Chapter 195

Garth was second in line for the performance. He was so worried Mamie wouldn’t make it in time, he rushed backstage to beg the teacher to switch his spot. The teacher, though, wouldn’t hear of it. Rules were rules.

Dorothea saw how anxious he was. “She said she’ll be here in ten minutes. She’ll make it, I promise p>

There was still a bit of time before the show started. Garth’s stomach twisted in knots. “Dad, I really need to go to the bathroom p>

Scott got up and went with him. “Come on, let’s hurry. You don’t want to miss your turn p>

While Scott waited outside, his phone rang. The hallway was busy and loud. He called out toward the bathroom, “Garth, I’m taking a call out here. Come out and wait for me when you’re done p>

“Okay!” Garth shouted back.

Hearing that, Scott walked off to find a quieter spot for his call.

Meanwhile, Garth was struggling in the stall when he overheard two boys talking nearby.

“Ellis, what are you performing p>

“Poetry. How about you p>

“Violin p>

“Oh, same as that little chubby kid. You’re in trouble. I heard he’s got connections- his dad is a big deal p>

“So what? Even if his dad’s powerful, they can’t give him first place if he plays badly p>

Garth finished as quickly as he could, wiped, flushed, and pulled open the door. “You’re the chubby kid!” he yelled.

But the two boys were already gone. Only one other kid had just walked in, looking confused.

In his hurry, Garth had popped a button off his suit jacket. He stared at it in dismay. When he stepped out into the hallway and didn’t see his dad right away, he felt even worse.

Then Mamie came out of the next restroom and spotted Garth with tears in his eyes. “Garth, did someone say something mean to you p>

Seeing her, who looked so much like his mom, made Garth’s chest tighten. “Mamie, you’re finally here p>

He sniffled. “Two boys just called me fat and said I cheated to get in, but I didn’t! And now my button’s gone too p>

It felt like everything was falling apart at once. Mamie gave him a gentle smile. “Come here, let’s fix your jacket first p>

She took off one of her earrings and, with quick fingers, pinned it where the button had been. From a

distance, you could barely tell the difference. She looked pleased “There we go. Take a look. Does it work p>

Garth peered down and his eyes widened. “Mamie, that’s amazing p>

“It’s nothing, just a little trick.” Mamie grabbed a tissue and wiped the corners of his eyes. “Listen, Garth, it doesn’t matter what other people say. What matters is showing them what you can do.”

tos

“If someone’s mean, just stay away. Don’t let their words get to you, okay p>

“I’ll be cheering you on later. All you need to do is try your best, alright p>

Garth’s frown melted into a huge grin. “Okay! Let’s go, Mamie, the show’s about to start. I’m going to win first place p>

Mamie took his hand and they started walking out. She looked up and suddenly met Scott’s gaze across the hallway.

She wasn’t sure how long he’d been standing there, and it made her a little flustered.

Garth, though, was just happy to see his dad. “Dad, I’m going backstage to get

ready. Take Mamie to her seat, okay p>

“Dad, you have to look after Mamie for me p>

Mamie just blinked, speechless.

Scott gave a small smile. “Let’s go p>

Just then, a student rushed past and

bumped into Mamie with an elbow.

She stumbled a little but Scott caught her by the waist, steadying her before quickly letting go.

He stepped aside and made room for her. “You should walk on the inside.

Otherwise, Garth will scold me for not taking care of you p>