Worshipping (American) Idols

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I love to sing. It’s as much a part of who I am as the fact that I’m a girl. So when I was told that American Idol people were coming to my town in their scout for next season’s talent, I was completely there.

Or, I would’ve been. The fact that it was Saturday and therefore family time couldn’t apparently be ignored.

“I’ll be right back, Mom!” I called into the living room. It was almost five in the evening, and I knew that they’d be finishing soon. I’d get there, though, even if it meant lying to my mother. Which is what I was doing. She thought I was going to the store to get chips for the game night part of family day.

With five minutes left, I strapped on my roller blades and gear, then zoomed out of the house. I could still make it to the civic center if I rushed. And what was a few bruises and maybe a minor concussion for the chance at the possibility of a record deal? I was sure Mom would forgive me.

“Watch out!” I shrieked as a group of girl scouts on the sidewalk ahead of me screamed and jumped out of the way. One of them was still in the way, though, and I skidded to a stop mere millimeters from her.

“See, girls? This is why you need to practice safety when you’re riding a bike or roller skating!” the troop leader explained as she pulled the narrowly-missed little girl along with her. I muttered swears under my breath at them, then started off again.

Cars beeped at me as I crossed the street in under two seconds, thanking God that I had a good equilibrium. The civic center was just ahead; I could see it!

I could also see the woman walking out, pulling a key out of the door’s lock as she left. She looked at me, startled, when I screamed to the sky. I finally lost control of my rollerblades and crashed into a shrub in front of the building.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the star of treble choir,” a voice said, and I carefully extracted myself from the shrub and looked up.

“Oh, hello, Tally,” I said, my voice clearly showing that I was frazzled and not willing to deal with her right then. Her folded arms and triumphant expression told me to think otherwise, though.

“I’m guessing you didn’t make it,” she said in a mocking voice. Did she enjoy my misery?

“No, I didn’t,” I said, pulling a branch from my hair.

“Well, I did!” And that was it. I stood up carefully, then examined her.

“Hey, Tally, open your mouth,” I said. Tally looked at me like I was crazy, but obliged. “Stick your tongue out, I think there’s something in there...” Again, she did as she was told. I Frenched her and started skidding off, all in one fluid motion. “I sure hope I don’t have mono, Tally!” She was screaming as I skated off into the distance.

Of course, I never did remember to get those chips...