Page 109 of Compelled Obedience

This was the best night of my life.

When it was over, silence fell in the auditorium seconds before there was thunderous applause.

As I’d taught my students to do, they stood and took a bow like the professionals they’d become.

Then I couldn’t help myself, halfway running toward the piano. I gripped Sanchez’s arm, then when he lifted Casey into his arms, the crowd went wild. I moved to the front of the stage, clapping for the most incredibly talented kids I’d ever worked with, blowing them kisses as they continued to take their bows.

Seconds later, I noticed someone standing with Grant. When she turned around, I realized it was Karin from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. As both walked out on stage, the audience refused to stop clapping.

Karin had several envelopes in one hand, beckoning me toward the microphone with the other.

I walked closer, studying the smirk on Grant’s face. I could tell he still had something up his sleeve. Meanwhile, I had butterflies in my stomach.

“Thank you, everyone. Wasn’t the performance magical?” Karin asked, jazzing the crowd.

As I moved beside Grant, I suddenly couldn’t think or focus, my mind a complete blur.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how grateful you should be to your music director. She rallied not only to have brand new instruments provided from donations received by the Rise to Vision Project but also created a very special scholarship program that I am honored in announcing to you tonight. This scholarship will be provided every year to those exceeding expectations with regard to music, art, and dance throughout the city of Los Angeles. These are four-year scholarships, all expenses paid to several of the finest institutions in the country.”

“Way to go!” I heard someone from the audience call out, applause soon following.

Trembling, I leaned against Grant, trying to keep the tears from falling. When I lifted my head, I noticed tears in his eyes. I glanced at Casey, who was standing straight and tall, Sanchez’s hands on his shoulders. This was my proudest moment.

“To that end, the board of directors of the Rise to Vision Project has asked that the first awards, aptly named the Kerri Bettington Scholarship of Excellence, be handed out by the woman responsible for bringing these scholarships to fruition. Tonight, we are pleased to provide four scholarships to well-deserving students from the Harry Carver High School music program. Please, Kerri, if you’ll do the honors.”

I wasn’t certain I could get through it, but when I stepped up to the microphone, Casey gave me a thumbs-up sign and I was able to smile.

“Thank you so much, Ms. Lennox. I am floored and honored to be able to make this amazing announcement. However, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the tireless work and efforts by the Rise to Vision Project headed by Grant Wilde.” I took a step away, allowing him to take a round of applause.

Then I returned to the microphone. “I’m so pleased to announce the winners of these incredible scholarships.” I fumbled with the first envelope as I opened it. “Maria Anthos.”

Squeals came from behind me as well as from the audience as her parents stood, their faces beaming.

“Congratulations, Maria.” I waited for a few seconds before opening the next envelope, reading out the name. “Jose Martinez.”

As I opened the third, a little hope faded away that my prized pupil would be selected, but I refused to allow my smile to fall. “Cindy Parker.” The girl raced toward me, throwing her arms around my neck and I snuck a look at Sanchez. I couldn’t imagine what he was thinking.

I glanced at Grant and he smiled, giving me an encouraging nod. “And the final recipient is… Sanchez Rodriguez.”

In all my years of teaching, I’d never seen a student light up like Sanchez did. When he bent down, whispering in Casey’s ear, my little brother nodding, I held my breath. Then the young man with a bright future walked across the stage as if he owned the city.

When Sanchez took the envelope from my hand, for the first time and likely the last, I witnessed a single tear sliding down his cheek. “Thank you, Ms. Bettington. You are the best.”

“You did it. I’m so proud of you. Please stand and celebrate the joy with us. Will you?” I backed away and straight into Grant’s arms.

Suddenly, Casey raced across the floor, his grin full of life. As Grant scooped him into his arms, I realized I was the luckiest girl alive.

“Kerri. Can I talk to you for a couple seconds?” Karin asked as she pulled me aside.

“Of course.”

“It’s about your audition. I know you auditioned for a second violin position. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to offer you that.”

My heart fell but I refused to allow the kids to see it. “That’s okay. Maybe I can audition another time.”

She smiled then looked at Grant briefly. “That’s because I’m here to offer you a first chair.”

“What?” It was unheard of to offer someone with no experience a first chair in an orchestra. I was floored. I was shocked. I was… overwhelmed. “I… I mean… I just…”

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