by Felice Arena
‘Right, settle down everyone,’ ordered Mr Radcliff, the Principal. ‘There's a lot for us to get through this morning. But before we start, I'd like to call Miss Pate to the stage, please.’
Coach Pate stepped onto the stage and took the microphone from Mr Radcliff.
‘Well,’ she said. ‘Today's a special assembly, because last Sunday two Booyong High Students tried out for the Victorian Under Fifteen football side that will be playing in the National Championships in September. In the final trial match played at Princes Park they both acquitted themselves very well. As you can all appreciate, this is an extremely difficult team to make and competition for places was incredibly challenging. After what I'm sure was a very nervous and anxious wait they received phone calls last night from the legendary junior football coach, Mr Jay Gordan. I am absolutely over the moon to announce that they have both been selected to represent Victoria in the National Carnival in Adelaide. As I call for them to join me on stage, could you please give them a huge clap and show them how very proud we are of them. Simon Magee and Derek Johnson!’
The hall erupted into cheers and applause. As the two boys made their way to the stage, Specky whispered in Screamer's direction.
‘Look what's on stage.’
Screamer looked up. On the far righthand corner of the stage stood a piano. The same piano Shirley had used during deb practice.
‘Yeah, so what?’ said Screamer.
‘Just saying, that's all.’
When the cheers died down, Coach Pate handed Specky the microphone first.
Specky took a deep breath. He looked down to the front row and saw his parents smiling proudly at him.
‘Um, on Sunday, Screamer, I mean, Derek, and I had the opportunity to try out for the Victorian Schoolboys football side…’
Specky went on to review the match.
‘…and, finally, I want to thank all my teammates, school friends and family who came to the ground to support us. And that's it. Thank you.’
Everyone applauded. As Coach Pate moved to take the microphone, Specky quickly turned back to the audience.
‘Um, there's something else I wanted to say.’ Specky looked to Coach Pate for permission, and she nodded.
‘I've been really lucky that I've been able to do what I love most, which is play footy. 'Cause I know a lot of people don't get that chance.’
Specky shot a quick glance at Screamer.
‘Some of us are also lucky to be talented at a couple of different things. Like Shane Warne was good at footy as well as cricket when he was our age. And everyone knows that Michael Jordan played baseball for a year after quitting basketball for a while. But in the end, they had to choose what they were most passionate about. They had to be true to themselves. It's easy for me—I only have one true passion and that's footy, but I wanted to thank my parents for supporting me and letting me do what I love so much.’
Mrs Magee took Mr Magee's hand and beamed with pride.
‘I also want to thank Derek Johnson.’
Specky turned to see Screamer looking surprised, and a little suspicious.
‘He helped me realise that when you're lucky enough to be good at something that you're passionate about, then no one should stop you from doing it. So, thanks, mate, and thank you, Coach Pate.’
The hall echoed loudly with applause as Specky returned the microphone to Coach Pate.
‘Thank you, Simon, for those inspiring words,’ smiled Coach Pate. ‘Right, now, Derek, a few words from you.’
Screamer took the microphone.
‘Um,’ he said, coughing nervously. ‘We had a good game on Sunday and I'd like to thank my parents, too. Thanks.’
Screamer turned to give the mic back to Coach Pate.
‘That's it?’ she whispered to Screamer.
‘Yeah.’ Screamer nodded.
‘Okay, then,’ said Coach Pate, taking back the microphone.
‘No, no, wait,’ said Screamer, reaching for the microphone again.
Coach Pate joked that it was like playing a game of Pass-the-Parcel, but she gladly handed it back to Screamer.
‘Um, I just want to say—it's true, you know,’ croaked Screamer. ‘Everything Magee, I mean Simon, said about picking what you're really passionate about and then going for it. It's all true.’
Screamer paused. He dropped his head for a moment. Murmurs rippled through the hall.
‘What's he doing?’
‘Is he all right?’
‘He looks upset!’
‘Um, Dad,’ Screamer raised his head, now looking down at his parents. ‘Remember, on the morning of the game you got mad with me 'cause you asked where I had disappeared to. Well, I went to an audition. And I did really well. So well, that I got in.’
Yes! thought Specky, smiling, and catching Mr Johnson turning to Mrs Johnson with a confused look. Screamer continued.
‘I love footy, Dad. But the truth is that the main reason I play it is so you can be proud of me—the same way you were with Craig.’
Specky again looked down at Screamer's parents. His father squirmed in his chair. His mother appeared close to tears. Coach Pate, Mr Radcliff and everyone else looked totally baffled.
‘But I want you to be proud of me for who I am, not because I remind you of Craig. 'Cause I don't want to be like Craig anymore. I wanna be me. I'm sorry, Dad. I love footy, but I love this more…’
Screamer walked over to the piano, opened the lid and placed the mic on top.
Some of the students at the back of the hall got out of their chairs to get a better look. Specky caught Tiger Girl, Danny, Robbo, Johnny, and his classmates shooting him a look as if to say, ‘What's going on?’
Screamer sat down at the piano and started to play. There were gasps of shock from everyone. Mr Johnson's expression was impossible to read.
It was hard to believe that this magnificent music was being performed by a boy that most of them knew, from personal experience or by reputation, to be a tough, in-your-face bully. Most people thought that Screamer was incapable of showing any emotion other than anger and bitterness.
As he played, it was obvious to everyone that Derek Johnson had a rare talent. He lost himself in the music as his fingers raced across the keys, making what should have been the most complicated piece of music look ridiculously easy. It was hauntingly beautiful.
As the music reached its crescendo, something happened to Screamer that Specky had not witnessed in all the time he had known him— a smile came over his face. A real, genuine, soulful smile. The smile of someone who was truly happy.
When Screamer stopped, the hall erupted. It was pandemonium, and Specky had never witnessed cheering and applause like it. Not in this hall, not at a football game, not ever. It was spine tingling and he could feel the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Everyone jumped to their feet and cheered wildly—including Specky. The only person not clapping was Mr Johnson.
Screamer stood by the piano, stunned by the standing ovation. As the applause died down, Mr Johnson stood up out of his seat stone-faced, his stare fixed on his son.
The entire school, including Coach Pate, Mr Radcliff and all the teachers had gone dead silent—waiting to see how Screamer's dad would react.
Mr Johnson marched to the steps leading up to the stage. He stopped and looked back at his wife, then made his way up on stage.
Specky watched intently. What was he going to do?
Mr Johnson moved toward Screamer. For a moment, Specky could only think the worst. Screamer was going to be dragged off by his father, probably by the ear, and humiliated in front of everyone.
But suddenly, out of the blue, Mr Johnson opened up his arms and hugged Screamer tightly. Specky couldn't stop smiling. He looked down at his own dad who winked at him, then he saw Mrs Johnson smiling joyfully.
As the whoops and whistles continued to fill the Booyong School Hall, Specky caught Screamer, still in his father's embrace, raise his hand and give him the thumbs up. Specky nod
ded at his long-time rival and raised his thumb in return.
21. watch this space
‘Hey, you're in The Bugle again,’ Alice said, bursting into Specky's bedroom and throwing the school newspaper on his bed.
‘Yeah, I knew I was gonna be in it this time,’ said Specky, sitting at his desk doing some homework. ‘Full On came up to me after—’
‘You mean Theresa Fallon?’
‘Yeah, Full On. She came to me yesterday after assembly—wanted to get a few quotes.’
‘Cool!’ said Alice. ‘Well, you should check out the article she wrote. It's really good. And your friend Gobba's in the paper, too.’
‘Gobba? What for?’
‘There's an article about him getting a call from that footy commentator Dennis Com…com…com…’
‘Dennis Cometti?’
‘Yeah. He invited Gobba to Perth for a week of training to be a sports commentator.’
‘Ahh, that explains why he's been acting all weird, saying he's off on a trip that we'll all find out about soon,’ Specky smiled. ‘Nice one, Gobba!’
Ring, ring.
‘I'll get it!’
Alice lunged forward to pick up the phone, but Specky got to it first.
‘Hello?’
‘Hi, Speck.’
It was Christina. Specky was speechless.
‘Hi,’ he just managed to choke out.
‘Um, Speck,’ she said. ‘I heard about what happened at your assembly yesterday.’
‘You did?’
‘Yeah. And I know all about how you tried to help Screamer.’
‘You do?’
‘Yeah. He's just called me. And told me everything.’
Specky wasn't sure what to say. He was recovering from the surprise of her call—but he didn't want to say the wrong thing again.
‘Um, yeah, well…’
‘Anyway, I'm heading to the movies now and I was just wondering if you'd like to catch up or go and see a film to celebrate you getting into the State team?’
‘With you?’ exclaimed Specky.
‘Yeah, with me,’ she replied. There was silence for a second. ‘That's if you want to.’
Specky smiled.
‘Yeah, yeah I do! I really do! Um, I'll see you soon then.’
Specky hung up the phone. He couldn't contain his excitement—everything was going to be okay for him and Christina.
Specky hurried out of the room without even bothering to read the article in the school newspaper.
A LEGEND IN THE MAKING
By Theresa Fallon
Those of us who witnessed yesterday's emotional school assembly involving Derek Johnson's surprise piano performance will remember it for a long, long time.
But yours truly will also remember the unsung hero that sparked off that moving moment—his name, Simon ‘Specky’ Magee.
After his awesome display at Sunday's State selection game, Magee has won many of us over once again. Not only did he make Booyong High proud to call him our own, the heartfelt remarks he made at yesterday's assembly about his love for the game can only make us admire him more.
When asked for further comments, he said, ‘It's a dream of mine to one day play in the AFL and I'm never gonna give up on it. It's as simple as that.’
And we here at The Bugle have no argument.
Specky Magee, you are a legend—a real football legend in the making!
And to those of you who wonder if his dream will come true?
Well, then…WATCH THIS SPACE!