Free Molly's Promise by Sylvia Olsen Page A

competitors and who were supporters.
    When Veronica came in, Murphy squeezed over to make room.
    â€œThanks, Murphy,” she said.
    â€œHello, hello,” Ms. Clarkson said too loudly. She needed Murphy’s help with the microphone. “Attention, everyone.”
    The audience quieted.
    â€œCongratulations. You’ve all put a ton of work into this. Now, I want all the contestants up on the stage to introduce yourselves. Not just your names. Tomorrow you’ll be asked to say a few words about yourselves.”
    Slowly the contestants lined up beside the principal. Veronica and Molly were the last ones onto the stage.
    One by one the competitors introduced themselves.
    Paige was fifth in line. She walked up to the microphone with a swagger, flipped her ponytail and said, “My name is Paige Nelson. I’m in grade seven. I go to Riverside, but of course all you guys know that already.” She giggled. “Why did I say that? Oh, and I’m going to perform a jazz dance called Dancing in the Streets .”
    Paige was right—she needed Murphy to manage her. No one had taught her about stage presence.
    By Molly’s count there were three singers, three singers with guitars, seven dancers and one pianist. When it was Molly’s turn, she took the microphone out of its cradle and said, “My name is Molly Jacobs. I am in grade seven at Riverside. I am really excited to get to sing Billie Holiday’s version of ‘Summertime’ at this talent competition. Thank you all for coming.”
    Ms. Clarkson ushered the competitors off the stage after their introductions. “What a good showing, Riverside students!”
    While Ms. Clarkson read the rules for the competition and Murphy wrote in his notepad, Molly gazed at the stage and thought about how wonderful it had felt to hear her voice echo through the room.
    Murphy elbowed Molly. “You better listen to this stuff. Twenty-three kids from the valley have entered.” For the first time, Murphy sounded nervous.
    â€œFinally,” Ms. Clarkson said, “we’ve just learned that not only will the winner receive a cash prize and a trip to Winnipeg, but Channel 2, which broadcasts across the entire province, is going to be at the competition tomorrow. The top three contestants will be filmed for thousands of people to watch.”
    Murphy jumped out of his seat. “Moll, did you hear that? You might be on TV !”
    Molly froze. She thought about her promise. If she was in the top three, her mom might hear her on TV . If that happened, her mom wouldn’t have to come home to hear her sing. Molly felt numb. Why hadn’t she been told this before? If she had known, she would never have entered the competition.
    Finally Molly understood why her promise was so important. She wanted there to be a reason for her mom to come home. Without that, she might never return.
    Molly’s eyes welled up with tears.
    Nell sat down beside her. “Moll, what’s the matter?”
    â€œNell, my mom,” Molly said between sobs, wiping her face with her sleeve. “She might hear me on TV .”
    â€œThat would be so cool,” Nell said.
    â€œNo, Nell,” Molly said. “She can’t hear me that way. I promised. I want her to come home to hear me.”
    Murphy sat down on the other side of Molly.
    â€œA promise? What’s she talking about?” Nell asked Murphy.
    â€œIt’ll be okay, Molly,” he said.
    â€œNo, Murphy, no. My mom can’t hear me on TV . She’ll have no reason to come home if she does.” Molly got to her feet and ran out of the room.
    Murphy and Nell followed her into the hall. She slid down the wall until she was sitting on her heels. She buried her face in her arms and cried. Murphy and Nell kneeled beside her. Soon the boys, Veronica and Clarissa were gathered there too.
    â€œWhat’s wrong? What’s wrong?” everyone asked at once.
    â€œI