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Ginger
The crowd buzzes with holiday excitement. I peek from behind the curtain with nervous butterflies in my tummy. Connor’s late. If he doesn’t get here soon, I’ll have to start the play without Christopher.
A brisk breeze blows inside when the side door opens, but my heart nearly bursts when I see Connor, Christopher, and the boy’s mother hurry inside. Connor finds a seat for Christopher’s mom, then escorts Christopher backstage.
“Sorry we’re late.” Connor kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear. “Last minute jitters.”
I nod, understanding. Christopher’s nervous and needs my help. Connor leaves me to it.
“Are you ready?” Christopher nods, but I recognize the frightened look in his eyes. I’ve seen it in mine a million times. I kneel and take his hands in mine. “You have all the power up here. Everyone out there is here to watch you succeed. Focus on your mom and talk to her. Let everything else fade away.”
I wait expectantly, hoping this isn’t too much for him, too soon. When Connor asked if Christopher could play a small part in the play, I couldn’t say no. Every child deserves to have a voice and be heard.
“I’m ready. I practiced all day.” He takes a deep breath and smiles when he lets it out. “I’ll make you proud, Ms. McKay.”
I run my palm over his neatly combed hair, already proud of the strides he’s making. I nod to him. “Let’s get this show started.”
He walks across the stage and takes his place on the mark in front of the microphone. He glances back at me, giving me the thumbs up as the curtain rises slowly.
***
Connor
I take the last seat available and wait anxiously for Christopher’s public speaking debut. Ginger won’t be front and center, but I’m sure she’s every bit as nervous directing from the wings.
The side door opens with a gust of cold air, and my eyes lock on the bossy woman from Dirty Santa. She returns my stare without an inkling of a smile, then shifts her gaze at the rows of occupied seats.
Regardless of what the woman may think of me, I’m neither petty nor unkind. I’m a gentleman. I rise from my seat and gesture for her to take it. She hesitates for a brief moment, then surprises me with a smile and a nod.
I walk to the back of the room, where an elderly gentleman with a cane leans against the wall. “Mind if I join you?”
"Not at all." He winks, and light reflects in his eyes, causing a glittery sparkle. "Best view in the house."
The curtain rises, and Christopher stands dutifully at the mic. His eyes search the crowd, then land on his mom.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins introductions.
My heart squeezes, proud and joyful. Christopher’s on his way to making all his dreams come true. And the other half of my heart is backstage, supporting his dream, too. I couldn’t ask for more holiday magic than that.
***
