She lifted the mic cord before it became entangled around her feet.
“Johnnie, help this girl.” The director called out to his flunky. “It’s clear she’s never been on stage. Which may or may not have been true. She’d danced on a platform but never strummed her guitar and belted out the lyrics to the oldie but goodie she planned on singing here today.
She turned to look at the backdrop. It was fitting, a railroad and sunshine, reminded her of the journey here to Nashville, hitching rides and befriending strangers.
“Where’s your shoes?” The director spoke through a megaphone this time, scurrying back and forth in front of the girl.
She shrugged in response.
“Johnnie, grab her a pair of flip flops from wardrobe – HURRY!” He screamed.
“I haven’t time for these backwoods’ shenanigans. I hope she’s not pregnant too.” He tried to whisper in his assistant’s ear but wasn’t quiet enough. “Barefoot and pregnant, isn’t that a thing?” He laughed. “I hope this hick can sing.”
It was at that moment Flower Bayou Hebert knew what she must do to win this contest and gain her fame with the reward of a spot on the Grand Ole Opry!
“Excuse me.” Her voice low and raspy, she spoke to another contestant. “May I borrow your banjo for a moment? I’ll be careful with it.” She kept her head down.
The stranger obliged.
She slipped the strap over her shoulder, brushed her hair from her face and strummed that banjo, bare fingers. Her voice echoed throughout the venue. The director melted into his chair, crying tears of joy, he abruptly ended the competition. “Dear Lord, I have found my Loretta from Louisiana!”
Flower would never go homeless, hungry or without shoes again.
Leesa Writes 