Pavane for a Lost Boy (Or Rather, How to Survive Loss after Rejection)

Chapter Eighty-Nine

It's amazing how everything can change in several months.

I went from having little chance of surviving on the streets with intentions of suicide to having a family that loves an cares for me. Even now, as I get ready for this Winter-Break Concert and Formal at school as a last hurrah before I leave for Boston with my boyfriend, I can only reflect on everything that's been said and done. In a way, I never expected to undergo a journey of self-realization and self-actualization that involves a lot of drama and being caught up in a web of scandal. Surprisingly enough, I came out unscathed, but couldn't help but wonder if things might've been different if I wasn't alive to see it all happen. I mean, the world would keep spinning and I wouldn't have met such amazing people who saw the best in me when my old life didn't think that I stood a chance.

In my old neighborhood, one had to be lucky enough to be blessed with certain skills to survive to see another day. And it would've been a miracle if someone was gifted with a chance to leave the 'hood if they had the athletic skills that were deemed perfect for the NFL or NBA. Me? Well, I can only see myself as more than a survivor. I saw myself as an ebony phoenix rising from the ashes. So it is, so it goes.

All I can do now is move forward and brace myself for what's ahead- good, bad, ugly, beautiful, and everything in between.

***************

The week of finals came and went, and it was now Saturday with the Winter-Break Concert and Formal getting ready to roll. Of course, the student-led concert was the first agenda before the town-led formal (which was held at the gymnasium and auditorium).

And as I was the last one to perform (a peppy blonde-haired sophomore was finishing her solo on her violin was currently playing), I was deep in thought as I was silently praying for good vibes and harmony.

"Demario?"

I opened my eyes, turning around to see Mr. and Mrs. Callaway with Dr. Nguyen following suit. "Sorry, I was just getting myself ready for this final concert here at Pacifica Glades," I replied. "I'm going to miss it here, but I know that a change of scenery at a new school is coming."

"Change is always constant, Demario," Dr. Nguyen commented. "Anyway, I just wanted to give you one more request for me. I know you planned to perform an original piece and all, but this is one that I hope you'll find enjoyable."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Maino's 'All the Above.' Do you know it?"

I nodded.

The man smiled widely. "Can you add your personal flair to the song?"

I nodded.

"That's all I ask, me sensing that this song is perfect for you as a reminder how far you've come," Dr. Nguyen said. "And this could be the song that you could use as an anthem of your life."

I puffed a deep breath. To the Callaways, "Does anyone in the jazz and chamber bands know of this?"

"Yep," answered Mr. Callaway, "and they're all for it as are everyone else."

I inhaled sharply. "Well, let's get the show on the road," I said as the violinist finished her song while the audience applauded. I watched her race backstage with glee in her eyes. "Wish me luck, girl."

"You got this, Bader," she cheered before I soon found myself crossing the stage and being greeted by the raucous crowd.

I took my seat as the bands were getting their music ready. "Well, folks, I guess you can say that I'm the last one up," I said in the microphone. "I originally planned to perform an original selection, but I was hit with a last-minute request from my therapist. And I can't turn him down since he helped me with a lot of things for the last few months. So without further ado, I give you my interpretation of 'All the Above' by Maino ft. T-Pain."