“That’s exactly what it’s like! I like using calculus because it’s a prereq for my major. It’s like I’m studying and stress relieving at the same time.”
That was so her. To distract myself from the pain of watching her do this alone while everyone else had a parent with them, I thought about what “magic spell” would work for me and came up blank. Adeena would probably recite coffee varieties and Elena different plants and their properties. Lola Flor would recount all the varieties of kakanin and Tita Rosie would probably just recite the rosary. But what about me?
“Anyway, you know I have to be completely objective in my scoring. But good luck. Give it your all, OK?”
She flashed me a smile and thumbs-up. “I hope it’s me or Katie! Have you seen her around?”
I shook my head. “She’s probably still getting ready. Anyway, I’ll let you get back to it. I should say hi to the other girls, too. Don’t want anyone accusing me of favoritism.”
“That’s OK. Ate Bernie and Ate Pinky will be here soon and they’ll keep me company. And Katie, too.”
She went off to find her best friend and I made my way over to Naoko and Yuki. “How’re you two doing?”
The duo were fussing over a table with various flowers, greenery, and vases laid out over it. Naoko hadn’t participated in the talent rehearsal, saying that her talent didn’t require any technology checks, and that for her to do her best, her supplies had to be fresh anyway. She planned on doing a modern ikebana demonstration, which I found fascinating.
“What made you choose flower arranging as your talent?” I asked.
“It’s the only thing I like doing that would be interesting to watch live. Like, I love making jewelry and sketching outfits, but that’s not something I can do onstage in front of people. I wish you’d change those rules. Not everyone’s talent can be performed in front of an audience, but it still counts.” The girl fiddled with her bracelets as her mom also laid sheets of origami paper and slim twigs next to the greenery. “I’m not going to win, so can you tell that to Ms. Thompson? Maybe then I’ll have a chance for next year.”
I promised to pass along her feedback. “You never know, though. You racked up quite a few points with your winning design last week. It’s still anybody’s game.”
Naoko perked up and rewarded me with a brilliant smile. “Thanks. I needed that. Um, this is for you. Because you’ve been so nice to me. And my mom. She didn’t really have any friends in town until you came back. She seems really happy now.”
She held out a matching set of her signature beaded bracelets and earrings. She’d used nothing but black beads, in keeping with my aesthetic, but when you held them up to the sun, there was a rainbow sheen reflecting off the darkness. They were absolutely lovely and I told her so.
“Thank you, Naoko,” I said as I put on the bracelets and switched out my hoops for the dangly earrings. “I’ll cherish them. Just like I cherish your mom’s friendship. Good luck today.”
We said goodbye and I continued wandering around to wish the rest of the girls luck, making slow progress thanks to my injured ankle and the amount of people running around backstage. I finally found Winnie and Katie Pang with Joy at the last makeshift vanity station. Winnie was adjusting Katie’s makeup and putting the finishing touches on her hairstyle, and the teen was stunning. She still had her girl-next-door cuteness （no amount of contouring could take away the sweetness of those round cheeks）， but the fake lashes and upswept hairdo gave her an air of sophistication.
“Oh Katie, you’re so beautiful!” Joy sighed as she looked at her best friend. “How’s your arm? Are you feeling OK?”
Katie’s forearm was enclosed with a bright green cast, which was already covered with signatures and doodles. She flexed her fingers and glanced at her mom before answering. “Yeah, I’m fine. My hands are free, so I’m still able to perform my talent. You look beautiful too, Joy.”
“I’m not very good with makeup, but I tried. You’re lucky your mom’s so good at it.” Joy smiled, but there was no hiding the wistfulness in her voice.
Winnie’s eyes met mine, and there was a look I couldn’t read there. Was she also wondering about Joy’s absentee parents? How anyone could neglect their children, let alone a girl as sweet as Joy?
Winnie broke eye contact to look down at her watch. “You know what, we still have some time. Joy, come here and I’ll adjust your makeup. Do you want me to do anything with your hair?”