Page 4 of Tides and Tidings

“What happened?”

“Celly told me that I wouldn’t be a good angel.” A small sob finally broke through.

“Well, that’s not true at all.” I leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. “Do you know what I think? I think Celeste was jealous, and she’s trying to make you nervous.”

“Really?” The six-year-old still wouldn’t make eye contact.

“Yep. You’re going to be amazing, Little Bird. Grammy, Pops, Daddy, and I are in the front row. When you get up on that stage, look at us and you won’t get nervous. Pretend like you’re singing to us.”

“What about when I have to say my line?” she shot back, finally making eye contact.

“When you have to talk, just look at one of us.”

“Can I look at you, Birdie?”

“Of course you can. You know I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader.” I gave her a tight squeeze. “Love you to the moon…”

“And back!” Wren finished.

“Do you think you’re ready to head out there?” Mrs. Smith asked Wren.

She hesitated but then nodded.

“I’ll see you soon!” I exited the classroom and made my way back to my seat.

I took my seat in between Charlie and Marjorie. Charlie had a worried expression across his face.

“Celeste told her she was going to be a bad angel and it psyched her out.”

“Is she okay now?” Dad mode was activated.

“I think so? Maybe?” I sighed, “I did my best.”

Charlie kissed the side of my head, “I’m sure you helped her more than you know, babe.”

Christmas music started playing and we could see the class standing outside the auditorium door. Wren was close to the front of the line and looked green from nerves. All I wanted was scoop her up and take her to get a toy. The small group of kids walked in and filed onto the stage. Our little Wren was front and center. It took her a moment, but she spotted her four favorite people and gave us a small wave. We all waved back, and she was visibly relaxed.

Half an hour later, the kids were taking their bows before returning to their classroom. Halfway through the little performance, I saw Charlie’s eyes water. When we first met, he was stone-cold; today, he’s a weeping mess.

“I’ll go get her.” Charlie was up and ready to get his little girl before the rest of us even had a chance to stand up.

My heart melted, “We’ll wait here.”

Marjorie, Ron, and I waited outside and raved over Wren’s performance. She knew all the words to the songs and nailed her lines. A few minutes later, Charlie appeared with Wren in tow.

“There’s our girl!” Ron welcomed her with open arms.

“Pop! Did you see me?” The kid was elated.

“I sure did. See, nothing to be nervous about.” He reassured her.

“Grammy!” Wren shifted from one grandparent to the other. Giving her grandma a warm embrace.

“You were outstanding, Little Bird!”

I stood back, letting the family have a moment together before I joined in.

“Birdie!” Wren wrapped herself around my legs. “I didn’t make a mistake!”