A Life in High School, Ch. 5
#6 of A Life in High School
Chapter 5 of A Life in High School
Hey, guys, MLGDraconCraft here, and welcome to the newest addition to Rend's story! It's been a rough week (It's Friday, yay!) and I needed some sort of release for this so...
This is the other one that is Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am is the theme song. Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk48xRzuNvA&index=1&list=PLv-Exq9d7jl5oHcOr8pAG-6jSnnWUFZCD
Roll the film!
My crutches clacked against the cold tile floor of our bathroom as I tapped them. "Could you stop that?" my sister said.
"Sorry." My apology didn't really sound real, partially because it came through the speaker. Even though Sheryl had said last week that my throat was completely healed, I wanted to preserve it for tonight. I had a special...treat.
"Ignore Red, Colton. He's not worth it." I nodded. "Don't nod!"
Okay! Jeez. I'd been practicing singing in my room for the past week, whenever I could, to strengthen my voice. I was relatively confident, but no joke, I wasn't sure how tonight would play out. Erin, my sister, said my voice was fine--if anything, better than ever--but I didn't really believe her.
She dabbed a bit of paint onto the scar above my eyebrow, and I had to suppress a wince. "Sorry," she said. So, it's a Halloween festival, so what the heck, we're supposed to dress up anyways. I had taken a pair of jeans and made them look all ripped up, and asked Erin to paint me so I looked like--what the heck?--a zombie. It made it all the easier that I has been scarred from the attack. It had taken her longer because I had refused to wear a shirt, so she had to paint my torso too.
"Aaaand...done!" She stepped out of my way so I could see myself in the mirror.
I laughed--without the box--amazed. You did great, Erin!
"Thanks!" she said. "Now to get to the festival."
We went downstairs and Erin called to our parents, "Mom! Dad! I'm taking Colton to the festival!"
I didn't even wait for a response, clacking outside and climbing into the car. Erin, let's go!
"Okay, I'm coming!"
Twenty minutes later, we pulled up outside a forested area with a lighted path that I assumed lead to the site of the festival. I guess I'll see you later, Erin, I said as she and I climbed out of the car.
"Cya." I started down the path, but Erin called me. "And, Colton?... Kill it."
I grinned at her, then turned and continued down the path. I smiled at five shadowy figures standing at the entrance to the park. _Thanks again, guys,_I said.
As one, they nodded. I continued into the park. Once I reached the middle of it, I allowed myself to look up. I stared around, amazed. There were tents set up everywhere. There was one for the teachers, another for the sound and lights station in case it rained, and several of them were dedicated to face painting. I started towards the teacher's tent to see if Reese was in there. I poked my head in, and sure enough, there he was, talking to someone I had not ever seen before. Mr. Reese?
_ _ He turned. "Ah, Rend. I had hoped you would come along." He gestured at the deer behind him. "This is Detective Connely. It seems your old boyfriend still cares about you after all," he finished.
Nice to see you again, Connely.
"Same to you, Rend," the detective said, coming over to shake my hand.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Reese asked, obviously confused.
Yeah, Red introduced the two of us at his house when I visited his parents. He worked on a case that Red had had a while back. He just so happened to be in the area and thought he would stop by. Connely nodded.
"Okay, then, I'm guessing you know why he's here then?" I nodded. "Then that relieves a lot of stress. Rend, what do you want to say?"
Well, first of all, it's nearly six, so you should be getting ready to begin the talent show, and second, the guests are here.
Reese checked his watch. "Oh, crap, you're right! I'll talk to you later, Connely. Thanks, Rend!"
As he ran out through the flap, Connely laughed. "He seems like a very uptight fur."
I laughed too. Well, considering he's a coach under Mace, I think he does pretty well.
"Well, I guess you have that right."
We exited the tent and grabbed some seats right before Reese stepped up onto the stage. "Good...well, I guess its good night, right? Anyways, I wanted to thank you all for coming, and before we start, we have a very special guest that I would like to allow to come up here and preform! So let's get right to it!"
The lights on the stage disappeared, so there was total darkness. Then a base drop, the lights set on the back of the stage lit up. Another, same thing. Then another, and percussion started. Then another and treble and baritone joined in. Then another and another treble. The lights flared to life and the members of the band revealed. But they didn't have any instruments; no, they were an A Capella band!
Someone in the crowd laughed and shouted, "Ay, it's Pentatonix!"
I chuckled a little.
Some thirty talents passed in what seemed like a blur. I was the last one. Reese announced the last talent before mine, and the name of the performer.
It was Red.
I watched him search the crowd for my face. I knew he wouldn't recognize me because of my disguise, and I would have been happy to leave it that way. However, I somehow knew that this song was for me, and I wasn't coldhearted enough to let him do it without knowing I was here. So I waved.
His eyes locked onto mine. In them I foremost saw surprise, but I also saw grief, sadness, and anger. I didn't know you could have those four emotions mixed, but hey, you learn something every day.
"This next song is for all of you who may have lost someone dear, like, say, a relative, or a friend, or even...someone you loved." His eyes were locked onto mine the whole time. I shook my head.
He began his song.
Five minutes later, he was done. I ignored his pleading look cast at me, and stood to go stand with the members of Pentatonix. Avi greeted me like an old friend; in fact, he was. He was the one who taught me to draw as a release to my troubles about being an intersex. "How're you doing, old friend?" he asked in his rich, deep voice.
Well enough, how about you?
He peered at me, but ignored whatever it was that sparked his interest. "Pretty good. So the plan is two songs, and we mix the bass?"
If you mean play at the same time, then yes. I looked around at the other four members. Tell me this: how do you feel at the beginning of your concerts, right before you get onstage?
"Nervous," they all said at the same time. "It never goes away," Kevin added.
We all laughed. Well, let's go, I said, having heard my name. Just like we planned, the Pentatonix members got onstage at the back, in the shadows, and I clacked my way over to the mic. There was dead silence as I approached it. Pulling out the speaker again, I held it up to the mic and began to think-speak.
So, most of you know of the attack that I had...wow, nearly two months ago now. I've had to be on crutches for the time I've been standing because of the instability I've had in my legs, and it's still not safe for me to walk without the crutches. Nearly everyone nodded.I've also had to use this device to speak. Now, I'm not gonna preach, I said, but I will say this--whatever you do, do it with confidence and courage! I grabbed the rubber headset that had been reading my mind and ripped it off, tossing it and the speaker onto the ground. "Therefore, I say to you clearly and concisely, I will never, ever, stop moving forward, no matter what obstacle is in my way, and no matter past or future, I will live in the now! I refuse to look back!"
I grabbed the mic and went back into the shadows. All of the members of the group were facing forward now. I joined them, and the lights went dark. We walked out to the middle of the stage and began singing as the lights slowly illuminated us.
The fireplace is burnin' bright,
Shinin' all on me
I see the presents underneath
The good ol' Christmas tree
And we'd all like for Santa to come
To wake me from my dream
Oh-oh, why
Cause that's Christmas to me
I see the children play outside
Like angels in the snow
While Mom and Daddy share a kiss
Under the mistletoe
And we'll cherish all these simple things
Wherever we may be
Oh-oh, why
Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart (Song in my heart)
I've got the candles glowin' in the dark (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
I grew slightly nervous here, because Avi and I were about to sing a solo.
I listen for the thud of reindeer
Walking on the roof
As I fall asleep to lullaby's
The morning's coming soon
The only gift I'll ever need
Is the joy of family
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart (Song in my heart)
I've got the candles glowin' in the dark (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
There's an instrumental here that I don't really know how to log, but you will be able to find the song and hear it.
All the joy that fills our hearts and makes us sing (Joy that makes us sing)
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart
I've got the candles glowin' in the dark
And then for years to come
We'll always know one thing
That's the love that Christmas can bring
Oh-oh why?
Cause that's Christmas to me
I took a deep breath, retreating deep inside myself as applause showered me with praises. I shook my head. "Hold on!" I shouted. The crowd quieted. "I have two more songs for you. One is about...well, never mind. I'll just jump in with these extraordinary people."
A light in the room
It was you who was standing there
Tried, it was true
As your glance met my stare
But your heart drifted off
Like the land split by sea
I tried to go, to follow
To kneel down at your feet
I'll run
I'll run
I'll run, run
To you
I'll run
I'll run
I'll run, run
To you
I've been settling scores
I've been fighting so long
But I lost your war
And a kingdom is gone
How shall I win back
Your heart which was mine
I have broken bones
And tattered clothes
I've run out of time
I'll run
I'll run
I'll run, run
To you
I'll run
I'll run
I'll run, run
To you
I will break down
The gates of heaven
A thousand angels
Stand waiting for me
Take my heart
And I lay down my weapons
Break my shackles
To set me free
I'll run
I'll run
I'll run, run
To you
I'll run(I'll run)
I'll run (I'll run)
I'll run, run
To you
Hmmm-mmm
Hmmm-mmm
Hmmm-mmm, mmm
Hmm hmmmm
I trailed off, along with Pentatonix, at the end. "Okay," I said. "I have two in mind that I can do, either both or one or the other. Do you guys want both or just one?"
The entire crowd roared, "Both!"
I grinned and laughed. "Okay."
Buy it, use it, break it, fix it, trash it, change it, mail - upgrade it, Charge it, point it, zoom it, press it,snap it, work it, quick - erase it, Write it, cut it, paste it, save it, load it, check it, quick - rewrite it, Plug it, play it, burn it, rip it, drag and drop it, zip - unzip it, Lock it, fill it, call it, find it, view it, code it, jam - unlock it, Surf it, scroll it, pause it, click it,cross it, crack it, switch - update it, Name it, rate it, tune it, print it, scan it, send it, fax - rename it, Touch it, bring it, pay it, watch it--technologic
One more time!
One more time!
Like the legend of the phoenix
All ends with beginnings
Keeps the planet spinnin'
A force from the beginnin'
We've come too far
To give up, who we are
So let's, raise the bar
And our cups, to the stars!
(Say) We're up all night till the sun
We're up all night to get some
We're up all night for good fun
We're up all night to get lucky
We're up all night till the sun
We're up all night to get some
We're up all night for good fun
We're up all night to get lucky
We're up all night to get lucky
We're up all night--all night to get--up all night to get-get-get lucky
Last night I had this dream about you
In this dream I was dancing right beside you
There's nothing wrong with just a little bit of fun
We were dancing all night long
(Oh) I don't know what to do
About this dream and you
I hope this dream comes true-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
One more time
Hey! We're gonna celebrate
Ah yeah, all right
And start the dancin'
One more time, we're gonna celebrate
Work it harder, make it better
Do it faster, makes it stronger
More than ever, hour after
Our work is, never over
Work it harder, make it better
Do it faster, makes it stronger
More than ever, hour after
Our work is, never over
Imma work it harder, make it be-
Do it faster makes it s-
More than ever hou-hour after
Ou-our wor-rk is ne-ver over
Work it harder, make it better
Do it faster, makes it stronger
More than ever, hour after
Our work is, never over
Television
Rules the nation
Television
Rules the nation
Music's got me feelin' so free
Celebrate and dance so free
One more time
Music's got me feelin' so free
We're gonna celebrate
Celebrate and dance so free
Tonight (Hey!)
Just feelin'
Music's got me feelin' the need
One more time
Music's got me feelin' so free
We're gonna celebrate
Celebrate and dance to the stars!
We're up all night to the sun
We're up all night to get some
We're up all night for good fun
We're up all night to get lucky
We're up all night to the sun
We're up all night to get some
We're up all night for good fun
We're up for one more night!
We're up all night to the sun (Oh celebration)
Feelin' so free
One more night!
We're up all night to the sun (Oh celebration)
(Music's got me) Feelin' so
Our work is, never over
I held my pose at the very end of the song, both of my arms outstretched as I breathed heavily. Choreography was not my strongest trait, so I had just stood there with my mic in the holder. The crowd cheered, and I smiled as I began the last song.
Say something I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one if you want me to
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something I'm giving up on you!
And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
And I will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
Say something I'm giving up on you!
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you!
Anywhere I would've followed you! (Oh-oh!)
Say something I'm giving up on you!
And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye!
Say something I'm giving up on you! (Say something, say something, say something)
I'll be the one if you want me to (Say something, say something, say something)
Say. Some. Thing.
I'm giving up. On. You.
I'll. Be the one. If you want. Me. To.
Say. Something.
I'm giving up. On you.
I'll. Be the one. If you want. Me. Tooooooo
(Say) Say something I'm giving up on you! (I'm giving up. On. You.)
(I'll) I'll be the one if you want me to! (If you want. Me to.)
Say something I'm giving up on you! (Say something I'm giving up on you!)
I'll be the one if you want me to! (If you want me to! Oh, if you want me to!)
Anywhere I would've followed you!
Say something (Say something)
Say something (Say something)
Say something (Say something) (Oh)
Say something I'm giving up on you (Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
I smiled as the crowd cheered. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Trevor start to sprint towards the stage. I had no idea what his intentions were, but I could tell he was crying. Just before he reached the stairs, the lights--the entire system, all around the park--went dark. "Oh, shit," I whispered. Then I turned, and with my vision, went down the stage and followed Trevor's scent trail. "God_damn_ it!" I said.
Hey guys, and thank you so much for your dedication and patience with me. Thankfully, the school year is halfway--more than halfway--over, and I'm thinking about going back to homeschooling. That way, I'll have much more time to pursue my interests, like YT and music, and, of course, this.
Anyways, enough with the life talk. I'll see you guys next time.
Momentine!