Genesis Begins Again

In English class the next day, Nia is the first person to read her essay out loud. She recites it from memory. She tells the class to imagine living in a world without concerns or decision-making, to never have to worry about knowing the latest trends, or finding the right career, or marrying the right people. The whole class listens to Nia with rapt attention, including Genesis. Genesis has never met anyone as different as Nia and wonders what her story is.

During chorus, Mrs. Hill announces that auditions for the school talent show are two weeks away. Genesis is surprised to see that everyone is buzzing with excitement. After class, she returns Mrs. Hill’s Billie Holiday CD. They talk about how Billie used her voice to tell her story and express her struggles. Mrs. Hill says that she bets Genesis could tap into Billie Holiday’s style. She tells Genesis that she has a gift and that she hopes she will consider auditioning for the talent show.

Genesis is surprised to find Yvette and her friend Belinda waiting at her locker after she leaves the classroom. Yvette asks Genesis if she sings a lot and if she is auditioning for the talent show.