Love at Rhapsody High Preview

Love at Rhapsody High Chapter 1 Sam Johnson was born September 1, 2000 and is an African American. Sam grew up in a neighborhood on the south side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sam got him- self through his years in school. They went by like a breeze. Sam had gotten decent grades and maintained a grade-point average of a 3.0. He went into his last year of middle school finishing strong. Other than not being in school, he likes his naptime. His parents want him to work while he begins high school as soon as possible. Sam is now a senior at Rhapsody High School. He has two friends; Mel and Juan who he bonds with. Sam did have a sense of humor but he made his pain his laughter. Mel and Juan were more like brothers and he tells everything to them. Friendship meant a lot to Sam. Sam’s life was far from what the things life throws at him. Juan Gomez is a 17-year-old Latino track runner. People would describe him as macho. He also drives a silver Chevy Impala. Juan Gomez is the type of guy who explains his reasons and that is it. That is what friends are for. While Mel Jones was more of a listener and supported Juan and Sam. Mel Jones was Sam’s other best friend. Mel is 17 also, a photographer and takes random photos of things that excite him. Sam was a likeable guy with a good sense of humor. Sam was the kind of guy who wanted to live well and be on top of the world. He still has a lot to learn. Sam, as a child was a witty guy who got to be the funniest guy in his class. If there was a time that Sam made a joke or comment on something funny, he would say it. One time in fifth grade, Sam dressed up for career day as a space man leader, fighting off the predators in the universe. All of his classmates thought he was a joke. One classmate said Sam’s career day costume was crazy. “Where did you get that ugly costume, your parents’ basement?” one classmate asked. Sam said, “Bet your momma had that same outfit but more of a monster face.” Sam was not letting people off that easy with his jokes. He knew he could get him back with sarcasm. For example, when Sam was in the fifth and sixth grade, he got kicked out of classes for playing around. His teachers did not like his jokes. Sam was the one that kept things going and found humor about everything and everyone he came across. At that point, he was very aware of how much he was a young, smart, funny, compassionate and real person. In the ninth grade, Sam was going to go hang out with his friends in school, meet girls, new teachers and embrace his new environment. Throughout high school, Sam did everything he could to be what he wanted to be. He built confidence and found more funny things to say. Sam’s approach is to work on becoming funnier. He never forgot his life as a jokester. December of 2017 was Sam’s senior year of high school. During this time, he began to work a job as a cleaner at the mall. He had worked second shift from 3pm-9pm at night. Sam worked at any area of the mall, upstairs or downstairs. This was his start on his way to becoming an adult. He wanted to show how much independence he could have and still be himself. On top of that, in his electives in school he took an improv class to help with his jokes. Mr. Miles, his improv teacher liked Sam for his personality. His teacher, Mr. Miles invested time in Sam and really gave him a voice, which Sam learned all on his own. Mr. Miles spoke to Sam about his speech and his jokes, and gave him an assignment to make his own joke. “I just want you to come up with some joke that is funny,” Mr. Miles said. Mr. Miles, wore a blue and white dress shirt, beige pants and brown Stacy Adams shoes wore to the Improv class. Mr. Miles stood about 6’0 and 200 pounds with an amazing smile, and had a bald head. He also wore eye glasses for reading and wearing. “Work on it, like, for a day and then you can think of a good joke,” Mr. Miles said. “I’ll pray for you,” Mr. Miles said. “Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you right now, in the name of Jesus, asking for Sam as he continues with his comedy. Please give him the lessons he needs to conquer his true destiny and wisdom. Dear O’ Father, thank you for this day and opportunity to help Sam make it this far. In Jesus name, Amen.” Sam had homework and improv class was over. After his homework, Sam met up with his friends Mel and Juan. “Hey brother!” yelled Sam. “Hey bro,” said Juan. “What’s shaking?” asked Mel. Sam gave dabs and fist bumps to Juan and Mel. “I have been doing my acting improv for 1 hour. I need to come up with a joke. I got a couple of days to come up with my joke,” said Sam. “I bet bro, it’s not easy for someone to act on something so serious,” explained Juan. “Look guys, it’s just something I have to understand, my emotions and at the same time be myself. I am still funny with jokes, don’t get me wrong,” Sam said with encouragement. “What’s the joke you want to do?” asked Mel. Sam thought of a joke that he made in elementary school that one of the cantaloupes said to the banana. Or the one he was going to tell his teacher Mr. Miles. “What did the tail end of a banana say to the cantaloupe?” “I don’t know, what?” both Juan and Mel asked. “Can I tail ya later?” joked Sam. They all cracked up in laughter. “Or how about this one, why didn’t the sun go to college?” asked Sam. “Maybe the sun was going to get more knowledge of history.” Mel answered. “I know, its because it already had a million degrees!” said Sam. “That’s so funny!” answered Juan. Then Sam finally made an announcement about plans for a road trip next year. Sam wants to go to Chicago and stay at a hotel with his friends. Juan and Mel were down, and couldn’t wait. Next June, they are going. All three guys were working so they could afford their trip. So, they have to work for it. Sam rarely saw his parents when he got off work. One month went by and Sam was eager to finish his last year of high school. He had done very well within his four years of attending. Sam met up with his friends after school in March of 2018. Then Juan and Mel followed Sam home so that Sam can change out of his school clothes. It was a Friday and Sam was off from work that day. Sam went upstairs to pick an outfit for the game that night. “Which outfit and pants should I wear to the game? The black and grey or white and red jogging suit?” asked Sam. Juan helped him decide which Sam went with the white and red jogging suit. “Looking for a casual look I’d say,” said Sam. “Totally, looks cool,” said Mel. But then Sam changed his mind and went to the black and grey outfit and black Converse chucks. Sam’s friends were also going to the game with Sam. Juan and Mel went to their houses and got ready. The game was at 7:30pm and the cheerleaders were performing first. That is where Becky Thomas and Emily Diaz first came into the picture. Becky Thomas was the cheerleading captain and practiced for months for the cheers. Emily was the backup for Becky. Becky Thomas is a 19-year-old high school senior, stands at a height of 5’4. She works at Aeropostale at the local mall. She is Latina who comes from wealthy parents. Becky is popular among her friends and has a few boyfriends. Becky is funny but can have a competitive attitude when it comes to cheerleading. Becky just wants to win the games and be in the finals. Emily Diaz is Becky’s best friend. She is a hard worker and a joyous person. She drives a car, works at Forever 21, was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is 19 years old, and she is another Latina cheerleader on the squad. This is their cheer: “Fight, ready, fight! Come on y’all, we’ll show you pride! Tell you we are the best and we are here to stay. So let us win! #1!” Rhapsody High was the name of the school and the school’s mascot which was the dinosaur. The cheerleaders repeat the cheer again, just as Mel, Juan, and Sam made it to the game. The boys sat in the bleachers as the basketball game started. The basketball players at Rhapsody and the away team played a tough game. But Rhapsody won the game. Becky was shown by Emily where Sam was seated on the bleachers. “Look, Becky, there is this guy and his friends over there,” said Emily. “I’ve seen him in the hallway before. Let’s go talk to him,” said Becky. Becky, in the red and blue cheerleading gear walked over to the guys after the game. “Wait, are you going to go up to him? He may not know who you are,” said Emily. “He might like me, you never know,” said Becky. As Becky walked over, her cell phone had a ringtone by Drake. It was not a call but gotten a text message. It was from one of her friends. Afterwards, she went over, saw Sam’s friends and then introduced herself. “Hey I am Becky, what’s your name?” Becky smiled. Sam introduced himself to Becky. “Hey, what’s up? I’m Sam.” “I'm Juan.” Juan looked to Mel to speak. “I’m Mel.” Mel smiled. Sam watched the cheerleading performance and was impressed. All the twists and turns in the air. “Wow, you guys did a great job!” said Sam with starry eyes. “Thanks!” said Becky. Sam couldn’t wait to get to know more about Becky. Becky brought over Emily to meet the guys. “This is Emily, my best friend,” said Becky. “Hi guys,” said Emily. Emily had auburn sleek hair and a nose ring. Becky had dark black curly hair and a slim fit waist. The cheerleaders were having another game before their final one next week. “Me and the guys are going to the arcade and get pizza, want to join us?” asked Sam. “Why not,” answered Becky. “Yes,” answered Emily. “Let me change.” The guys drove with Sam, Becky and Emily got to the arcade to play games. Sam and Becky took turns playing pinball. “Oh, I miss that ball, let me shoot it again,” said Sam. Sam kept trying to make a basket when he made it in finally. “Let me try and see if I can beat you,” said Becky. After four games, between Becky and Sam, Sam had won. Juan, Mel, and Emily went off to play separate games to give Becky and Sam alone time. “You want to get some pizza and a drink?” asked Sam. “Sure. I want pepperoni and sausage.” Becky got the kind she wanted, and Sam ordered his favorite, supreme. It was getting to be 11 on Friday night and everyone left for home. Sam gave Becky his number to call him the next day. So, they can talk more. The next day, Becky came over to Sam’s house. “So, what did you think of the arcade game from last night?” Becky asked Sam. “I thought it was awesome,” said Sam. Sam invited Becky and Emily to take a road trip with his friends to Chicago. “My friends and I, are taking a trip to Chicago. You and your friend Emily should come with us too! What do you say?” Sam said. “Yes, I’m down, let me see if Emily wants to go with us.” Becky went to go ask Emily about the trip. Sam was developing a crush on Becky and after hanging out, he knew he liked her. Sam took the courage and asked her out. “Will you go out with me?” asked Sam. “I have to say that you stole my heart and I really like you too. So, yes. I would go out with you,” Becky finally answered him.