“Understood.” She had nothing to worry about, but I got why she doubted me.
Serena and Avery ate the breakfast I brought over and finished their drinks while I sipped my latte, enjoying being in their space. Then I got even luckier when Avery suggested, “We might as well take your car. It’s silly to take two when we’re going to the same place. Especially when one of the potential topics today is pollution. I don’t want to be a hypocrite if I end up on the affirmative side of the energy transition debate.”
Serena narrowed her eyes at her sister. “Yeah, driving my hybrid SUV seven whole miles would be just tragic for the environment.”
“That’s seven miles each way,” Avery pointed out with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “And we should probably factor in the larger initial carbon footprint from battery production.”
“I’m not going to stand here debating this with you,” Serena muttered.
“Good one.” Avery giggled and clapped her sister on the back. “The debate before the debate.”
Serena rolled her eyes. “Let’s go.”
The drive to the school was quiet but not hostile. I kept stealing glances at Serena’s profile, terrified that one wrong word would send her back behind the wall I’d helped build. I had spent months making her feel unseen. Today, I needed her to feel chosen.
Avery chattered from the back seat about her debate topic while Serena stared out the window. I kept my hands on the wheel and my mouth mostly shut, letting them lead.
Avery’s coach did a double take when he saw me. “Hudson Holt. Avery said you might stop by. We’re short on timers for the novice rounds. Think you can help out there?”
“I can handle explosions on a movie set. I should be fine with a stopwatch.”
Serena shot me a sideways look, appearing amused at my reply.
The morning passed by in a blur of activity. It didn’t give me much time to spend with Serena, but I enjoyed timing debates in the gym, staying in the back so I wouldn’t distract the kids. When Avery took the stage for her round, I faded even further into the shadows, just watching her shine. She was confident, quick on her feet, and passionate about the topic.
The pride I felt in her was unexpected. But the kid had been through so much, and here she was, holding her own.
During the break, I helped restock the snack table. Serena was there too, and our hands brushed when I passed her a stack of cups. She didn’t pull away immediately.
Leaning closer, she murmured, “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I know.” I kept my voice low. “But I wanted to. Avery deserves to have people show up for her. And I needed you to see that I’m listening.”
She looked at me for a moment, something soft flickering in her eyes before the guard slid back into place. “It’s a start.”
A group of kids recognized me and asked for photos. I smiled and signed a couple of programs. But when one pulled out his phone, I shook my head. “Not today, guys. I’m here for Avery and her team. Let’s keep the focus on them.”
I caught Serena watching me from across the table. The softening in her expression was worth more than any fan moment.
Mr. Harrison found me later, thanking me profusely. “The kids are thrilled. Any chance you’d be willing to come back for the spring invitational?”
I glanced at Serena, who was helping Avery organize note cards a few feet away. “If Serena and Avery are okay with it, I’d love to.”
Serena heard her name and looked over. She gave a small, reluctant nod.
It felt better than any award I’d received.
In the afternoon, I helped judge a couple of impromptu rounds. I kept my feedback kind but honest, remembering how terrifying public speaking used to be for me before acting forced me to get over it. One nervous freshman left the room standing a little taller after I told her she had natural presence.
During the final break, I pulled Avery aside near the water fountain. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Avery studied me with blue eyes that reminded me so much of her sister. “I didn’t do it for you. I did it for her. I’ve never seen her happier than when she was with you. Before you messed up. But if you hurt her again, I will personally help her burn your stuff on the lawn. And I’ll film it.”
I smiled even though it was obvious she meant the threat. “Fair. I deserve that.”
She softened a fraction. “Just do me a favor and keep showing up. Words are cheap. Actions aren’t.”
“I’m learning that.”
