Baby Clifford

Grown Up Melody

Do you see that picture up there. Yeah, that's my dad and my 3 uncles. Who is my dad? Michael Clifford. Okay so you're probably already knew that based on how much this author written so far about my dad, my best friend moving away, my mom dying, my favorite uncle, all that great shit. Okay, but other than reading and everyone bullying me, she hasn't really told you about my High School life.

'Here goes nothing,' I thought as I knocked on Mr. Jacobs' classroom door. Just so you know, he's the drama/chorus teacher.
Keep this a secret from my dad, he'll freak. *Take a deep breath* I'm trying out for the school play of Grease. Yes the one with the bad ass Danny and Australian Sandy. The part I'm going out for, well I'm trying out for two. Rizzel and Sandy. Big risk? Hell yeah!

"Hey Melody, what are you doing here?" His deep voice greeted me, when I mean deep, I mean deeper than Uncle Luke's. He has dark black hair, a wide built, I'm guessing he is in his 30s. I bit my lip, I can't help my shyness. "I-I w-wanted to t-try out for Sandy or R-Rizzel." I stuttered, looking at my feet. I even was holding my hands behind my back. Pathic? Very.

He put his index finger on my chin and made me look at him. "Melody, I honestly think that you could be great. You have a wonderful voice, when I can hear you. Are you sure you don't want to play an extra or smaller part?" He said with apologie. "I-I'm sure." I answered, nervous filled my voice. He bent down to my short height, I hated it when anyone else did that, but not him and I'll save that story for later.

"Just because your family have taken or are taking a different route in life by being famous or popular, doesn't mean you have to turn the wrong direction for them. Pick the right direction for you." He poked my nose, same as before. "I'm not following them. I just want something to call my own." I spoke with a smile. He smiled back at me. "I think you're more likely to be a better Rizzel than Sandy. So what song are you going to sing to me from these parts?" He asked, taking a seat on his piano bench. "Sandra Dee for Rizzel and Summer Nights for Sandy." I answered, taking my folded music out of my sweatshirt pocket. "Okay, I'll sing Danny's part in Summer Nights to help you and I just love the song." He spoke. I held back my snicker. I stood by him and sang my heart out, not one stutter came out. You don't know how many times I watched the movie and quietly sang along with it.

When we finished Summer Nights, Mr. Jacobs smiled at me. "I think I just found my Rizzel." I wanted to jump up and down while clapping my hands, but I would never do that. I felt the huge smile on my face.

"I think that's the biggest smile I seen this whole year. But, you need to work on looking up and not being so shy. Try saying your lines to a mirror. If you want, I could get someone to work with you, or you can come here after school, so I can help you out. Just let me know in class if you're going to be here or you want a classmate." He explained. "I think I'll start working on my own, then be here for a while, then maybe, maybe get a classmate to help me out." I told him. "That's a good idea, and if you can, you sing kr do lines in front of the class at least once every two weeks so I can see your progress." He added. "That's great. Well, I think that's all I have to say. I'll give you the schedule tomorrow for practice. Do you have any questions?" I shook my head. "Okay, you're free to go. I'm sure your dad wants you home." I put on a small smile and nodded. "Thanks Mr. Jacobs. See you on Monday." I said and headed out of the school.

I went to my bike and, picking "The Westerner" by Falling in Reverse to listen to on my way back.

What did you think I was going to pick? My dad's and uncle's music? No thanks, I know most of your guys' hearts are breaking, but literally, I fall asleep to their music. Think, I grew up with them recording, practicing, and performing them. It gets annoying after a while. I sighed and started pedaling with my headphones in my ears.