The Dunhams (Sequel to Better or Bad - Lizzy Walker)

Living Your Dreams

"Wow! Oh my god! Yes, I will! Thanks!" I cheered before hanging up. I'm super proud of my baby boy! Why? He auditioned to be on Stranger Things Season 4. He'll be portraying Eleven's long-lost brother with superpowers. It made me surprised yet extremely proud. I've beginning to think he wants to start acting but he's only ten. Time will tell. Racing footsteps were heard as Jace ran into the living room. He smiled widely. "Did they call?!" He asked. I nodded. "You got the part!" I said, smiling. He cheered while jumping up and down. I hugged him. He hugged back. "I'm so proud of you! Really!" I squealed. We parted. He chuckled. "Thanks Mom. It's kinda huge." He said. I smirked and patted his shoulder. "Your first time acting on screen can feel huge. It's ok if it feels scary. I felt the same when I did my first movie. You'll get the hang of learning the scripts and best part is meeting the cast!" I said. He nodded. "Means I can skip school!" He said excitedly. I nodded in disagreement and raised an eyebrow. "Nope. Missing a few days, you'll have a tutor and your assignments there." I said. He pouted. "No fair." He whined. I scoffed, sipping my cup of tea. "Way fair. We're not gonna like you guys do these things and miss learning. Same goes for Bella." I said. Jace was confused. "I thought you postponed Bella's new song?" He asked. I whipped my head at him in shock. "Jace? How did you know about that?" I asked. He smiled innocently. "Your phone conversations are loud." He told me. I huffed and sipped once more. "Precisely true. It's for her health and homework. Now we'll discuss the days you'll film, bringing a tutor for your homework, it depends on how many episodes you'll do." I told him. He nodded in understanding. I smiled. "In the meantime, fix your hair and put on shoes. We need to pick up Breanna." I said. Breanna is busy learning her dance routines for the talent show in school. Ms. Ryan offered to teach her alone. The talent show's at 6pm so I'm really excited. Dancing is what aspires her a lot. He smiled. "Can't wait for the talent show! You think she'll dance to Megan Stallion?" He asked. I smiled sheepishly. "Only if it's appropriate." I muttered. He raced upstairs alongside more footsteps. My heart pumped a few beats. Bella sighed, crossing her arms. "Mom can we talk?" She asked. "About what?" I asked. She groaned. "My song! Why haven't we released it? It's been a while already." She said. I cleared my throat. "That's because it is postponed till the summer." I told her. She suddenly froze and looked at me in shock. "Postponed? Why?" She asked shakily. "Sweetheart, you only got so much to deal with. School and your health's the most priority. We can't let you manage all three things—she cut me off. "To hell with school! I can manage my health Mom! I done it before!" She growled. I growled. "Check your tone! And you can manage it? Oh yeah that worked the last time because you forgotten to take your pill. Bella, it's for your own good. You're only fifteen. Managing all three things can disrupt your normal life. We can't take any chances with your epilepsy—she cut me off. She covered her face frustratingly. "Ugh! Do you know how many times I've been told that? You're making me wait this long just because of my health when you've encouraged me to let the world hear my voice?! Really? Jace gets a role in a TV show, Breanna's performing a dance but you have the nerve to keep me from singing because you feel sorry for me?!" She growled. I huffed. "Bella, it's not out of sorriness! This is all about keeping you practically healthy. You're far too young to be taking on grownup things so soon. Give it plenty of time because I'm not letting you disrupt your life and health like it was before you came here." I told her. She almost spoke until I stopped her. "Out of the question. It is postponed till the summer. Period. Get ready because we have to pick up your sister." I growled firmly. She shedded a tear before walking away. Not gonna admit it though. It isn't fair but her mental and physical health is more important.

In the car, Jace was occupied with his Nintendo but Bella ignored me the whole time. The decision is final and she'll be thanking me. I reached Millennium dance studio and saw Ms. Ryan walk out with Breanna. Gosh, she's creative with her dance outfit and getting a bit tall like Jace. Not to mention her hair turning reddish. I parked as she walked her to my car. Ms. Ryan smiled, waving. I returned the gesture. Jace scooted away when she opened the car door. I smiled. "Hey! How was practice?" I asked. She sighed happily. "Great! I'm so excited Mom! I can't contain it!" She said. I laughed. "Same here sweetie. Same here." I assured. Bella smiled sadly and stared out the window. I restarted the engine, pulling from the parking lot.

******

It was 6:30pm. Me, Bryce, Jace and Bella were seated together in the wide audience. Of course, Jace talked to his friends from behind. A few children performed, done stunts, magic tricks and strange talents. The voice announcer came on. "And here's this student performing a dance routine, Breanna Dunham." He announced. The audience clapped including us. I pulled out my phone and pressed record excitingly. Bryce sighed happily. "Here she comes." He whispered in my ear. Breanna walked on stage. She wore makeup, her long hair in a perfect ponytail with shiny earrings and dance outfit:

She took a deep breath and snapped her fingers. Hip hop music started playing.

Everyone clapped and whistled for the first part. I playfully screamed. Bryce laughed, shushing me with his finger. Jace covered his face embarrassingly. "Oh lord." He mumbled. Bella sighed nervously. "Exactly." She whispered in his ear. Another song played and she danced.

Our eyes widened. That was whoa! Bella covered her mouth in shock. "I'm speechless!" She whispered/yelled. "It didn't suck!" Jace added. Bryce playfully rolled his eyes. I laughed and cheered. She smiled confidently before dancing to the last song.

The whole school applauded. We clapped and applauded. I filmed the whole thing thank god. Bella clapped proudly. "That's my sister!" She cheered. We laughed. She took a bow before going backstage and the show continued.

After the show ended, people began to leave and we went backstage to see Breanna drinking a water bottle. She saw us and smiled. I squealed, hugging her. She hugged back. "You did amazing baby!" I said. Everyone joined the hug. Bella smiled widely. "You were unbelievable!" She said. Jace nodded. "My friends surprisingly asked if you join our table next time." He said. We parted and laughed. Bryce smirked. "This calls for a celebration. Where do you wanna go for dinner?" He asked. Breanna hummed in response. "Applebee's!" She quickly said. "Yes!" Jace cheered. We laughed more and left the auditorium. I am utterly speechless yet super proud of my little dancer. She is truly a gift.