Chapter 24 #3
“There!” I say, pointing out Carlos and Hugo, who are making their way through the crowd to us. Carlos lifts Hugo up from behind and he kicks his legs up to land on the stage.
Eve steps away from me, and hugs him right around the head and won’t let go, so our whole team crowds around them to take turns congratulating him, telling him we couldn’t have done it without him, that he’s our hero. I tell him that Kermit and Gonzo would be proud.
He doesn’t say anything to any of us, but he’s smiling more than I’ve ever seen him do and that feels like a big enough win for right now.
We compose ourselves as DeSantos attempts to regain control of the crowd’s attention.
“Wade’s would like to thank all our participants this evening. We have a $2,500 check ready to be donated to the charity of your choice,” they say. They look at me for an answer, but I turn to the group.
“What should we do?” I ask, but no one offers anything.
“What about that one you mentioned?” Eve asks. “With the support group.”
I look at Eve and my eyes almost start to fill. Then I turn to Audra.
“I think that’s a beautiful idea,” she says, putting an arm around Eve.
“Cobble House,” I say, now speaking to DeSantos.
“A very worthy cause,” DeSantos says. “And one close to my heart as well. That donation will be made in the name of the Royal Tannenbaums. Congratulations!”
My heart swells, thinking how this money will go to helping people like me, and my mom, and… my sister.
I wish Michelle could have been here cheering me on—or playing on our team—but I also wish she could see this moment.
To know that there are people who care, who want to be helpful and supportive—even of someone they don’t know.
Knowing that might help her, make her feel safer and more secure, give her the reassurance that she could reach out for support if and when she needed it.
It could even motivate her to help others…
“And, of course, the grand prize also includes a year’s worth of free popcorn!
” DeSantos adds, pulling me out of my feels.
No one points out that the popcorn is already free, but it wouldn’t matter to me if they were giving away lumps of coal, because right now everything is glitter-coated, silver-and-gold perfection.
“Thank you to our challengers for their valiant efforts, to our crowd for being so supportive, to the Prancers and Dancers for turning in some of the best impromptu entertainment I’ve seen this side of the Gowanus Canal!
” The four of them curtsy. “And thank you to Wade’s for hosting this sacred holiday tradition. ”
Tradition . The word I’ve been focused on this whole season hits me.
This wasn’t my tradition, but now I’m a part of it.
And somehow, it feels just as special as our movie marathon and our sock swap and everything I’ve been missing so much.
I didn’t think it’d be possible for any new tradition to be as meaningful, especially this quickly.
DeSantos shakes our hands and insists that we’d better come back next year, then presents me with the crown, since I’m closest. I look at Cash, who lights up like a tree topper, but when I give him an apologetic smile, I see his eyes soften with understanding.
“We’re all winners, but I think there’s one person here who really deserves to wear that crown,” I say, and turn to Eve, who is still hugging Hugo. “How ’bout we swap the top hat for some fresh headwear, my friend?” I ask him.
“What do you say, bud?” Eve asks him, finally letting him go but placing her hand on his shoulder.
Hugo looks up at us and at first I can’t read his expression. But then slowly he removes his hat and from behind his glasses, his eyes turn to bright green Christmas lights.
I place the crown, which is far too big for him, on his head and it tips to the side, but Diya reaches out and steadies it for him.
“Flawless,” Cash says.
“Iconic,” Izaac adds.
Hugo doesn’t say anything else, but from the grin that slides onto his face, I think he agrees.
“All right, what do y’all say to blowing this Popsicle stand, and going home for some celebratory cocoa and Smash Bros .?” Carlos says, looking at all of us.
We all agree eagerly and bundle back up. When we step out into the dark night, we’re blasted by frigid air. The storm has really started to pick up, and there’s already enough on the ground to build a snowman.
“Careful, bud,” Eve says, taking Hugo’s hand as we step out onto the slippery sidewalk.
He nods, and then with his free mittened hand, he reaches up and takes mine, too.
And wow, I thought I knew magic, but this?
This is a totally new brand, more sparkly and awe-inspiring and true-to-word wonderful than anything I’ve felt before.
He looks between us, back and forth a few times.
“So, clearly you believe now, right?” I say.
“Nope,” she says, looking straight ahead, but I see her eyes crinkle in the corners.
“Come on,” I say. “This was definitely magic!”
“No, Strudel,” she says, and then when she looks at me over Hugo’s head, there’s something new in her eyes that makes my breath hitch. “This was all you.”