Notes From The Midnight Driver

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). Sol is surprised, cautioning Alex about all of the logistics that go into a concert. Alex realizes that “perhaps it would have been a good idea to ask how he knew so much about this stuff” (137) but instead moves on to talking about the drunk driving accident. Sol calls this “excuses” (137), and Alex leaves somewhat frustrated, though he reports a “breakthrough” (138) in his letter to Judge Trent. 

In preparation for the benefit concert, Alex begins practicing with Steve and Annette, which turns out to be difficult. Alex is also nervous because at some point he knows Laurie is going to show up to watch. The three musicians begin playing and it is immediately clear that Alex is the least talented, struggling with staying on beat. He feels that it is a “hopeless” (142) task filled with too much complexity. Steve and Annette play out one song with skill after Alex gives up on playing, and Laurie applauds at the conclusion. When Alex makes a self-deprecating comment, Steve responds that it’s just important that Alex “learn the music” (143). They practice some more, and Annette gives Alex homework.

Alex and Laurie walk home together, and she asks him about whether his “parents are going to stay together this time” (145). They discuss the complications of parents who are divorced. At the end of the chapter, Alex writes a letter to Judge Trent inviting her to attend the benefit concert. He receives a short response back praising his idea and declining the invitation.

January drags on for Alex: He rehearses with the Cha-KINGS twice a week, sees Sol every other day, and has to deal with his parents “officially ‘dating’ each other” (151). Worse, things are “awkward and strange with Laurie” (151). By the day before the benefit concert in February, Alex has an uncomfortable conversation with Steve and Annette, who are nervous about letting him play. Despite their apprehension, Alex convinces them that the old people “need a little inspiration” (153), and Steve and Annette burst out laughing as Laurie jumps out from behind the piano to yell “Gotcha!” (154). Steve and Annette explain that they played this little joke on Alex because they can see that he has grown to care more than before.

The concert goes well even though Alex doesn’t play excellently, “basically stay[ing] out of [Steve and Annette’s] way” (157). At intermission, Sol asks Alex to go find his glasses in his room. When Alex comes back to the hall, having failed to find another pair of eyeglasses, he hears Sol playing the guitar with Steve and Annette. After Sol’s incredible performance, he calls Alex back up to the stage, and Alex plays one last song with Steve and Annette, feeling himself get more into the music than before.

After the concert, Alex and Sol talk; Alex explains that he couldn’t find the glasses but did find a key, which Sol says he’ll tell him more about later. Right after, Sol has difficulty breathing and is taken to his room. The musicians say goodbye to each other, and Alex worries about Sol’s health.