Maria’s Song
Chapter 3
The next morning Maria seemed to be in a more upbeat mood. She was even humming a song. As her aunt walked into the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast. Mildred could not help but notice how happy Maria was. It was not just her singing but her entire demeanor. Maria was all dressed up, and her dark brown hair matched her tan blouse while complementing her light brown eyes.
“Well, don’t you look nice today Maria”, said her aunt.
“Thank you, Aunt Millie.”
“We are taking our pictures at school today and then I have an audition at church.”
“Oh, that is right,” she said while pouring a cup of coffee.
Maria sat down with her aunt for a moment.
“So, are you nervous at all?”
Maria looked right at her.
“Maybe a little, but I have to say once I begin singing it is like I am transported.”
“I can sense that from you, Maria.”
“I think it’s like the spirit moves me, especially at church, Aunt Mildred.”
Her aunt was so happy to see that Maria was finally going after everything she so dearly deserved.
“I am happy to see you so excited, Maria.”
“Thank you Aunt Millie I got to run now.”
“See you later and by the way you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, and I wanted to let you know Toby left earlier this morning, he was pretty anxious to begin on his new science project,” said Maria.
“Yes, your uncle told me how excited he was this morning when he dropped him off at school.”
Maria smiled as she walked out.
“Love you, Aunt Millie.”
“Love you too, Maria and best of luck!”
“Thank you.”
Maria stepped out and walked over to the bus stop. It was a bit breezy this early morning, but all she could think about was her audition.
I hope they like my audition. And the original song I am doing.
Maria was so caught up in her thoughts she did not notice the bus driver honking at her.
“Well, Maria, you coming?”
She gasped. “ Yes, I am and sorry.”
“Looks like you were miles away.”
“I actually was.”
“Well get in before we are all late.”
She laughed and got into the bus.
Her best friend Hazel was already saving a seat for her.
Maria was trying to catch her breath.
“ What no good morning, Hazel?
Hazel frowned at her.
“Oh, good morning Hazel she said gasping.
Hazel faked a frown with a slight smirk on her face.
Now tell me are you nervous?
Maria took a moment.
“Come on Maria.”
“Okay, Okay, I will tell you about the audition.”
Maria rolled her eyes at her best friend.
“Come on, there is no need to be snarky!”
Maria could not help but laugh.
“Okay, well I am nervous, and I could barely eat a thing this morning.”
“Well I just know you are going to do awesome!”
“Thank you, my friend, that means so much.”
“Maria, you have the voice of an angel.”
Just then those words gave Maria a flash from her past.
In the memory, she could see her mother Deena smiling at her and telling her how her voice was that of an angel.
Wow, baby you have the voice of an angel.
“Are you crying, Maria?”
Maria shrugged it off.
“I am just happy, and I appreciate your words, my friend.”
“Well, it is true Maria.”
“Thank you, Hazel. So, you ready for pictures?
“Nope, I am not,” said Hazel pointing to her now pink hair.
Then both girls began to laugh hysterically. For now Maria kept the truth of Deena to herself. Besides, she did not need her past interfering with her day.
I have to concentrate on the audition.
After about an hour the bus arrived at school.
“Okay, see you at lunch time so you can sing me the song for the audition, Maria!”
“Okay, I will see you then Hazel.”
Maria was happy to have a friend in Hazel. She met her in middle school and had been friends since. They’re more like sisters. It was nice to have someone other than her Aunt Mildred to confide in when things got tough.
The only big revelation Hazel did not know about was Deena. Not that she was afraid to tell her best friend. It was more that she was embarrassed.
“Hey, Maria and don’t forget to smile for the picture.”
“Sure, I will smile.”
As she walked away, she whispered softly, “Says the girl who never smiles.”
“I heard that, Maria!”
Then both girls walked over to their first-period class.
