Our story begins with a beautiful girl, inside and out, named Laila.
Laila was the only child of her mum and dad; after their marriage, they had longed for a child for six years before Laila finally arrived.
Laila was a dream come true for her mum and her dad; they looked after her with devotion and attention and encouraged her in life.
Laila had beautiful features, wide eyes, and curly hair. Still, Allah gifted Laila with a special gift: her beautiful voice. Her big, full lips could deliver life the most graceful melodies.
When Laila was 12 years old, her best friend Mira was with her in middle school. They always enjoyed each other’s company. However, Laila faced teasing from some of her other schoolmates, who made fun of her big mouth and full lips.
Despite this, Laila was a confident girl; she knew she was beautiful inside and out. She was wise enough to know that having a beautiful soul and a loving heart were such blessings far more important than physical looks.
Laila attended rehearsals at school, and her parents and Mira always supported her singing by attending all her events. She did great; she had the passion and the courage to pursue what she loved. Her beautiful mouth, with its full lips, emanated a soft yet cheerful voice. The object of her classmate’s bullying was the source of graceful rhythms to the world that made people who listened to her really happy.
Laila was also an organized, clever girl. She studied well for her exams and organized her time. She knew that good time management was her key to success. In addition to her music and vocal rehearsals at school, she went to extra sessions with Miss Nada, a vocal coach, at the music center in the same neighbourhood where Laila lives.
Every morning, Laila went to school, and in the afternoon, she went for the vocal sessions with Miss Nada.
One day at school, Laila faced a problem. She was feeling down because Sarah’s teasing was really bothering her. Sarah kept calling her “big mouth girl,” This made her very sad, and she even considered dropping out of school.
In the afternoon, Laila arrived for a lesson with Miss Nada; when she entered, Miss Nada immediately noticed Laila’s face.
“What’s wrong, my dear? Are you ok?”
“No, I’m not!”
“Why? Tell me, please,” Miss Nada said.
“Today, I was on my way to the music room for the group music rehearsals at school; I met the bunch of girls headed by Sarah, who always bullies me. Their behaviour was the same as other girls; they kept making fun of my full lips and big mouth. They called me the “Big Mouth Girl, BMG, there goes BMG,” and I felt so down. I can’t stand it anymore; I want to drop out of school.”
Miss Nada took Laila in her arms, “Oh my dear, I understand how you feel, but dropping out of school, is this the solution?”
Tears wet Laila’s cheeks, her voice barely audible, “Yes.”
Miss Nada got herself and Laila two glasses of fresh orange juice, “I always feel I can think better with some OJ.”
They both sipped their juice, and Miss Nada put on one of Nada’s favourite songs, “I Can’t Smile Without You.”
“Do you think that when you leave this school, that will be the end of the story?”
Laila nodded while patting her foot to the rhythm.
“My dear, let me teach you a small lesson: you’re still very young, and you’ll continue to face many challenges in this life.”
Do you think I haven’t overcome challenges, although I’m older than you? I must remind myself that I cannot focus on those who make me feel bad.”
Miss Nada started singing the words, and Laila couldn’t resist and joined her soon; they danced together while singing.
Your beautiful voice makes us all so happy! I wanted so badly to have a voice like yours, but instead, I found the joy in teaching and sharing the joy of your achievements. How many of those girls performed on stage?”
“Ummm, none.”
“So maybe they are making fun of you because they are jealous.”
“Maybe?”
“Never let bullies take from you your own self-value! Remember Mira, your parents and me, and everyone who loves you. Be brave and face; never run away!”
“But what can I do?”
Next time they bully you, take three actions: First, stand up for yourself and think of a proper answer! Like I love my mouth because it gave me this beautiful voice. Second, tell the principal at school that you have been bullied so she can take the necessary action with them. This will not just help you but will help all the other girls they are bullying. Third, speak openly with your parents, seek their support and advice because they love you so much, and they have to know what’s happening in your life.”
Laila hugged Miss Nada, they had second glasses of OJ and continued their lesson as planned.
As the end of the academic year approached, Laila was busy with her studies and rehearsals. She was preparing for her first solo concert at the school’s end-of-year annual student celebration at the school theatre.
On the day of the concert, Laila was nervous because it was her first solo performance; her parents, relatives, Mira, Miss Nada and the rest of her friends filled the theatre seats. Even the bullies were there.
Before the performance, Laila remembered Miss Nada’s encouraging words: Challenges continue throughout our lives; we just need to be courageous enough to face them. She held her head high, centred on stage, faced the audience, and proved her talent. Her mentor’s words that her confidence had to come from inside helped her voice soar and reach limits she didn’t know she had. Her joy and aptitude were infectious.
Her fantastic performance led to a standing ovation where even the bullies clapped and cheered. Attendees were amazed by Laila’s vocal melodies and maturity. After she was off the stage, everyone showered her with compliments about the repertoire she had delivered!
Miss Nada hugged her fiercely; this time, tears were wetting her cheeks. ” Thank you, my dear. I am so proud of you. Thank you.”
Laila had ended the concert with “I Can’t Smile Without You,” and dedicated it to Miss Nada.
