Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
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TITLE: Thriller of an Invitation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Arduini
03/15/07 -
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Apparently we were topics for teacher lounge chat because other teachers kept us together. Fourth grade gave me the chance to redeem my stage fright experience with a girls’ baseball song where Breanna and I shared a solo. I looked all the part of Bobbi Sue, the frustrated girl baseball player, thanks to my mom’s limited haircut repertoire. Breanna belted out the lyrics like she was auditioning for Broadway. When we took a joint bow, our friendship outgrew school boundaries.
Our middle school years were all about overnights. We listened to Breanna’s Thriller Record and pretended Michael Jackson wanted us in his next video. We cried as Lady Diana shared her vows. Those were the years I couldn’t imagine my life without Breanna. As we transitioned into the teen years Breanna’s passion for life eased me out of my shy shell.
I announced our sophomore year I was going out for track. Breanna, with her piercing blue eyes and hands on her slightly plump hips, was adamant we try out for show choir. Our bickering echoed through the East High halls until Breanna sighed.
“You have to do what you have to do, right Tara? Go for it, you’ll be great.”
We continued our friendship through high school, even though our interests changed. Breanna traveled around upstate New York with choir. I traveled the same destinations with track. Our friendship peaked when Breanna surprised me by singing the national anthem at my last all state meet.
When we entered community college Miss Carter never would’ve guessed we were the same kindergarten partners. Breanna started college with an impressive weight loss and a dream to replace Barbara Walters. She announced she didn’t have time for choir. I tackled a heavy schedule and work. We rarely socialized, going to parties where U2 and REM rotated our dance time, replacing Michael Jackson forever.
During our second year the Bobsey Twin era all but disintegrated. I met Scott Weller, something of an oddity on campus, a born again Christian. Scott drove a motorcycle and listened to Petra. I accepted his invitation to church and gave my life to Christ. Breanna was miles away interning at a TV station, peppering her college resume. When I shared my engagement she thought I was joking.
“Tara have you seen Princess Diana these days? That young bride doesn’t look so happy.”
“Who would be with royal pressure? Scott loves me. We share the same faith. Would you believe I’m thinking of trying out for the church choir?”
Breanna took a sip of her mocha and made a face.
“You have to do what you have to do, right Tara? Go for it, you’ll be great.”
I didn’t see it then, but that was her goodbye message. I made wedding plans and she transferred to a nationally ranked state college. I heard from her mom that her life was full of parties and working at a local paper. When I knew she was home for break I was devastated when she didn’t call. Scott encouraged me to pray for her. The wedding was less than three months away. I ached to have her attend, but was afraid of her rejection. I set the invitation aside and continued to pray.
At my bridal shower mom shared that Breanna was about to graduate. She had high hopes of getting a job in media relations. I was shocked to learn that through her junior and senior year she had been the object of a stalker’s affections. My compassion for her plight outweighed my fear and a week before my wedding, I called. It took three attempts before I could complete dialing.
I prayed, not sure how she would receive me. When she recognized my voice I cleared my throat.
“Michael Jackson called. He wants to know if we’re free to be in his next video.”
Breanna was silent for a moment then replied,
“We have to do what we have to do. Let’s go for it, we’ll be great.”
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I want to say "thank you!" for taking time to comment on my music story, too. I do appreciate it!
God bless and keep writing.