Catherine, completely unaware of the storm about to break over her head, sat neatly in the teacher's office. Of course, she wasn't there because she'd done anything wrong, but because...
"You know, Miss Green, I'm not really good at acting, though I do enjoy it... But if someone can't do something and is forced to, that's just... not right," Catherine tried her best to keep a calm expression, neither wanting to show her reluctance nor pretend eagerness.
However, her teacher, Miss Green, a plump, kind lady with glasses, saw through her easily. Smiling warmly, she said, "Catherine, you can't be certain of success in anything if you don't try. We all believe you have great potential, and the school anniversary is the perfect time to show everyone."
"But, Miss Green, you know the anniversary is a big day. If something goes wrong on stage, it would be so embarrassing," Catherine tried to use the fear of messing up as an excuse.
Miss Green was undeterred. She gently but firmly countered, "It's okay, Catherine. Even if you fail, no one will laugh at you. Facing challenges with courage is better than hesitating in the face of uncertainty."
Damn it, Catherine thought. It wasn't the challenge she feared but rather... the skirts and knee-high socks! The idea of wearing them gave her goosebumps, likely from a deep-seated sense of insecurity. It probably stemmed from her previous life as a boy who likely lifted girls' skirts for fun.
At this moment, Mr. Martin, the assistant teacher who had been silent, spoke up. "How about this, Catherine? You clearly enjoy performing but don't want to act in the play. Why not play a piece on your violin for the anniversary instead?"
Catherine nearly choked on her own saliva. How did they manage to corner her like this? She barely held back a groan, knowing she couldn't show her frustration. Instead, she pretended to consider Mr. Martin's suggestion, though her mind raced for any other excuses. However, seeing as they had compromised, she felt she had to as well.
"Well... okay. But I need to talk to my parents first," she said, feigning relief. Her mother's etiquette lessons had paid off.
"Of course, that's fine. You can go now; the school bus is about to leave," Miss Green said with a smile.
Catherine sighed almost imperceptibly, stood up, and waved politely to her teachers. "See you tomorrow."
"Goodbye," they replied as she disappeared through the door.
"I don't understand, Sarah. She's just a child—adorable, sure, but why do we need to push her so hard?" Martin scratched his head in confusion.
"You don't get it yet, Booker. You've only been here as an assistant for two weeks. Once you truly understand Catherine, you'll see it's necessary," Sarah Green smiled and shrugged.
"Damn it! I should've just agreed to the play," Catherine muttered as she walked out of the building. She could already envision herself on stage, wearing a black formal dress and white knee-high socks, playing the violin. A pretty picture, but if she were in the play, the puffy princess dress would cover her legs entirely, sparing her the discomfort. Playing solo, however, guaranteed that her mother or the school would insist on that formal attire.
"I hate skirts and knee-high socks!" she groaned inwardly. But who could she blame? Her eight years as a reclusive nerd in her past life left her socially inept, easily falling into simple traps.
"Hi, Catherine!" Jessica waved at her from the entrance.
"Hi, Jess," Catherine responded weakly.
"What's wrong? Did Miss Green scold you?" Jessica asked, concerned.
"No, she wants me to perform in the school anniversary play," Catherine shrugged.
"Oh my God, that's amazing! I've always wanted to be in it, but she never picks me. You're so lucky, Catherine!" Jessica exclaimed.
Catherine rolled her eyes. "Well, Jess, you know I don't like acting. I'd rather watch you guys perform."
"So, you refused?" Jessica's jaw dropped. "You're crazy not to take this chance!"
"I did refuse, but Miss Green then suggested I play a violin solo. So, you still have a chance for the play while I get to stand alone on stage and play the violin," Catherine sighed.
"That's great! You play so well. I remember your Christmas performance in my first year here. You played..."
"Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, First Movement."
"Yes! That was it. The applause lasted for a minute!"
"Okay, okay, Jess. If we keep talking, we'll miss the bus!" Catherine hurried.
If Jessica knew she refused to act because she hated skirts, what would she think? Catherine wondered, looking up at the blue sky dotted with clouds. Shocked or horrified?
She shrugged. Better to think about how to deal with her mom's etiquette lessons. Catherine saw the bus disappearing around the corner and began her walk home. School life in America was too easy, ending at 3 PM. Why couldn't it be later?
At home, the familiar voice greeted her through the intercom, "Welcome home, little one."
"Hi, Jennifer. Is Mom home too?" she asked casually.
"Uh... yes, she's here."
Of course. Catherine sighed as she entered, ignoring Jennifer's hesitation. At the door, Jennifer handed her a glass of milk as usual.
"Thanks," Catherine said, taking the glass and downing it. She wiped her mouth and held her backpack. "I'll handle this myself."
"Alright," Jennifer hesitated, then decided against saying anything, but Catherine didn't notice.
In the living room, her mother Susan sat on the sofa, flipping through a magazine.
"I'm home, Mom," Catherine called, heading upstairs.
"You seem a bit late today," Susan noted without looking up.
"Yes, Miss Green wanted to talk," Catherine explained.
"And what did she want?" Susan finally looked up, her expression unreadable. Catherine's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure.
"She wants me to play a violin solo for the school anniversary," Catherine said.
"You agreed?"
"Yes, but... if it's okay..."
"If you agreed, you should follow through. I've told you that many times."
"Yes, I understand." Catherine sighed inwardly, turning to go upstairs, but Susan's voice stopped her.
"Put your backpack down and come back. I need to talk to you."
Here it comes, Catherine thought, feeling nervous. What had she done wrong? Watching a PG-13 movie? Scribbling nonsense? She hurried to her room, making a quick search. Everything seemed in place. What could it be?
Unable to think of anything, Catherine headed back downstairs.
Once she sat down, Susan closed her magazine and smiled. "Catherine, do you have something to tell me?"
"Uh, let me think," Catherine pretended to ponder. "Okay, I admit, I messed up the garden last Tuesday and broke Mr. Mac's glasses yesterday without telling him."
Susan's smile didn't falter. "Anything else?"
"No, that's it," Catherine said cautiously.
"Well, I know you're a troublemaker, but I didn't know you could write scripts," Susan's smile turned teasing.
"What... what script?" Catherine was confused. Her mother didn't answer but gestured behind her.
Catherine turned and, seeing the woman standing there, blinked in disbelief.
"Mrs. Myers!" she exclaimed.