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Day 17: A Song That You Hear Often on the Radio

Day 17: A Song That You Hear Often on the Radio

"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift

Ooh, we called it off again last night
But ooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together

“Are you sure he’s okay with this?” Abigail asks me as we’re walking out of the school building.

I nod.  “Yeah.  He said he can’t wait to see me make a fool of myself.”  I laugh.  “This talent show is going to get one heck of a performance.”

“Agreed.  I wonder what Principal Kingston will do when he sees your performance.”

“I hope he doesn’t pull me off the stage before the big finale,” I joke. 

We soon get to our separate cars, which are parked side-by-side.  Saying goodbye, I slip into the driver’s side seat and buckle up before starting up the engine and driving home.  With the spring weather warming up things from the winter, I decide to roll down my window.  On my way home, I think about what my outfit will be for the talent.  Ideas bounce around in my mind as I drive and when I get home, I make a bee line for my closet.

“This is going to be epic,” I say to myself as I begin flipping through my closet, searching for the perfect outfit.

“Nervous, Jules?” Abby asks me next Friday at the talent show.

“Nope,” I say confidently, rocking back and forth in my Converse.  There are a few acts before I go on and Abby agreed to wait with me backstage.

“With that outfit, I wouldn’t be.”

“Why thank you,” I reply with a grin on my face.

I look down and admire my outfit.  My red Converse is paired with a black, sleeveless button up shirt, which it tucked into high-waisted, white shorts.  Silver hoop earrings decorate my ears and a stack of silver bangles in a variety of designs adorn my wrist.  To top my outfit off, a black fedora rests on top of my curly black hair.

I mockingly bow to her in thanks and we erupt into giggles.

“Shh!” a teacher says, giving us a disapproving look.

Since we’re supposed to be quiet backstage, Abby and I quickly sober up, but we still trade glances with one another. 

Ten minutes later my name is announced.  “Up next, performing ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’, is Miss Jules Rubenski!” Principal Kingston says through the mic.

I almost laugh when he says the name of the song, it’s always weird to hear adults talk about teenage pop culture, but I’m able to hold in my laughter.  Someone hands me a cordless microphone as the applause dies down.  The beginning chords to the Taylor Swift hit begin playing through the speakers and that’s my cue.  I walk out onto the stage, hoping Oliver followed my directions and sat in the front row.  I put as much theatrics into my performance as I can.

“I remember when we broke up…”

Hands on hips, strutting across the stage, I put as much sass and dramatics as I can into it.  Getting to the bridge part, I walk down the steps to Oliver, who I thankfully spotted sitting where I told him to.

We broke up a few months ago but thankfully were able to maintain a friendship since our relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend only lasted a couple months.

Getting to Oliver, I stand in front of him with the audience’s eyes on me.

“And I used to think, that we were forever…”

My voice went somewhat quiet, until I get to the last line of the bridge.

“No!  But we are never ever ever getting back together!”

The audience erupts into whistles.  I see a guy sitting behind Oliver pat him on the shoulder.

I grin, having a blast.  I walk back up on stage and finish my performance, jumping up and down and pumping my first in the air.  Singing the last line, I stand with my free hand on my hip and the other one holding the mic down by my side.  I smile and wave as I walk off, the adrenaline making my heart pump and the blood roar in my ears.  I love the adrenaline high performing gives me.

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to sing.  First it’s the talent shows and small singing competitions, then trying out for America Idol or The Voice.  Or is a stroke of luck would have it, an agent would miraculously see me perform and want to sign me as a singer.

Dreams may start small, but you can only go up from there.

“You did amazing!” Abby exclaims once I arrive backstage.

“Thank you!”  I hand an assistant the mic and then Abby and I exit the backstage, taking the long route to get to the back of the auditorium.  Several people compliment me on my performance and I thank them.  Abby and I watch the rest of the talent show and then the Principal announces a fifteen minute break, with refreshments, before prizes will be given out.  I grab a bottle of water, anxious to see who won what place.  After fifteen minutes, the judges who oversaw the performances have their results in. 

The prizes for the different categories surprise me—giftcards to iTunes.

Huh, maybe adults are finally getting it.

First, second, and third places are called.

I didn’t win any of them.

“We also have another category tonight.  The winner of the More Unique Performance goes to… Miss Jules Rubenski!”

So say that I’m shocked is an understatement.

The auditorium fills with applause, with a few wolf whistles thrown in also, as I walk up on stage and accept my award.  I wave at everyone, so ecstatic about my good fortune.

The talent show is adjourned, but people stay and talk with one another.  An hour goes by before I’m finally able to leave.

“Excuse me!” I hear a voice call out as I’m pushing open the doors to exit the school building.  Turning around, I see a man in a suit jogging towards me before coming to a stop in front of me.  “Hello.  I’m Jim Barns, a music producer.  I saw your performance and thought you did an amazing job.”

I nod.  “Thank you.”

“I’d like to give you my card,” Mr. Barns continues, pulling out his wallet.  “I think you have real talent and a real passion for music.  Talk it over with your parents and we can set up an appointment if you want.”

My eyes widen.  “Oh my gosh… t-thank you so much!”  I eagerly take the held-out business card before shaking his hand.  “You don’t know how much this means to me!”

Mr. Barns smiles.  “Oh, I think I do.”