Page 108 of Compelled Obedience

Sanchez.

He’d returned to school but could barely stand to look me in the eye. Grant had made certain no charges were filed, but it felt as if I’d lost Sanchez completely. My heart ached because he should be standing on the stage taking bows. Instead, I’d had to bring in a piano player. While I could play, I refused to embarrass myself or take away from the kids. This was their night and I was here as their director, their coach, and their friend.

They all quieted down when I walked into the room.

I took a deep breath before speaking, making eye contact with every student. “I just want you to know how proud I am of all of you. You’re something special, each and every one of you. I couldn’t be any prouder of your accomplishments or your commitment. Now, I want you to have fun tonight. Oh, and don’t be nervous. When you look at the audience, just think of them in their underwear.”

While they laughed, I could tell they were as anxious as I was.

I turned to face my boys and crouched down close to Casey. “Are you going to be okay sitting with Grant?”

“Duh. Of course, I am, sissy.”

“If you’re good, there might be a surprise later.” We had plans of taking him to select his puppy. I was so excited I couldn’t think straight.

“Maybe a surprise for you too, sissy.” He giggled.

Grant groaned. “Okay, kiddo. Let’s go.”

“What do you have up your sleeve?”

“Not a thing. I’ll take him to our seats.” Grant wrapped his hand around my neck, pulling me close. When he lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine, every kid in the classroom oohed and aahed. I broke the kiss, pushing him away. And for the millionth time, my heart fluttered.

I took several deep breaths, watching him walk away, my heart racing. Then I guided the kids backstage, ushering them into their places, finally walking out to face the audience. My heart raced as I waited until the applause died down. Then I took a deep breath.

You can do this, girlie.

“Thank you so much, everyone. I’m so appreciative you’re here. Tonight we celebrate the Harry Carver High School’s first ever concert. Hopefully, this will become an annual event. These incredible students have worked hard to provide you with a stellar performance tonight rich in classical music as well as selected pieces from the Big Band era. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and hope you enjoy the show.” I backed away as another round of applause rattled my nerves.

Then I turned toward the kids. “You can do this, guys.”

I knew they heard what I said, their faces terrified but beaming.

When the pianist walked out, I nodded to her, thankful I could find someone on short notice. After taking my place, I turned to the stage director Grant had secured, waiting as he dimmed the lights. I had to hope for the best at this point. My fingers and toes were crossed.

As the lights begin to lift, the pianist began to play and I smiled at the kids, pointing to the corners of my mouth so they’d do the same. Then I realized something was different. As the spotlight moved over the piano, I turned my head.

Only to see Sanchez sitting in a tuxedo behind the keyboard. When he glanced in my direction, I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Then I threw a look at Grant. The amazing man had done everything in his power to make this special not only for me but also for my kids, including my baby brother.

And a kid I’d been terrified would throw his life away.

This was perhaps the best day of my life and something I would remember for years to come. As the kids began to play, it was as if they’d been trained for years. I couldn’t stop the tears as one song turned into two. Then three.

After every one of them, there was a hefty round of applause, people getting out of their seats.

As we neared the end of the concert, the lights suddenly started to dim, which wasn’t supposed to happen. “Shit.” I muttered before I realized it, searching for the stagehand. He glanced in my direction and grinned, as if he’d been told to do this.

What the hell was going on?

When the lights lifted again, this time shimmering in blue, I scanned the stage, finally noticing that Casey was sitting next to Sanchez at the piano, both boys with huge grins on their faces.

I wanted to run over to both, throwing my arms around them. This was all Grant. Every bit of it. I was so taken aback I could barely breathe.

Then Sanchez played a few chords to remind me that we were still performing. When I gave him a nod, he whispered something in Casey’s ear.

And my beautiful orchestra of high school kids began to play the final song of the year, my little brother playing a duet with Sanchez.

The music was incredible, but even if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t care.

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