I'm Here

Chapter 17: Some Ideas

It was Thursday. The week practically flew by. I walked into my school building. Jack was the first person I saw and he walked up to me with a cheerless face.

“Bad news.” He said.

“What is it?” I panicked slightly.

“I spoke to the talent show director. He told me this morning that we can’t be in the talent show.” Jack said.

I was speechless. I felt an uncomfortable feeling build up inside of me. My eyes were going to let loose tears any second.

“Why?” The only word I could get out.

“The director, Mr. Payne, said that there was a complaint that we didn’t formally audition, so it wasn’t fair to the others that did.” Jack said. “I’m really sorry. I know how much this meant to you.”

I nodded knowing that it wasn’t his fault. The tears started streaming down my face as soft cries left my mouth. I ran straight into Jack’s unopened arms and held him close for comfort. I buried my head in his shoulder and just cried. My tears soaked his t-shirt.

He held me close and rubbed his hand up and down my back. It was the comfort I needed.

I was finally happy about something, but then it was taken away from me. Who even complained about this?

I let go of Jack and tried calming myself down. I tried wiping my tears away, but they kept flowing.

“Hey, don’t cry.” Jack said while dabbing away a tear or two. He gently grabbed me by my shoulders. “You’re going to get so far in life. You’re an incredible singer. Don’t let a stupid talent show make you forget that.”

I started to smile a little. “Thanks, Jack. You always say the right things.”

Jack chuckled softly. “I try.” He said. “I have to get to class. I’ll see you around?”

I nodded and he walked away.

I refused to go down without a fight. I stormed into the music room infuriated. Mr. Payne was sitting at his desk. He appeared to be working.

“Excuse me?” I knocked.

“Yes?” He responded. He looked up from his desk, “Ah Sophia! How may I help you?”

“I would like to know why my act with Jack was kicked out of the show.” I said without hesitation.

He looked down and held his head in his hands. “Look, Sophia…” He started.

I interrupted, “You can’t just let us in and then tell us we’re out! If this was going to be a problem, we shouldn’t have been let in at all.”

“I know, Sophia. I know. I wanted you two to be in, but someone complained about it! They threatened to have their parents cancel the show entirely because of it.”

“But that’s ridiculous.” I shot back.

“I understand, but we can’t have the show cancelled like that.” Mr. Payne said.

I suddenly thought of an idea. “Mr. Payne, I know it may be confidential, but can you tell me who sent in the complaint? Maybe I could talk to them?” I suggested.

“I’m not allowed to tell you.” Mr. Payne solemnly said.

I put my head down in devastation. This wasn’t fair. I felt like I was going to cry again.

“I guess they should’ve done it anonymously, then.” I heard Mr. Payne mutter.

I looked up and he wrote something down on his desk. He walked over to me with a note that had a name on it.