After they exit, we all sigh with relief. "Glad that's over..." Jackie sighs.
"Who were they, anyway?" Paula questions, looking at DD.
"Well, they're the Kanker sisters...Lee is the leader, the redhead. Marie is the blue headed one and May is the blonde. They always pursue us..." He looks down.
Eddy nods. "yeah, they're so annoying. Always kissing us...BLECH!
I nod. "I can understand.
Just then, our principal's voice comes in loud and clear over the microphone. "Alrighty! By popular demand our school has brought in...a KAROKE MACHINE to end our dance with a bang! We have several songs on it right now that you may all know, including the classic hit, Nickels and Dimes!
I smile. "My uncle performs that! It fits you perfectly, Eddy. You should sing it!
Eddy's eyes go wide. "But I don't know the song, and I can't sing!
I shake my head. "Fine, I'll sing it for you.
When he asks who wants to go, I raise my hand and he picks me. I stand and walk over to the principal. "Nickels and Dimes, please.
He hands me the microphone and I step up on the stage, ready to sing.
The music starts, it's a jazz tune with a great beat.
"Well, I've been livin so long on choke change, it's all I really know. Keep workin away, day after day, I still got nothin to show, just nickels and dimes. Just nickels and dimes. Ain't waistin' the rest of my time, workin so hard for nickels and dimes!
By now the whole audience is clapping, and Eddy's face is aglow. He yells, "That's what I'm talkin about!
I smile and keep singing. "Don't you know years ago I thought for sure, I really could make things pay! I wish I knew back then, what I know today, just nickels and dimes. Just nickels and dimes...might as well have comitted a crime, workin so hard for nickels and dimes.
Then comes an instrumental, I set the microphone down and walk over to the table again. "Eddy, you like?
He smiles. "Yeah! of course!
"Oh by the way, the Kankers said to tell you something. But I'll be willing to forget.
I nod and wink at DD before stepping back up on stage and grabbing the mike. "Well it's one step forward and two steps back, you can't make no big plans. If i'd be there at all, I'd be in the street, pickin up bottles and cans. I got no credit card...my checkbook draws a blank.
I smile and snap my fingers in the air, tossing my head during the next line.
"I keep my whole life savings on a shelf in a piggybank! I've been livin so long on choke change, I'm bein slowly killed. I just can't find a way, I'm beginning to lose my will, nickles and dimes. Just nickles and dimes! Ain't wastin the rest of my time, workin so hard for nickles and dimes.
As the song ends, I swing my hips to the music, letting my voice come out stronger than ever.
"Might as well have comitted a crime, workin so hard for nickels and dimes. Ain't wastin the rest of my time, workin so hard for nickels and...DIMES!
The song ends with a huge flourish, I smile and bow one time after another, I see all my friends standing up and clapping for me. Funny Paula, spontanious Jackie, innocent Ed, suave Eddy, and sweet sweet DD. Their faces start to fuzz out of focus, and I close my eyes to savor the moment.
When I open my eyes again, I'm in my room. "Huh?
My sister pounds on my door. "HANNAH!
"Alright, alright, I'm comin." I throw back the covers on my bed, running across the room and opening the door. "What is wrong with you?
"You were singing in your sleep, Hannah. SINGING! Earlier you were laughing, and once mom said you held out your arms and told someone to jump. I promise you are nuts.
I roll my eyes and shut the door. "So it was all a dream. The gym, the kankers, the kids, Eddy, Ed, Paula, Jackie, DD?
I walk back to my bed, running my hand through my short hair.
Then I giggle, jumping onto my bed and bouncing. "BUT WHAT A DREAM IT WAS!