Circle of Silence Read Online Free

They say
one thing, but then they join a team or sign up for some club they know is
stupid. Not to mention sucking up to the teachers. MP’s not gonna suck up to
anyone.
    Phantom and I are in charge because we thought it up.
Everyone picked names. I’m Skeletor. There’s Hell Girl, Frankenstein, Ghost Face
and Zombie. We memorized the oath because that’s how I want to start every
meeting. Always a good idea to remind people of a sworn blood oath.
    Then we talked about what’s next. I explained my theory that
you never do your best stuff first. Everyone agreed: start small and work up to
some serious shit.
    See, we’re really not the same as the other kids at school.
When we say WiHi sucks, we mean it.
    I cannot wait to see their shocked faces when it all goes
down.

4
    Every member of TV Production focuses on the monitor.
It’s the Wednesday before the first broadcast. Presentation Day. The team has to
show Mr. Carleton what we have so he can sign off on each segment.
    Henry and I ate lunch in the Media Center for almost a week to
work on the opening graphics. They’re heavily Photoshopped, with a bit of anime
that Henry, bless his overachieving little soul, created.
    When they finish running, we get the thumbs-up from Carleton.
Next, Marci runs the football segment, which includes an interview with Phil. A
few cheerleaders go on—and on—about school spirit. Then the senior-class
president, Greg Martin, makes the pitch about the hot dog stand.
    “An Irving dog is a deserving dog, dawgs,” his on-screen image
tells us.
    “Lame!” Jagger grumbles.
    “But it’s in sync. And loud enough. Although the piece is a
little slow, Marci,” Mr. Carleton says. “Can you edit the girls? And that tight
end?”
    “Linebacker,” Marci corrects. “As long it gets done in class. I
can’t stay after school.”
    I nod at my best friend, remembering our pact at Tony’s. Whatever you can’t finish, I will.
    Next, it’s Raul’s turn. Eagerly, he clicks into the
skateboarding piece. The thing starts crazy and keeps on going. Jagger’s on a
board, doing some amazing tricks. A sweet bank to the ledge before he blasts a
kick flip looks pretty spectacular on the screen. Then the point of view shifts
so it seems like the viewer’s skating.
    “Dude!” A Team’s leader, Scott Jenkins, looks a little green
with envy—or worry. “ Where’d you get the music?”
    “ GarageBand, bro,” Jagger says.
“Put it together last night.”
    “Now, that’s tight!” Scott murmurs.
    I try not to gloat. Score one for the
newbie—and the team stuck with him.
    Mr. Carleton is not as impressed. “Camera work’s good, boys.
But it’s a little light on specifics. For example, where’s the park located?
Hours. The boring information that actually
constitutes news.”
    Raul laughs. “Don’t sweat it, Mr. C. I’m planning a voice-over
under the last trick.”
    “You could end with a visual,” I suggest. “Didn’t I see footage
of the entrance sign in an earlier version?”
    “I cut it because I thought we were long, but sure, I can go
out on it. Along with the voice-over. Would that be okay, Mr. Carleton?”
    The teacher nods. “What else do you have, Val?”
    “Spotlight and club news. Omar, you’re up.”
    He plays his interview with Mrs. Fahey. It’s the least
interesting thing we’ve got, but it’s short. Still, it’s the kind of piece
Carleton loves because it puts the administration in a good light.
    “Great job, Omar, although her audio’s a little low. I’ll show
you how to boost it when we’re done,” the teacher tells him.
    I tap Jagger. “Ready?”
    He shakes his head. “I was helping Raul.”
    “You were supposed to work on the clubs—”
    “No worries, Val.” Raul tries not to yawn. “It’ll get
done.”
    Is he making the point that he’d be a more laid-back producer
than me? Or am I paranoid and he’s just trying to help?
    Carleton stands. “Good start, folks. Valerie, you’re