Katy's Homecoming (19 page)

Katy blinked several times, surprised. Rosemary had eased into Schellberg so effortlessly, Katy would never have imagined Rosemary feeling any uncertainty.

Rosemary continued, almost as if she were talking to herself. “But you’re a part of three generations who have called Schellberg home—your grandparents, your father, and you. It must give you a true sense of homecoming every time you drive through the center of town, visit your grandparents’ house, or attend a worship service.” Suddenly she shook her head, releasing an embarrassed chuckle. “And listen to me, going on and on. I suppose I’ve had too many years alone. It’s nice to have someone to talk to again. You might have to tell me to be quiet!”

Katy shook her head. “No. I liked hearing what you said. And you’re right—I have been very fortunate.”
If my mother had taken me away with her, what kind of life would I have had? Not the one I’ve been given, that’s for sure.

Dad popped open the back door and stuck his head in. “Katy-girl? You ready? I need to take you to the bus stop.”

Katy bounced up. “Yes.”

Rosemary rose too, looking at Katy. “Do you mind if I ride along to the bus stop? I’d like to see you off since we won’t see you again for a few days.”

Warmth flooded Katy. A sweet, tender feeling of acceptance.
This is homecoming—for Rosemary and for me.
Katy nodded. “That’s fine.”

“Thank you.” Rosemary headed for the pegs, where her coat hung next to Katy’s.

Katy backed up toward the stairs. “I’ll be out in a minute. Annika said I should carry my wedding bouquet for homecoming, but I forgot to pack it.”

Dad frowned at his wristwatch. “I don’t want you to miss the bus.”

“Don’t worry — I won’t be late!” Katy raced toward the stairs.

A celebratory spirit permeated the school’s homecoming day. Kids broke into spontaneous cheers between classes, they chanted fight songs in the cafeteria, and no one was reprimanded for cutting up in class. Even teachers who never joked or laughed were more relaxed on homecoming day. At the end of last hour, everyone burst through the doors, eager to begin the game and festivities.

Katy and Shelby hurried toward Shelby’s Beetle, but someone called Shelby’s name. The girls paused. Jayden O’Connor trotted up to them. He glanced at Katy. “Hey, mind if I talk to Shelby alone?”

Katy looked at Shelby. Shelby said,“It’s okay.” So Katy carried her suitcase and backpack to the car and waited. She tried not to stare, but she couldn’t deny curiosity. Jayden stood with his thumbs caught in his jeans pockets, shifting from foot to foot like he was nervous, and Shelby folded her arms over her chest in a defensive pose. They didn’t talk long, and Shelby turned and ran to the car. Before Katy could ask what he’d wanted, Shelby said,“Can you believe it? He asked me to go to the dance with him again — as friends.”

Katy’s mouth dropped open. “Are you going?”

“No.” Shelby snorted. “As if I’d go just so he doesn’t have to show up without a date.” Then she shrugged. “But I think I’ll go after all — with Cora and Trisha. And I might dance with him — if he asks.” A shy grin creased her face. “Jayden really is a pretty decent guy. But he needs to understand I’m not gonna play games. He can’t take advantage of me, you know what I mean?”

Katy thought she did. She nodded.

Shelby frowned toward the school. “I wonder where Jewel is. We need to get to the house, or we won’t have time to get all spruced up before the game.”

“Want me to go look for her?” Katy thought she’d spotted Jewel near the senior lockers as they were walking out. She was probably talking to Tony again.

“Well …” Shelby looked uncertain.

Katy started for the school. “I think I know where to find her — I’ll be right back.” She wriggled her way through the groups of students who mingled on the lawn to chat. The hallways were nearly empty, though, and she had no trouble wending her way to the senior lockers. The
moment she turned the corner, she spotted Jewel and Tony leaning against the lockers. Jewel had her back to Katy. She opened her mouth to call Jewel’s name, but before she could speak, Tony pushed off the lockers and said,“See ya around, kid.” He ambled away, but Jewel didn’t move.

Katy took two steps toward Jewel. Only then did she notice Jewel’s shoulders shaking. Soft sobs reached Katy’s ears. Concerned, Katy dashed to face Jewel. “Jewel, what’s wrong?”

“He’s a jerk. Just a total jerk.” Jewel blasted the words through her tears. “I can’t believe he only spent time with me to get — to get —” She didn’t finish the sentence, and she looked up and down the hallway with her face scrunched tightly. “I’m just so mad at myself for not seeing the truth.”

Katy wanted to put her arm around Jewel’s shoulder and offer comfort, but she was certain Jewel would push her away. So she stood silent and helpless.

Jewel slammed her hand against the locker door. “I believed him when he said he liked me. When he said we could go the dance if I’d help him out for the party afterward. I should’ve known someone like him wouldn’t really like someone like me.” Her voice carried a deep hurt that pierced Katy. “I just wanted to be with the popular kids. You know, to be popular too.”

Katy touched Jewel’s arm. “I know how you feel. Sometimes I want that too. But —” She swallowed, accepting the truth. “Doing things just to make somebody else happy — things that go against your own conscience — will never make you happy. You have to think about what God wants for you instead.”

Jewel rolled her eyes. “Don’t go getting all religious on me. You know I don’t believe that stuff.” She wiped away the tears, leaving black mascara smudges below her eyes. A wobbly, sad smile appeared on her face. “We better go before the principal throws us out. But we’ll be back tonight, right? Can’t let Jerk Tony keep me from enjoying the homecoming game and dance. There’s lots of other boys who will want to dance with me.”

Katy grinned. “That’s right. Let’s go.”

Katy had chased Shelby and Jewel out of Shelby’s room, so she could dress privately. They teased her about her bashfulness, but they had left. Now she reached into her suitcase for the silk bouquet she’d carried in the wedding. She held it in front of her and faced the mirror again. With her free hand, she touched her cheek, then the smoothly combed hair at the nape of her neck, and finally slid her hand down the skirt of her dress. She gave a satisfied nod.
Perfect.
Then she moved to the door and swung it wide.

“Shelby? Jewel? I’m ready.”

Footsteps pounded down the hallway, and the pair careened into the room. “It’s about time,” Jewel complained. “You dress slower than —” Jewel’s gaze bounced from Katy’s toes to her head. Her mouth fell open.

Shelby folded her arms over her chest and tipped her head to the side, her forehead scrunched. She said,“Are you sure, Katy?”

Katy nodded. “The senior class chose Kathleen Lambright as the sophomore attendant. Well …” She looked directly into Jewel’s eyes and held her arms outward. “This is the
real Kathleen Lambright. I’ll be the person God designed me to be no matter what other people think.”

“But you’re doing what they want,” Jewel spluttered. “You’re going to make Michael look like a fool.”

Katy shook her head, her ribbons flopping wildly against her caped bodice. “No, I’m doing what
I
want. And if they think Michael looks foolish walking in with me, that’s
their
problem. I won’t change myself because of them. I have to follow my conscience.”

A slow smile crept across Jewel’s face. She stepped forward and gave a gentle tug on one of the ribbons hanging from Katy’s cap. “You’ve got guts, girlfriend, I’ll say that for you.” Jewel then laughed. She pinched the sleeve of Katy’s dress, her brow puckering. “Is this the dress your new stepmom made?”

“Yes. I packed it to wear to the forensics tournament tomorrow.”

Jewel’s lips quirked into a saucy smirk. “So are you gonna wear the green dress to the tournament instead?” Katy shook her head wildly, and Jewel laughed again.

Shelby fingered the green dress. “I’m sorry if we made you feel like you couldn’t be yourself at homecoming, Katy.” She looked worried.

Katy waved her hand. “It wasn’t you, Shelby. It was me, trying to figure out what I really wanted. I actually didn’t decide for sure until almost the last minute. You’re not upset with me, are you?” Even if they were, she wouldn’t change.

Jewel said,“Don’t sweat it. You gotta be who you gotta be.” The girls exchanged a look of understanding.

Katy grinned. “Well, now I’ll get out of the way so you two can get ready to go. We’re going to have fun, right?”

Katy stood outside the gymnasium doors with the other homecoming royalty, waiting for the announcer to call them in. She heard a few snickers, and Michael Evans stood several feet away from her, but she chose not to let the others bother her. If they couldn’t like the real Katy, then they weren’t worth worrying about. She set her jaw at a determined angle.
And that goes for Bryce too.

A hush fell on the other side of the doors, and a voice carried through the loudspeaker: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Salina High North’s Homecoming celebration. Please join us in recognizing this year’s homecoming royalty.” Applause rang and faded. The voice continued,“Beginning with the freshman class attendants, Alana Libel and Logan Allen.” The freshmen pair slipped through the doors as the announcer shared,“Alana is the daughter of …”

Katy’s mouth felt dry. She swallowed, but it didn’t help. She and Michael would go in next. She glanced at him. He glanced back. She raised her eyebrows and held out her hand. He made a little face, but he stepped close enough for her to slip her hand through the bend of his elbow. Cradling her bouquet with her free hand, she moved forward with Michael as the voice blared,“Our sophomore attendants are Kathleen Lambright and Michael Evans.”

Michael’s feet moved faster than they’d been advised, so Katy pulled on his arm to slow him down. She listened
to the announcer as she held Michael to a slower pace, her heart pounding. “Kathleen is the daughter of Samuel and Rosemary Lambright of Schellberg. She is involved in debate and forensics and recently had an article published in …” Her activities seemed so much more important when spoken into a microphone and blasted over a loudspeaker. Applause broke out at the completion of her list, and Katy risked a quick glance at the people filling the bleachers to smile in thanks. And her heart nearly stopped beating.

There, on the front row, clapping their palms together in pride and enthusiasm, were Grampa and Gramma, Dad, and Rosemary.

The remainder of the crowning ceremony was a blur. Katy was dimly aware that Tony Adkins was not crowned king. She watched the chosen king and queen receive their crowns from the junior attendants and then share a kiss. But Katy’s mind was elsewhere. Dad and Rosemary had come! Instead of leaving for their trip, they’d come to Katy’s homecoming! Not until that moment had she realized how much she wanted her family there. And without her even asking them, they’d come.

When the ceremony was over, Katy rushed to her family and bestowed hugs, starting with Gramma and Grampa, then Dad, and finally, hesitantly, Rosemary. Then she turned to Dad again. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on your trip.”