Page 110 of Perfectly Complicated
I watch as Rourke walks out on stage, giving the kids a quick wink before he turns to the audience. “A long,long time ago, before Santa Claus, before Christmas trees, and long before most of our Christmas traditions—there lived a man named Nicholas. He wasn’t rich or famous. But he was someone who loved helping people and believed in doing good quietly…” His face turns to mine before shifting back.
“But he never wanted attention for it.”
For the next hour, the pageant unfolds just like I imagined in my head. The children miraculously remember when to come on stage, the music cues start with perfect timing, and the audience laughs in all the places I hoped they would.
But most of all, I can’t stop watching Rourke.
As much as he resisted being part of this, he’s a natural on stage. When Emmalynn makes her grand entrance during “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and somehow manages to trip over Jack’s foot, it’s Rourke who scoops her up with the same care he does Aria.
In that moment, I can see what no one else can—the way he cares about this show and these kids as much as I do. When his eyes find mine across the stage, the smile curving his lips is the payoff for all this work—better than applause or accolades or anything else.
When the final scene arrives, Rourke stands center stage, the children gathered around him. For a moment, it really does feel like we created something special here, something I won’t forget.
A piano begins softly playing “Silent Night” as the children sing along holding candles, their faces lit by the golden glow.
By the end, the entire audience has joined in, belting out the tune by heart. When the song ends, the silence lasts for one perfect, breathless moment before the audience explodes into thunderous applause. People leap to their feet, cheering and whistling for their kids, and through it all, Rourke stands center stage, beaming as he takes a final bow. Then he turns, his gaze landing on me, and gives a final nod before heading off the stage.
When the curtain closes,I make my way through the crush of people, but it’s like trying to go through a traffic jam the wrong way.
I try to push toward him, but I’m immediately swarmed by Principal Callahan and David Peterson and what feels like half the audience—all wanting to congratulate me, take pictures, compliment me on the performance.
“Janie, that was absolutely incredible!” Mrs. Miller beams. “The best pageant we’ve ever had! And that leading man of yours—where did you find him? He was magical!”
“He’s pretty special,” I manage, craning my neck to look for Rourke over the crowd.
More parents surround me, and I try to be gracious, but my heart is pounding with the need to find him, to tell him how proud I am.
“Ms. Bennett!” Lily tugs on my dress. “Everyone wants pictures with you!”
I move to the cookie and punch reception in the foyer and pose for photo after photo, my smile growing more strained as the minutes tick by.
Where is Rourke?
That’s when I see Nick pushing through the crowd, and my stomach drops. I hadn’t even noticed him in the crowd.
“Janie!” He approaches with Lia right next to him, and there’s literally nowhere to hide.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Lia wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”
Lia gives me a hesitant glance before tucking a strand of hair over her ear, her new diamond flashing in the light. “That was quite a show. Amazing what you did with those kids.”
“Thank you,” I say. “And congratulations on the engagement.”
She blinks, clearly surprised by the words, then fingers the ring absently. “Oh, thank you.”
Honestly, I’m shocked that I don’t feel the usual sting ofbetrayal. Instead, I feel nothing. And that’s the best thing I could feel given the circumstances. Because it means I’m finally healing.
“Where’s the hockey player?” Nick glances around the crowded foyer.
“Probably changing out of his costume.”
“Seeing how well you’re doing at this school, you probably should be careful.” He takes a sip of his punch. “I mean, having Rourke around so much…people talk, you know?”
Lia looks down at the floor.
“What are you saying, Nick?” I cross my arms, not hiding my irritation.
