Raw Talent

Raw Talent — page 7 — Everybody starts chanting Denzi Denzi Denzi Whoa Vanessa yells Awesome idea little brother But it’s highly unlikely she’d come We have to be realistic Cadence stands and waits until everybody is looking at her The Sweetland Singers she says flipping her long dark hair We’re pretty famous too And we’re local Not to mention humble I think I might barf Great suggestion Vanessa says Thanks Cade You’re welcome I’ll ask our director at rehearsal tonight Happy to help Cadence smiles at Heath I’ll probably have a solo I’ll dedicate it to Sunflower Farm and the memory of Heath and Vanessa’s dad Definitely going to barf The Sweetland Singers are famous They win all kinds of awards at music festivals And after they won an international competition last summer their name was added to the welcome sign on the road into town Okay I will confess that I’m totally intimidated by the Sweetland Singers I auditioned for them 6 JOCELYN SHIPLEY

Raw Talent — page 8 — shortly after we moved here Let’s just say it didn’t go well Jasmeer passes me the clipboard and pen Here you go I take it and read the names on the talent list There are five pianists three ballet dancers a jazz troupe an a cappella group two rock bands and a ukulele player So far I try to picture myself in the spotlight Ready to sing But no Just thinking about it makes me feel naked And no way am I signing up if the Sweetland Singers are going to be the big-name act When Jasmeer isn’t looking I pass the clipboard clipboard on After the meeting Jasmeer and I head for our lockers I’m just about to admit to her that I didn’t sign up for anything when she says Oh my god I’m so excited about Farmshine Yeah I say Me too It’s going to be an amazing show And I’m so proud of you for signing up Way to go Um about that Oh don’t stress over the stage-fright thing at all I’m going to ask Maxine to coach you 7 RAW TALENT

Raw Talent — page 9 — I stop and stare at her You mean Maxine Gaston our mc Yes Seriously I say You really think she would Maxine Gaston just happens to be staying at the b b Jasmeer’s parents run here in Stonehill while her house is being renovated It’s only a twenty-minute drive from here to Stratford where she’s currently performing in The Merry Wives of Windsor I met her at Thanksgiving dinner at Jasmeer’s place She’s brilliant I would love to have her help me overcome my stage fright But oh wow just the idea is petrifying Maybe Jasmeer says I mean I’m sure she’s super busy but it can’t hurt to ask 8 JOCELYN SHIPLEY

Raw Talent — page 10 — Two If Maxine Gaston will help me with my stage fright I’ll sign up to sing at Farmshine for sure But that’s a pretty safe promise Because of course she’ll say no And then I’ll just tell Jasmeer I never signed up and I’m never going to End of story But that might mean the end of my singing career Before it even gets started What to do I wish I could decide When I get home from school my parents are still at work as usual Which is fine by me because it means I can sing with no one listening No reminders of what a disappointing daughter I am Here’s the thing My mom teaches music at a university and plays flute with a symphony 9

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