Suzie’s House 317 : Mr. Ungar’s Offer

Technically speaking, Reymond Ungar didn’t have any duties right that moment. At least nothing had been said. But as a teacher in the gym when school talent show ended would normally be expected to monitor, wouldn’t he?

As a relatively new teacher, Rey wanted to make a good impression, especially on the principal, but his impression of the band called Malaprop goaded him. He felt it was imperative that he correct an impression he might have left with some of the band members. So he hurried into the hall while most of the students were still casting their ballots.

The entire band had formed a protective shield around their singer when some of the kids tried to remove her mask. They’d escorted her out like an armed guard. They must realize what a treasure they had in her.

The entire band was excellent. Each member carried his or her part with professionalism. Not that there weren’t any mistakes, but Rey doubted anyone without musical training have noticed.

More to the point, Rey recognized the song. It was a protest to his own behavior, written under the awning over a side door after he’d kicked two of the band members out of the building. The image of the two of them in the snow would never leave him.

He was relieved to see the members of the band standing around a bathroom door just down the hall from the gym.

“Excellent performance,” he said as he approached. “I would not be surprised if you win the award.”

“Not bad for garbage,” Tracy said with a mean smile.

“I never thought you were garbage.” The accusation felt like a slap in the face, but Rey rolled with it. “Did you ever find a place to practice?”

“No. No one wants us.” The other one, Bruce, laid it on thick.

“I think with a bit more practice you could really go places with this band.”

“You offering the music room?” Tracy smiled hopefully.

“Well, no…” The music room wasn’t really his to offer, even if he was responsible for it as the band teacher. When he worked at a middle school in Chicago he’d allowed a group of kids to use his band room only to find out they were dealing drugs out of it. He’d been warned about anything like that happening again when coming into this job.

“Pft.” Tracy put her back to him just as a couple of girls came out of the bathroom.

He couldn’t seem to come up with any traction here.

“What I mean is I have a friend who rents out soundproof rooms. I’m pretty sure I could get you a significant discount. You’d still have to come up with some money yourself, but I’m sure if you split it among….” Rey looked from one kid to the next. He recognized both drummers, the lead guitar, and of course Tracy and Bruce who were bass guitar and keyboard, but he didn’t see the singer, just a couple of mousy girls and an extra boy. “Where did your singer go?”

“How much money?”

“What?”

“How much would it cost to rent a practice room.” Tracy’s eyes flashed.

“Probably around $50 a month. Why?”

Tracy and every other member of the band grinned, and suddenly Rey got the feeling he had just become their new best friend.

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