23. Grace
Grace
Ms. Kenzie handed me a clipboard, her usually stern eyes softening for just a moment. “I expect you’ll keep things organized, Grace. No distractions. This event is important and I’m trusting you.”
When I learned Ms. Kenzie was running a talent show fundraiser, I jumped at the opportunity to ask her whether she needed any volunteers.
Since volunteering at the homeless shelter, I realized how badly I wanted to help.
I also realized how many people were in need of help.
I had grown up so privileged and knew I could really make an impact.
I tried not to smile too wide and appear overly enthusiastic. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Ms. Kenzie raised an eyebrow, skeptical, but her mouth fought a smile. “See that you are.”
She strutted away, barking instructions at the volunteers near the makeshift stage.
Ms. Kenzie might have a sharp tongue and a permanently furrowed brow, but I’d come to realize she had one of the biggest hearts I’d ever encountered, especially when it came to the shelter she ran from mostly out of her own pocket.
I glanced down at the clipboard, quickly skimming over the list of acts.
Dancers, singers, even Keith performing magic tricks.
It was a great turnout, and both Grand Haven and Pineberry were rallying around Ms. Kenzie and the effort to raise funds for the shelter.
A place that offered second chances to so many.
“You look official,” Caleb’s voice teased softly behind me, his warm breath on my ear.
Turning around, I feigned seriousness as I clutched the clipboard to my chest. “Ms. Kenzie said I’m in charge. Don’t distract me.”
He chuckled, stepping close enough that his fingers grazed my own. “I’ll behave. Just wanted to tell you the kids are almost ready. Ms. Kenzie asked me to help get them to and from the stage.” Caleb winked playfully.
“Okay, good.” I nodded. “They are up next. I want to give Noelle her charm bracelet. Is that all right?”
“Of course.” Caleb beamed, glancing to the side of the stage. My gaze followed, drifting to the group of children near the side entrance. They were practically vibrating with excitement. They all had matching Grand Haven’s Grand Talent T-shirts. Noelle was amongst them, but her gaze settled on me.
I waved and she smiled, mouthing hi as she stood in line waiting her turn to sing on stage. We made our way toward her. It felt good to have Caleb beside me, just in case she didn’t like my gift.
“Hey, you,” I said, lowering my voice so her friends didn’t hear me. “Are you excited?”
She gave me a half smile. “I think so. I’m nervous too. Butterflies, you know?”
“Adrenaline is perfect for the stage. Used to happen to me all the time when I modeled,” I said, crouching beside her.
She nodded then paused as I pulled a drawstring bag out of my pocket. “What’s that?”
I handed her the small velvet pouch. “A little something. For luck.”
Her brows pulled together as she opened it carefully. Noelle gasped as she saw the silver bracelet inside. There was a single charm shaped like a crown.
“Fit for a queen,” I joked.
“For me?” she asked, her voice quieter than I’d ever heard it. I had found the charm bracelet at the farmers’ market and thought it was perfect. I loved the bracelet Julia got me all those years ago and Noelle often looked at mine when we were together.
“You can add charms to it for certain occasions,” I added, waiting for her to respond. Maybe I was wrong about my decision to get her something like this.
She slipped it onto her wrist, holding it out for Caleb to clasp. She stared at it for a moment before speaking. “I love it. Thank you so much.” Then she looked up at me, suddenly more serious. “I’m going to keep it forever.”
My throat tightened fast. I swallowed down the nostalgic feeling, almost déjà vu. “I’m so glad you like it,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “There are so many options for charms to add on. One for every moment. Even the hard stuff.”
Noelle nodded again, like she understood more than the average nine-year-old. “I want to fill the whole thing. Can we get more charms, Dad?” Caleb laughed and nodded, before Ms. Kenzie whistled, bringing me back to reality.
I turned to Caleb and noticed he’d watched the exchange with a tenderness in his expression. “She doesn’t give compliments lightly,” he said with a grin. “When she likes something, she really means it.”
I chuckled. “I can tell. It is a beautiful bracelet.” Then I remembered my duties. “Can you find Dirty Al for me?” I cringed. “He’s supposed to be telling jokes. I just hope they are child friendly.”
He smirked, squeezing my hand lightly. “I’ll look for him, boss.”
My cheeks flushed as he walked away, and I cleared my throat. I had a job to do. Focus, Grace! Tonight, I wanted to dedicate myself entirely to giving back.
“Grace?” Lucy approached hesitantly, her hands twisting nervously together. She wore the volunteer shirt we’d handed out to everyone earlier. Her hair was pulled into a simple ponytail. She’d come a long way in just a few short weeks.
“Hey, Lucy!” I greeted. “Did everyone get a wristband?”
She nodded timidly and was about to speak before Caleb rushed over, a panicked look on his face. “Grace, Dirty Al is having an allergic reaction. He ate a sesame cookie without realizing it. The ambulance is on its way.”
“Oh no!” My eyes widened. “What am I going to do? We don’t have another performer signed up.”
My eyes darted from Caleb to Lucy, who was hovering beside me. She opened her mouth to say something, but just as quickly, she closed it.
“Lucy, what is it?” I asked frantically as I scanned the room for Ms. Kenzie.
“I can sing,” she murmured softly, and Caleb’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
I gently squeezed her shoulder. “Really?” I asked, searching her face to ensure she was comfortable. “You’ll be amazing. And if you get nervous, just find me in the audience. I’ll be cheering the loudest.”
Her shy smile steadied slightly. “Thank you, Grace. I appreciate your support.” She quickly hugged me, leaving me blown away.
“Don’t mention it.”
I glanced toward Ms. Kenzie, who was now standing in our huddle. She was watching Lucy closely, a hint of pride in her eyes.
Ms. Kenzie nodded my way and took the clipboard from my hands. “Lucy, you’re next up. Make your way over to the stage.”
Lucy gave me one last anxious glance before moving to line up. Ms. Kenzie watched her go, her arms crossed tightly.
“I can’t believe you got her to go up there,” she murmured, her tone surprisingly gentle. “That girl has been through horrors that shouldn’t see the light of day.”
“It wasn’t me,” I told her quietly, watching Lucy step onto the stage. She timidly greeted the audience. Caleb wolf-whistled in response. “She just needed a friend.”
Ms. Kenzie nodded, her eyes glassy as they darted from me to Lucy. Her hardened edges were softening tonight. “People often underestimate the power of simple kindness. I’m glad you’re learning that, Grace.”
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. She wasn’t one for compliments or sugarcoating things, but here she was giving me the ultimate praise. It was something money couldn’t buy. It was earned by hard work and actions.
As Lucy began singing a hopeful tune about redemption, I was blown away by her talent. Her voice captivated the entire audience. In a town of chatterboxes, the whole recreation center was stunned to silence. Caleb’s eyes caught mine as he stood by Noelle. His expression was tender and proud.
I realized how right things felt at that moment. How giving back could do more for me than what I was doing for others.