Raise Your Voice ~It's her time to shine~

2: Graduation BBQ

As soon as I got home, I went straight to the backyard hoping Charlie was there even though I knew he wasn't. But he's my favorite person in the whole world and all I did was care about him.

As I walk outside I see my mom, Katy sitting at the picnic table, my dad, Shawn grilling some burgers,
(And before you ask, yes Shawn is Maya's biological father in this story)
and my aunt Stacy (my dads sister).

Aunt Stacy asked me what I was going to do with my summer.

'Well, I'm singing in quire.' I told her.

'Nice.' She said with a smile.

'And I'm working at the restaurant again.' I said with an unhappy tone.

'Oh what fun.' She said sarcastically.

But then I told her that I wanted to get into this summer music program In August.

'Oh really, which one.' She asked curiously.

And before I could answer her my dad said:

'Some music thing in L.A.'

'Ouch' I thought.

So I said:

'Dad is not just some music thing in L.A. It's Bristle Hillman Music Conservatory.' I scolded.

'Only the best music summer program on the West Coast, maybe even in the whole country.' I shot back at him.

'That's it, your not going.' He yelled.

Then finally Charlie arrived.

'Where have you been.' Dad scolded.

'Hanging out with some of the guys, saying goodbye that kind of stuff.' Charlie replied.

'Hey aunt Stacy.' He then said.

They gave each other a hug and Charlie saw how upset I was.

'What's wrong.' He asked.

I shook my head.

'Maya just wants to go to this great music program in L.A. but your dad is being his squash any good idea self. 'Aunt Stacy had said.

'Stacy, the prettiest girls go to L.A., do you know what happens to most of them.' Dad said very upset.

'Okay, Shawn you need to calm down.' Mom had told him.

Then aunt Stacy stepped in.

'Come on Shawn, don't be so close minded.' She told him.

'She's not going! She's 16 for god sake, what's wrong with you people.' Dad yelled.

'If Maya gets in then it's proof she belongs there. You get that right?' Charlie finally said.

'Look when I was your age I thought I knew everything too. But I've seen more of the world than you.' Dad said.

'What parts of the world have you seen dad?, the back and front of your dads restaurant?' Charlie yelled.

'Look Charlie--'

Mom tried to continue but Charlie cut her off.

'Well just because your stuck here, you want everyone stuck with you!' He screamed at dad.

'You better watch your mouth or else your gonna be grounded.' Dad scolded.

I was shocked at what Charlie was doing but at the same time I wasn't. He never really got along with dad.

'I can't get these damn coals to light.' Dad said annoyed.

'Well here try this.' Charlie said.

'What are yo--' dad started.

And just like that Charlie was grounded because he sprayed lighter fluid on the grill. I didn't see him for the rest of the night....... Or so I thought.