Green-minded (EDITING) ✔

S E V E N: Childhood trauma

Uh-oh. It's President Rogers. I wince. I breathe deeply to calm my nerves, "Nothing, President. I just want to know how Kim is doing and I'd like to update her that the cruise is now on its way to Japan."

"I see. My wife is not here. She went out. Let me just remind you of why you are there. You need to silence the media regarding what happened to your recent concert. You better do something about it or else..." He issues a stern warning.

"Yes, President." I end the call immediately. My body trembles in fear. No, I can't do it. I can't sing in front of so many people.

This feeling brings me back to that gloomy memory.

*Start of flashback*

I was ten when I dreamt of becoming a famous singer. My friends, neighbors, Mommy Grace, Daddy Ron, and Grandma cheered me on. I always sing during parties, holidays, and even if there's no special occasion. They're all praises to my angelic voice. Mom and Dad are very proud of me. They decided to have me enter a State singing contest in Oklahoma.

On the day of the contest, Paris Myers and my half sisters all came to our city.

The competition is about to start when I heard a familiar voice at the backstage. I saw my Daddy Ron and Paris arguing, the latter is forcing my dad to go with them. I learned that they live in Miami, Florida.

"No. I'll not come with you. We've been separated for more than 11 years. You're the one who cheated, Paris. Why are you even here?" Dad is angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth.

"I received the divorce papers. I'll never sign them. Over my dead body, Ron!" She looks scary. Her voice is high-pitched and booming. Other contestants look at them.

"Don't make a scene. Calm down. I know you're just here because Arthur is dating young women nowadays. You'll be okay because he'll go back to you in the end." Dad explained.

"No, I love you and I'll not let Grace take you from me. I'll kill that homewrecker bitch first. You know I'm very capable of doing that." Paris pointed her finger to my dad's chest.

"Paris, please don't make it hard for both of us. I have a peaceful and happy life here. Don't ruin my family." Dad gently moved her hand.

"We are your family. I'm your wife and we have four girls." Paris is crying now.

"When you were unfaithful to me, you treated me as if I'm dead already. You ruined our family. For years, you secretly dated Arthur while we're together. And even after we separated, you brought him to our home. It's disgusting. I'm sorry, we cannot go back to how we're used to be. We'll see each other in court if you refuse to sign the papers." Dad shook his head and walked away.

"You'll never get away with this. I'll kill Grace and your bastard, Ash! You'll regret this day!" She went hysterical. She's rummaging something out of her bag.

I heard a teenager's voice shouting, "Papa! Papa!"

The announcer's voice called my name, "Our next contestant is our very own, Ash Myers!"

I went up to the stage. Everything feels dreamlike.

I sang my favorite song which is "Hero" by Mariah Carey. It's supposed to be dedicated to my dad. I'm a daddy's girl. He's the one I look up to but this changed in a snap.

While singing, confusions and questions needing answers fill my head. Is it true that dad has another family? Is my mom is a mistress? Are we the reason they have a broken family?

I went out of tune a lot of times. My mom, who's part of the audience, signaled an okay sign using her hand. She's cheering me on.

A young, teenage girl grabbed the mic that the host was holding. She stepped up the stage. I'm distracted and I feel suffocated while singing.