The band sat in one section of the bleachers, still tuning up. In front of them, Shadyside's cheerleading squad practiced one of their routines, leaping and whirling and urging everyone to chant along. The wooden bleachers shook as the crowd stomped its feet in rhythm.
There was a low platform in the center of the shiny wooden floor. Jason Thompson, who had been named Homecoming King the day before, stood on the platform next to the coach.
Behind them, Tania and three other girls sat in a semici