The story portrays the value of friendship when it counts most.
There was a rumor going around school that there would be a big musical production right here at Stonebush High. It's also going to become a movie for television. This was planned for next month in September.
Everyone seemed to be having their own private try-outs in the auditorium after school. By 3:00 in the evening there wasn't a single classroom where someone wasn't singing or dancing or practicing an instrument. Well, I really believe that you can cut the tension in the air with a knife. Everybody believes that they have what it takes to win a part. Heck, they may even be eyeballed by a big television promoter and become the next big star.
I am just a half talented 9th grade teen from the sticks. I'm not talented like my friend Katrina. She has competed in every singing or dancing competition since the 3rd grade. And she has won!
Oh, yes, I am Cherise. Talent shows just don't really turn me on.
"Why don't you tryout for one of the parts in the musical, Cherise?" asked Mr. Johnson. He's my Sociology teacher and will also be a judge for the auditions. I just sort of shook my head no and walked on home.
As I practiced on my second-hand flute in the den, I thought to myself, "Well, it wouldn't hurt to tryout for a part. I may get dissed and have to hide my face for a week, but at least I can say I tried. Everybody from my twin brother to my aunts encouraged me to tryout. How can I not at least try?
Monday had finally rolled around. This was the big day of tryouts. When I walked in with my flute in my patchwork case, I turned my head from side to side looking at all the competitors. I wasn't really surprised about the stares and glares I received as I entered the auditorium. You would think that I was Carrie from the movie. I thought that I looked passable. I wore my favorite rainbow colored flop hat and the sash that goes with it. I also wore my green zebra striped tennis shoes laced with my lucky leprechaun shoe strings. My red, white, and blue shades didn't match my clothes. I can't help it if my uncle Charles gave them to me after he came home from the war. They were for good luck too.
Finally it was my turn. I was the last one to tryout. Why I was so nervous that I could hardly hold my flute to my mouth. Foot, I had to do it or just die on the spot. For a second I tried to pretend that I was alone and looked directly at the black stand in front of me. All I remember was thinking and one and two and... I heard the most beautiful, melodic sound I had ever heard ringing in my ears as I played on. When I finished the fear set in fast. My heart began to beat fast and my mouth was dry as a powder house.
The senseless truth is that this beautiful music didn't come from me. It was coming from a recording of the piece that I was playing. Katrina had seen me sitting there scared stiff so she turned on the music in an effort to keep me from looking like the absent-minded blur. All I could do is grab my things and run.
I went home and didn't come out or answer the door for three days in fear of the jokes the kids and neighbors had waiting for me. Now I thought to myself, I may have to go to another school or move to another state or planet for that matter.
The next day I was ready to walk to school. Boy, this was one time I could just disappear. As the day went on I remember the sniggles and the pointing. finally, Band was my last period of the day. As I raised my flute to play with the band I closed my eyes and began to play the piece I was suppose to play during the auditions. After the first stanza, I could only hear myself playing. I opened my eyes and everyone yelled, SURPRISE!" Is seems that my friend Katrina had explained to them that I could play the piece and convinced them to come and hear me without me knowing it.
The promoters from the audition were there listening to me playing all by myself. I received a standing ovation from them all. I was offered a part in the orchestra right then.
Jennifer finally ends up in Apalachia after barely escaping an attack. She soon learns about her destiny and how her actions will 'put a friend in grave danger'. With everyone refusing to tell her more Jennifer must find answers for herself.
