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 - a challenge - 52 short stories in 52 weeks...something must be worth reading, right? |
The theme of the summer dance party was Forever Youth, and as the students from St. Nicholas High trickled into the community center, they did their best to ignore the curious—and often wary—glances cast their way. Though the warm weather had many in light shirts and sleeveless dresses, an unmistakable chill lingered in the air. It wasn’t from the air conditioning, but rather the uncomfortable sense that they were pawns in a political show. “In the spirit of promoting integration in the City,” the pompous politician had proclaimed from his podium, flashing his best grin for the cameras, “two of our most popular high schools will be hosting a joint dance party this weekend! We want to show the State—no, the entire Country!—that we are a city of progress! And it all begins with our young people.” He was banking on the event earning him more votes. And while a handful of human rights activists had cheered his decision, much of his electorate had met it with scorn. “I ain’t going to no goddamn integrated dance,” Bobby Wilkins had grumbled when the announcement reached his senior class. “They can keep their white music.” He wasn’t alone. Complaints had rippled through the student body despite Principal Whatley’s urging, reminding them participation would reflect positively on their graduation records. “If we don’t get shot first,” Bobby muttered under his breath, glaring across the room at a group of white boys who stared back with open hostility. “It’s gonna be okay, babe,” Anita—his girlfriend—whispered, tightening her grip around his arm. “Let’s just get this over with.” Giant TV cameras, marked with the familiar CBS logo, loomed nearby. This was definitely going to make the evening news. Like it or not, they had to represent their school. “Sheesh, they got a white band on stage,” Carl, a classmate, muttered in disgust. “This whole thing’s gonna blow.” A high-pitched whine blared from the microphone, silencing the murmurs. The host—a popular TV personality—strode confidently onto the stage, drawing starstruck gasps from several students. Flashing a megawatt smile, he gave a wink and motioned for the cameras to start rolling. “If I could get all of you onto the dance floor, please,” he said warmly. “No need to stay hidden in the corners, everyone.” Reluctantly, the students shuffled forward, but Ron Dimond—host of the hit show Bandstand—frowned as he noticed the divide. St. Nicholas students clung to the left side of the hall, while Morgan High claimed the right. An invisible barrier split the room. Ron sighed. How was this ever going to work if the kids wouldn’t even stand together? But the show had to go on. “All right, kids,” he said in his best TV voice. “Let’s try to have some fun tonight. Remember, the cameras are watching! Kicking things off, please give a warm welcome to our first band of the night—The Soda Pop Gang!” The Morgan High students cheered enthusiastically. A few from St. Nicholas joined in but earned sharp looks from their peers. The band—four lanky teens—grinned at their moment in the spotlight and gave it their all. Their tunes were catchy, and for a while, both sides danced to the beat. But still, the invisible line remained uncrossed. Ron exchanged a tense look with his producer. Were they about to witness a total failure? When The Soda Pop Gang wrapped up, Ron returned to the stage, clapping a little too hard and wearing a forced smile. “All right, kids! We’ve got a special surprise for you! All the way from England, making their American debut—give it up for The Beatles!” Bobby raised an eyebrow at the name, ready to laugh it off. But as another quartet of white teens took the stage in black suits and bowl-cut hair, he shook his head and turned to Anita. “Let’s bounce.” But then the lead singer stepped up to the mic, his thick accent instantly commanding attention. “Good evening, everyone,” he said cheerfully. “This is our first time playing in America, so we hope to entertain you. Please feel free to clap, stamp your feet, or better yet—dance.” He winked, earning laughs—and maybe even a few swoons—from both sides of the room. “Our first number is one made popular by the Isley Brothers—” That got St. Nicholas’ attention. Sure, they could’ve brought in the brothers themselves, but maybe—just maybe—these white boys could do the song justice. “‘Twist and Shout,’ ladies and gentlemen,” the band leader said with a grin, turning to his mates. “Let’s go!” As the music kicked off, Anita squeezed Bobby’s arm in delight. The lead singer’s gravelly voice electrified the room. Heads bobbed. Feet tapped. Bobby found himself snapping his fingers, shuffling his feet. He didn’t know these guys, but they had something real—something soulful. Anita squealed as she twirled, her floral skirt flaring with each spin. Bobby grinned at her joy—then blinked in disbelief. Carl—uptight Carl—was dancing. With a white girl. Without realizing it, both groups had drifted toward each other. The line was gone. Music had pulled them together. Ron and his producer, along with the chaperones, watched in stunned silence before bursting into grins. Ron looked back at the boys on stage, marveling at the change they had sparked. Hope you boys make it far, he thought, rising to his feet and offering his hand to the pretty blond teacher nearby. Because the world needs more musicians like you—musicians who can bring us together. -------------- Word Count: 931 |
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