Greenelan~The Journey

~Emma~

"I have been asked to read a statement. What happened here was not the result of some elaborate plan to humiliate this girl as has been reported in the press." Mrs. Greene says over my laptop. "The James Madison High School Parent-Teacher Association felt Emma would not be safe if we allowed her to attend prom with the other students because the uncomfortable truth...is there are people in our community who are offended by her life choices."

"I can't even- oh my gosh." I say as Angie shuts my laptop.

"I want to be the optimistic one here, but this is terrible." Angie says.

"Thanks for hanging out with me for the past couple of days." I say. "You've been a good friend."

Angie looks at me with a surprised expression.

"Why do you seem shocked?" I ask.

"I'm a chorus girl...no one ever thanks me. No one ever notices me." Angie says sadly. "Thanks kid."

I look down and I can feel tears welling up in my eyes.

"Hey, you're gonna get through this...I know it." Angie says.

"I thought that when my parents stopped loving me that I would never feel any worse...and now this. And I feel worse." I say with tears streaming down my face. "I've never felt so alone in my life."

"But you're not alone. You got me and we are ride-or-die, and you do have friends. Angie says while wiping my tears.

"Where are they?" I ask.

In almost an instant the rest of the broadway troop come into my room.

"We brought Häagen-Dazs, which is fancy ice cream." Trent says holding up a bag.

"I know what Häagen-Dazs is...hand it over." I say while reaching for the bag.

"Emma...I know you said you don't want out help anymore, but we have to fight back. We can't let them get away with this." Barry says quietly.

"Okay okay. Now wait a minute. I know you guys are angry, but we have to admit we kind of made things worse here." Deedee says.

"Emma, you have to go on TV and tell your story." Barry says.

"Wait, this is going to get her a prom?" Angie asks.

"Forget the prom, this is about right and wrong." Barry says.

"Well....we could use our ace in the hole." Sheldon says quietly. "One call to Eddie Sharpe-

"No!" Deedee interrupts. "He'll want something in return and what he'll want is the Hamptons house!"

"Okay hold up." I interject. "I'm not going on TV and telling my story to a bunch of people."

"But, Emma-

"You guys go." Angie says cutting Barry off. "I got this."

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Angie sits with me on the couch while we eat ice cream.

"Why don't you want to tell your story kid?" Angie asks.

"The backlash. You already saw what happened when I wanted to go to prom." I say. "I'm too scared."

Angie gives me an oddly concerning smirk.

"Zazz." Angie says under her breath.

"What?" I say.

"When a challenge lies ahead and you are filled with dread and worry...give it some Zazz!" Angie says. "When your courage disappears what'll get your fears to scurry...give it some Zazz!"

Oh my...I am convinced this lady is a tad bit crazy.

"Zazz is style plus confidence, it may seem corny or kitsch. But, when scared or on the fence, you'll find that Zazz will soon make fear become your bitch." Angie smirks. "And if folks say you can't win what'll stop them in a hurry? Give it some Zazz! There's no contests for a girl who has some razzmatazz. So call their bluff. And strut your stuff. Like no chick in this hicktown has. Instead of giving up....give it some Zazz."

"I don't think I can...look at me my hands are shaking." I say.

"If your hands are shaking, just turn them into jazz hands." Angie smiles. "Doesn't that feel better?"

"No." I say nervously.

"Try this." Angie says.

Angie grabs my arms and puts them above my head and starts walking me around the living room.

"This is awkward." I say awkwardly.

"The Zazz is not the moves. The Zazz comes from within." Angie says. "Do the moves...and give it some Zazz. Close your eyes. Think about Mrs. Greene."

I put my hand up in front of my face. All I can envision is all of the cameras and reporters from the first PTA meeting.

"Think about that fake prom." Angie says. "Now think about doing something about it."

I awkwardly start dancing, but it feels good.

"I'm seeing your Zazz!" Angie says. "Now follow me."

"Do like the brave and bossy do and if they tear you apart." we say.

"Ask what would Bob Fosse do?" Angie says. "He'd make the people have a step ball change of heart."

"Ball change!" we exclaim. "And if folks say you can win what'll stop them in a hurry? Give it some Zazz! There's no contest for a girl who has some razzmatazz."

"So call their bluff. BAM!" Angie says.

"And strut my stuff. BAM!" I exclaim.

"Like no chick in this hicktown has. Instead of giving up...give it some Zazz!" we exclaim.

"You've got your Zazz...are you ready to show it the world?" Angie asks.

"Yeah!" I exclaim.

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I don't really want to go on TV. It's just not my thing really. Maybe I can write a song or something. I get a text message.

Alyssa: hey emma...i've been giving you space these past couple of days because i know you're mad at me but can you please meet me in the cafeteria before school starts tomorrow?

I want to respond to her, but she's right. I am mad at her. I really needed her and she let me down. If I'm going to tell my story, I want her with me...she's apart of it.

Me: okay

a/n: okay i want opinions...should i still do the sequel book or do you guys want a one shot book?