送交者: 小朋友 于 December 05, 2002 11:37:35:
Only One Chance(4)
By Linda Zhang
May 7, 2002
Derie
The orchestra group left the room and Derie was just about to leave along with them
when Mr. Larsonsburg looked at her and, with his eyes, motioned for her to stay for a few
minutes. Mr. Lasonsburg had a special way of talking with his eyes that other people could
understand. Derie dragged herself toward him and dropped into a chair.
Mr. Larsonsburg looked Derie in the eye and for some reason, Derie found it
impossible not to look back. He began his "Being late" lecture.
"Derie, you were never late and almost early for rehearsals before. What made you so
late a couple days ago?"
"I'm sorry. I woke up late and I forgot about it until Samantha called me."
"So, Samantha called you?"
"Twice, but once I was in bed and I thought that my parents would answer it, but I also
forgot that they worked an early shift on Sundays.
"Young lady, if you want to even have a chance to become the principal violinist of
this orchestra, you'd better start putting yourself up now. I always thought that you would
be sure to make it to that level, but I cannot be so confident now."
Derie nodded and ran to her first class. She hoped that she could swallow down her
tears until school ended.
May 26,2002
Derie
Derie had begun to notice that Mr. Larsonsburg was treating her differently now. He
used to treat her like she was a responsible, mature seventeen year-old, but now, he was
acting like she was nine, reminding her twice about concerts and being picky if she sat in
her old chair. Mr. Larsonsburg had moved her one seat back, right next to Samantha. Of
course, she didn't mind sitting next to her, it was just the fact that Mr. Larsonsburg was
treating her like a person who was just beginning to play violin that made her
uncomfortable.
Derie explained it to Samantha. "I really want to sit with you, but I'm just not used to
Mr. Larsonsburg treating me like a baby. He used to act like I was an expert at violin, but
now, he is making it seem like I'm a novice and that he lost all his trust in me. I'm
I'm not going to be picked as the principal violinist anymore."
"Don't talk like that!" Samantha cried. "All musicians have good and bad days. This is
just a bad period for you. Things will improve in no time!"
"It looks worse than it is, I guess. You're probably right."
"Yup, things will be better in no time."
Derie and Samantha dismissed the idea and started having interesting little
conversations with each other, but inside, Derie still wondered if one little lateness could
make all the difference.
To be continued...