Senior year. I can't believe it's finally here. The first day back is always a rush, but this year feels electric, like something big is on the horizon. I look around the corridor and see color, life, energy.
There's a roar of chatter circulating the hallway as people shove and push, trying to find their friends or assigned lockers. I observe the smiling faces of my peers, wondering if their expressions of happiness come from the fact that they only have to spend one more year in this school, or if they're feeling the same burst of energy that I am.
Everything is exciting, and there's a thrill in my chest as Alicia takes my hand in hers.
"Beau, this year is going to be good. Look at the glow up on Chris Anderson!"
With a grin on my lips, I pretend I've noticed Chris's apparent beauty boost, but instead, I'm really smiling about the summer I've had this year.
Nine hundred thousand views. A little while ago, I never thought I'd achieve a quarter of that, but I'm on the road to a million on my most popular cover. I've been singing since I was little, and it was Alicia's idea for me to start my YouTube channel last year.
At first it was a hobby, something to help me find my own community. People like me - people with big dreams. I never expected it to reach numbers like this, but I'm definitely not complaining. How could I?
It's been my dream to make it big for more years than I can count, and now I finally have my foot in the door. I have a gateway.
As Alicia is pulling me into the chaos of moving bodies, a text pops up on my phone screen. I barely realize we've stopped in front of a bulletin board as I read the message from Jonathan.
"Mom's coming home for Thanksgiving."
As my eyes squint at the letters, I feel a sinking feeling in my chest. I don't know whether to be happy or doubtful about this. I know the disappointment I may feel if I get my hopes up for her coming home this year again, but I can't stop myself from wishing.
I just dread the bullet I'll take when she sends another message telling us "something came up". That's if she even bothers to send one, too.
"Beau, Beau. Beau, look at this."
Alicia's voice rings out in my head, but I'm not listening. It takes a harsh tug on my sleeve for me to finally notice that she wants my attention, so I tear it away from my phone screen and slide my thumb over the off button.
"What's going on?" I ask.
"Read this poster," she orders, pushing me a little too close for comfort to the board so I can read the paper.
When my eyes trail over the words at the top of the page, and I view the cheesy stock image of a musical band, I get that same rush of adrenaline storming my body. There's an opening to be in the school band.
And, it's not the boring school orchestra that everybody hates, either. It's the band.
Iron Fist.
Okay, the name is pretty corny, but they are a huge deal at my school. Some schools are big on sports, cheerleading and that kind of stuff, but at my school it's different.
Iron Fist got together 2 years ago; the start of sophomore year. They weren't very popular back then, but over the years they've gained undeniable attention, and not even just within the walls of the school.
They have a big following online and they're well known in the area, so the fact that they're having tryouts this Thursday is a big deal.
"Okay, I've read it," I tease, looking at her expectantly. Of course, I know what she's suggesting, but I can't just accept without arguing with her about it first. Whenever something is going on, I need to debate about it with Alicia. It's the only way I ever come to know what I want.
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Publicity
RomanceBeau Edwards is a rising star, and being only in high school, she believes she has the best head-start to her career possible. Except, when an opportunity to be in the school's extremely prestigious band arises, she's proven wrong. She can climb th...
