Lucy's Life

I am Lucy, a 12 year old girl stuck with brown, strait hair. I hate my hair, I have had people say they love it, but in my opinion, it’s a pain! I can’t play with it or anything.  I get a lot of D’s in school and I think my only talent is singing. The only problem with that is my parents, they believe it’s a waste of time and money.1

I just got done begging to my mother for the hundredth time about me getting singing lessons. I always get the same response, “A waste of time, you don’t need it!” My mom feels that’s better than saying to me “a waste of money, hard earned money.” Why does a girl with such talent have to be tortured with not being able to show it?2

It’s Sunday, tomorrow I get the “joy” of going to school. I hate it there. There is one girl, Janet DeLarsh who thinks she is the world to everyone. Perfect grades, perfect hair and perfect personality. I’ve heard that nobody is perfect, but the person who said that never met Janet.3

“Honey, clean your room. We are having guest over today.” My mom shouted to me. It’s Sunday and I’m stuck cleaning! 4

“Who?” I asked figuring if it was someone unimportant I could get out of cleaning.5

“You don’t know them. I am not telling unless you clean.”6

“And if I don’t?”7

“Grounded, meaning no fun!. Now go, please!” my mom smiled.8

I went upstairs. My room was a pigsty! How could I clean this? Why couldn’t she give me notice three weeks ago?9

I starting picking things up. I turned on music and began to sing as I cleaned. “I’m cleaning, pickin’ up a shirt, puttin’ it away!” If only my parents heard me and my talent. “I’m so sad, ‘cus nobody cares about my true talents, but my grades matter, of course!”10

I didn’t go downstairs for hours, I was stuck cleaning. 11

I could hear my parents talking. “Erik, we have to do this dinner, I could get a raise.” 12

My dad’s voice entered, “I know, Molly. But what if Lucy messes up or something? She could ruin everything. We should just go out.”13

I’m insulted! “Why me?” I whispered to myself. I’m so unappreciated. To you I may seem a little full of it, but you don’t know my life. And this is the normal thing that happens, my parents embarrassed of me.14

I went down stairs casually, “Mother, Father, I finished.”15

I went back upstairs. I wasn’t totally done, but it looked okay. I pulled a blue book out from under my mattress. I flipped to a blank page and wrote:16

Dear Diary,17

How sad I truly am now. My parents once again saying they are  embarrassed of me! How could they? Well, it’s my mom’s job on the line, and if she gets the job I get lessons, so I’m going to be an angel. Usually I would be right in their faces. I want lessons so bad. I cleaned my room, lets see if I can make a record for how long I can keep it clean. I’ll keep in touch.18

-Lucy (future singer!)19

“Lucy! Come down here!” My mom yelled.20

I ran down. My mom told me all about being good and her boss and wife coming.21

I literary had pledged I’d be good.22

The door bell rang. My mom opened the door and greeted both of them.23

Ewe! They were hideous! How can I be good with these short, fat people about to pinch my cheek?24

“Awe! Molly, you didn’t mention you’re daughter was so cute!” My mom’s boss squeaked. She really needs a make over. 25

“Well no need to brag.” My mom answered back. That was a good answer.26

“What is her name?” 27

“Oh, excuse me, this is Lucy my daughter.” My mom then looked at me, “Luc, this is Mr. and Mrs. Pleadedhag. They are my bosses, from work.”28

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. P” Such a weird name, “What was it again?” I asked.29

“Oh, sweety, you can just call us Mr. And Mrs. P.” The plump man said.30

I smiled sweetly, like I would really be talking to them that I need their name.31

“Ok, make yourself comfy, There are appetizers over there, sit, talk, dinner will be done soon.” My mom urged nervously.32

They sat, my Dad and I just stared at them.33

“So, Erik have you seen the game?”34

“Game? Which one?” he questioned.35

This man had no clue about sports.36

“The one where there is a small ball and a bat and gl-baseball!”37

“I missed it I guess. Did you see it, who won?” My Dad played along, “Was there a lot of catches?”38

“I missed it too. I really wanted to know the score.” Such a liar. He had no interest in it, he didn’t even say what team!39

“Oh, well, sorry. So, how is life treating you?”40

“Alright, Beth, would you like to touch one that?”41

She shook her head, swallowed everything she stuffed in that big mouth and replied “Well, Erik, I just started a class about sewing, I’m learning a lot. I can make you a sweater. Any color!” she giggled. Was that a joke? It stunk!42

“Good one!” My dad answered back.43

Silence struck everyone. I was going to be good. None of me today!44

My mom walked into the room, “Dinner is served. Come into this room, Beth and Charles.” She pointed into our dinning room.45

Mrs. P. wattled into the room. I want to consider her ‘Beth’.46

So much food. So good! Heaven! 47

I tried not to stuff all the food In my mouth and I didn’t. Go me!48

After eating we all went back to the family room. “Beth” and my Mom got desert ready in the kitchen.49

I want to shave Mr. P.’s ugly mustache off. It’s bothering me!50

“So, Lucy, how is school?”51

My Dad eyed me, “Fine, thank you, Mr. P.” My Dad looked pleased.52

“Good. I’m proud.” Mr. P. Said. Like he cared. I was nothing to him.53

My Dad knew I wasn’t too affond of these people. I could tell he felt the same.54

We talked more about I have no clue. My Dad and Mr. P. Just kept talking. I noticed a few awkward silences. 55

“Ok. Dessert is served!” My mom barged in the family room. Beth was behind her. I saw her looking wide eyed at the chocolate cake my mom was holding. “Lets all go back to the dinning room.”56

We all ate. Beth kept going back for more. Like she wasn’t bloated enough. 57

After dessert I was sent upstairs for bed.58

My parents and Mr. and Mrs. P talked.59

Like I could sleep when they are talking. Hey! I lasted the evening with out being me! I’m so proud! My parents must be too.60

They just talked about how good all the food was. I could disagree with that. They talked about the daily news and the country. Then it went to the good stuff-my Mom’s raise which could lead to my lessons.61

“I think that this job would be perfect for you, Molly.” Mr. P. spoke up, “I still need to have a few more meetings, but you definitely will stay in the back of my mind.”62

“Mr. Pleadedhag, that would mean so much to me. Thank you! Thank you!” My mom squeaked excitedly.63

After a few more hours, what seemed like five minutes to me, I fell asleep. 64

“Well, George, It’s late, we both have things to do tomorrow, shall we go?” Beth said.65

“Yes. Thank you, Molly and Erik, your dinner was charming. Tell Lucy I loved dinning with her.” Mr. P. Said. 66

Thy got their jackets on, talked more, said goodbye and left.67

I rushed to bed.68

I didn’t fall asleep, but pretended to when my mom came in and started talking to an “asleep” child.69

“Lucy, If you were awake, I want to thank you. You were a doll. You know, my boss might consider giving me a raise.” She started brushing my hair with her fingers, “Your dad doubted you, at a point, so did I. You were great. I know we may not always say how much we love you, but we do. Know that.” My mom started toward the door, “I love you. Sleep tight. Have fun in school tomorrow. I wish you’d just try harder in school. I don’t feel your father and I ask for to much. Just try.” She left.70

I took out my diary and copied all of that. 71

She’d come in my room before when she thought I was asleep and talked, but about work and boring stuff. It’s amazing, the only quality time I get with her is when she thinks I’m asleep.72

I tried to sleep.73

Chapter 274

Buzz. 75

I turned my alarm clock off and began to wake up.76

I got up and brushed my teeth. I went back to my room and got dressed. Then back to the bathroom to brush my hair. I wanted to do something nice with it, but there is nothing. I went downstairs for breakfast.77

Coco Puffs. Yum! I pored some in my blue bowl.78

My mom greeted me, “Good morning!” She was in her jogging clothes all ready on. 79

“Hi.” I sad in a gloomy voice. She knew it was because it was a Monday morning and I was tired. “Mom, can I just not go to school today?”80

“No.” She said happily.81

I knew she wouldn’t have let me, but trying is good. 82

I got my old, raggy backpack and was out the door. 83

I live about three blocks from Wain Ward School. I walk to school. Peggy, who lives next door comes along with me. She is a grade higher than me, 7th grade.84

“Lucy!” She shouted in an excited voice.85

“Hi, Peggy. Ready for another Monday?”86

“No. Are you ready for another week of boringness?”87

“Is that a word? Boringness.”88

“I don’t know. I don’t care!”89

We walked on. Peggy didn’t have to many friends. She consider me a friend. I guess I could too. She had huge braces and blonde hair. She was a little chunky. Her personality is very nice and funny. She is a really good friend.90

We got at school and then went our separate ways.91

I saw Janet. Shw was talking of course. Why is she so perfect?92

“So, Trina, Valerie, tell me, how is my outfit today?” Janet turned as she spoke so perfectly to her friends.93

“Oh, Janet, come one-you look bad? Its great!” Trina said.94

“Excellent.” Valerie said.95

Trina and Valerie were both so obsess with Janet. They’d do anything she’d want. They would die for her. Trina has red hair that shines in the sun-good thing we have class inside. Valerie has brown hair and lots of freckles. 96

Janet agreed and they skipped to class.97

I went to class too.98

Mrs. Keene, my homeroom teacher walked in the room. She was also my English teacher.99

“Good morning, class. I’ll take attendance in a minute.” She sat down. She was really skinny and wrinkly. She looked smart too.100

“Ok, let me go up the rows, Valerie, here. Gary, here,” She said everyone and said here as the checked their seat, “Ok, everyone is here. Good!” After that she sat down and started to grade papers.101

When the bell rang I went to my math class. A substitute, Ms. Johan. She is young, like she just got out of college last year. I’ve had her before. She always checks her makeup in the middle of a lesson.102

“Hi! Today we are going to,” she went to a mirror to check her hair. She had blond, long, curly hair. I think she wanted the boys to think she was cute. “Well, ok. Um...learning. Ok, do page 156 numbers 1-52. You have all of this period and if you don’t finish its homework.”103

She told us all that and we began to work.104

Did we learn this? I’ll try, then do it all at home, my mom and dad can teach it to me.105

“Ms. Johan, I think we didn’t learn this.” Danny said, he was smart, smart enough to know we didn’t learn this.106

Ms. Johan didn’t wan to bother, “Just do what you can.”107

“Well, we can’t do any of it.” 108

“Well, try. You can do it.”109

“Ms. Johan, I’m pretty sure we didn’t learn this.” Janet spoke up. Its amazing, she was in my elementary school and is in a lot of my classes this year too.110

Ms. Johan checked her paper again, “Oh, sorry kids its page 154 1-26. Get started.”111

Now this is easy. We learned this so long ago! She must have the wrong page again.112

“Ms. Johan, um, we did this page before.” Danny spoke up again.113

Ms. Johan grunted, “Fine, let me check it again, its page 170 1-32.” 114

Gee, thanks a lot Danny. What a suck up. It was ok to nag when it was hard, but easy-of course you need to keep at it then too!115

We all worked. I got up to number 26, then the bell rang and I was off. For about a grande total of 25 minutes I was watching Ms. Johan look at herself. 116

“Bye class!” Mrs. Johan shouted and went back to the mirror.117

Now Social Studies. Mr. L. Is my teacher. He is old and crinkly. I have a bet going with a few kids that he’ll die sometime this year.118

“Lucy, do you have your book?” he said.119

“Yes, Mr. L. I’d never forget a book!” I said sarcastically. He is so old he doesn’t know what sarcasm is.120

“Good!” He turned to the class, “ok, there is an assignment on the board. Copy down the date and start, when you’re done come up to me and I’ll correct it. No books.”121

The board had a few questions, ‘Name three presidents’ also, ‘In what year did Jefferson sign the declaration of Independence and ‘Who else signed the declaration of independence?’122

1. Three presidents of the United States were Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson.123

I hope he doesn’t take a grade for this. The next two are hard.124

2.In ? Jefferson signed the declaration of independence.125

3. ? also signed the declaration independence.126

I stood in front of the paper for 10 extra minutes until a line of people were ready to get corrected.127

Once it was me he looked at it and wrote F big in red.128

“Mr. L? The first one is right.”129

“Nah, you must have read the board wrong, it says ‘name three presidents during the signing of the declaration of independence’ no one was! Maybe you need glasses.”130

“Mr. L? Me? No!” I saw his glasses and couldn’t have them.131

“I have glasses, nice looking ones.”132

I didn’t want to say anything to give me lower than an F.133

Many more classes, with Janet, then it came time to go home.134

“Mom, I have a pile of homework and I need glasses.”135

“Glasses? Who said that?” My mom’s voice came from the kitchen. I went there.136

“Mom, I could read the board in social studies so my teacher said I needed glasses.” I complained, “Do I really?”137

Glasses was something I didn’t want or felt I needed until I was like Beth.138

“Honey, have you ever seen signs?”139

“Apparently I don’t see anything.”140

“I’ll make an appointment with your dad’s eye doctor.”141

“Ok. I’m going to go have some carrots.”142

“Carrots?”143

“Carrots help the eyes.”144

“Oh yes! They are in the fridge. Do you want me to boil them?”145

I nodded no. I went to the fridge and searched for the carrots.146

Chapter 3147

I went to school as usual, but I have a doctor appointment today. I get to skip school. But the next day I’d return to school with glasses.148

My Dad and I drove to the place.149

It was a large building made of brick. I think it has more than one department than an eye doctor.150

“Don’t be afraid, Lucy. Dr. Sherman is really friendly.” My Dad assured me.151

I looked at him as a response. 152

We had to go up the elevator to the seventh floor. There were about sixty doors on each floor. Finally we arrived at a door with huge eyes. My Dad went to the receptionist and I stood by him.153

“Lucy Darry.” My Dad told her.154

“Ok, yes. Dr. Sherman will be with you in a moment.” She said.155

“Thank you.” 156

We sat down. My Dad grabbed a magazine about fishing, which he never does. I found all the magazines to be old people magazines.157

I feel like singing instead. A good song-that I’d make up. I want to sing not get glasses.158

“Ok, Come on in,” A tall man looked at his clipboard, “Lucy.” he looked at me. My Dad and I walked in.159

He starting talking about nothing and then to my Dad.160

He checked my tempature, then my eyes. All this stuff happened and I could close my eyes. I tied to look away. If I looked at my Dad’s worried eyes, I might cry.161

Not worried for me, worried for money. If I need glasses, there is money out the door, just this check up is costing money. Why did Mr. L. have to say that. My eyes have always worked, I’ve never not seen something. I bet I just missed the board. There is no way you get what I got out of name three presidents during the signing of the declaration of independence! 162

After a while, seeming like eternity, we left. I don’t know if my eyes are good or what. And my dad seems mad.163

We got in the car and my dad isn’t speaking. No “Did it hurt?” or “You did good! I’m proud you didn’t wiggle or blink or anything!” Why? It isn’t my fault.164

“Dad,” I spoke up, “Do I need glasses?”165

He looked at me, then back at the road, “Dr. Sherman will call us. He said you looked fine.” 166

The conversation ended. I looked out the window as houses past by. I want to sing how I feel-misery. Right now it feels like my dad will never approve of me.167

We arrived home. I didn’t want to talk to my mom. I went strait to my room. I went on the computer and started typing:168

Contract:169

Lucy Darry will never act up in school. She will try hard. That includes doing all homework, studying for test and raising my hand. She will be organized. Right after school she will pull out her books and do her homework.170

By signing this she will have to do that or she will have no dessert or fun.171

Lucy Darry                                                                                                            172

Lucy Darry173

I made a contract with myself. If I improve in school maybe I’ll accomplish my dream and get singing lessons. I can’t show anyone my contract, if I do no dessert. 174

I hid it in one of my draws. If I was good for Beth and her husband, then I will succeed in school. Maybe go to a good college. My dad will be forced to love me. I would like more appreciation from my mom, but right now it more is to dad. I can’t remember a time he said, “Lucy, you make me proud.” He’s never stopped and realized he had a daughter who needed his love.175

Singing lessons I want. Love I need.176

My mom came up and asked me how it went. I told her I’d rather not be there again. 177

I took up my courage, “Mom, did you get the raise?”178

“Not yet. I think I will!”179

“If you do, do I get my singing lessons?”180

“Yes! Well excuse me. I have to check on the chicken. I love you, honey.”181

‘I love you.”182

That night, I wanted to let it all out, like my mom did I went to my parents room and checked they were asleep, “I wish Dad loved me. Dad, you never show me love. You never liked me. You never wanted me.” I started crying lightly. I was never a big crier. I left and went to bed.183

Chapter 4184

I woke up in the morning with a good attitude of succeeding in school.185

I went to school with a happy mood.186

In math my teacher was back and he taught us math. I took notes and payed attention and understood it. I volunteered when questions were asked. Even Janet gave me a look! A look saying, “You think you’re so smart. You’re wrong. I’m smarter and prettier.”187

“Lucy, since when do you study?” Lucy asked me in a sarcastic way.188

“Since I got a look from you.”189

“A look? Excuse me?” She knew but was denying it.190

“Janet, you heard me. Now, excuse me I need to get to class.” I left. I’m even proud of myself!  I went to class. I know I’d have to deal with her later.191

In all my classes I was good and even got complimented!192

The end of school was my problem. When I was walking home before I found Peggy, Janet and two of her friends walked up to me.193

“Lucy.” Janet spoke, “I think it’s time we get something strait. You’re a puny nothing.”194

“No, Janet. Nobody is nobody.” I heard that quote from one of my English books.195

“I think you’re wrong about that. Get a new theory. Now, I thought you were ok. Upstage me and pay.”196

“Upstage you?” I went into a dream land, I was on stage singing.197

“Lucy. I’m going to make you pay.” and she walked away.198

I found Peggy walking without me. “Peggy!” I shouted ahead.199

She looked back, “Hey, where were you?”200

“Ah, no where. Just talking, to Janet De- ”201

“No!” interrupted Peggy, “She is a monster. Ignore her. I know I’m older, but I’ve heard of her, don’t become her friend.”202

“Me? I hate her! She is a monster!”203

We walked and talked about Janet. Who knew Janet could be that amusing. When I got home I felt good because someone agreed with me. Someone was on my side!204

I did my homework immediately. When I finished I treated myself to some chocolate. I stuffed it in my mouth as I watched t.v. nothing was on. I wasn’t surprised. Nothing ever is, but what can you do?  205

I went to bed. I woke up to my mother speaking to me.206

“I heard you last night.” She heard me? I feel so exposed! I wish I didn’t say it! “Anyway. I know your father was asleep, I’m so sorry, honey. I wish, he does love you. He doesn’t express it right though. Why do you have to feel that way? I love you so much.”207

I couldn’t believe it. Should I wake up? 208

I slowly moved like I was waking up. I looked at her, “Mom?”209

“Honey. I was just tucking you in. Go back to sleep.”210

“Were you saying something before? Dad loves me?”211

“Yes. Of course he does! Did you think he didn’t?”212

“Mom, we need to speak. You know I said it last night, and I know what you said in response to that.” I tried holding in the tears.213

“You did?”214

“Yes. Mom, does dad hate me?”215

“No.” She ran away.216

I started sobbing like crazy. He does. I’m so sad. I’m so lost. Will working hard really help? Will he ever love me? 217

The tears made me tired. I went to sleep.218

Chapter 5219

In the morning before school all I could think of was the night before.220

“Mom?” I said, “Can we please talk?”221

“No, I have to go. Work.” We spoke fast.222

I started to cry, “Mom, please.”223

“I don’t want to.”224

“But we need to.”225

I got to miss school because I was crying do much. She told me that I was an accident. I wasn’t intended to happen. When I was born my parents moved into their new house and then had me. My dad and her made an agreement that children were out of the question until they settled down. I was an accident. They considered giving me up for adoption, but my mom couldn’t let go. My dad still doesn’t want me. I cost them over a million dollars. My mom and dad had great jobs happening, but when I was born they had to settle down for a different job. They love me deeply, even my dad, he just keeps thinking of the better life all of us could have had if I was born years later. My dad really does have problems expressing himself. I was an accident! I can’t believe that. I put my parents on the poor list. I’m a problem. I held them back.226

I ran to my room, my mom understood I needed to think and let out my tears.227

I just held my pillow and thought. Thought about how I was a accident. My mom could have given me up, but didn’t, she wanted me! I can’t complain about singing lessons and that I think they don’t spend enough money and me and my needs but they really have. They had every opportunity to give me up and get millions of dollars, but didn’t. Even my dad couldn’t, even though he wished I was born later, but he kept me.228

I feel loved. I might be happier than before. 229

After about an hour my mom cam up to check on me. I told her I was ok, I guest I was. It’s a shock though. The shock is how they kept me. They could have given me away and got so much money and then could have had another Lucy, but they didn’t. They loved me and still do.230

After Peggy would be home from school I went over.231

I told her and her reaction was shock too. She didn’t know any of that. Not even how my dad treats me. He doesn’t treat me bad, but not lovingly all the time.232

“Lucy, what was your reaction?”233

“I cried.”234

“You? Cry? Ok, what does it feel like to know you wouldn’t know me?”235

“I feel more loved than before.” I said with a smile. 236

“Lucy, I feel for you.”237

“I’m going to go now, I’m going to call Jasmine for my homework. She is my friend, I don’t think you ever met her.”238

“That name doesn’t sound familiar. But I have homework too. So see you.”239

I left. I dialed the phone. Someone answered.240

“Can I speak to Jasmine?”241

“Who is it?”242

“Lucy.”243

A few seconds later Jasmine came on. Her voice was quite and shy, “Hey, Lucy!”244

“Hi. I need the homework for math, social studies and English. I’ll call Mary for all the other classes.”245

“Ok, math is page 180, 12 and 13. It’s hard. Ok, um, Social Studies is nothing. For English it’s a worksheet, which you can’t do. So, anything else?”246

“Nah, thanks!”247

“Where you sick today?”248

“No. I” tears started to come back a little as it replayed in my mind. When I was talking to Peggy I was fine though. “I’ll tell you in school tomorrow along with everyone else.”249

“Ok, well, I have to go. Homework, I need to finish, we are going out to dinner today.”250

“Ok, bye! Thank you.”251

I dialed the phone and called Mary, “Hello?” Mary said.252

“Mary, I need all the homework.”253

“Well, I have none, so any classes your with me, you don’t!” she said, “Why weren’t you at school?”254

“I’ll tell you tomorrow.” My mom probably is on the phone listening, if I said anything, she’d know how I felt or something. 255

I wrote in my diary about it all, but the tears just kept coming back. It wasn’t even that sad. For me, I guess it should be, but it really isn’t. Why am I so flipped today because of it? Why? I want to go to school tomorrow just to tell my friends. Which maybe I should feel uncomfortable about it. 256

It was bed time, I’ve done my homework, showered and not wanting my dad to come home. I’ll see him in a whole new way. 257

I decided to go to sleep to avoid my dad. My mom did ask why I went to sleep so early and I told her because I was tired, when I wasn’t. I couldn’t sleep. I just stayed in bed and just lied there. 258

Chapter 6259

I must have dozed off. I walked around, it was morning. My dad wasn’t there! He’s my dad, I can’t avoid him forever. What can do. Singing can’t help everything, like it helped me clean my room or just when ever.260

I got dressed and looked at the time, it was about time I’d wake up. I was ahead of schedule. I ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch, my absolute favorite cereal. I watched T.V. a while.261

My mom walked in the room, “Lucy? You are awake already? Good for you. Going to bed like that, I’m amazed. Well, you have about an hour to do nothing!” she sat next to me. We both sat there uncomfortably. Then we hugged.262

“I love you. Lets but yestaurday behind us.” my mom said.263

“Ok. Mom,” I spoke uncomfortably, “Does dad know I know?”264

“No. I don’t plan on telling on him. I figured you’d feel odd. Now end of subject.”265

Yes! I don’t have to avoid him. I can be myself! I feel so relieved.266

We watched t.v. longer until it came time for me to go to school.267

I met up with Peggy and we talked. She complained about all the homework she received yestaurday, and she is surprised she completed it. I just agreed and nodded my head every once and a while. When we got to school Janet was there. She looked over at me like she was waiting for me.268

I want to act tough, but I was terrified. She’s popular and has people standing behind her. I just am going to pretend she isn’t there. What if she walks over? She’ll clobber me, or have her buff boyfriend do it for her.269

I should act more tough, I’m just depressed about what I found out, why? It so stupid! Get out of my head. It’s weird, I’ve never cared about anything so much. It’s not that big of a deal! So what I cost my parents a lot of money and I wasn’t wanted! 270

Janet’s  hair was up so she wouldn’t mess it up when she took a shot at me. Peggy just kept talking, I wasn’t listening, all that’s going through my mind is my black and blue eye I’d have to explain to my parents. Great! My Dad can be more ashamed of me. 271

I lost Peggy and rushed to my locker, taking all my books, then I went near a teacher that I knew. I started talking to her about life. “So, Mrs. K, what’s new?”272

She eyed me, “Well, Lucy, I’m fine, how are you?”273

“Good. Thank you. Anything big planed for today in class? A pop quiz, big project, a new report?”274

“No, we are going to read about, Lucy, is there something wrong?”275

“No. Just want to be prepared for when I walk in your class.”276

“Ok. Well, be prepared with a pencil.” She walked off to class. I was alone. Janet could be anywhere! I ran ahead to her.277

“Mrs. K, can I tell you something?” I figured I’d be safer if I told her. What could happen to me except I’m safe. “I made a contract with myself that I’d do better in school, so when I did Janet got mad ‘cuz she wasn’t perfect. And now I’m afraid she’ll kill me!”278

She took me to her class and asked if she wanted me to talk to Janet or tell the guidance councilor or detention.279

“I guess guidance counclor, can we keep it anonymous. Then I’d be in more of a fight.”280

She agreed. And took me to the guidance counciler. She sat there as I told her all of it. I blurted the contract! I was telling her and then stopped because I realized. What was the conciquence? I’m going to have to check. I pretended that wasn’t on my mind either.281

“Lucy, do you need something else off your chest? Problems at home?”282

Should I tell about home and dad? I don’t want to and yet I want to really bad! 283

The pain ripped through my heart, I needed a band-aid. I needed to tell. I couldn’t. 284

“No.” I tried holding in the tears. I felt watery eyes coming on. 285

“Lucy? Private. These walls are sealed. Tell me what else is in that noggin of yours.”286

“Look, I told you. Nothing. I guess only Janet!” I screamed and got up. “May I leave?”287

“Lucy, I’m here to help you. I’ll call you mother and ask her to come over.”288

“I wanted to talk about Janet not my dad!”289

“Dad?”290

“No. My rad broken bike.” I struggled with the words. I blurted it. I’m so, so stupid!291

“How about you go to Mrs. K.’s room and settle down.”292

I went with Mrs. K to her room with her. I just want to be left alone.293

“Mrs. K. I don’t want mom to know. I don’t want her to call my parents. I just told you to get Janet off my back, not to discuss my life and my feelings.”294

“Want to tell me? Did something happen between you and your dad?”295

“No. Honest. I just found out something personal that I want to keep private. Please!”296

I had to wait in the nurse’s smelly office until my mom came. About a half hour later she came. I was called to the guidance office. My mom was already informed of everything discussed earlier.297

“Honey, are you hurt from what I told you? You said you weren’t.”298

Tears bursted out, “You think I would tell you that? You think I’d make you feel bad, If I’m strong, your strong!”299

“Honey, you don’t need to be strong for me?”300

My guidance councilor and Mrs. K. were listening the whole time in shock.301

My mom hugged me and told me she loved me and then whispered in my ear, “Honey, if you act ok, we can continue this at home in private.”302

I smiled and hugged my mom too, “I love you. I’m fine now. Glad to let it go.”303

“Ok. Um, Mrs. Karen and Mrs. Joananohala, we’ll be leaving now. If you need to call me. Oh, and yes, forget this. It’s the end. We’re happy.” We left. Go mom! 304

When we got home she asked if I wanted to talk now or save it. I wanted to talk, but also save it, “Mom, I’m sorry in didn’t say anything. Can we really forget this?”305

“No, it grows bigger than. The pain grows. I don’t want to speak about it either. Do you really feel you’re the problem we’re in the poor house?” its times like these a great song could express my emotions, “Your father and I had you, it isn’t like we asked you if you wanted to be born. You didn’t cost us a million dollars. It was our choice, honey.”306

“Really, but, but, mom, I complain about lessons and our lifestyle, when I techniquelly are the reason I don’t get singing lessons.”307

“Getting more techincley, no your not.”308

We hugged and I was as assured as I’d get that it wasn’t my fault. I still believe it is a little. 309

That night I went fast asleep. I haven’t seen my dad in days. Two nights in a row I went to sleep early. He doesn’t even say anything. 310

Chapter 7311

With Janet off my back and not having to avoid my dad life seemed great! I bet my teacher will need to speak to me. How much today at school will seem awful, but my mom did say forget it. So maybe they’ll listen.312

When I met up with Peggy I told her why I didn’t walk with her yestaurday. She said she found my life more interesting than her’s. 313

I told her she didn’t want to be in my position. She agreed a little. When we arrived at school Janet wasn’t there! Was she sick?314

“Lucy, nice going!” A girl said to me, I think she was in Janet’s “poesy” I’ve never seen her before.315

“What? Who are you?”316

“I’m Janet’s friend, Meghan, you got her suspended. How could you?”317

“I did?”318

“Yes, for threatening another student. Expect to be in pain, oh, and don’t get me suspended for that! Or you’ll cry for your mommy-again!” she walked away. Peggy and I looked at each other in confusion. 319

I went to Mrs. K’s class and questioned her. She said she told my guidance councilor to be quiet. 320

We stormed in her office. Before I knew it my principal was there fighting too. Mrs. K said it was to be kept a secret and my guidance councilor thought other wise. Next my guidance councilor was packing up, she was fired! I tried to say I didn’t mind, even though she was wrong and I hated this woman. I was ignored. 321

I GOT SOMEONE SUSPENDED AND SOMEONE FIRED! I’m so embarrassed. Kids and teacher will hate me. I wish a song could solve this. 322

Mrs. K said I was safe and nobody will bully or fail me. I doubted it and requested to go home. She said ok! I was surprised. 323

My mom picked me up and I told her what happened. She laughed at me. She seemed awfully happy. “Mom, what’s up? Why are you so cheery?” 324

“Honey, I got the raise!” I got so surprised!325

“Oh my God! Mom! Wow!” We gave each other huge hugs. 326

“Honey, your singing lessons begin tomorrow! Have fun!”327

“Mom, thank you so much. This means the world to me!” I kissed her.328

I have to go to school tomorrow, I know it. If I miss another day I might have to repeat the sixth grade. 329

My dad came home and I kissed him and told him I loved him. He kissed me back and said he loved me too. We all watched T.V. and then it came time to sleep. 330

I was so excited about my soon to be lessons. Me in a room singing, proving my talent!331

I went to sleep hours later. 332

When I went to school Peggy was shocked that I got Mrs. Joananohala fired. She was so impressed, nobody liked her and everyone wanted her fired and I was the girl who got it done. 333

A few people cheered for me. I could tell today was going to be a great day! Singing lessons today!334

I’m so happy!335

“Lucy,” A girl with a million freckles said, she was holding a camera, “I need a picture for the newspaper,” she held up her hand in the air, “The student who got the teacher fired. Might need some editing, but it’s a school newspaper. So pose.”336

I smiled and she snapped. Wow! I’m in the newspaper! “Are you going to say bad things about me?”337

“Nah, basically what happened. It’s an interview with Mrs. K. You’re lucky she’s defending you, anyone else would lose. I’ll be posted some time this week.”338

“Hey, um, do you think all the teacher will be at me?”339

“Yes. Every teacher adored her, for you not to get yelled at will be rare! Good luck, you’ll need it.”340

“Gee, thanks.” I said sarcastically. 341

I went to class. I was called to Mrs. K’s she told me that if a teacher gives me trouble, she’d do something. I told her ok.342

School went fine. I got some looks from a few teachers, but I’d survive, singing lessons are coming! 343

I scurried home with Peggy who I kept rushing to move faster so I can get home and sing!344

“Hey, honey.” My mom greeted me when I went through the front door.345

“Singing lessons. Now!” I panted. Excitement sent chills in me. 346

“Honey it’ll be another hour. So go do your homework.”347

That’s right, my contract! I went upstairs and tried to concentrate on math, but couldn’t. After about an hour I finished. Right when I put my things away my mom called me, “Lucy, get ready, singing lessons!”348

This was it, my first time I can show off, when I can be the star. I am so nervous, I feel my palms getting sweaty. We finally arrived at a huge building. My mom asked a lady where singing lessons were and she got handed a map of the whole place. 349

“Ok, um, oh, here is singing. Ok, Lucy, lets go.”350

“Ok.” I gulped. 351

We got in the elevator and rode up to the seventh floor and got off. We entered a room labels 1,123 and walked in.352

“Excuse me, are you Ms. Bouch?” my mom said.353

“Yes. Are you the new student, Lucy?”354

“Yes.” I studdered.355

She shook my hand and told me to go introduce myself to a few people. I did as my mom and her talked. 356

“Hello, I’m Lucy. I’m new to the class.”357

“Oh, well me too, I joined last week. Jamie is the name.”358

“Hi. I’ve never been to singing lessons before and I’m nervous.”359

“Like I wasn’t? Hey, we’re having a concert, you’ll need a lot of practice.”360

“A concert? Like with people. Alive people?”361

“Yes.” Jamie giggled. “Let me introduce you to Gary, he is good. If you’re better than him you can be a main singer.”362

“Main? Like everyone else is backup?”363

“Well, only about seven people are main and have different parts, but the rest are backup or lights or dancers.”364

“But if you’re lights and dancers what you’ve achieved in this class is pointless.”365

“Exactly. I’m a backup singer for one song. It’s going to stink!” She frowned, “Let’s meet Gary now, he is good. But also nice, I see him making it big one day.”366

We walked over and there was a boy singing. He is good.  He was kind’ve cute too. Cute and has the same dream as me.367

“Hello,” He said to me and then smiled, “I’m Gary.”368

“Lucy. I hear you’re one of the best here,”369

“You heard right. How long have you been here? I’ve never seen you? Were you in another class and transferred?”370

“No. I’m new. Never had lessons before.”371

My mom came and kissed me goodbye and left. 372

Everyone got together. I was handed a script to follow along on a song.373

“Everyone, continue singing and Lucy come with me.” said my teacher.374

I went and was supposed to sing to her. 375

“I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside I've got the month of May. I guess you'd say what can make me feel this way? My girl...” She smiled as I sang.376

“Lucy! You’re so, so amazing. Your voice is amazing! We are having a concert and even though you haven’t practiced, you can be one of the main stars of the show!”377

“Really?!?” I jumped up in excitement. Me, a star!378

I told Jamie and she was impressed. She told everyone. We practiced. I sang My Girl379

Everyday I have to practice. Me, a star! Gary was impressed too. 380

“Lucy, you’re such a good singer. You’ll make it big one day.” Those word trail with me everyday. I have a huge crush on him! We get a duet together!381

“Ok, Lucy get closer to Gary and begin.” my teacher is such a nag, but so nice. She made up the song. “You’re my one and only. To hold you is to fly to heaven.”382

“To see you is to see the inner beauty of one.” Gary would have one line and then I would. Sometimes we had to sing together.383

When my mom came to pick me up my teacher told her how talented I am.384

In the car my mom questioned, “So, you’re one of the more talented kids?”385

“Yes.”386

“The star of a concert. Wow! I’m impressed.”387

“Thank you. I get to sing two songs! Everyone else is backup or dancer and lights.”388

“Well what a shame for them. Why didn’t you ever say you were so talented.”389

“Are you serious?”390

“No,” my mom giggles, “I know. Sorry, but you understand. We weren’t financially stable to go spend that much money.”391

“I know. Thank you for letting me have lessons.” We hugged and arrived home.392

I went up to my room and wrote in my diary about everything. When I finished I came downstairs and watched T.V. with my mom. 393

Chapter 8394

Days went by. I studied and got a few hundreds on tests. My Dad and Mom were proud. Wow, dad, proud, of me! Almost everyday I was lessons. My dad even came for one practice and listened to my voice and put a little smile on his face. He was proud of me!395

“Take it from the top.” Ms. Bouch said as she waved her arms.396

I began, “I’m in love with a wonderful guy. He is so great and more.”397

Gary then had his solo, “I want to kiss a great girl. She is my moon when the sun goes and is the cheer of a sunrise.”398

“He is my moon when the sun goes and is the cheer of a sunrise.”399

We began to sing together, “You are so wonderful. A dream come true.”400

“Excellent!” Ms. Bouch howled, “I love the connection between you two. Marvelous. Class, weren’t Gary and Lucy wonderful? Any comments on them or suggestions?”401

One girl who I think her name is Olivia raised her hand, “Well,” she said shyly, “I think when they hit the high note they should look at each other.”402

“Hmm, great idea. Lets see that starting from Your so wonderful.”403

“Your so wonderful. A dream come true.” and we looked at each other. My heart stopped. After many practices everyone was ready. They show would be in a few days. I have to share a song and sing my own-and I’m terrified. Anxiety reeks within me. Wait, I succeeded in so much, my great grades, doing good at practices and making my dad proud and getting my mom a raise. I am strong, I can’t let fear get to me.404

After practice we went home and my mom checked the answering machine, “Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Darry, this is Dr. Sherman. I’m afraid Lucy needs glasses. Maybe today or tomorrow you can pick them up. She has a serious eye problem where she can’t see a lot of things. Without these type of special glasses, she could go blind next week! So call me and we can schedule an appointment.” then the phone call was over.405

My heart is pounding. I could go blind! “Mom, do I really need glasses?”406

“Maybe, honey. I’ll call him now.” My mom said sympathetically.  407

She dialed the phone and began to speak, “Hello, Nancy, hi um, Dr. Sherman said for us to call.” She rolled her eyes, “Lucy Darry. Ok, ok. Yes. Well, I don’t know.” then she laughed. She laughed! I need glasses, but it okay, she has time to laugh! “Ok, thank you. Bye. Yes. Ok.”408

“Well?” 409

“Yeah, well?” my dad said. He was quiet, you would even know he was there. Did he care? 410

“Well, Lucy needs glasses. We can go in an hour. So, Lucy, go brush your hair.”411

“An hour? It’s Lucy’s bedtime? Dr. Sherman is a nut job!”412

“Erik! Are you going to go?”413

“Of course!”414

I ran upstairs with joy. Even though I was getting glasses I had a loving dad! I brushed my hair and went down stairs.415

“Ok. In like a half hour, I’ll be domed for life.” I said with dissatisfaction.416

My mom spoke, “Oh, glasses aren’t so bad. I had them.”417

“Yeah, and you hated them and you got contacts!”418

“Well, lets stay on topic.” she defended herself. 419

My dad and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes.420

“Lucy. I’ll be fine. You can take off glasses. It’s not like braces.”421

“Did I mention the dentist called and Lucy does need them.” My mom said.422

“Really?” I screamed.423

“No.” my mom giggled. Then dad joined in on her laughter. 424

We all watched T.V. and then it was time to go. The end of my life. Janet would surely make fun of me now. Dad’s right, I can take them off.425

We got there and we got in Dr. Sherman’s office. Where he held up some glasses. They had purple poke a dots all over it’s green exterior. A green that looked like bugers. A thick frame which swirled at the end. Old and discussing.426

“Ok, Lucy has eyes that are odd and can soon just one day stop seeing. We need her to wear these,” he held up the bugared glasses, “They are stylish and helpful. Rare too. Irreplaceable She can’t take them off except for a shower or playing in the pool or stuff like that, you know. Lucy, this is important. Have fun with them. Any trouble call me.”427

He handed me the glasses and I put them on. There was a mirror across the room and I was hideous!”Wait, mom. The concert. Do I have to wear these?”428

“Dr. Sherman, Lucy has a concert and does she have to wear them.”429

“Hmm, how long is the concert?”430

“About two hours, I guess.”431

“No. Out of the question. Goodbye.” He rushed us out-paying customers. I guess he has a lot of patients. I am stuck holding the most ugly thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I hate this! Everything seemed great until this!432

We left after paying. I complained in the car ride home. I swear a tear came out of my eyes. My dad even felt sympathy for me. Both my mom and dad knew my life was over!433

“Nah, they look great! I bet you can’t wait until you wear them to school.”434

School! I felt my heart melt. I cried more. If I really exaggerated my tears then maybe something will change, maybe I’d get new glasses! Maybe get a new eye doctor because he was crazy. I slipped the glasses on. They were huge. They slipped off to the tip of my nose. I was looking over these stupid glasses. Janet and everyone else will crush me like a bug. Will Peggy even except me? Tears poured out like a baby. My mom pulled over the car in surprisement. 435

“Whoa! Lucy?” My dad said.436

I my eyes, “Mom, dad, you can’t make me wear these. I look so dumb! Please. I need a new pair.” then it hit me. I can break these. Get new ones. They are irreplaceable. I’ll break them tomorrow morning so I don’t have to wear them, then after school we get knew ones. “I hate them.” I might as well play along, “They look like the inside of my nose.”437

“Honey, she is right. When I saw them I thought my poor baby.” My dad said.438

“Erik! Don’t say such things.” My mom yelled. “They are perfectly repectable.”439

My mom started driving again. When we got home I brushed my teeth and went to bed. I just lied there thinking about my master plan and how ugly my glasses were.440

My mom came in and said goodnight, “Don’t worry. If things turn out so bad, contacts could be in the question.” 441

“Ok.” I kissed her and she left. 442

Later my dad came, “Lucy,” he shook me, “Honey, wake up.”443

“What? Why?”444

“I have an idea.”445

“For what?” I knew but, who cares.446

“Your glasses. Lets go somewhere, where you can find the right glasses.” he told me to get dressed and I did.447

We got in the car and I slept in the car like I was told because it was a long drive.448

Chapter 9449

“Lucy,” My dad shook me, “Wake up, sweety.” My eyes slowly opened.450

“Dad, where are we?”451

“You’ll see.” He picked me up and we were in the cold. The wind blew through my hair.452

We entered a huge building with huge red letters saying ‘Glasses Mania.’ It had long walls and three floors with escalators leading to each floor. There were shelves filled with glasses, some in boxes, some behind a counter with a guy who looked like a doctor.453

We walked up to the guy. “Excuse me. These are prescription, rare glasses, and well, we need new ones.” my dad said.454

“Ok. Can we take her behind this counter. We’ll do a quick examine.” We walked behind the counter into this huge room. He began to do all of this stuff. It didn’t hurt too bad, but I could do without it.455

“Hm, Well, she definitely needs that type of glasses. But not so unstylish. Ok, there is a whole isle of these type.” He walked over to one of the isles, “Pick the one you like. Give them to me so we can do all of the work.”456

He left and I had an isle worth of choices. I saw some odd ones with weird colors, some with cartoon character, some with poka dots, but then it shot out at me–the most wonderful glasses! They were skinny and small, barely noticeable. They were excellent! “These. Dad! I want these!”457

“Ok. Let’s go show him.”458

We went over and he started doing forms for them. We then left and he wanted to keep those ugly glasses. He said they are popular with the older people. I agreed and gave them to him. 459

In the car dad told me not to right away show them to mom, because she’ll think they aren’t good enough. I promised and then went to sleep.460

When I woke up in the middle of the night I was in my nice warm bed. I knew my dad carried me there. I went back to sleep.461

Chapter 10462

School. A bore. I walked with Peggy, showing off my glasses. She liked them! At school463

Janet was back. She was holding something–glasses! She had glasses! Man, what a geek. Wait! I’m not a geek. Oh, forget it.  I want to see what her boyfriend will say about this. 464

Her boyfriend saw right past her. He didn’t notice it was her. I’m getting closer to see this. “Josh?” Janet said, “Josh? Hello?”465

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” He said. I never knew his name, now I do.466

“It’s me, Janet. Hello? No kiss?” He laughed. I feel bad for her.467

She left, I followed her. She ran into a stale in the girl’s bathroom. Should I say something? “Um, excuse me? Who is in this stale?” That is my ‘break the ice’ conversation starter. 468

“Janet DeLarsh. What do you want?”469

“Well, um, this is Lucy. Why are you in there, crying?”470

“None of your business.”471

“Hey, I got glasses.”472

“What? You got glasses?” She sounded surprised.473

“Yeah. I had these hideous ones, my dad brought me to this place where I got really nice ones. I could show you, if you don’t laugh.”474

The stale started to open. “Me too.”475

“Wow. You have nice ones, originally I had bugured ones.”476

She started to laugh, “Bugars? Well, we didn’t go to a place. Look, I’m crying because of Josh, he ignored me. Glasses! Because of them!” 477

“His loss. Forget him. Um, Janet. I’m sorry I got you in trouble. Were your parents mad?”478

“Mad? They didn’t care.” She looked down, “They are never home. They don’t know me. They hear Janet and say ‘who is that’. Do know what it’s like?”479

I thought. I did–my dad. “Yes. My mom, she loves me, but my dad,” I started crying, “He never loved me until I became a star of a play.”480

“Oh. Well, try two parents.”481

“I feel bad for you. But you don’t have to pick on me because of your life at home.”482

“Lucy. I guess I do it because of it. Sorry. We are even now. Suspension for years of picking on you.” We both laughed.483

Are we friends now? Probably not. Do I want to be? “Janet? Are we friends?”484

“I don’t know. I guess. I still have friends, but I lost a boyfriend and gained a friend who listens. Thank you. Class I think awaits us. Come on.”485

We walked to class and after school I went home486

Later I got a phone call. “Hello?”487

“Can I speak to Lucy?”488

“I’m here. Who is this?”489

“Janet. Can you help me?”490

“Sure. With what?”491

“My friends. They hate me because of my glasses.”492

“Over glasses? That’s stupid. What happened?”493

“They spread a rumor that, I don’t feel like saying. I need to make tomorrow so bad for them. Help me.” Janet sounded like she was really relying on me. Me!494

“Sure, Janet. What can we do? What can I do?”495

“Just meet me tomorrow. I’ll have it all worked out.”496

“Ok.”497

“Bye.”498

I said bye back. I did my homework and then practice. On the car ride there I daydreamed, Janet and me–friends?499

Jamie greeted me, “Hi, Luc. So, ready to rock the show tomorrow?”500

“Yes. I am so nervous.”501

“Oh, don’t be. You’ve rehearsed and have done great!”502

We practiced extra hard for the concert tomorrow. Then we got home and went to bed. I was up a while thinking of the day, tomorrow’s concert and then I fell asleep. 503

Chapter 11504

Peggy and I walked to school. I remember when Peggy said she hated Janet so I found an excuse when I met Janet. “Ok, Janet, what is it?”505

“Well, Lucy.” Janet said, “Come over here.” we both went to the benches where everyone of Janet old friends gave us a look.506

I stared at her as she started to speak. Suddenly, my back felt cold, goo was all over me! “Ahhh!” I screamed. All of Janet’s friends did that. Why? No! This can’t be happening! I should have known Janet was bad news. How could she? “Janet!” I slapped her across the face, “I hate you!” 507

She seemed surprised I did that. I ran away. I went to Mrs. K’s. I told her. She let me go home. 508

When I got home I showered and then went to my room. “Honey? Where are you going?” my mom said.509

I shut the door and said, “Sleep. I have to take advantage of no school.” I wanted to seem happy. Inside I was miserable. 510

“You don’t have a problem with it? You are just sleeping?”511

Tears rolled down my cheeks, “Yes. Now, leave me alone so I can sleep.” 512

I am so sad. How could she. I wrote in my diary about it and how horrible it was. I could die. I HATE JANET DELARSH! I cried so hard I didn’t wake up when it was time for singing. The concert!513

“Honey. Wake up!” I was shaken. It was my dad. “I hear you had a rough day.”514

Tears. “I don’t want to talk about it.”515

“That’s fair.  Princess, concert time. You have ten minutes to get there.”516

“What!” I arose in shock.517

He laughed, “Ok, no, but you have to get ready.”518

I got ready. Put on my outfit. My stomach! It hurts. I’m so nervous. 519

After a while we left for the show. We all went back stage, where we all talked about how520

we’d mess up. Gary and I had to practice. Our teacher went in front of the audience. “Good day, everyone. Thank you for coming. It means the world to these kids who came so long practicing. Every child is as talented as the other.”521

Chapter 12522

“A huge crowd.” Jamie said, “Are you nervous?”523

I turned around from the audience to Jamie, “Yes. Jamie, I’m terrified.”524

“Ok. Everyone, we have to go! Go on!” A lady said as she shoed us on stage.525

The curtain was down until we got into our places. The music began. We started dancing, then it came one of my solo’s. 526

“I saw you. Suddenly felt in heaven. And you are the only guy for me. You mean the world. You mean the world to me! And I want be yours. You stole my heart, crushed it up in a little ball. Oooo how much...I love you...” I am so nervous. The song was then over. I did fine. It felt good. The next act went on. I had time to go back stage and smile, but really want to barf. 527

“Lucy!” everyone cheered. I was told next was my song with Gary, then after three more songs my solo again. I was living my dream. When I was singing I saw my dad’s face. It was unexplainable, the joy that weeps from his eye was great. I was great. It feels good going on stage. 528

Something tapped on my shoulder, “Lucy?” who was it? A familiar voice, but who?529

I turned around. Janet! No. “What?” I swallowed. 530

“I’m sorry. I saw you, good job. Look, I’m sorry.”531

“Apology not excepted. Do you know the humiliation? The dignity lost? You know, I believed you.” I said. I could cry as all of it flashed back in my head.532

“Lucy! Honey, your up in 30, 29, 28 seconds!” my teacher said.533

“We’ll handle this later.” I said as I went on stage. 534

Trying not to cry about today was hard. She knew she’d ruin my song.  I sung as I thought. “You know I love you.”535

Greg sang, “I know, but is it you who is clueless to not know my feelings?”536

Janet DeLarsh is so evil, pure evil. Why? How? I hate her. I hate her! I hate her! “I hate her!” I screamed. Oh no! What have I done? The whole audience gasped at my outburst. I hate myself. The only way to recover is to continue singing and improve a little. “If there was another girl, I’d hate her.” then I got back on track, “And I love you. You are wonderful...”537

We got off stage and my teacher was fanning herself with horror as she eyed me. “Lucy? What happened?” Jamie asked.538

“I don’t want to talk.” I went to my teacher, “I’m so sorry. Please! Don’t hate me.”539

“Hate? No. Mistakes happen, you are a great example. See, by you adding a line, it worked out. Very good! The audience didn’t know.” My teacher said as she smiled.540

One more song. Nervous. Don’t do bad. I constantly told myself that. I felt my armpits break out a sweat. My hands shaking. I am so scared! 541

It’s time. I went on stage and sung my heart out, “Your eyes are great. A mere beauty, the man I’ll marry in an instant.” I saw my parents in the audience. My dad smiling, my mom holding a camera, “You are amazing. How? Why? I don’t know. I am lost and can only realize that you are amazing!” 542

When I got offstage I had to wait for two more songs to end until I could leave. I really hope Janet left.543

I went to parents in the audience after we took a bow. I got flowers! They were roses and real. I am so excited. My parents hugged me. “Oh, Lucy. I have it all of film! Beautiful!” my mom said.544

My dad hugged me, “Lucy, kiddo, you were great!” His smile read ‘proud’ all over it.545

A tap on my shoulder, please don’t be Janet! “Lucy. You were excellent!” it was my teacher, “I won’t let anyone know of your little mess up. Thank you for making the show a show.” she hugged me. I asked my mom if there were still going to be classes she said no, not until next year.546

“Lucy.” Janet came up to me, “Lucy. Please listen!”547

“No.” I said. I went over to Jamie.548

I gave her my email and phone number, “Keep in touch.” Janet waited the whole time to speak to me. Why? I said goodbye to everyone else.549

I went to Gary, “Great job.”550

“Yes. You were good to. I’m going to miss you.”551

“Yeah, Me too. It was fun.” I said.552

He asked, “Are you coming next year?”553

“I suppose. You?”554

“No. I am moving, so I have something I need to do.” He moved in closer to me and kissed me, “Lucy, I like you. I’ll miss you most.”555

“Gary? I–”556

“Here is my email. Promise you’ll email.” He handed me a paper.557

“I promise. I, I like you too. You’re really talented and cute!”558

“Maybe we can set up something called boyfriend girlfriend.”559

“Maybe.” We were about to hug when Janet pulled me.560

“Look, Lucy, I’m going to leave.” he said in a flustered voice.561

Janet said madly, “Lucy. Listen!” she held me down. “Ok, I really did hate them. Then Mary called me. We made up. In order to remain their friend I had to, I had to hurt you. Sorry. I really am.”562

“Janet, I can’t forgive you. You are so mean. Have you ever heard the saying about blah, blah then they aren’t really your friends?”563

“Yes. But, you know what I said sorry. If that’s not enough, then too bad. Go cry again. Get me suspended. See if I care.” She started to CRY, she held it. Covered it. Then turned around, “See if I care.” 564

“Janet, look–”565

“No. Just leave me be. See you tomorrow.” she left. Oh great! Now I feel bad!566

Chapter 13567

The next morning, it was Saturday. I slept until ten in the morning. Janet is still on my mind. I made her cry. She is a tough something, she doesn’t cry. I know her parents are never home. They don’t care, but when you get suspended and you aren’t in trouble your life is horrible. 568

I went to breakfast with my parents to celebrate my performance. We went to a small place, Gary’s. It was a cheap, quant and delicious place. It is my favorite restaurant. It plays elevator music, especially in the bathroom. I’ve been in the boys bathroom, an uncrowded, quite place. The girls bathroom had a line and I really had to go, so I knocked on the door and slipped into a stall, before I left I checked to make sure there was no one there, there wasn’t so I left–I was like a spy. It was fun.569

“The egg supreme.” I said as I ordered.570

“With bacon or sausage?” A waitress said. She looked nervous.571

“Bacon, please.” I said as I folded back the menu and handed it to her and so did my parents. We talked more. We all seemed happy.572

My mom asked, “So, were you nervous?”573

“Nervous? Me? Yes! Mom I was so scared, but after like a minute it felt good! I like being a star.”574

My father gigged, “You were fine.”575

After a while our food came, we dug in. Tasty. Wonderful! Amazing! When we finished and my parents were talking I went to the bathroom. A line–all the way outside the door. 576

I knocked on the boy’s door. Silence. I crept in and there was someone in the stall, someone crying. A woman crying. “Excuse me? Are you in the wrong bathroom?”577

“The line is too long. Can you leave me be?”578

“Sorry.”579

“Are you a girl?”580

“Yes. But the line is too long! I won’t tell if you don’t tell. Want to talk about it? I’ve got time.” She came out. It’s our waitress, “Bella? You are our waitress. What’s up?”581

“Well, my boyfriend broke up with me.”582

“So? His lose.” I said.583

She went on, “I need to get back to work, but we were serious. Close to marriage, I think. He dumped me. I am so sad.”584

“Settle down.” I said. What am I supposed to do? “Well, just understand you’ll survive and he’ll come crawling back. He is having a hard time too. Just go over a friends house and talk with them, they’ll help by so much.”585

“How do you know?”586

“Experience.” I lied, but if it’ll help--good!587

“You? Ok. I’ll go tell my boss my grandma died and I’ll go over Cassie’s house.” she blew her nose then a tear, “Thank you. We need more kids like you. Well, hope to wait for you again.”588

She left. I went to the bathroom. I was holding it in for the whole conversation. I got out safely—with out any men coming and with no women on the long line staring. 589

“That was long.” My mom said.590

“That line was unbelievable.” I said. I took a sip of orange juice.591

“Well, lets go.” My dad said.592

We left, I saw our waitress, she winked as she was speaking to her boss.593

Chapter 14594

We got home. The phone rang, “Hello?” my mom answered. A few seconds later my mom handed me the phone, “For you.”595

I grabbed the phone, “Hello?”596

“Hey, Luc. It’s me, your waiter. I am at my friend, Ann’s house. And guess what.”597

“What?”598

“He called! My man called! He wants to get back together, I said, ‘no. you lost your chance. You and I are over’ and I hung up. He called four more times!”599

“That’s great!” I said. Wow, did I really help? 600

“So, I am so happy. Me and Ann and a few of our friends, Janet are going dancing, we are going to meet some guys.”601

“Janet?” I started crying. On my mind, the only thing is Janet.602

“Yeah, she got dumped by someone too. Why?”603

“I have to go.”604

“Ok.”605

“Hey, how did you get my number?” I asked.606

“The receipt. Do you mind?”607

“No. Bye. Call soon. I have to go! Have a nice time. Meet someone nice!” I hung up. I went outside and on my bike.608

I went about a half hour ride. The whole time I was thinking about Janet.609

Ding dong. “Hello?” a tall lady said, “Can I help you?”610

“I am Lucy, I am here to see Janet.” I said.611

“Sure. I’ll get her, please come in.” We went inside and she called Janet. Janet came down and saw me and left.612

“Can I just go up to see her?” I asked.613

“Yeah, sure.” She pulled out a cigarette and lit it. I hate the smell, I went upstairs. It was a huge, elegant house. 614

I knocked on a pink door with the words ‘Janet’s Room’ on the door. “Janet. Can I speak to you?”615

“Just leave!” Janet screamed.616

I opened the door; she must not have a lock like my room. Her room was beautiful! It was a light shade of pink with posters and pictures. There is so much “Janet” in this room. It is so cool! Not that Janet is cool, of course. “Nice room!” I said as I walked around it touching little things and opening my eyes wide.617

“Don’t touch!” she said, as she slapped me right across the face! 618

I squinted and pulled her hair. Screaming and pulling and scratching went on. “I hate you!” “Die!” It was very vivid and aggressive until an arm separated us.619

“Janet, you idiot. Child, go home. Janet, I’m going to tell your father about this one.” Janet’s mom said.620

“Mom! I didn’t! What? Mom—”621

“None of this, now! Child, go home!” She shouted, “Now, you, Janet,  just stay in here or something, and I’ll go finish my massage with Jeremy.”622

Janet cried. “You heard her, leave.”623

“No. Janet, I am sorry. Is Jeremy your dad?”624

“No, of course not! Jeremy is another one of mom’s  crazy people who she pays to do things, last week it was John doing her feet and then—”625

“What?”626

“Get out!” She pushed me put and slammed the door. I listened through the door and heard crying and then mumbling, “Why? Why am I the one with parents who aren’t there? Why am I in trouble?” She went on and on, I had no idea Mrs. Popular has a hard life, I thought it was all about what shade of lipstick to wear tomorrow. 627

I left, but before I did I slipped a note under Janet’s door with some paper I found in the hallway table.628

Chapter 15629

I called Gary, “Hi, it’s me, Lucy. What’s up?”630

“Lucy. Hi! Um, can I help you?” he said.631

“You said to call. What do you mean? Are you ok? Don’t you miss me?”632

“Totally, just well, I did like you, but that was like a week ago, I have a new girlfriend, Mary. She can’t compare to you, I guess, but I will never see you and well, I think maybe we should like each other when we see each other, you know like during lessons. You know. And besides --”633

I hung up. How could he? We didn’t even official call ourselves girlfriend and boyfriend yet! Mary! I bet she is really pretty. I hope she dumps him, not so I can have him, but so I can laugh at him. We will most certainly not get started up-ever!634

I called Jamie, “Hi, Jamie, it’s me, Lucy!”635

“Hey! I miss you, what’s new?” She said.636

“Nothing really. Well, I called Gary and he dumped me! I hung up though! So, you?”637

“No. I failed a test today in science. It was about nothing we learned, I think! I have to get it signed and my parents are going to freak! But they’ll survive.”638

We gossiped and giggled. I ended up telling her all about Janet. She said to throw a pie in her face. I laughed forever on that one. The doorbell than rang and I said I had to go, it was Peggy.639

“Lucy, there is a rumor that Janet is going to cream you for getting her into a mess.” She said calmly.640

“What?!?” I said. It is a little odd for someone to come to your door and calmly say ‘your death a waits’ so, of course I am shocked. Life right now isn’t fun-Janet and Gary have ruined my day, and now Peggy.641

“Yeah, she told a few of my friend’s friend’s friend’s friend’s, and they told me. So, what are you going to do? Skip school? Barf? Thermometer--heat from lamp?”642

“No. I’m going to fight.”643

“What!” She shouted, “Fight, no. she has connections with big, though, popular people! They’ll bash your head in.”644

“Gee, thanks, but I have to. I just have to.” Do I mean what I’m saying? Yes, totally. I am a hundred percent ready!645

The phone rang again, “Hello?” I said.646

“Hi, Lucy, I need Peggy to come home. Thank you.” Peggy’s mom said. 647

“Peggy, you have to go home. Bye.”648

“Bye.” She said.649

She left and I sat down—with fear! Suddenly my mom bursted into the room, “Lucy!” she screeched, “Guess what! You are going to go big time with that voice of yours!”650

“What are you talking about?” I asked.651

“I had a meeting with a record producer and I asked him to watch your show, he did and well, he sent a letter in wanting to sign with you! You are going to be a star! He is available tomorrow to meet with you, so you can sing the song you did at the concert, so practice, honey!” She kissed me, “I’m going to tell your father!”652

I am so excited! I can scream! I can sing! I went to my room and began to sing. My dad came in, “I just heard! Wow.”653

“Yeah.”654

“You can’t be this calm.”655

“You have no idea what color butterflies are inside of me.”656

“Color?”657

“Yes, now, dad, do you think I will succeed?”658

“Yes!” he exclaimed.659

“Ok, well, I am going to practice.”660

“Ok. Bye.” He sounded disappointed, but I need to cry. Cry for joy, cry for excitement. Cry because I am so scared, I know I know this was great news but I am still depressed because of Janet and Gary. I need to cry.661

He left. I let it out, bursting tears the size of watermelons came out. When it was over I felt clean and happy. I wiped my eyes and sang for joy, creating lyrics by the moment about this all, “So pleased with life currently, when a moment ago it wasn’t fun. And I am so happy…”662

Chapter 16663

“Wake up and get dressed. In two hours it’s your performance.” My mom said. It is the next day, a marvelous shining day!664

-a story that took weeks to write. I still have not completed. My wish-to finish it and get it published.665