Notes From The Midnight Driver

Back at school after New Year’s, Alex comes up with a plan to resolve his “problem with Sol” (125) after Bryan Stevenson punches him in the arm and makes fun of him again. Alex is excited about his idea, immediately running to the “Cha-KINGS […] two members of [his] high school jazz band” (128) who are gifted musicians who also are dating one another: Steve, a drummer, and Annette, a pianist. The name Cha-KINGS is Alex’s own invention, a secret joke for himself based on a science fiction movie. Lucky for Alex, Steve and Annette are known for loving benefit concerts as well as being nice people all around.

Alex plans his “approach all day” (130), heading to the band room partly through his last period: math class. He watches Steve and Annette harmonizing beautifully and then interrupts them to ask, “Would the two of you like to help some elderly people in need?” (133).

Later that day, Alex arrives at Sol’s room with a little apprehension, where he is met with more of Sol’s commentary about Alex being a “compulsory volunteer” (135). Alex starts by apologizing and then follows by explaining his plan: “in a few weeks, I’m putting on a jazz concert here” (135).