The curtains part and I stand center stage in front of a microphone stand with the band behind me.The audience cheers and whistles, and I take a moment to bask in the applause.I place my hand over my heart and smile gratefully.“Thank y’all so much.It’s such an honor to be back at my old high school.”
Another round of applause fills the auditorium, and I giggle into the microphone.“Thank you, thank you.”I turn to face the band, and Ms.Yates stands, ready to conduct.We share a smile before I turn back to address the audience.
“When I went here, I was in a band, Ms.Yates, over here?She was my music teacher, and she helped me so much back then.Y’all are so lucky to have her here, still teaching almost two decades later.Let’s give her a round of applause everyone.Ms.Yates!”
I gaze at the eager faces of the young audience members, knowing that with the right mentorship and encouragement, they could achieve anything.I was grateful to have had that kind of support from my teacher and bandmates, especially Chase and Harper.Harper, who had once performed alongside us on this very stage, but never as a student in this high school.
“I used to perform on this stage a lot to my classmates and I always dreamed of performing to crowds of people and doing stadium tours and selling out arenas.I dreamed big, and I worked real hard and I made it.”I take the microphone out of the stand and walk toward the front of the stage.“I often get told by people that they want to be like me.Maybe not entirely like me.”I chuckle.“Kids, don’t do drugs.It’s bad!”I say in as joking a tone as I can and hopefully still get my point across.“But y’all don’t want to be like me.You want to be you.This is your journey, your life, and you have got to make the most of it.If you want to sing, sing.If you want to write, write.Don’t let anyone hold you back from achieving your dreams.Do what makes you light up.Do what you love to do.Be yourself, because you are beautiful.Each and every single one of you.”
I turn back to Ms.Yates and nod for her to start.The teen at the keyboard plays the introduction to one of my favorite, empowering songs and I sing it with more heart, hope, and gratitude than I have ever sung with before, and the students sit, looking at me with open mouths and starstruck eyes.
It is impressive how familiar the band is with every beat of the song.For a high school band, they play exceptionally well.But then again, they do have the best teacher, so their talent isn’t exactly surprising.We end up playing three songs in total, each one better than the last.As we finish, the audience erupts into applause that can probably be heard down the street.I take a deep bow and waved to the cheering crowd, thanking them for their support before handing the microphone back to the principal and making my way off stage.
“That was amazing,” Kelly says, handing me a bottle of water.“I got some great shots for social media.”Kelly turns her phone to show me.
“Oh, that one is really good,” I say, pointing to the photo of me looking back at the band with a bright smile.
“When you’re ready, there will be a meet-and-greet with some parents and students.The band, in particular, would like some photos with you.”
I follow Kelly’s lead and engage in conversations with the students about their music, interests, and experiences in the industry.I sign autographs, and the students and I take many photos and share plenty of hugs.After that, I greet the adults who are waiting to meet me when I see a familiar face.“Coralee Masters?Is that really you?”I study the woman in front of me.
The woman with short blonde hair smiles back.“I can’t believe you remember your old friend; it’s been so long.”
“How could I forget you!”I hug her and breathe in her fruity scent.“How are you?”
“I’m good.My oldest daughter is in the band.She was so excited to play with you.”
“Wow, they were so great.Which one is she?”
Coralee points to her tall, slim daughter with a bouncy high ponytail.“That’s Emma.She played violin.”
“Yes, I talked to her.She’s really good.”
Coralee beams at her proudly.“Your success really is inspirational.I’m sure it hasn’t always been easy, but you have made a name for yourself.I have all your albums.”
“That’s so sweet.Thank you.”I note the line forming behind her.“It’s so great to see you.”
“You too, Bayleigh.It’s wonderful to see you.”Coralee walks away as the next person steps forward to greet me.As I watch her go, a strange thought crosses my mind: if I hadn’t left when I did, Coralee’s life could have been mine.I could have settled down here, bought a house, and found a job.My children could have attended the same school as I did and joined the same school band.This could have been my life.But it isn’t.
For the next hour, I chat with various people, my cheeks hurting from smiling so much.It is a good day though.It makes me appreciate spending time with regular people instead of constantly being surrounded by other musicians and people in the industry.Sometimes I forget my fans are real individuals with their own lives and struggles.
They came out today to support me, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
* * *
That evening,the Sweetgum Valley Council hosts a special dinner in my honor.Kelly assists me in selecting an outfit from our shopping trip the day before day.I settle on a sophisticated black cocktail dress with rhinestones and off-the-shoulder sleeves, reaching just above my knees.To complete the look, I wear shiny white cowgirl boots adorned with fringes.
We make our way down to the hotel’s grand ballroom, where a swarm of eager press photographers and reporters await us.I put on my best smile and strike a few poses for their cameras before entering the room.The space is filled with people socializing over glasses of champagne, while Kelly, as always, is at my side, introducing me to everyone and keeping the conversation flowing.A waiter hands me a glass of sparkling mineral water with a lemon slice garnish—my new go-to drink to avoid any temptation of alcohol.The photographers are always looking for that “money shot” of me falling off the wagon again, but Kelly is vigilant in making sure no one sabotages her boss’s sobriety by accidentally serving alcohol.Maintaining my recovery is tough enough without any external pressure or temptation.
The guests at tonight’s event are primarily local businesses and supporters of the upcoming weekend event.I don’t recognize most of them, so I assume they must be new to the area.There is a band on the stage singing country music covers and I smile as I think of all the gigs like this I once played.
Eventually, we are asked to take our seats, and appetizers are served.Kelly and I sit with the mayor and many other important figures, making small talk and expressing our gratitude for their generous contributions.
Then, the mayor steps onto the stage and delivers a speech about how this weekend’s event will raise funds for the town, particularly considering the recent drought that has devastated local agriculture and businesses.He outlines plans for where the donations will go and how it will help boost community morale.
“We are honored and thrilled to have Bayleigh Gilmore return to our town this week to support our cause, and I would like to bring her up to the stage now to say a few words.”
I stand, smooth down my dress, and join the mayor on the stage.He hands me the microphone.Kelly had warned me I would be asked up, so I have already rehearsed for this.I thank the mayor and everyone attending as I look out at the crowd of people who have come together to help my hometown in its time of need.
