourself?
Gwen: If you’re asking me if I have any other friends to eat lunch with, the answer is usually no.
Milo: *embarrassed* No, I didn’t mean it like that I–
Gwen started to giggle, which made Milo sigh in relief.
Gwen: I don’t really know a lot of the freshmen besides those in our band class. Most of other classes have upperclassmen, so I’m usually just eating lunch by myself.
Milo looks at Gwen intently as she speaks.
Gwen: Or, I’m in the West Wing. *teases* Don’t you have friends to eat lunch with?
Milo rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh.
Milo: I’m not on the best of terms with my friends right now… *looks at Gwen* They all kept this huge secret from me about my best friend and I’m just annoyed with them.
Gwen: I’m guessing that’s what you were trying to speak to Nicki about in class today.
Milo: *defeated* Yeah. Nicki and I have this friend… well, my best friend, who kept this huge secret from me and only told Nicki and her boyfriend. It just pissed me off since this girl is suppose to be my best friend–
Gwen: The other girl in your band; is she the best friend in question?
Milo nods his head. He looks at her; shocked she remembers his friend group.
Milo: Yeah. I just feel betrayed, that’s all. But, I’m glad that you were sitting with Nicki in class today… I feel like you saved me from blaming something on her that she had nothing to do with, you know?
Gwen: *shocked* Oh! Well, I’m glad I can keep you grounded.
Gwen smiles, which makes Milo smile.
Milo: Whatcha doing after school today?
Gwen: I don’t do much after school besides do my homework and practice.
Milo: *teases* Gwen, live a little! It’s the last day before spring break starts! Let’s do something after school; something that’s not related to band or school.
Gwen: *nervous* What would we even do?
Milo: Anything we want; go to the park, catch a movie or something, get a slice of pizza. It’s totally up to you.
Gwen ponders on the thought. Before she can answer, a teacher calls out to the two teens left in the hallway. They both continue to walk toward the West Wing, side by side.
Letters From Liz. 