Sing

Chapter 2

"Alright class, please practice your instruments-"

Rrrrrrrriiiinnnnng

Everybody got up and grabbed their bags, rushing as fast as possible out of the room. Saved by the bell.

Unfortunately, I was the last one to leave. And I was stopped by the teacher. Even. Worse.

"Jolie, I know you can't sing anymore," Ms. Leah said sympathetically. I winced. She didn't need to remind me of that.

"But I would like to ask if you could write songs for us again. I understand that you stopped, but I really do miss them. Your songs, I mean."

I tilted my head, staring at her. Thinking. If she had gone mute and her dream was shattered, would she be strong enough, or would she break like a fragile vase?

I shook my head. No. I stay away from music now. It's not coming back into my life. Not now. Not ever.

Ms. Leah looked disappointed. But she nodded, dismissing me.

As I stepped through the doorway, she said, "Just remember, Jolie. Whatever happened, whatever happens, it's not your fault. It's life. Some people have it harder than others. So don't punish yourself. Don't give up, Jolie. The airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."

And then I walked off. I decided to walk home, it was only 20 minutes. But it would give me time to think.

As I let her words finally sink in, I walked a little slower. And then came to a stop.

But it was my fault. It was all my fault. If I hadn't wanted to sing, if I hadn't asked, if I hadn't....

It's not your fault.

Her words rang in my ears.

But it was my fault.

Don't punish yourself.

What if I deserve it?

Don't give up.

I finally reached the house. I went straight up to my room, threw my backpack on the ground, and rushed to the bathroom.

I looked in the mirror. That reflection. Who was that girl? With the blonde hair that lost its golden touch. With the ivory skin that lost its glow. With the brown eyes that lost its sparkle.

I closed my eyes. Everyday. Everyday, it gets harder to hold back. I want to speak to someone about it. I want to.

I opened my eyes.

But my voice is gone.

My true ambition is gone.

My other half is gone.

What do I have left?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.