11 years ago there was a Korean girl. She was definitely a daddy's girl, she never hesitated to go out with her father. One day he was taking her to visit Busan but a bus crashed into the side of their car. This day that father's story ended, but the pages continued to unfold for the girl. She barely survived, the only thing keeping her from dying was a box her dad gave her moments before the accident. She had lifted the box covering her head. When she returned from the hospital she opened the box and inside was a necklace, a dress, and a bedazzled microphone. She and her father loved going to sing karaoke and he had got her own performance set. But she would never get to sing with her father again.

A few months later the girl’s mom decided that they were moving to America. Being 5 years old and grieving she didn’t want to go anywhere. Unfortunately, her mother packed her bags and they left.

Little did y'all know that sweet little girl was me. Now I've been living in America for 11 years and I still hate it. The small town I live in is literally filled with nothing but two businesses Southwire and a college. My school - Jacksonville High school - gets on my last nerve. But I'm surviving. Let me backup a little, my name is Jeongsa but in Jacksonville I'm Miracle.

*     *    *

Chapter 1

I woke up early knowing that I had a test that I hadn't studied for. My mom had slept in despite the fact she had a meeting. I slammed the door open shaking her awake. "Omma, you slept in again. Wake up we can't afford for you to lose another job!"

"Fine, but that school needs to teach you some manners, aigoo," she sighed getting up. I walked to the kitchen grabbing a breakfast bar. I throw on a sweatshirt and ripped skinny jeans plus a pair of worn-out Nike tennis shoes. Leaving I hop on my bike pedaling the half-mile to school. I stop in front of the bike rack and put my hood and headphones on. I walk silently until I get into the school. There I run into my principal, “Hood and headphones off, miss”

Not hearing him I walk off. “Jogeubhal piryo eobseo my pace bigyo ttawin hajima cheoncheonhi dallyeodo gwaenchanha naul gireul my lane geubhan mam naelyeonwa apman bogo dallyeoga you ready let’s go” plays loudly in my ears as Mr. Kimple grabs my arm. I turned giving him a questioning look. He simply pointed at my hood which I removed along with one earphone.

He grabbed the cord that attached my phone to my headphones, “This is no longer allowed in the building. You must remove it immediately or face consequences.” Unfazed I looked him in the eye.

“I’ve been doing this for years, why can’t I do it now,” I said.

“Because you are a perfect example of how distracting these devices can be,” A crowd began forming at the sound of a new rule. Especially one that would affect a lot of them.

“You can’t just make a rule just like that for one incident,” I frowned, showing how angering this is. Clearly he was even more triggered.

He yanked at my wire too many times, “Yes I can when you are disobeying your principle over some music.” At that moment the wire fell from my phone with a click. Korean music blasted in the echoing hallway. Kids all around laughed at my “weird” music choice. I looked around at all the faces and held back students. Some girls were arguing with some laughing students claiming I have good taste. Me? I couldn’t even look them in the eye. I just picked up my phone, which I was barely aware of the fact I dropped it, glared at Mr. Kimple then raced to the bathroom.

I stayed there through most of the first period staring at my reflection, then my phone, then my headphones. I was in complete shock, at one point I just sat down zoning out wondering if my life would be less… depressing if we had stayed in Korea. Bang, the bathroom door slammed shut as someone was entering. Quickly I jumped up pretending to wash my hands.

“Hey! Miracle, it’s been a long time since we spoke last. I see, well more of heard, that you still listen to those ching chang famous people. What’s their group name, Lost Child. Lol,” a voice giggled too nicely behind me. I turned and there she was. McKenzie, the most popular girl in the school but at the same time the most hated. There she stood in high waisted skinny jeans that perfectly complimented (or gave the illusion) of what curves she had. A crop top shirt that most definitely wasn’t keeping her warm. Oh and we cannot forget the boots that go beyond her knees. “Sorry Kenz but they don’t say ‘ching chang’ that’s the same thing as saying I’m Chinese and it’s Stray Kids,” I faced the girl who had once been the person I told everything to.

She scowled giving up the act, “Ya sure, I told you to never call me Kenz again. In fact, to you, I guess that would be McKenzie unnie.”

“No matter how old you are, you will never be my unnie, we aren’t even close,” I scowled back.

“We once were until you became an incompetent idiot”

“I was never incompetent, you were too hungry for what you will never truely have you let the best person in your life slip away!”I backed up my arms spread out then pointed at myself with a smirk. McKenzie said nothing more but left. She may have known all my secrets but I knew how to push her buttons just the right amount.

Looking back at the mirror I grab a brush and tidy up my mid-length wavy hair. Once I reach the back I run across a shorter clump. 2 years came rushing back.

“Look, since I’m in with them now I’ll be sure to protect you,” McKenzie had said between chews of gum.

I looked at her worried, “Kenzie, I don’t need protection, you're just abandoning me.” she looked as if I had punched her in the face.

“I’m not abandoning you, Jeongie you have to trust me, besides I see the way you are bullied,” she smiled a little too bright, “oh, and don’t call me Kenzie anymore it’s not cool.”

I watched her walk into the cafeteria and sit next to them over the top popular girls. I wanted to punch her or cry, but really punch her. Instead, I shouted out to her bobbing ponytail, “Well then don’t call me Jeongie, my English name is Miranda to you and everyone else here!” she stopped for a split second then carried on.

A few minutes later I sat down alone. The sound of giggles constantly tormented me from behind. When I looked back McKenzie looked back with a dangerous grin, quickly I looked away. Moments later I felt something hit the back of my head. I felt to see what it was, just to find McKenzie’s earlier gum stuck in my hair. I glared over at their table just for the horrifying sight of McKenzie smiling and laughing.

I ran my fingers through the length of my hair that I worked so hard for. It ran all the way down to my waist. I felt the slimy gum sliding down my hair.

Snapping back to real-time I glared in the mirror, “She did that to me and can’t even remember the name she didn’t want to be called. She wants to call me incompetent but I dealt with that on my own, I survived my last year of middle school and made it to my second year of high school alone. She hides behind those girls like a coward.” I gave my hair one last brush making the waves look the best out of my entire outfit and face. The bell rang and I headed off to the second period.

I made it through the rest of the day peacefully with only a few people looking at me. But now I had to get through the after-school crowd to get to my bike without music to tune out everyone. People giggled and chuckled looking back at me. Clearly the earlier incident had gotten around. Finally, on my bike, there was a note on the wheel. Picking it up it read, K-girl go back to your communist hell where you belong. I crumpled the paper throwing it towards a teacher, pedaling off. Looking back I saw the teacher pick it up. Ms. James knows everyone’s handwriting because she teaches starfish. The kid who wrote it would be in huge trouble.

Back at home, my mom was sitting on the couch eating a sandwich. “I made you one, it is on the table,” she said, not looking away from her own.

“Is something wrong,” I sat beside her.

“It’s just… are you sure you don’t want to celebrate your birthday this year? You haven’t in years and I have the money to rent a small building so your friends don’t have to come here. And I can buy a cake,” she said looking at me.

I smiled, “I’m fine.”  I stood up walking to the kitchen to grab my sandwich.

“Ok, but I do want to give you one gift so think of something by tomorrow”

“Why tomorrow?”

“Because that’s your birthday, Jeongsa”

“Oh my god, I didn’t even realize,” I ran to my room and opened my phone. I was turning 16 and there was something I always wanted to do just to make my father proud. My dad always had a fascination with JYP and he always took me to karaoke. I looked over to the box in the corner of my room. I walked over and opened the box pulling out the sparkly mic. Holding it in my hand I went to the JYPE website. “Auditions start 3 days from now,” I whispered to myself. I never really wanted to admit that being an idol would be amazing because I knew the costs. I had a babysitter who went into that system but she didn’t make it, she returned with an eating disorder, and anxiety. I may have only been 4 but she was 12 and did it just for fun. But I wasn't going to be in it for fun. It was for my father and to prove something to everyone.

I pulled up my favorite Stray Kids song ‘Maze of Memories’. I related to the lyrics way too much and loved rapping it. Although my mother often said I was once a beautiful singer I enjoyed rapping much more. Whenever I’m down or had a bad day it was easy to take comfort in music. I played the song calming my hidden nerves. At that moment I knew I wanted to do it.

The next morning I woke up a little late and my mother had already been standing in the kitchen. A small slice of Ingles cake. “It’s the least I could do,” she said smiling in her usual exhausted way. “Now go get dressed, and look good, it’s your birthday." I went to my room and picked out my best outfit.

Ripped jeans with emojis on them and a cute cropped t-shirt just long enough to pass the dress code. I walked out of my room and to the kitchen where my mom had a pancake for me. “I remembered that you don’t like syrup,” She laughed. It’s been a while since I heard her sweet laugh. I grabbed the pancake and walked out the door, “gomawo eomma,” I thanked her before leaving. I jumped on my bike riding one-handed while eating my favorite breakfast.

When I made it to school like clockwork Trent stood by the bike stand, he is popular but he prefers hanging with ‘weirdos’ like me. He can basically get along with anyone. I think one of the reasons me and McKenzie drifted was because of him. Turns out this guy had a crush on me while dating her. “Hi Trent, I didn’t see you yesterday.”

He flashed his somehow perfect, yet goofy smile, “Nice to know you missed me”

“Ya we have known each other for 6 years and you still think I would miss you,” I played along.

“Hey, who knows maybe one day you will come to your senses and go out with me,” he smiled bigger before it faded away, “I heard what happened yesterday… I’m so-”

“Nope, no apologizing I don’t want your pity. Besides you weren’t even there,” I said walking closer to him. He grinned, “I wasn’t going to say sorry. I was going to say I’m so going to whoop they a-” “No cursing,” I cut him off once more. He laughed at me, “whatever.” he bent down to peck my cheek but I simply put my hand in his way. I walked off completely ignoring his scoff followed by a laugh. 

When I got to my locker I looked back at Trent, “Why are you following me.” He just shrugged. I turned to open my locker to see a blue balloon and a piece of paper. “Surprise! Happy Birthday!,” Trent shouted, hugging me. The entire hallway started over at us and I panicked shoving him off.

“Well, I see how you treat people who get you the best gift ever, read the paper.” without responding to him I read the paper in shock. 

“You have been invited for an exclusive audition for JYP Entertainment’s Idol Trainee program. Your audition will be held on June 20th at the JYPE building. We understand your foreign situation and have purchased you a Delta air ticket for June 18th. Please email us for further information”, The paper read.

I stared dead at Trent, “How the heck did you do this.” He smiled at me clearly proud of himself. “I applied for you with That video of you rapping last year and I used your explanation of why you wanted to be an Idol that you gave to the music teacher 4 years ago. Apparently they liked it. I just hope you do too,” He said.

“Of course I like it! You know me too well,” I laughed, giving him a hug and headed to my first class.

After school, I said bye to Trent and got on my bike to head home. About halfway a car came swerving behind me. “Whoops, my bad. Haha,” the person in the car shouted out before speeding past. “McKenzie!”, I shouted in my head. 

Back at home I showed my mom the invitation to Korea. “No, you will not go back. What if something happens to you. And if you make it idols live a hard life. I don’t want you over there,” she said walking away.

I followed her, “nothing will happen to me and I’ve already looked into the hardships, please ma.”

“Jeongsa, no”

“Eomma-”

She whipped around suddenly with an angry expression. The tiredness from work gone from her eyes replaced with a fire, “I told you it’s not happening Miracle, now shut up!”

I flinched backing up, wiping a tear before it fell, “Forget you, I’ve worked so hard for you to be happy with me but no matter what It’s not enough! It wasn’t my fault. You get mad at me randomly then try to make up for it with birthday parties and snacks. You lose job after job not even trying in life when it’s been years get over it! Let me be selfish this once, I’m going and you can’t stop me. They’re mailing the tickets for a flight over”

She looked at me teary eyed and suddenly smiled, “you sound so much like him, wanting to be selfish for once.” I roll my eyes at that “Well, if you are going I want you to have somewhere to stay let me call up your sister.”

“My sister,” my eyes bulged, “What do you mean sister.” 

Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning not feeling well. I had a terrible headache and didn’t even want to get out of bed. Rolling over there it was a photo of my sister- or a rather half-sister. Memories from the previous evening swirled in my head making the pain worse. I jumped into a random pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, grabbing a Tylenol from the kitchen. “Eomma, I’m going to Trent’s house,” I called without waiting for a response. I ride my bike two blocks before getting to a large brick house with steps up to the luxurious living space. Without knocking I open the door running up the shiny steps at the entrances. At the top, an elderly Hispanic woman nodded to me while holding a basket of laundry, “couldn’t wait until Saturday I see. Trent will be happy.”

I simply smiled and sped walked down the long hallway to Trent’s room. I knocked on the closed door staring up at the football poster praying that he is awake. To my surprise, he answers. 

“What up, Mir. Couldn’t wait ‘till tomorrow to see my beautiful face. I thought you said only on Saturday, don’t worry I’m grateful for the early visit.”

“Please, I would see you at school anyways. Besides if everything goes as planned then I will be on a flight to South Korea tomorrow,” I said walking past him entering the musky-smelling room. Clothes laid unwashed on the floor and food trash overflowed the small trashcan in the corner. The dark room’s walls were filled with sports photos and a familiar photo of myself sat on his bedside table, I rolled my eyes at that.

He said nothing about me barging in and simply closed the door staring at his bare feet “Right, what did your mom say.”

I looked up at him gulping, “That’s why I came, she said yes and that I’m to stay with my sister. Trent, I have a half-sister in Korea. My dad- my idol- cheated on my mother! And I never knew. I-I have someone with part of my blood living oceans away and they couldn’t even tell me!”

He stood in silence staring at me not saying a word. That’s when it hit me, he wouldn’t understand. I stared down at my feet. He had it good his family was from here, he had friends of all sorts, a huge house, and money, He could easily get into any school he wanted with his football skills, yet this idiot has the audacity to be so nice to me, crush on me, and invite me to his house once a week just for me to dump all my problems on him. And this makes me mad somehow. I shift my weight suddenly nervous. I finally looked up into his chocolate eyes noticing how he bit at the brown skin near his lip- he had no idea what to say. I wanted to curl up in a ball never to talk to anyone again. I wanted, really wanted to cry but I couldn’t no matter how hard my eyes watered I couldn’t do it, nor did I want to. I took a step to leave but he grabbed my hand.

“I’m sorry. I have no clue what to say to that. I’ve never had siblings, or… family issues I guess. I know it’s not my fault or my place but can I at least give you a ride to school. Before you leave,” he said calmly. Now it was his turn to not be able to look at me. This must have been over his head; it was over my own.

A few minutes later we were in the back of his mother’s car on our way to school. I couldn’t help but let my mind wander, from what my sister is going to be like to how the auditions are going to be like. It was a public audition for anyone to watch JYPE is a big thing I wonder how many people are going to watch., I thought to myself. Trent reached up smacking my forehead. “You’re so zoned out it’s ridiculous my mom asked if you needed a ride home as well. Also your shaking like grass in the breeze,” He laughed at me. I just barely hit him back but he sunk into his chair with his mouth wide open pretending to be wounded. “Yes ma’am if you don’t mind,” I said ignoring him.

School went by in a daze I was simply too worried about every detail that had to do with my audition. I had shoved the thought of my half-sister to the back of my mind. On my way to Trent’s car that evening I ran into the she-devil herself. 

“How you doing, I heard about your audition.” she rolled her eyes, “I hope you don’t get your feelings hurt over there.”

“Who even told you,” I scowled at her overly beat face. “A little birdie.” she glanced over to where Trent was walking over to us. As he approached both of us his face carried evident fear. “You won’t stand a chance over there. Those idiots know real talent and that is not you.” Trent grabbed my arm attempting to drag me away but I stood with my feet planted. I wanted to hear what she had to say. “You always hid in the shadows of the school avoiding everyone. If you can’t handle this tiny school I want to see you handle the whole world. Face it Miracle, you. Are. ugly. And. untalented,” she said each word slowly as if I didn’t speak her language. To be honest I felt as if I didn’t, she had to be an alien because who else would speak such words to an old friend. I was ready to snap at her, just slap her in the face, until I saw the glimpse in her eye when she looked me up and down. That wasn’t hatred, that was jealousy.

I chuckled “We’ll see who is so untalented. Once I’m done I’ll be above the stars, I’m shooting for the moon.” I turned walking to the car Trent following me silently, “sor-” “don’t be I told him smiling back at the dumbfounded McKenzie.

At home, I began packing with the help of Trent - well more like the entertainment of Trent. He joked around at how I had told McKenzie off and bout cried about missing me, then whined about getting a snack just to snarf down a large burger. The whole time I just folded clothes placing them neatly in 3 suitcases and laughing at his jokes. He went home for the night returning the next morning to see me off.

I woke up at 6:30 am grabbing my phone, earbuds, and chargers tucking them away in my bookbag. My mother had prepared waffles and bacon for me, which I ate quickly. My skin had goosebumps up and down them even though it wasn’t that cold. My thoughts swarmed with what Korea might be like, what my sister would be like. But most importantly, the song I had chosen. I planned to practice in the hotel for two days and then just go for it. If I passed the fist audition I would most likely have to go through another for dance since I didn’t plan on showing any of that for the first time around. Especially since it’s not my strong point. On my way out Trent gave me a hug and my mother, eyes full of tears simply said, “take care of yourself.” 

I caught my ride with my moms’ friend putting my luggage in the back and sitting in the front earbuds in. It was raining, raindrops racing down my window making me feel like the main character in my own movie as Everglow’s “Moon” played through the wires.

Chapter 3

    I boarded my plane earbuds still in place. When I got to my seat I was shocked. I had been placed in the premium section with a reclined seat and a small screen to look at. A girl with a blond bob and what appeared to be grown out bangs swept to the side looked up at me smiling. “First time,” she said gesturing for me to sit, “this is your seat, right? Or are sneaking in!”

“ANI! I- I mean no. I mean yes, yes this is my seat.” I internally slapped myself.

The girl laughed at me loudly, too loud, “You do know you’re on a flight to Korea, you don’t have to correct yourself to English. I blushed embarrassed just realizing her Korean visuals. I bowed to her, “joesonghabnida.” She rolled her eyes and told me to just sit and not to apologize for that either. I sat next to her praying this wasn’t how the whole flight would go. Luckily she quickly fell asleep leaving me to listen to my music in peace. WayV’s “Take off” played loudly tuning out the world for me. About an hour later the girl awakened.like the energy bunny ready to go. She blabbed my head off seemingly not realizing I wasn’t listening. “Jeez, you could at least pretend to listen to me,” she shrugged turning away from me.

“I’m so sorry what did you say”

She lit up like a light bulb, “I was asking if you are visiting family in Korea.”

“K-kinda, but that’s not the point of my visit”, my cheeks turned red at the thought of having to tell her the real reason.

“Then what are you going for.”

“JYP auditions,” I said praying she wouldn’t find me weird or in over my head. She flashed a huge pearly white smile and I braced myself for her to burst out laughing at me.

She let out a small giggle her eyes disappearing with the smile, “Really! I am too! By the way, my name is Yang Sun-Hi but my English name is Sunny. You can call me either.”

I let out a huge sigh relieved, “wow what a coincidence, my name is Jeong-Sa but my English name is Miracle. I prefer Miracle.

“I like Jeong-Sa more. Did you know Jeong represents chastity, loyalty, virtues, and gentleness? I think it suits you.” She winked at me. This girl is the definition of a 4D personality, I smiled to myself, I actually didn’t know that was the meaning of my name maybe I could start going by it while I’m in Korea. Sun-Hi suddenly frowned but before I could ask what’s wrong she looked down at her vibrating phone. Without a bright smile, I could finally see her facial features clearly. The fact is, she’s gorgeous. Her round brown eyes held every emotion and she had small heart-shaped lips that disappeared when she smiled. She had a natural oval face shape and eyes that could pierce your soul if she didn’t flash her beautifully aligned teeth so much. I looked away not wanting to get caught staring and focused on the blue and red seat in front of me. I clicked the movie button on my screen and my favorite drama Hotel Del Luna was available. Sun-Hi’s phone vibrated once more and she put it back in her bag.

“Why did you ignore it- OMG that was such an invasive question,” I tapped myself on the forehead. 

“It’s fine. It was my dad, he lives in California. He doesn’t want me to be an idol he wants me to be a doctor or at least make it in the US where it’s not as demanding,” though she was talking so seriously her smile grin never left.

I quickly contemplated what I would say, “The way I see it it’s going to be hard either way and as long as you are happy.” She smiled at me and told me to start the drama.

After about over 5 episodes of ‘Hotel del Luna’ Sunny had gotten chatty again. “So, what are you gonna do for your audition?”, she asked.

“I’m going to sing “Slump” by Stray Kids. They are my favorite group.”

“Wait but isn’t that mostly rap and falsettos? You must have some extreme talent- OMG you’re a female rapper! Those are so rare, especially one that can hit a falsetto too.”

I nervously giggled, “ya well I know I can rap but I haven’t sung in years.”

“Don’t worry you’ll be fine!”

 Food was then passed out to us and let’s be real, it was one of the worst things I had ever tasted. One tall white man with graying hair that needed a haircut stood up out of his seat cursing the attendant. He threw the meal on the floor spitting everywhere as he shouted. The woman that sat next to him shivered in her skin letting her dark curly hair fall in her face seemingly hiding it. I felt Sunny standing up next to me sliding in front of me for a better view. Suddenly the woman stood up and encouraged the angry man to sit down. Her olive skin tone reddened as the man glared back at her with a drunken expression. “Who are you to say anything. This ridiculous ring means nothing! Your the same to a mutt, got me on this freakin plane! I want an immediate landing don’t nobody want to go to this 3rd world Asian playground!”, he spat at the woman, and the attendant, “Never disrespect me again b**ch,” he lifted his hand the whole plane gasping in shock.

“Ya! Don’t you know outside drinks aren’t allowed on the plane, everyone can smell it. It’s terrible by the way.” Sun-hi had given the man a high-five to his risen hand. Another girl stepped up, lifting the man’s wife who had fallen in tears, “domestic abuse can land you a few years in prison as well, I don’t think you’d last a second.” The glares coming from Sun-hi and the other girl were identically deadly. Their slim dark eyes matched each other in growing anger. Not making eye contact with the pair the man sat down next to his shivering wife. “Ya forget that may we switch seats and he sits over there,” the other girl asked the flight attendant who kindly approved with a bow. She then sat next to the woman and the man angrily stomped to the other empty seat. Sunny came back to sit down clearing her throat and shyly sitting.

“Oh my gosh! You and that girl were amazing! Are you okay, you could’ve gotten hurt! Who on earth is she!”, I couldn’t believe what had just happened not even when I had seen it with my very own eyes. The same girl who smiled ear to ear and talked my ears off constantly had just done...done that.

“Oh, that’s my sister, Eun-hi, she is trying with me. But you know we did get him good didn’t we, Haha,” she giggled glancing over to where her sister sat talking to the still shivering woman. “She used to want to be a therapist until she learned how to sing and I got the idea of being idols together.”

It was my turn to smile ear to ear, “idol sisters fighting idiots, you’ve got to be kidding! Sun-hi and Eun-hi are y’all twins!”

“Kinda, she was born August 22 at 6:34 pm and I was born August 23 at 5:02 am. It was a long night,” she joked smiling.

I lit up as realization hit, “Your zodiacs are separated by a day, that’s so cool.” We sat and giggled together about her sister and her. I could already feel our friendship and - I hate to get my hopes up - career together as it takes off.