Summer of first love

4

At lunch, Roseann and Renee sat together in the cafeteria, discussing their morning classes. Roseann couldn't stop thinking about the talent show and how everything seemed to be falling into place.

"So, have you thought about what song you might want to do for the talent show?" Renee asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Not really," Roseann admitted, swirling her straw in her milk carton. "I mean, there are so many songs I love, but I haven't had a chance to talk it over with Braeden yet."

As if on cue, Braeden appeared at their table, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, Roseann. Hey... Renee, right?"

Renee looked up, a little surprised. "Yeah, that's right."

"Mind if I sit here?" Braeden asked, gesturing to the empty seat across from Roseann.

Roseann quickly shook her head. "Not at all! Go ahead."

Braeden sat down and looked between the two girls, then focused on Roseann. "So, I've got a question for you."

Roseann raised her eyebrows, curious. "What is it?"

"Are you familiar with the song 'California Dreamin'' by The Mamas and The Papas?" Braeden asked, leaning in slightly. "I just learned how to play it on guitar, and I was thinking it might be a great fit for our act."

Roseann's eyes lit up. "I love that song! It's one of my favorites. I'd love to do it with you."

Braeden grinned, clearly pleased. "Great! I was thinking maybe we could meet up in the park after school today to do an initial practice, see how it goes."

Roseann hesitated. "I'd love to, but I'll need to call home and ask if it's okay."

Braeden reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter, handing it to her. "Here, use this to call."

Roseann smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Braeden. I'll be right back."

She quickly made her way to the nearest payphone and dialed home. After a couple of rings, her mother, Charlotte, answered.

"Hi, Mom! It's me, Roseann."

"Hi, honey. How's school going?" her mother asked.

"Good, really good. Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you about," Roseann said, glancing back at the cafeteria where Braeden and Renee were talking. "Remember how I mentioned that new boy, Braeden? Well, he plays guitar, and I told him I sing. He asked me to perform with him for the school talent show next month."

"Oh, that sounds lovely, Roseann," Charlotte replied, her tone warm.

"Yeah, and he asked if we could meet up at the park after school today to do an initial practice," Roseann continued. "Can I go?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Charlotte responded, "Why not? Go ahead, honey. Just be home in time for supper."

"Thanks, Mom! I will," Roseann said, smiling. "I'll see you later."

After hanging up, she returned to the table and handed the quarter back to Braeden. "My mom said yes!"

"Awesome," Braeden replied, pocketing the quarter. "I'll see you at the park after school, then."

Roseann then turned to Renee. "Do you want to tag along?"

Renee shook her head apologetically. "I wish I could, but I have to babysit my siblings today. Maybe next time?"

"Next time for sure," Roseann agreed with a smile.

After school, Roseann met Braeden at the park. The sun was beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the playground. They found a quiet spot on a bench where Braeden pulled out his guitar and began tuning it.