One Door Away

Chapter 3

As I opened the door, I saw Jenna with her clown suit partnered with make-up, exhibiting the total image of what she truly is. I peeked outside, glancing at the hallways trying to know if Jenna could be a potential figure of embarrassment. Honestly, I usually don't mind her shenanigans though this time, I don't have the energy for this. I observed her with a poker face, telepathically saying "what now?"

'I felt bored and decided to sleep in your room.' She entered the room, removed her shoes, and sat on the couch. I followed her figure until she finally changed the channel as she grabbed the remote from the glass table.

'Seriously, why are you here?' I shut the door close and walked to her.

'I was near Sally's earlier and I...' She stopped midway as a concerned face arose.

'What?' I said in annoyance. She could have just said it straight and not beat around the bush fearing she might piss me off – I wouldn't, right? I mean, I think I won't, nonetheless I guess my brain reacts otherwise from what I want. Maybe.

'You see, I saw you walking outside crying,' She slowly said. 'I mean, it's not obvious but I could definitely feel it. So, I opted to surprise you and just spend time. Aye?'

'Fine.' I gave in and sat next to her. 'What's our agenda tonight? I know you didn't come here unprepared.'

'You know me too well.' She smiled, turned her body in my direction, and grabbed the pillow lying on the end side of the couch. 'I know you're a bit tired, thus on my way here I took the face masks and brought my magic mic.' She coughed and said, 'Pun intended.'

She was gleaming with enthusiasm when she took out the microphone outside of the plastic bag. I still remember how Jenna and I became friends and it all goes back to 7th grade when Mrs. Terrance, our English teacher, had us perform original songs. The key in this project was not how good your singing was but how good your lyrics were.

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Inside my mind were crippling thoughts that fatigued me per usual. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing the classroom vividly. The oak door on the front right complemented the dirty white walls surrounding the whole room. From reminders to rules, our blackboard had a lot of stuff posted on it. Above the board were quotations I think they took from Google. I gazed outside, trying to ignore the fact that today's the time where we're forced to sing for grades.

The clock above the board was ticking intensely, and the whole class was looking at our English teacher with mixed emotions. She pointed at the words on the board which were "English Performance: Lyric Inventions." On some faces, annoyance was present while on others, there were excitement and anticipation. 

'Ms. Baron.' Mrs. Terrance called. Jenna was the first one in our class as the list of performers were on last name basis.

Walking to the front, Jenna, who's holding the microphone, was confidently looking at the class. 'I will be singing a song entitled "Happiness." Thank you.'

I was instantly drawn to her confidence. With her petite height and exquisite handling of the microphone, she was like a lioness in this place. I could never be who she is someday. I just know. She looked at Mrs. Terrance who was gesturing that she should start. A deep breath and a bit of hand happened after she got the green light. She cleared her throat twice, preparing her voice.

She started to sing, her voice reaching out to everyone. The song carried a light melodic tune as her voice echoes through the speakers of the mic. She swayed and moved around with a smile. The song continued, and even the teacher was humming along. It was a good song; she had a high pitch and a graceful voice.