My First Choice

My First Choice

Being a sixteen year old Christian recording artist had its perks. I could show up to Sunday school class late and leave church early. I could skip to the front of the banquet line during church events and gatherings. After my concerts, I would get bombarded by people of all ages asking me to sign my name on their copies of my album. Most kids that age talked about what movie they saw at the theater or who wore what to the basketball game. They discussed shopping trips to the mall, hanging out with their friends or getting their driving permit. All I had to talk about was my East coast concert tours and radio appearances. This was my parents dream, not mine. Yet they forced their dreams to be my life. I was never given a choice. My weekends consisted of studio sessions and concerts. But that all changed the day I chose to be a reckless and irresponsible teenager with my two best friends, Leeann and Sasha. That cold fall day, I claimed back what had been mine all along – my choice.

It was my last day at Sylvan High School. We were moving to Miami, FL and flying out the next day. My record label, Penvel Records, was based out of Miami and the production of my new album was scheduled for the following week. I was dreading this move and definitely not looking forward to recording this next album. As I walked down my driveway, I inhaled slowly as the cool, crisp air blew gently across my face. I crossed the street onto the overcrowded school parking lot. Passaic, New Jersey had been all I’d ever known. It was the place where I was born and raised. The thoughts of me leaving my school and friends suddenly overwhelmed me making me feel dizzy and lightheaded. Luckily the first person I saw amongst the other students was Sasha. She wasn’t difficult to spot with her blond highlighted hair. “Hey”, she said as she flipped her hair behind her shoulder. “I have our money…my goodness girl, calm d-o-w-n!” I was beginning to hyperventilate at the...