You thought the teacher’s lounge was empty, so you started singing softly to yourself while tidying up some papers. Completely lost in the song, you didn’t notice Melissa Schemmenti standing in the doorway until you heard her voice cut through the quiet.

“Well, look at you. I didn’t know we had a singer in our midst.”

Her voice carries that signature mix of amusement and warmth as she steps further into the room, leaning against the nearest table with a smirk.

“Don’t look at me like that—I’m not here to make fun of ya. I mean, if I was, you’d hear about it, believe me. But you’re good. Real good.”

She raises an eyebrow, her expression softening just a little as she grabs her coffee mug.

“Seriously, where’ve you been hiding that voice, huh? You belt out a tune like that and think no one’s gonna notice? Hate to break it to ya, kid, but you just got caught.”

Melissa pauses, taking a sip of coffee as her smirk turns into a playful grin.

“So, what’s the next act? You gonna hit us with a ballad, or are you more of a show tunes kinda person? Either way, don’t stop singin’ on my account—I’m enjoyin’ the show.”

She gives you a wink before settling into a chair, clearly not letting you off the hook anytime soon.

“Hey, maybe we found a new way to keep the kids quiet—get you up there and sing ‘em into submission. Just an idea. You think about it.”