Jericho is a work in progress and is unedited.  Jericho will most likely end up as a fully edited, formatted book published by Tom Tancin.  For now, enjoy the book as a work in progress and get a look inside the process. 

(c) 2017 by Tom Tancin
 

The blaring pop song meant to inspire strength and confidence did nothing to keep the butterflies out of my stomach. In nearly eighteen years of life, I never had to speak to a group larger than thirty--and even that was for a class project, not something as life changing as introducing the democratic candidate for president to thousands of people.

A few weeks ago, my boarding school, The Philadelphia Leadership Academy, was contacted and asked to name a student who could introduce Cant Bon--yes, his name is actually “Cant”--at his campaign event here in Philly.  Madam Bethune said she knew right away who that student would be.  She told me that I was going to introduce Cant Bon.  It wasn’t a question; it was a directive.  And the reason was because I was turning eighteen on the day of the election.  

She knew I’d registered to vote; she had helped me.  And she knew that on my eighteenth birthday, I was going to cast a vote for the next president.  She’d said, “There’s no one better to introduce him than a kid who is going to spend his eighteenth birthday casting his first vote for him.”  

I don’t know how she knew I was planning to vote for Cant, or if she didn’t care, but, luckily, he is my choice and who I will vote for. Over the past few weeks, I wrote a speech, had Mr. Campbell, my English teacher, edit it, practiced it with my best friend Kayla, and submitted it to the campaign. They required a few, minor, changes but overall it was acceptable to them. I continued practicing.  Every day.  And pretty much all day yesterday.  

A stage hand walks past, “One minute.”  

“You’re ready for this,” Madam Bethune says.  “We prepared you to lead.” In the public eye, she’s tough but caring. Same with her school. But behind closed doors, she’s a callous and moody bitch. They prepared me to deal with hypocrites and fakes. That’s what I’d like to say but I’m motioned to walk up the steps that lead to the stage.

Butterflies on caffeine. I have to focus on each foot as I climb the steps and walk across the stage. The crowd is thunderous; my ears are clogged. I’m moving but I feel as if I don’t have control of anything. My heart pounds in my chest.

The podium is just feet away but it seems like miles as I force my way there. Finally reaching it, I step up and smile at the crowd. At least I think I smile; I told my brain to make me smile but I’m not sure it listened.  

I clear my throat. “So my teachers weren’t kidding when they told me that giving a speech in class would help prepare me for the real world.”  There’s laughter in the crowd. It’s not so bad now that I’m actually here. Now that I’m actually speaking. “I don’t really understand the “real world” comment that adults use. You mean, as opposed to the face one I’ve been living in?” More laughter.  “Maybe it’s one of those things I’ll understand when I’m older. But I’m not sure that, when they said that, they imagined me here on this stage today. I know I didn’t.” I’m reading the words on the screen. My words. But I’m going to improvise a bit too.

“My name is Jericho. I’m seventeen years old. I attend the Philadelphia Leadership Academy. And I’m going to be the next President of the United States.”  More laughter from the crowd. Clapping too.  “Alright, so maybe not the NEXT President.  But who knows, maybe one day.” Cheers and claps. “I’ll leave the job of the next President up to Cant Bon.” The roar is so intense I can’t hear myself finish the joke. “He’s not me but I think he’ll do fine.”  

I let the crowd calm.  “Ok. So in all seriousness, I’m here because I’m trying to earn a role in President Bon’s administration. I want to be a member of his cabinet.” The crowd is crazy again.  “Alright. You can see right through me. I’m here because they’re paying me millions. I probably should’ve just told them that I wanted an ‘A’ in public speaking’.”  

Once again, I let them settle. “All of that would be nice but none of it is true. I’m not being offered a spot in the administration, and I haven’t been paid millions. I even got a ‘C’ in public speaking.  Mrs. Howard, how do you like me now?” That set the crowd into a frenzy. And as I wait for them, I realize that the butterflies have left. My heartbeat is fast, but it’s no longer thunderous. I’m barely shaking. I’m doing ok.

“I’m really here because I will turn eighteen on November 2nd and I will spend my birthday casting my very first vote...for Cant Bon.” I can’t believe how much I can make them cheer. “I’m going to vote for Cant because I believe he understands and cares about me--and people in general. Plus, he attended the Philadelphia Leadership Academy so he knows how to be a leader. You see, here at the school, I’ve learned that leaders don’t rule. Leaders harness the talents of everyone around them. Cant is a product of this school; he knows how to truly be a leader.

“But before I continue focusing on why Cant is my choice, I should probably tell you a little about myself.  My name is Jericho--but I don’t know my last name. I’m not even certain that Jericho is my birth name.”

The mood of the crowd has drastically changed.  It’s no longer a fun and excited mass; now it’s quiet and somber.  

“See, I’m an orphan. I was delivered to the school as an infant, just days old.  Luckily, Madam Bethune took me in, even though she normally accepts only children of school age.” I stop to remind myself that it’s ok to lie if it benefits my message. I don’t consider myself lucky to have ended up at PLA but the thousands of people listening to me right now don’t have to know that.  

“I’ve spent my entire life here, learning to be a leader. This year, I will graduate and have the opportunity to move on to bigger and brighter things. I’m not sure what those things are yet, but I know, that like Cant, PLA prepared me for whatever I decide to do.

“One thing I might do is try to find my name. I might even try to find my birth parents. Find out why they left me here. Or what happened to them if they are no longer around.

“Beyond that, I’m going to use the skills and knowledge I gained at PLA to make a good life for myself and those I care about.” I take a moment to look at my best friend, Kayla. “And maybe one day I will actually run for President so that I can show the world that even a boy who doesn’t really know who he is or where he comes from can be the leader of the free world. That, with hard work, determination, and compassion, you can accomplish anything.

“That’s why I’m voting for Cant Bon. I want a world that allows someone like me to be the President. A world where someone who has nothing can become the leader of everything. Cant’s presidency ensures that. Cant understands that the world is a harsh place but human decency and hard-work go a long way in making it better. He understands that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. He understands that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And he understands that by creating an America where everyone has the right to live the American Dream--whatever they may wish to become--you create the strongest, smartest, most compassionate, and most resilient country on the planet.  

“It is for those reasons, and so many more, that I took pride in registering to vote. And it is for those reasons, and so many more, that I will take pride in casting my vote on my birthday. A vote for Cant Bon.” The crowd cheers again.

“So I hope that on November 2nd, you will give me the best birthday present I’ve ever received. And that present is Cant Bon becoming the next President of the United States.” The crows roars.  

“Ladies and Gentleman, it is my pleasure and privilege to introduce the next President of the United States, Cant Bon.”

I can barely hear the song as I watch the candidate cross the stage toward me.  He’s tall, athletic, charismatic with dark hair and a great smile.  He’s forty-five but looks at least a decade younger. Of course, all of that is a part of his appeal. But it’s his kindness and genuine love for people that make him even more likeable.

I reach to shake his hand; he takes my hand and pulls me into a hug. Patting my back, he says, “Thank you!”. Then he releases the hug but continues to grip my hand. “Wait for me after the event. I want to talk to you.”

“Ok.” That’s all I say. I’m not sure if it’s enough but it works. He walks to the podium as I exit the stage.

I’m at the bottom of the steps when Cant Bon comes off the stage, waiting for him like he asked. He’s over twenty years older than me but he’s captivating, not only physically but also with his presence. He’s so sure of himself but not in an obnoxious way. Just enough to be attractive without making him unrelatable.

His smile pulls me in even more. “I can’t thank you enough,” he says. “You were awesome out there.”

“Thanks,” I say. “You too.”  

There’s a silent awkwardness. “Listen, I think you should finish the campaign with me.”

I’m stunned. I don’t know what he even means and I certainly don’t know how to reply even if I did. Luckily, he doesn’t want a reply. “You reached into the hearts and souls of every American and made them see why this election is important to them. You were funny and heartbreaking. Charming and witty. I need you on the campaign with me.”  He pauses but I still don’t say anything. “There really isn’t a better person to advocate for me and America.”

“I…..I’m not sure what to say.” It’s the one thing he probably doesn’t want me to say but it’s the only thing I am prepared to answer.  

“Well I don’t want to be pushy or sound insincere or selfish but what reason do you really have to say ‘no’?” He’s right. I don’t have a good reason to refuse. This is my chance to get away from the boarding school. Ah--graduation. That’s my reason.

“I need to finish school. I’m going to graduate in June.”

“We can arrange to have someone teach you on the road. Allow you to finish the credits you need to earn your diploma.”

“We already have a teacher for his daughters,” a woman says.  His campaign manager. She’s been standing there the whole time but I haven’t taken the time to realize it.I guess that’s kinda her role; to be there to deal with what needs to be done but to not be involved when she isn’t needed directly. And I suddenly realize she’s not the only one I didn’t notice. I didn’t acknowledge the security detail around us either, until now.

“I don’t understand why you want me on your campaign. I’m only seventeen. What do I know about running for president?”

“You don’t have to know anything about running for president.  I need you to be you. A kid about to be a legal adult who has an inspirational story in the making. Not to mention that you casting your first vote for me on your eighteenth birthday; it just doesn’t get better than that.”

“Cant, we need to go,” his manager steps in. “We have to get to the university for the debate. And you still need to practice.”

“Alright,” Cant says. “Sleep on it. We’ll check in with you tomorrow.” He smiles.  “Sorry I have to rush but thanks again for your incredible intro today.”

“No problem.” I say. “I’ll think all of this over.”

He’s already on the bus. I need to think. I need advice. I need Kayla. So instead of going back into the school, I decide to go where we always go when we need a break.