#3 Turn Up for Real Read Online Free PDF Page A

turned off the computer and went to bed, hoping that the stranger was okay. He wouldn’t leave my mind.

    I wasn’t a fan of school, but I sure loved being in glee class. It was a combination of singing, acting, and dancing all in one. My skinny, strawberry-blonde teacher Ms. Oxford had been on Broadway herself. She talked in an Irish accent, but used slang like she was from Harlem. The class was mixed, with a diverse group of characters. Jocks, geeks, all races, sizes, and genders too. If you had spunk and talent, the class was for you.
    We’d only been in school a little over a month and a half, but I still didn’t have any real buddies. When three girls, whom I called a modern day TLC because they were cute, cool, and charming, walked in, I caught myself staring. I didn’t know much more about them besides that they were juniors like me, but their friendship was one I longed to be a part of. They were huddled up, laughing. I was so into looking at the sassy threesome that I didn’t even realize that we had a guest enter the room. Everybody rushing up to shake his hand, like he was somebody important.
    Ms. Oxford said, “So, I can tell all that hand-shaking means you’re giving somebody mad respect. You must know who he is.”
    â€œYeah, Mr. Mundy from Mundy Records,” a dude from the back shouted out.
    â€œThat’s exactly correct. The record label that’s known for breaking new talent in the city of Charlotte. And he’s here today to talk to you guys about something special. So without further ado, I turn the mic over to Mr. Brian Mundy,” Ms. Oxford said.
    Everyone around me stood, clapping. The opportunity to be signed to a record label was a dream come true. Mr. Mundy motioned for us to sit.
    The tall, handsome, well-dressed man in his forties said, “Why, thank you guys. You all appreciate that I have a business that puts out records. Well, I couldn’t do what I do without great talent, so I am in awe of you. Your teacher has been sending me demos. Anyway, let me say she has inspired me to go ahead and start another big talent search, and I am only inviting select schools that have people in glee club to enter. I need to put out a new hit. It’s hard times even in the record business, so I’m just going to be real with you guys. If you got your ‘A’ game, and you’re ready to break out and do big things, then you might win this contest.”
    â€œWhat is the winner of the contest going to get?” the same guy from the back shouted out.
    â€œWhat’s your name, young man?”
    â€œYou want to know my real name or my stage name?” my classmate asked.
    â€œI want to know whatever name you want me to know,” Mr. Mundy said.
    â€œOh, then I’m Flo Breaker.”
    â€œOh, you from Florida?” Mr. Mundy sought to confirm.
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œWow, that’s wassup. You can’t steal the Florida name and not bring it.”
    â€œI can sing, but I want to be a rapper.”
    â€œAlright, alright, I’m going to be real honest. I am looking to sign a male soloist or a female group.”
    The threesome in the front was all giddy. They were waving their hands and bumping each other. They looked real desperate trying to get his attention.
    Finally, he looked at them and said, “Unless there is another member of your group or one of y’all isn’t in it, I’ve got to be honest again, I’m not that interested.”
    The shortest one in the middle, whose name I think was Taylor, asked, “Why not?”
    He answered, “Because I like even numbered female groups. It just keeps the drama under control.”
    The one with spunk said, “Sir, I’m Dayna, and you need to hear us first. We bring it, we are good, and we’re just what you need for your label.”
    â€œAlright, but I’m already telling you.”
    Ms. Oxford cut in and said,