Shirley was caught in the middle of all of this too. Once she became friends with Codetta George, the biggest gospel stars in Maddocha. Codetta didn't even like Shirley. I had heard her say it once. I told Shirley, but she didn't believe me. She didn't speak to me for three weeks after that. All Codetta ever allowed Shirley to do was carry her stuff and do other flunkie jobs like that. Well, Codetta finally showed her true colors. She was supposed to take Shirley with her one summer while she was on tour. Codetta just left town and didn't even call Shirley. Shirley cried for days. I had to console her. I resisted the urge to say, "I told you so."

Shirley and I went to district choir rehearsal. I don't know why we went. We never got to lead any songs or direct the choir. Shirley was a great choir director. The junior choir at her church was the best in the district, but yet, she couldn't direct the district choir. She always went to district choir rehearsal. She would always talk me into coming with her. She would always say, "We're gonna get our chance. Don't worry." She had to be out of her mind.

I had a feeling that this district choir rehearsal was going to be more trouble than anything else. I was right. Codetta George walked into the rehearsal session. At that moment, everything stopped. I looked at Shirley. She had tears in her eyes. She cried at the drop of a dime. It got on my nerves. I held her hands and told her to wipe her face. She still hadn't gotten over how Codetta George had treated her.

Codetta George looked good as she usually did. She always wore the latest fashion, the best jewelry, and the baddest hairdos ever. Her long black flowing hair was pretty. Her smile was big and appealing. She looked like an angel, but Shirley and I had experienced her bad side.

She smiled her big smile and waved her hands as she praised the Lord. She was known for shouting at the drop of a dime. "When you feel the Spirit, it's hard to sit still." She was always saying that. She had a routine and she never varied. I must admit I didn't too much care for Codetta George. After how she had treated Shirley, it had taken time to forgive her.

Codetta looked over the choir. Her eyes stopped and focused on Shirley. Shirley stared back at her. They just sat there staring at each other. After a few seconds, the musician played some notes. Codetta looked at him and then continued to talk, "I am here tonight because I am going to sing a song with you all at the district musical." The whole church went to clapping and praising. The woman next to me almost hit me in the head.

Everyone finally quieted down. Codetta surveyed the choir again and pointed to Shirley. She said, "This is my baby, Shelia. She is going to direct this song for me." I fixed my lips to correct Codetta, but Shirley stopped me before I got the words out of my mouth. Codetta motioned for her to come down from the choir stand. Shirley stood up and walked as if she had been introduced as the queen. I had never seen such pride in Shirley's eyes before. I was so proud of Shirley. She had finally gotten her break. Codetta hugged her just looked at Shirley. It was as if nothing had ever happened between the two of them. Shirley had the same look on her face.

It was a night of magic. Shirley directed like she had been taken over by the greatest director ever. I was impressed myself and I knew what the girl could do. She was truly amazing.

After choir rehearsal, everyone was complimenting Shirley. She was the center of attention. I was so happy for her. When I finally got close to her, Codetta was standing next to Shirley basking in the glory, too. Codetta was acting like she was responsible for everything that Shirley had done. That woman didn't have anything to do with it. Shirley didn't care. She was very happy. After this district meeting, Shirley had become known as one of the baddest young choir directors in the state. Her attitude changed to match.