most of the space was taken by an improvised wooden platform, which would serve as the stage for the dance competition. The dancers, mostly dressed in beautiful gowns and suits and costumes, already stood around the stage, waiting for the competition to start.
Kianna glanced at her siblings. They were the most beautiful kids in the world, but unfortunately their clothes weren’t the best. Kianna had washed one of her old dresses for Selina—it was pretty, but already old and out of style. For Calvin, she had found one of her father’s old button-up white shirts, which she cut up and sewed again in the right size.
If Kianna narrowed her eyes, they looked perfect.
“Are you two ready?” she asked.
Selina looked at her with her big blue eyes. “I don’t think so.”
Kianna nudged her with her elbow. “Sure you are.”
“You two rehearsed a lot,” Devon said. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“Just remember to have fun,” Kianna said. “This is not a competition. It’s a demonstration. Just have fun.”
Calvin puffed his chest. “I’m ready!” He took Selina’s hand in his. “Let’s do this.”
Selina dipped her chin. “You’re right. We can do this. Let’s go.”
Kianna pressed a hand to her chest as she watched her siblings marching to the side of the stage. Looking every bit like grown-ups, Selina and Calvin talked to the lady holding a thin ledger—probably the organizer. They checked in, then waited.
Nervous for them, Kianna wrung her hands in her dress.
Devon reached for her and clasped her hands in his. “Don’t ruin your pretty dress.”
Kianna froze as several thoughts and feelings rushed through her.
Her dress wasn’t pretty. It was a simple dark blue thing she had tried embellishing with silver embroidery. Compared to the other women’s dresses, she felt terribly underdressed.
Devon’s hands weren’t as full of calluses as she thought they would be.
In fact, his skin was warm, cozy.
It felt nice to have her hand in his big one.
Shocked, Kianna pulled her hand from his. “I-I’m just nervous for them.”
He stared at her, a small smile in his lips. “I know.”
Kianna cleared her throat, embarrassed by her thoughts, and averted her eyes. She focused her attention on the empty stage. It had been a challenge to ignore the man beside her, but after a few minutes, the musicians took their places on the right side of the stage, and the competition started. She got lost in the dances.
There were some inexperienced acts, but most of the dancers to hit the stage were good.
Kianna saw the line beside the stage moving. She glanced around, but her mother was nowhere to be seen. She would miss the kids’ dance, which was a good thing if that meant she was selling her rice balls like hot cakes on a winter night.
“Hey.” Cat stepped to her side.
Kianna stared past her. “Where’s my mother?”
“She couldn’t come,” Cat said. “The stand is too busy and the costumers seemed to like to chat with her more than me, so she sent me here instead.”
“It’s okay,” Kianna said, her voice low. She was a little disappointed, but she understood.
Finally, it was Selina’s and Calvin’s turn. They walked onto the stage and halted in the center. From where she was, Kianna could see Selina’s hands shaking slightly. When the little girl looked at her, Kianna took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Selina followed her cue and did the same.
The band started playing, and the kids danced to the song.
Their first movements were unsure and a little stiff, but as the beat increased, they let it go and danced their heart outs.
A smile spread through Kianna’s lips.
The song ended, the kids froze in their final pose, and the public clapped. Kianna clapped the loudest of them all. She even let out a cheer. Devon chuckled at her side.
The kids hopped off the stage and ran to her. She embraced them both and kissed the top of their sweaty heads. “I’m so very proud of you.”
“That was great,” Cat said, patting them on the back.
“You two did well,” Devon said.
“Thanks,” Calvin said.
“I was so nervous,” Selina admitted.
“I know, but you overcame it,” Kianna said.
Cat grimaced. “I should get back. I’ll let your mother know you two were great.” She waved at them, then dashed away.
Kianna, Devon, Selina, and Calvin stayed near the stage and watched the rest of the performances. There was a ten-minute break after that, so the judges could vote out and decide on the winners, then the lady from before came onto the stage