Free Molly's Promise by Sylvia Olsen Page B

can’t sing in the competition,” Molly said, sobbing.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Danny said. “You’re going to win.”
    Murphy told them about Molly’s mom and frowned. “I don’t really get it either.”

    After school, Molly and Nell waited for the bus with the boys.
    â€œYou quit just like that, Moll?” Murphy said. “Come to my place and talk to my mom. Maybe she can help.”
    â€œOkay, but I can’t do it. I just can’t do it,” she said.
    Molly felt like she was in a blender. Her words and feelings whirled around and turned into a thick, soupy clamor. She was dizzy and a little sick to her stomach.
    When the bus stopped, Murphy jumped off and ran into his house. Nell and Molly waited outside. A few minutes later, he came out with his mom.
    â€œCome on, girls,” she said, opening the door of her car. “Get in. We’re going to Molly’s. I’m going to have a talk with Trev.”
    When they got there, Celia handed Murphy a twenty-dollar bill and said, “Take the girls for something to eat at the market.”
    â€œWhat did you say to her?” Molly asked as she followed Murphy and Nell down the path to the store.
    â€œI told her about your promise, about the TV , about you crying, and I said you weren’t going to sing. She went into one of her rages and said she was going to talk to your dad.”
    â€œI’m so sorry about all this,” Molly said. “I’ll try and sing. But I can’t get in the top three. I just can’t.”
    â€œI don’t get it,” Nell said.
    â€œThe problem is, Molly made a promise to herself a long time ago,” Murphy said. “That’s why she never let anyone hear her sing until now. She was saving her voice for her mom, so she would have something to come home to.”
    Nell still looked confused.
    Murphy shrugged. “It makes sense to Molly.”
    â€œDoesn’t someone know where her mom is?” Nell asked.
    â€œI don’t think so,” Murphy said.
    â€œThat’s crazy,” Nell said, putting her arm around Molly. “I’m so sorry, Molly.”
    â€œI’m the one who should be sorry for getting everyone into this,” Molly said. “I just wanted a reason for my mom to come home. If she hears me on TV , I won’t have that anymore. It might sound crazy, but it’s what I believe.”
    â€œI think I understand,” Nell said.
    â€œI don’t think anyone really understands,” Molly said.
    They all stopped and looked back as they heard the front door slamming. Molly’s dad had bolted from the house and jumped into his truck. Celia appeared in the doorway. “If you don’t tell her, I will,” she shouted after him.
    The tires squealed as the truck took off and disappeared around the corner.
    The kids hurried back and joined Celia on the front steps.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Molly demanded. “What is it you’re not telling me?”
    â€œYour dad has to tell you the story, Moll,” Celia said.
    â€œOh man. We have one day—not even that,” Murphy groaned. “We could have won tomorrow.”
    â€œThis is not about winning tomorrow, Murphy,” Celia said. “It’s about Molly singing. And singing, for Molly, is about her mom.”
    â€œI need her,” Molly sobbed. “My voice is a gift for my mom. I’ve known it since I first listened to music and sang in my head.”
    â€œNo, honey,” Celia said. “Your voice is your mom’s gift to you.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Molly asked.
    â€œLike I said, your dad has to tell you the whole story,” Celia said. “But I will say that your mom is the most incredible singer I have ever heard. Well, let me correct myself. Your mom was the most incredible singer I had ever heard until I heard you sing. You are even better than her. Way better. But