Comedy 101

Chapter 6: Home

The rest of the day included begging and attempted reassurance of hilarity, but I refused to do comedy for the Talent Show.

I walked home without Logan because he had to leave early for a dentist appointment. As I walked in the door, I heard my mom on the phone.

"Yes...ok. Oh he isn't home ye- OH. Leo! Come here. Your friend is on the phone.

"Hello?" I say.

"Look, Leo. You know you're funny. I know you're funny. But no one else does. You need to try out. If you don't do your comedy act, then it's a sure fire fact that nobody will think you're funny. But if you do your comedy act...at least there's a chance. Just think about it. Please."

I sigh.

"Talia. If it makes you happy, I will think about it. But no guarantees."

"That's all I'm asking you to do. Think about it.

Click.

"How was school?" mom asks.

"Bad, apparently. They want me to come back tomorrow."

Mom laughs. "What was that call all about?"

"Oh, Talia is just obsessed with me trying out for the Talent Show."

"You tried out for the Talent Show? Comedy, right? See, I knew you would one day. You know, you get your comedian skills from my dad. I must have missed them. Skipped a generation, I guess. But your grandfather was always making jokes in school, and cracking up is kids when he came home from work. I'm so proud that you had the courage to do that."

"No, mom, I-"

"I can't wait to come see you. You were just born with such...mature comedic talent. No gross or stupid jokes. You were always funny to the grown ups as well as the kids...oh, I'm sorry, I cut you off. What were you saying?"

Crap. I can't tell her that I'm not going to try out now. Now that she's so excited.

"I, uh...um...I was just going to say the auditions haven't happened yet, but...um...I'm, uh, GOING to try out."

There. I handled that well. Wait. No! Now I have to try out. Another smack to my forehead...in my mind.

"Great!" she says. "I have to run to the store. Can you stay here or would you like to come?"

"I'll stay."

"Ok. I'll see you in an hour."

"Bye, mom."

I grab the phone as she shuts the front door.

"Hello, is this Talia? I've got some good news for you."