Excerpt of Tony Blu, 1952

I could never perform in front of crowds as I was shy. Hence, I usually sang in the bathroom and danced in my bedroom while no one was around. Besides, it was always the perfect getaway for me from my heaps of homework.

My family always whines about how terrible I sing and how lousy my dance moves are, but I was convinced that they were just jealous of my talent.

But one day, it turned out that my belief was just a myth.

*****

It was Friday and everyone was getting pumped up about Teacher's Day celebration. My class usually got the part to handout the gifts so I never bothered to join in. However, this year, the dance-off sheet in my class caught my eye and I immediately signed up.

Although I was best at singing, I was also great at dancing.

In the evening, they started the dance practice. It felt awkward because the room was packed with girls and there were literally only five boys. The practice had already started when I arrived so I decided to take a breath and watched them practise first before joining them.

It was kind of weird as they decided to do a traditional dance called "Tarian Inang" where the moves were different from how I usually dance. But yet, because of my passion for dancing, I tried my best to follow the moves.

I was frustrated as I had watched them practise for over one hour but I still could not keep up with the moves. I tried to tell Mrs Zarina to changed the dances moves so I could keep up but she said that they have already practised for hours and the dance moves that I showed her were too hip-hop unsuitable for a formal celebration.

Mrs Zarina's remark totally changed my facial expression. It was as if the world has turned upside down and my future carrier of being Taylor Swift's backup dancer was ruined.

Suddenly, we were interrupted by a tall sleek girl with thick framed glasses and jet black hair who claimed herself as the secretary of the celebration programme.

"I passed by and noticed that you look like Leonardo Da Vinci. Are you any good at painting? Because I've heard rumours saying we have a reincarnation of Da Vinci here," she said spontaneously.

Well, the truth was, many people have claimed we look alike and I have been taking art classes since I was four. The thing was, I'm too ashamed to admit it because boys aren't really well-known by art. Usually by their good looks and athletic personality which I lack of both.

The secretary explained that the school hall needed a touch of an artist for the celebration. I was certainly delighted when she asked me to paint a mural.

So, I might not be able to express my talent in singing nor dancing, but I'd surely fascinate my fellow school mates with art.

Monday came in swiftly and I was trembling with excitement, and fear, wondering whether people would like it or not. Or would they bash me for my art skills or otherwise. Honestly, I was proud of my work. It came out better than I imagined.

Surprisingly, my mural was getting more attention than the performances on stage. They were in awe of the mural of the peacock I did on the walls which resembled the peace offering in our school between the teachers and students.

"Tony Blu, look at the beautiful mural! I heard it was done by only one student. He must be very artistic." Sparker, my best friend exclaimed.

I only smiled acknowledging his enthusiasm to keep my identity as an artist a secret.

However, it didn't last long for too long. For the closing ceremony, there were prizes for the contributing students. Everyone was dazzled and bewildered when they saw me going up the stage for painting the mural.

"How could you Tony Blu?" Sparker greeted just as I got down from the stage. "You never told me you were gifted in art! Next time, you should paint my room! I'll definitely pay you good if you could do as good as you did for the school walls!" Sparker patted me on the back and i had lost count of how many people congratulating me on my fine work.

Since the eventful day, I became more confident. I wasn't shy as i was before. I also attained many offers from teachers and also students to paint for them.

And that was how I started to work seriously in my art skills until I have accomplished to become the great artist like I am today. To build one's confidence, we should identify our talents and try to expand them so we will become more confident.

Mother, on the other hand was so grateful that I didn't pursue a career in dancing or singing as I could be really deafening to the ears and instantly blind the spectators. Harsh, mother!

Nevertheless, we should always be positive in our life and I hope for the best after we have given our best effort.

Excerpt from Tony Blu's journal, 1952.

*******

This is a fictional story I did in class. Not intended to do anything with he who is alive or otherwise.

Xx,

-HR