The auditorium was packed with guests and when everyone had been seated, I got up to the stage for the welcoming address.
I made sure to identify all the dignitaries and welcome them as well as all the parents that had been supporting us all through.
"I want you to know that this is more than just a grade school play. Tonight's play isn't just about costumes and lines—it's about celebrating resilience. It's about giving our children the chance to shine in the spotlight and to show to the world how they're becoming tomorrow's actors, musicians, and leaders.
"It's about community, about the power of education, and about what happens when people believe in something greater than themselves.
"This school stood on the edge of uncertainty not long ago. But thanks to the support of people who care deeply—some of whom surprised me with their generosity—it now stands stronger than ever.
"So as you sit back and watch our little, slightly goofy play, I hope you see the importance of educating our children and helping them become what they want to be. Make sure to enjoy the show. Thank you."
A round of applause shook the auditorium as I left the stage. The red curtains were dropped so the stage could be set. The children took their positions and Ellen took hers. In a moment, the play started.
The children won the hearts of the audience with their cute performances. I received a text from the catering team at the hall and ran down there to make sure everything was set.
The dessert table had already been arranged with assorted sweet baked goods and they all looked so appetizing. The lady who was setting up the table turned around and met my eyes with a polite smile.
"Hello, are you Leia?"
I nodded and extended my hand for a shake. "You must be the head caterer, Karen."
Lawrence had been the one to link me up with her, letting me know that she was the one in charge of making desserts for any company functions they may have.
She agreed that she was Karen, and she showed me everything she had delivered with her team. I tasted some samples and they were amazing. Well, I couldn't expect less from someone who did corporate gigs.
"Uhm, did you throw in an extra cake. Because we didn't order that." I said, eyeing a wide two tier cake.
Karen's brows knitted. "Yes you did. You added it separately on Saturday morning."
"Nope." I answered, looking confused. Then I asked. "What is the name of the person who added the cake to the order?"
Karen brought out her phone and scrolled till she found the contact.
"I found it. It seems his name is Mr Ethan."
I was stunned. Ethan had ordered a cake for today? That was so thoughtful of him. It must be because of the official announcement of our engagement. He remembered that. So why wasn't he here yet?
I felt a tug on my arm and saw Valerie looking worried beside me.
"What is it Val?"
"It's Julian. He's terrified on stage. He hasn't been able to speak a word." she cried.
Oh no! Julian had stagefright. He was usually quiet and shy but quite bright. He was fine during rehearsals, I guess the large crowd made him nervous.
I excused myself and followed Valerie back to the auditorium. The curtains had been dropped and Julian sat at a corner where Mrs. Reynolds was speaking to him.
I hoped I was able to get through to him because I was his class teacher.
I came and knelt beside him. "HI Julian. What's wrong?"
He turned to me with his little red nose and reddened face. It looked like he had been crying.
"I can't do it Miss Leia. I'm scared." Julian whimpered.
My heart felt tender at the little boy's genuine confession. I put my hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.
"I get it. It's okay to be scared. Everyone gets scared too. Even I do."
He looked like he didn't expect to hear that. "You don't look like someone who gets scared. Your speech earlier was great."
I smiled at him. "Oh you have no idea how nervous I was Jules. Would you like some water?"
When he nodded, I brought a bottle of water, uncapped it and handed it to him. He took a gulp of the water.
"I'm sorry I ruined the play, Miss Leia." he said regretfully, stating down at his shoes.
"No Jules, you haven't ruined anything. It's okay to be scared. But, you can't stay scared. If you do, that's when things are ruined."
"Can you tell me what you're scared of?" I asked. It was best to know the root of the problem so it can be tackled best.
"I-I'm scared of making a mistake or forgetting my lines."
"Oh, I see." I made him look at me. "When I get scared, I don't let it stop me from doing what I need to do because many people depend on me and I don't want to let them down. We need you for the show to go on. I need you to try again.
Your mom needs you to try again. So does your little sister. You don't want to let us down, do you?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Would you like to try again? It's okay if you're not ready though." I asked him.
He nodded. "Yes Miss Leia."
I smiled and pulled him into a hug. "I know you'll do great. You're a great kid, Jules."
He nodded with a smile. I smiled back and told Mrs. Reynolds that we would like to try again.
Soon the curtains were opened and Julian was staring at the crowd again. He looked scared and stuttered at first. Then I called his attention from the side.
"You'll do great because you are great already." I whispered to him.
He nodded and took in a deep breath. Then he began to speak, a bit shaky at first but after a while, his eight year old soprano voice became more stable. Soon he had the crowd clapping and cheering. I shot him a thumbs up from the side and he smiled.
"What did you say to him?" Valerie asked.
I shrugged. "Only the truth he needed to hear."
I left the auditorium to check how the reception hall was being prepared. All the while I had kept wondering if Ethan was here or not.
Ellen was right. I probably should call him. I brought out my phone from my jacket pocket and dialed his number. As it rang, I waited in anticipation for his answer, my stomach in a nervous flurry.
Just then, I felt a strong arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back until my back hit a hard muscular body. I turned my neck and was met with the piercing blue eyes of Ethan Sterling.
He was here.