Chapter Seven: May
“Just come by anytime Halley. It was a pleasure talking with you.” Mrs. McCoy, the guidance counselor praised as Halley left her office.
“Hey, why were you in there?” I questioned while grabbing a flyer.
“Nothing important. So what dress are you wearing to graduation?” she quickly remarked changing the subject.
“Not sure yet, how about you?”
“My mom’s taking me to look at Saks! You should come and we could have the prettiest dresses there.”
“Isn’t Saks really expensive?”
“Since when do you care? You're dad made like millions, didn't he?”
“I don’t know, but I'm just asking.”
“Well the one I’m getting is four-hundred, but I’m sure they have a sale rack if you’re really that concerned about the prices.”
“I’m not, it’s just…”
“Just what.”
“Nothing, I’ll come with you and your mom whenever you go.”
“Alright, we’re going tomorrow after school. We’ll just pick you up from school.”
“Okay, well I better head home before my mom starts to flip out. She needs me to watch the little rugrats while she goes to a job in…I mean with Shaun to the studio.”
“What? I thought Shaun just went there with his agent and stuff.”
“Yeah he does, but his EP is coming out next week, so Mom’s like hearing the finished product.” I replied covering up my minor slip.
“Oh that makes sense.”
See I told you she’s not the sharpest whip. And maybe lying to her about my mom’s job situation is cruel, but I don’t need her judging. Plus, she won’t even tell me her big secret. Until she tells me, my mom is still working at the bakery. Well, that’s what she thinks.
“Well, I’m gonna head home. You can walk with me if you want.”
“Okay, yeah I’ll walk with you. Talia has some class play they’re practicing for after school so she won’t be home until five.”
“Oh yeah they’re doing The Wizard of Oz.”
“I guess so, so did you see what Mariah was wearing today?”
“Seriously, yellow is not her color!”
“Haha, you said it right. So how are you and Ben?”
“There is no me and Ben.”
“Yeah you keep telling yourself that. You guys are like soul mates, but just not “dating””
“Whatever!”
“You’re so funny when you get annoyed.”
“I’m not annoyed, but don’t you think we’re really soul mates?”
“I mean maybe not soul mates, but you guys are definitely adorable together.”
“Yeah, I suppose that’s true.”
“It is.”
“So, you care to share you’re big secret yet…?”
“Cammie! I can’t! Trust me if I could, I’d tell you, but I really can’t.”
“Okay…”
“Did you study for that vocab test we had today?”
“No, Mrs. Smith never even said that we were going to have a test. Like what the bloody heck is a synonym for clinician. I barely know how to spell that!”
“It was a terrible test. I’m pretty sure I got a C at the best.”
“I failed it, and I know it. See ya at school tomorrow!” I yelled while going down the hall where mom was standing waiting.
“Okay I left dinner in the fridge. Just put it in the microwave, and you’ll be good. Josie needs to take a bath no matter what she tells you, and the twins well just make sure they don’t break anything. I should be back by sevenish since the interview is in Jersey. If I’m not back by eight, put them to bed for me, okay?” Mom explained while kissing me on the forehead, handing me the business card with the bakery’s number on it in case of emergencies. Hopefully, I won’t have to dial that number.
“Good luck!” I yelled as she walked down the hall.
“Alright guys! Mom will be home around seven. Josie you need to take a bath no matter what, mom’s orders. Let me know when your hungry and I’ll put dinner in the microwave.” I explained unzipping my backpack and pulling my science book out.
************************
“We’re here to talk today with the first recording artist signed to the new label, Big Apple Records. Shaun Johnston is a twelve year old from New York City. You may have seen his dad, Rick Johnston’s work in directing movies. But we are here to discuss his rise to fame, and his new record label. Not to mention his first EP, Here I Am, out on iTunes today.” The radio broadcaster explained.
I shifted in the upholstered chair my body occupied in the corner of the radio studio.
“Thanks for having me. Well it really is awesome experience, and there are so many people that helped me get here.” Shaun started spinning in his chair.
“Well let’s start off with just how you’re got to where you are now. For people that don’t know your story, why don’t you share it?”
“Okay. Let’s see it was around Thanksgiving when my family was in LA over break. My sister, Cammie, had just posted a video or two of her singing on YouTube. Taylor Swift then found it, and gave Cammie a call. She was set to open for her at Taylor’s concert in December, but gave me the opportunity instead. So, I performed and got my five minutes of fame. Then around January, I met with some agents and labels down in Atlanta, Georgia. The agent that at ended up sticking with, Sarah Benson, wanted me to try out for the traveling show of Mary Poppins. I tried out, and a few weeks later, I found out that I was cast as Michael. I traveled all over the states performing the show, and in late March, Big Apple Records contacted me. They had come to the Orlando show, and knew they wanted to sign me right after the performance. I knew it was a risk signing to a new label, but it paid of when I started recording for my EP, Here I Am. I’m very pleased with how it turned out. So I want to thank my sis, Cammie, Taylor Swift, for giving me the chance to go on stage, my agents, and my label for making everything possible.”
“What a crazy journey. We are going to play some songs from his EP, Here I Am out on iTunes today. Thanks for being here Shaun. I know I’ll be talking to you again soon.”
“Thanks for having me, bro.”
Mom got up, and gave Shaun a high five. I followed behind them as we left the radio studio. We avoided the crowd of Shaun’s fans screaming as we exited the building being led to the car by a very burly bodyguard.
“Sounded pretty good, eh?” Shaun asked as he put his sunglasses on while sipping a Coke.
“Yep looks live every teenage girl loves you.” I mumbled looking at the screaming fans outside the car window.
“I know, it’s crazy!” he exclaimed.
“Your father would’ve been so proud of you!” mom gushed stopping at the red light.
“I know…it’s just too bad he isn’t here to see it all.” Shaun muttered putting his headphones in his ears.
“Well in our hearts he is. You know…” mom started to explain.
“He’s listening to music, mom.” I replied opening my laptop.
“When isn’t he? So what are you typing?”
“Just our end of the year projects. You know graduation’s in a couple weeks.”
“Don’t worry I’ll be there.”
“I know, but you’re so busy lately with Shaun and job interviews.”
“Cammie, you don’t think I’d miss my first born graduate the eighth grade, do you?”
“No mom…”
That’s totally a lie.
Ever since the bakery laid mom off she’s been crazy, busy. She’s trying to learn how to handle being a single mother, go to job interviews, and deal with a celebrity in the making son.
“I’m doing fine. I can handle everything Cammie.”
“You’re driving on the sidewalk.”
“Oh. I guess I’m a little sidetracked lately…” mom mumbled.
“A little?” I whispered.
I’m not working on my end of the year projects—we don’t even have those. I’m just writing this journal entry on my laptop. It’s been tough ever since mom lost her job. I know dad was paid a lot of money, but I think that all went to our college savings. I know I’m just a kid, and I shouldn’t care about these things, but I do. Honestly, everything we do costs money- school, water, heat, AC, food, clothes, taxes, and a bunch of other stuff. I really hope she finds a job soon, and one that she actually likes. Well, I’m off to Shaun’s next interview with some important person. Bye!
-Cammie
*********************
“Cammie! Wait up!” Halley screamed chasing me down the sidewalk.
“Oh, hey.” I gasped almost tripping over my own two feet.
“You didn’t wait for me in the lobby.”
“I just thought you wanted me to leave you alone.”
“Just about my family, but otherwise no.”
“Okay…so how about that book report we have to do for Mrs. Smith’s class?”
“Eh, Mrs. Heir has given us worse.”
“No wonder why she’s been divorced six times. You would think she would just give it up by now; she’s like 67 or something. So, are you going to come the spring musical on Friday?”
“I’ll check if I can. Do you have a solo?”
“Yeah, I finally got the guts to try out for one this year. I got Respect, and everyone has a solo in the finale.”
“Cool, I’ll try to make it, but my dad…never mind!”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Halley you’ve been hiding something for over a month. I’m your best friend, just tell me.”
“I can’t. You won’t understand.”
“Are you telling me I won’t understand when I have a celebrity brother, dead father, mom with no job, and three little twerp siblings? I will understand!”
“Your mom lost her job?”
“Yes, but that’s not what’s important here.”
“Well, I still can’t tell you.”
“Oh my gosh the suspense is eating me alive, just tell me! I can keep a secret.”
“This isn’t like an I’m crushing on someone secret. It could tear two peoples’ relationships apart…forever.”
“Who?”
“I can’t tell you, I mean it. Let’s get to homeroom before Mr. McCormick has a cow.”
“Who says that anymore?”
“Whatever you know what I mean!”
I went to my locker and got all my books for the morning classes. Heading to homeroom, I passed Zach in the hallway.
“Hey Cammie, can we talk?” he muttered taking off his hat.
“I kind of have to get to homeroom. Maybe we can talk at lunch?”
“It’s really important. I need to apologize to someone for something I did that was wrong…”
“Well go ahead.”
“I can’t I don’t have her number. Can you give me Halley’s cell?”
My heart just sunk to the bottom of my chest. I thought he was actually was going to be nice for once and apologize to me for our awkward kiss. Of course, that would ruin his bad boy reputation!
“It’s 551-5551; easiest number to remember. She has soccer until five, so call her after that.”
“Thanks Cam, and maybe we can get together you know after I fix things with me and Hal.”
“Uh, no I’m busy…” I mumbled going into Mr. McCormick’s room.
“You were talking to Zach, right?” Halley quickly asked while working on her vocab homework.
“Yeah, I can’t believe it. He is such a player. It’s sad.”
“I think he’s sweet.”
“He gets kicked out of class at least three times a week.”
“I guess I have a thing for bad boys.”
“Well, he asked me for your number. He’s calling you tonight after soccer practice.”
“Oh my gosh, really! Everyone’s saying he’s going to ask me out!”
“Cool…” That’s all I could manage to say when I wanted to shout out how mean he is and how he is just messing with her mind. But no, she’s already caught in the trap. She’s so clueless sometimes. I mean the only reason he gave her the time of day was to get me jealous after the Valentine’s dance.
“I wonder if he will ask me out. If he does should I just say yes, or play it cool and “think about it”?”
“Do whatever you want. Now since I did you a favor with Zach, will you tell me your huge secret?”
“Cam, I’ve told you a million times. I can’t or else I’ll be in big trouble.”
“Fine…” I muttered just as the bell rang.
“Hi.” I mumbled as Mitch walked up to me.
“You excited for the musical? I heard you have a solo?”
“Yeah, we’re doing classic legends like Elvis, Aretha Franklin, MJ, Beatles, stuff like that.”
“That sounds cool. So I was wondering why Halley’s acting so weird. I came to ask her about the algebra homework, and she freaked out saying ‘I can’t tell you!’ Seriously, all I needed was number 13.”
“Hmmm…well it’s 2.4.” I explained while pulling my homework from my polka dotted folder.
“I really don’t get tonight’s homework so maybe during lunch you can help me? We can eat outside.”
“Wouldn’t Allie be a little mad you know if I was helping you?”
“It’s math not planning our wedding. She’ll be fine. She’s not the jealous type.”
“Of course she’s not.” I muttered under my breath.
“What’d you say?”
“Oh, nothing. Sure I’ll meet you at lunch just bring tonight’s homework with you.”
“Thanks!”
Eventually, it was lunchtime. I got my brown paper bag, and headed to one of the tables outside. Mitch was already sitting down with his algebra book waiting for me.
“So I’m thinking that you just have to plug those numbers into the equation before you can graph it, but when I try it turns out to be some crazy shape opposed to the straight line. Then again, I could be doing it totally wrong.” He explained while eating his hamburger.
“No, you’re doing it right, but you just have to make sure to get x by itself before you graph.”
“Oh, that makes sense! See Mrs. McMurray was explaining it this complicated way and I was so confused. Your good at math; you could be a teacher.”
“I’m not that good at it. This just happens to be one lesson I actually understand.”
“Oh, well what do you want to be when your older then?”
“Don’t laugh, but actress and singer. If that doesn’t work out maybe a writer. My dad did that for a little bit.”
“Why would I laugh? That actually sounds really fun. My dad’s all on me about going to Harvard’s Law School and getting straight A’s like my older siblings. One just graduated and the other just started. He was a lawyer so it’s like a family business, but I kind of want to do my own thing, you know?”
“Yeah totally. So what’s your thing?”
“I want to be music teacher. Not great pay, but I love music so it fits.”
“Well why aren’t you in chorus? I mean your in music class, but not chorus.”
“I can play drums and guitar, but no singing. I’ve never really tried.”
“I bet you’re good.”
“Oh I think I would know if I was some singing genius.”
“True, but you should give it a shot. Mrs. Lowe needs some help with stage crew for the musical, I’m sure she’d let you.”
“That sounds cool. I’ll ask her, and yeah I’ll give singing a shot.”
“Good luck!” I yelled going back inside.
The musical is on Friday. I’m really excited because the show is so fun, but somewhat nervous for my solo. Oh well. I’m glad that my whole family isn’t stuck doing something boring like lawyers. While we were at soccer practice, Zach sent Halley seven texts. She’s so “in love” with him, but he’s just going to hurt her. I really want to know her big secret, but she won’t crack. Mom had a job interview today, so maybe she’ll be accepted. Let’s hope! Store brand just isn’t cutting it…
-Cammie
*******************************
“I hate mornings.” I groaned while Ben and I slowly walked to school.
“Yeah, especially Monday’s.” Ben agreed fixing his tie.
“Especially Monday’s.” I repeated.
“Well school’s almost out which is good. Which high school are you going to? I know Dwight usually heads into Sherwood Prep.”
“Yeah, I guess that’s where I’ll go. I’d love to check out some performing arts schools, but the audition process is probably long over.”
“Not necessarily. My buddy Ivan is looking into this school up Bronxville.”
“That’s cool. Do I know him?”
“Nah, he’s a year older.”
“Oh well I hope he get’s in.”
“Yeah it’d be pretty sweet. You should totally look into going.”
“I don’t know it’s probably tough to get into.”
“Who knows? So is Dwight having their annual musical this year?”
“Yeah, it’s Friday actually. Why you ask?”
“Well is there any chance a certain someone got a solo?”
“If that certain someone is me, then yes. Would a certain someone like to come to see?”
“If that certain someone is me, then yes.”
“Well, it’s at 7:30 on Friday.”
“I will be there in the front row.”
“I’ll count on it.”
“Well have fun at school.” He mumbled as I went up the steps to Dwight’s main entrance.
“Will do, you too.”
I headed to advisory after I got my binder out of my locker. I just spent three minutes being sneezed on by Doris, whose locker is right next to mine. He’s always sick, I mean seriously see a doctor!
“Hey, Cam wait up!” Mitch yelled as I headed down the hall.
“What’s up?”
“Well I just wanted to thank you a ton for telling me to try singing because I did!”
“And…”
“Oh my gosh! That’s amazing. I can’t believe Mrs. Lowe just gave you the spot.”
“Well I was in the band room messing around with my guitar and I just started singing, ya know. Then she came in and was telling our band director how the kid who was Paul McCartney got sick. She was upset that the show was only a few days away. I told her I knew every Beatles song, and then she asked me to sing a verse, and then I got the part.”
“Whoa, that’s way better than stage crew.”
“I know and the best thing is now I can spend even more time with Allie since she’s in the musical too.”
“Yeah, well I better head to the auditorium to practice, you coming?”
“Nah, I have a make-up spelling test. I’ll catch up with ya later. Bye!”
“Bye.”
“Alright guys the musical is three days away. I’m going to need everyone here during lunch today and tomorrow. Also don’t forget we have the dress rehearsals from 6 o’clock to 8 o’clock.” Mrs. Lowe explained.
***********************
This is it. The musical is tonight. I’m uber nervous for my solo, but I’m sure the nerves will fly right off. Plus, there doesn’t exactly seem to be a full house tonight. It’s probably because they scheduled the musical the same day as the boy’s lacrosse championships. Not the greatest idea; we lost about 10 of the awesome guys who usually get solos. Wish me luck!
-Cammie (well I'm Aretha Franklin tonight...)
“Alright Cam, Mitch, I’m counting on you guys to pull through for me tonight. You are the only two eighth graders I can actually count on to not mess up in the show, so it’s important that you sing your best tonight.” Mrs. Lowe instructed before it was our time to head onto stage.
We both nodded and got into our spots to enter the stage. Mrs. Lowe introduced the show giving her usual speech. As the curtain opened, all of the legends sat on stools all in a row. The narrator performed her monologue. The storyline is that all the legends are stuck in detention together. They’re all fighting over who is more talented, causing everyone to randomly burst into singing and dancing.
After a few other solos and dance numbers, it’s my turn. I’m up.
“Look guys it’s just me and Tina in here and I’m gonna set something straight.” I exclaimed. “What you want! Baby, I got! What you need! Do you know I got it? All I'm askin'...is for a little respect when you come home. Hey, baby, when you get home mister. Ooo, your kisses…sweeter than honey. And guess what? So is my money. All I want you to do for me is give it to me when you get home. Yeah, baby. When you get home, now. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me! R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Take care, TCB. A little respect. Just a little bit!” I sang before returning to my “detention spot”. The audience clapped as I sat back down which meant a job well done.
After about an hour and a half show, we all gathered for our bows. I clutched Mitch’s hand tight as we bowed. The audience was going nuts throwing up flowers, whistling, and clapping. We got a standing ovation.
When I went into the audience to find my mom, I ran into Ben who was sitting in the front row.
“Hey, Cam. Great job!” he exclaimed handing me a few flowers.
“Thanks! We’ll talk later, the hoop. I gotta find my mom.”
After escaping the huge crowd, I rode home with mom and the younger three. Shaun is busy promoting his EP with our uncle. Apparently too busy for a family event. Oh well.
“You were awesome, Cammie.” Josie exclaimed as she skipped into the car.
“Yeah I like your singing and the costume. It was really funny!” Bryce exclaimed hopping into his car seat.
“Well I’m glad everyone loved the show. What about you, Brock?” I asked as I clipping him into his car seat.
He nodded, and we all headed home.