Black Ice

Part 5

For the next half an hour I listened as I heard different family members and friends talk about different memories that were so special and different video clips from musicals and talent shows from high school. I was crying by the end.

 “This is what you still have. This is what you need to live for.”

“But what about performing? I can’t do that when I’m blind!”

“Who says?”

“Me. How am I supposed to do that?”

“Well you’re wrong. There are plenty of people that have gone back to doing what they love after becoming blind. Figure skaters, painters, artists of all kinds. You can do it too.”

“I don’t know.”

“Well if I can’t convince you maybe another opinion will help.”

“Hello Miss Lawrence. My you have quite a lot of talent.”

“Johnathon?”

“Yes. I heard you aren’t going to perform anymore. I can’t believe that. It isn’t true is it?”

“Well… I can’t imagine how I would be able to.”

“With the help of Jake and I and a lot of practice. I have a performance of Mama Mia coming up and I want you to be Sophie.”

“What? Are you serious?!” I had always wanted to be Sophie.

“Of course. What do you say? Are you willing to try?”

“I don’t know…”

“Come on JJ. You can do this. I’ll help you.”

I didn’t say anything. How could I? Can I go back to the life of performing?

“Alright. I’ll try but if I cant I’m going to stop and no one is going to make me keep going. Got it?”

“Great lets get started!” Jake sounded like he was going to burst.

“Now?”

“As soon as we get to New York.”

“New York? You never said anything about traveling!”

“Yes New York. You’ll be fine.”

“I haven’t packed.”

“I packed for you. Even your teddy boo boo.”

I slapped what I think was his arm

“You were supposed to be keeping that a secret!”

“Oops!” I could tell he wasn’t sorry.

“I wont tell anyone as long as you don’t tell anyone I still sleep with my baby blanket.”

I laughed. “You do?”

“Yes. No telling!”

“Oh I wont.”