Chapter 1006 Performance
Besse told Susan about Salem's recitation, and Susan was utterly excited. The next morning, before Oscar arrived, she called repeatedly. Besse mused that someone with Susan's personality would never feel lonely.
In addition to Oscar, Manuel arrived to collect them from the villa. The four of them rode in a luxurious stretch limousine to Salem's school.
"Why isn't Salem in the car?" Susan asked.
"He's preparing at school," Oscar explained.
"Oh," Susan replied, then brightened. "Oscar, is this your first time attending an event at Salem's school?"
Oscar admitted he'd been busy, perhaps too busy, to attend school events. Max sometimes attended on his behalf, or Salem's grandparents.
"Are Miguel and Michelle coming?" Susan asked. They usually wouldn't miss Salem's activities.
Oscar nodded, glancing at the silent Besse. "Someone's picking them up; they'll go directly from the airport to the school."
"That's good. I thought you'd forgotten," Susan said, relieved. She then chatted with Besse about inconsequential topics, enjoying their easy camaraderie.
Manuel observed Besse and Susan, then looked back at Oscar. Their eyes met for a moment. Manuel sighed softly; Besse's resemblance to Hannah was increasingly evident.
Their convoy arrived at Salem's kindergarten. They entered through a private passageway known only to the principal—a discreet entrance reflecting Commander's role as Salem's father.
"Commander," the principal greeted.
Oscar nodded.
"Everything's arranged. This way, please."
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
The principal led them through the passage to the school auditorium. They were seated in slightly off-center, yet unobstructed, seats. After seating them, the principal departed. Soon, the auditorium filled with parents.
"Why hasn't it started?" Susan fidgeted.
"Be patient," Manuel reminded her.
"What time does it start?"
"Ten o'clock," Oscar replied.
Susan checked her watch; twenty minutes remained.
"Have Miguel and Michelle arrived?" she asked, bored.
"Yes, they're over there," Oscar indicated their location.
"Why aren't they sitting with us?"
"Their seats have a better view," Oscar explained.
"I want to sit there too."
"Susan, please settle down," Manuel said, his patience wearing thin.
"Do you dislike me, Manuel?" Susan accused him.
"I'm worried your high energy might cause a problem. You're pregnant," Manuel explained gently.
Susan and Manuel continued their playful bickering, while Besse smiled. Their arguments, she felt, were a peculiar form of intimacy.
A voice boomed through the auditorium. "Hello, parents! Our Love Bean Annual Arts Festival begins in five minutes! Please remain seated and quiet. Thank you!"
The noisy hall instantly fell silent. Even Susan was unusually subdued.
Five minutes later, exciting music began. Four elegantly dressed hosts—two teachers and two students—took the stage to thunderous applause.
"Oh my gosh… isn't that Salem?!" Susan exclaimed.
"Keep your voice down," Manuel cautioned.
Susan quieted, aware of her boisterousness. Besse and Oscar were also surprised to see Salem.
"Did you know Salem was hosting?" Susan asked.
"No," Oscar replied quietly. He hadn't received any information from the school. He looked at Besse, her hopeful gaze fixed on the stage. He hadn't kept his promise to care for Salem.
"Respected leaders, guests, colleagues, parents, and dear children, good morning!" Salem's passionate voice filled the auditorium.
Female Teacher: Today is a day when childhood dreams fly high with colorful imagination. Male Teacher: Today is an ocean of art… Little Girl: Today is filled with happy notes… Salem: Today, we will use our magical paintbrushes to express a beautiful future!
"Wow!" Susan exclaimed. "Salem's hosting skills are amazing!"
Besse felt a swell of pride, wishing she could adopt Salem as her godson.
After the opening speech, the performances began.
"What number is Salem performing?" Susan asked eagerly.
"The last one."
"What?!" Susan's excitement was palpable. She then happily watched the other children perform, offering occasional comments.