The bell rings at Waverly High and the students begin to go to their next class of the day. Milo takes out a huge binder from his locker; Jennifer looks at the binder in shock.
Jennifer: Dude, do they have you guys playing The Ten Commandments or something?
Milo: *confused* The Ten Commandments is not a piece of music; you do know that, right?
Jennifer: Well your binder looks as big as the book itself.
Nicki: *intervenes* Pep, The Ten Commandments is roughly about 210 pages; perhaps you are talking about Tolstoy’s War And Peace?
Jennifer: *confused* Toy Story?
Nicki: *disbelief* Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace…
Jennifer doesn’t seem to understand; Nicki sighs and looks at Milo, pointing at the binder.
Nicki: Is that binder all for one class, Milo?
Milo: It’s my dual major binder. I don’t bother carrying it around anymore because it’s literally like walking with a brick inside my bookbag.
Jennifer: Why don’t you just have two separate binders for each major?
Milo: Because I never know if I’m going to need both pieces of music for a rehearsal!
Jennifer rolls her eyes and Nicki takes out her binder from her locker; it’s noticeably smaller than Milo’s.
Jennifer: That is a reasonable sized binder; look what you could be potentially be bringing to your band class compared to the cinderblock you currently have.
Milo: *deadpans* Haha.
The bell rings and the friends say their goodbyes; Nicki and Milo walk to the band room at the end of the hall.
Nicki: I’m glad to see you and Pep on good terms after all this time.
Milo: Yeah, you know how I feel about Pep. I don’t like being mad at her for too long.
Nicki stops mid-walk; Milo follows.
Nicki: Don’t let that cloud your judgment either, Milo.
Milo: Whatcha mean?
Nicki: I mean don’t be so intense when it comes to Pep. You already know that she’s gonna do whatever she pleases and you can’t let that mess up your mood or your friendship with her.
Milo: *sighs* I know, Nic. I just wish sometimes she had better judgment so that I’m not out here running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Nicki: Be her friend, Milo, not her guardian.
Milo: Easier said than done, Nicki.
Nicki: I’m just saying that Pep is never going to change her ways; you of all people should know this.
Both teens walk into the band room as their bandmates get ready for the period to start. Milo glances over to Gwen; he waves at her as she waves back. Nicki observes the two.
Nicki: You and Gwen are friends?
Milo: *nervous* Uhm… yeah, we both recognized each other from band when we were put into the same Biology class too.
Nicki: Oh. That’s… interesting.
Milo turns his head to now look at Nicki; confused.
Milo: What?
Nicki: Nothing, it’s just that she’s… not a girl any of the freshman would be in classes with. She’s the smartest person in our grade.
Milo: *annoyed* What’s that suppose to mean?
Nicki: Exactly what I meant; you’re probably in the wrong Biology class if you’re taking it with her.
Milo rolled her eyes as the two teens went to their sections of the class. Milo sits next to Gwen, again smiling at her.
Milo: Nice hat, Gwen.
Gwen: Thanks; the fluffy scrunchie adds some volume to your hair.
Gwen laughs as she teases Milo.
Milo: How’s your day been so far?
Gwen: Well, I have a midterm in my Math B class tomorrow and the review was… unendurable, to say the least.
Milo: Sheesh, Math B sounds like it’s no joke–
Gwen: *teases* You can borrow my notes when it’s your turn to take it.
Milo: At least I know I’ll pass.
Gwen rolled her eyes and shook her head.
Milo: Whatcha doing after school today? Well, besides studying for your midterm.
Gwen: Well, something tells me you’re looking to hang before I drown myself in my studies.
Milo smiles at Gwen’s cheeky remark. The teacher quiets the class down before he starts his class.
Mr. Harrison: Good afternoon, everyone. Before we start today’s class, please remember to have your permission slips for the philharmonic performance no longer than Friday. We are leaving for the performance the following morning and will not be taking anyone with a permission slip in their hands the day of.
Milo looks at Gwen, focusing on what the teacher is talking about. Milo decided to do the same.
Mr. Harrison: Of course, you are not obligated to participate in this performance. As a freshman class, you are allowed one show that you choose to not attend; only one. If you are thinking about not attending, come see me after class.
Milo: *to Gwen; whispers* You’re gonna go?
Gwen nods her head.
Gwen: I already gave Mr. Harrison my permission slip.
Milo cocks his eyebrows up, surprised that Gwen is on top of things. He looks at his unsigned permission slip still in his binder.
Mr. Harrison: Those who are dual majors; this is your reminder that you must be present for today’s rehearsal after school with the vocal program.
Milo sighed as he writes a reminder down in his notebook. Gwen notices.
Gwen: Dual major duty calls.
Milo: Of course when I finally decide to make plans after school…
Gwen tussles Milo’s hair.
Gwen: You have to do what you have to do. We can reschedule for another day.
Milo turns around to look at Gwen. She reassures him with a smile. He returns the smile. Looking from the back of the classroom, Nicki notices the two teen’s banter.
Letters From Liz. 