I look at my watch.I’m not supposed to be here.This is not the day I typically work.My coworker, Janine, called me this morning and asked if we could swap days, as her daughter is sick and needs to stay home from school.Despite having a long list of chores waiting for me, I agreed and made the trip back into town.It’s just in my nature to help others when they need it.My mother instilled that in me at a young age.
I can’t handle any more emotions or chaos from Bayleigh.She’ll be leaving soon enough.Part of me is relieved, but another part is saddened.I can’t help but feel drawn to her and want to soak up every moment with her before she’s gone for good.But my logical side reminds me to keep my distance and remember that there won’t be many more chances to see her before she leaves, possibly never to return again.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Bayleigh
The restof the weekend flies by.The mayor and I meet and I pose for the promised photo shoot while Kelly puts together the agenda for the rest of the week.That’s how I find myself at Sweetgum Valley High School on Monday afternoon.
I peek through the curtains of the school auditorium, my eyes widening as I take in the scene before me.Excited teenagers sit on the floor, squeezed between adults who occupy chairs or stand along the sides of the room, all vying for a good view.Video cameras have been set up on tripods and photographers are perched with their cameras, ready to capture today’s performance.The pressure is immense; there is so much riding on Saturday’s show and I can’t afford to give the press any reason to write negatively about me.These kids and this community look up to me as a role model, and I won’t let them see the failures and regrets of my past.
When Kelly first told me about performing at the school, I didn’t know what to expect, so I’d spent the morning rehearsing and preparing for anything.The teachers had happily canceled classes for the afternoon just to come watch me sing with the school band.It’s a far cry from the shows in my early days of targeting teenage audiences, when I’d sing about kissing boys under the bleachers and going to Dairy Queen.Now, my songs reflect a life I have left behind—one full of long hours, vocal training, and performances that took over my life during what should have been my senior year.
I step back and let the curtain fall into place.I take a deep breath as I remind myself that I can do this.I can perform in front of an audience full of teenagers and their parents, some of whom I may have known in the past.
Could Chase be out there?Maybe he’s a father now.He could have a wife and kids, keeping true to the norm in Sweetgum Valley.I didn’t see a ring on his finger, but that’s not unusual for ranchers.And around here, most people here tend to stay put.
My own parents were third-generation residents of Sweetgum Valley and highly respected members of society.My mother even served on the school committee when I was a student here.
The thought of my mother sends a sharp pain through my heart.I’ve trained myself not to be affected by mentions of my parents or any other family members.We may share DNA, but they are no longer my family.
“Bayleigh?”
I turn at the sound of a familiar voice and see a slim woman with short brown hair walking towards me with a nervous smile.
“Oh my gosh, Ms.Yates?”Tears well in my eyes as I take in the sight of my old teacher.“You look exactly the same.”I open my arms wide for a hug.
“You look amazing.”Ms.Yates smiles graciously.“I wasn’t sure you would recognize me.”
“I will always remember you as my favorite teacher; your music and singing classes helped me get this far.”
“You and Chase were both so talented.I’ve been keeping up with your career, which is why the school band already know all your songs.”
I laugh.“Now it makes sense how they were able to perform on such short notice.”
Ms.Yates places a comforting hand on my arm.“I am incredibly proud of you and all you’ve accomplished.”
“Thank you.”I swallow back the emotions tightening in my throat.Not many people have ever expressed pride in me; usually I’m just a disappointment.But Ms.Yates is different.She had been an ally for Chase, Harper and me in school, helping our band practice and organizing performances and competitions.She believed in us when few others did.
Her voice lowers to a soft tone.“Will you be visiting your mother while you’re here?”
I shake my head, my earrings swaying against my cheeks.
“I see her every now and then.”Ms.Yates leans in closer, perhaps to avoid being overheard.“She’s never been the same since ...well, you know.”
Although my teacher has no intention of causing harm, I can’t help feeling guilty.“And what about my dad?”
“He left a long time ago.I have no idea where he is now.”
Kelly interrupts us before the news fully sinks in.“We’re getting started soon.”
“Good luck,” Ms.Yates says and squeezes my hand before heading off to join the band.
“Are you ready?”asks the principal, an elderly man with a warm smile.
I nod.“Absolutely.”I swallow hard as he walks out onto the stage, and the room falls silent for his introduction.
“We are honored to have a special guest here today.She attended this very school, sang in the choir, and competed in many competitions.Today she will be performing with our school band.Please give a warm welcome to Bayleigh Gilmore!”
