Finding yourself and being strong on your own
But if you ever missin’ home, or feeling alone
You always have me, together we’ll be, family
Little girl, stand and twirl
On the open stage
Be free, fly and see
Alone you are so brave
A long long way from home, is where you belong
Finding yourself and being strong on your own
But if you’re ever missin’ home, or feeling alone
You’ll always have me, forever we’ll be
Together you’ll see, family
The crowd erupts in applause, Todd the loudest, as Quinn pretends to fly with her ladybug wings around the stage. She circles my stool and runs into my arms.
Who knew that on a tiny stage, in my childhood school, with my daughter, would be my all-time favorite performance.
36
SUMMER
I’m a total mess by the time Quinn and Everett take a bow. I’ve gotten to hear parts of their song as Everett wrote it, but this was the first time I’ve witnessed the full thing. He made her shine up there, and if I didn’t already love them, their adorable performance would have done it.
I’m so busy hugging them that I don’t see Brian pass us and replace their spot in front of the crowd.
“Thank you everyone for coming to Be the Brave’s first talent show. As principal, the play has always been my favorite event of the year. Watching the adept staff and students showcase the heart of this school is an honor.”
I bristle at his boast. After his freak-out over the content change and his crude disability comment, I’m having a difficult time trusting he has respect for anyone who performed.
Everett cups my shoulder to get my attention. “I’m going to take Quinn to say hi to everyone.”
I cover his hand with my own. “Okay, I’ll meet you out there.”
He winks at me, and I almost miss it when Brian says, “While I hope this is the beginning of a new tradition for Be the Brave, it will be the last event I attend as acting principal.”
Frozen on the side of the stage, I let his words sink.He’s leaving.
“I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities next year. The Board of Directors are in the process of looking for the school’s next principal.”
A collective gasp followed by murmuring floats through the audience.
“It’s been a privilege spending the last several years serving this community. I know whoever comes next will be the perfect fit to carry on the legacy of success this school thrives upon. I’d like to thank the faculty, parents, and students for your support. Rhett Dawson for the special privilege it was to have his talent on our stage. Our very own Miss Amy for stepping in last minute for Mrs. Farris. And for Summer Rogers, who volunteered the last six weeks of her time to make this night the ultimate success it was. Wishing you all a great summer break! Thank you.”
Another round of applause breaks out as Brian exits the performance area. A wide swath of amber light blocks his vision of me beyond the curtains. His smile collapses the moment I materialize from the shadows.
“Summer.”
“You announced your resignation.”
