CHAPTER 4: ONCE IN A LIFETIME PERFORMANCE

Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Claudia were able to convince the principal to let Mick perform for the students at the school. Mick even performed a little for the principal prior to being accepted just to show what he could do. So all of the kids were in the auditorium to watch him perform. Patty, Marcie, and Claudia would introduce him to the school as it began.

"Hey, everyone," Marcie began. "Well today you're in for a treat. You are about to meet a guy we saw perform at the park a few days ago."

"His style of m-music is what's known as v-v-vaudeville," Claudia continued. "It was real popular back in th-the early 1900s."

"So without further ado," Patty announced, "here is our new friend, Mick Spectacular!" And the kids applauded. Schroeder agreed to provide some piano for the performance. Mick signaled to Schroeder and he begun the first number. The kids were amazed at this old guy singing like he was still young. Despite his age, his voice wasn't weak, or weary; it was strong and rich. Frieda and Kennedi, in particular, were enjoying the performance, due to the fact that they both sang. After Mick got done with the songs he performed, the kids gave him a standing ovation. Even the ones who like Top 40 better and normally wouldn't listen to vaudeville enjoyed the performance. Mick smiled at the middle schoolers. Patty, Marcie, and Claudia shook each other's hands, knowing they did a good thing.

After the performance, the kids were all asking Mick about his time as a performer during the old days. Mick had stories to tell for about a week, but told them in short time, but still kept their attention. As Patty watched the kids all talk to Mick, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"That was a good thing you did, Patricia." It was Franco, her ex-boyfriend. She was surprised that he was even talking to her after what had happened between them in Australia.

"Thanks, Franco," said Patty, sheepishly. "Did you enjoy the show?"

"Yah, it was good. Back in Germany, there was a man who did the same in our old neighborhood, but he sang in German."

"I kinda figured that."

"Well, I better head back to class. It was good to see you."

"Yeah, it was good to see you too, Franco." And Franco headed back to class. Marcie walked up to Patty.

"I see Franco was talking to you, sir," she observed.

"Yeah, he was just saying how he enjoyed the performance," said Patty.

"Maybe this is something good."

"I wouldn't go that far, Marcie. It's only been nearly two months since our breakup. At the very least, I want to be friends again with him, if not dating each other."

"I totally get it, sir. One thing at a time."

"Yeah. At least he talked to me. It's a start." And the girls joined the rest of the kids as Mick continued to tell his stories of the old days of vaudeville. It was a good day for all.

NEXT CHAPTER: BRODERICK GETS HIS COMEUPPANCE, AGAIN!