Free Face the Music by Melody Carlson

see.”
    “Yeah, it’s been a crazy year.”
    “Have a seat.”
    I sat down, still trying to repress these misplaced feelings of guilt. “What’s up?”
    “Well, I’ve been talking to some of your teachers …”
    I frowned. “But my grades have been okay. What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing’s wrong, Chloe.” She tapped her fingers on her desk as if she was thinking. “And I’m not even sure that I should suggest this, but I think I would be wrong not to at least mention it.”
    “What?”
    “Well, your grades are great, Chloe, but more than that, your teachers feel your work is far above your grade level. Some of your papers would have earned A’s at college level.”
    “Really?” Now I was stunned.
    “Really. In fact, that’s why you’re here. I wouldn’t normally suggest this to a student, but you’re an exception. Since your band is doing so well and you seem to have your life going down this amazing track that other kids only dream of, I’d like to recommend that you graduate early, Chloe. But I fully realize this is your decision and you may not even want to.”
    “How?” I asked eagerly. “How can I do that?”
    “Oh, it’s not too difficult. You’ll have to take certain classes in the fall, and there are some tests to take. But I’m sure you’ll have no problem with it. That is, if you choose to do this. And it’s up to you, and your parents, of course.”
    “I’d like to think about it.” I paused. “And I need to pray about it and talk to my parents and stuff.”
    “I have a letter here.” She held up an official-looking envelope. “There’s a permission slip for your parents and some other things. You don’t have to make up your mind until fall.”
    “Thanks.” I grinned at her. “You know, when I was walking to the office I was thinking about how I got into so much trouble during my freshman year. Do you remember?”
    She laughed. “Yeah. You were something else. But I could tell, even then, that you had something pretty special going on.”
    “Really?”
    She nodded. “You’re quite a girl, Chloe.”
    “Thanks. But I have to give the credit to God. Without Him, I am a complete mess.”
    She smiled. “I figured you’d say something like that. Well, keep up the good work and good luck with your band. My thirteen-year-old loves your CD, and she’s even taken up the guitar in hopes that she can grow up to be like you. In fact …” Mrs. King looked slightly embarrassednow. “She’d love it if I brought home your autograph. Do you mind?”
    I laughed. “Not at all.” And so I signed a piece of notepaper “To Becky, with love, Chloe Miller.”
    “Thanks. I’ll be her hero tonight.”
    I told my parents about Mrs. King’s idea as we were cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. And for some reason I thought my mom was going to balk. Maybe it was a flashback to the old days or perhaps it’s because Laura’s mom has reacted to so many things in an overprotective way. But my mom totally surprised me by saying that she felt it was my decision and was completely comfortable with whatever I chose.
    “I’m with your mom,” agreed Dad as he hung up the dish towel. “And I’m not even surprised that they’re offering this to you, Chloe. We’ve always known you were a smart girl.”
    “Sometimes you were too smart for your own good,” Mom said with a sly smile. “But it looks like you’ve grown into it. By the way, honey, have I told you that I’m really proud of you?”
    I had to laugh because that’s becoming one of her favorite lines of late. But then I’m not tired of hearing it either. In fact, coming from her, it means more than almost anything to me. I can’t believe how much she’s changed since she and Dad started going to church regularly. Anyway, I hugged her and told her I loved her, and we both got a littleteary eyed. I’m not even sure why we cried exactly. I guess it was over all the things we’ve been through in the past, all the times I