After several days of rehearsal, Friday finally arrived. When Roxanne picked up the children that evening, she found them carrying a pile of clothes. Excitement radiated from their faces.
"Look, Mommy! These are our costumes!" Benny exclaimed, showing Roxanne the garments as she approached. Roxanne gently took the costumes from the boys. Meanwhile, Estella waited nearby, carrying two pairs of costumes—one for herself and one for Lucian. Estella, always frail, struggled with the weight of the costumes and her backpack.
Once Roxanne had the costumes from Benny and Archie, the boys helped her carry them. Estella gratefully passed her costumes to them. The three children then lined up before Roxanne, awaiting her to lead them to the car. Estella expected, as usual, to be taken home with them.
Seeing their excitement, Roxanne leaned forward, stroked Estella's head, and said awkwardly, "Since the rehearsal is tomorrow, we won't be rehearsing today." This surprised Estella, who visibly deflated at the thought of missing out on playing with the boys at Roxanne's.
Roxanne's heart ached at Estella's disappointment. She softened her tone, saying, "But Essie, you can wait for your daddy in our car." She offered Estella her hand, and though still upset, the little girl took it and climbed into the car.
Lucian arrived shortly after. Roxanne saw him approach Pippa before he came to the car. "Daddy!" Estella greeted him upon opening the door. Lucian nodded curtly. Before he could question Roxanne about bringing the children home, Estella softly explained, "Ms. Jarvis said there'll be no rehearsal today."
Lucian frowned at Roxanne, who explained calmly, "They shouldn't be rehearsing anymore since the performance is tomorrow. I hope they can rest and avoid anxiety about tomorrow's performance." Lucian agreed.
Despite this, Estella remained unhappy, wanting to stay with Roxanne, fearing she might be avoided again afterward, as had happened before. With puppy-dog eyes, she looked at Roxanne, who, facing away, missed her expression.
"Here's Essie. You can take her home now. I should go home with my kids too," Roxanne said. Then she heard Lucian's voice. "Please let Essie stay the night."
Roxanne was surprised by the request.
"I won't be able to help with her makeup and costume tomorrow," Lucian explained calmly. "I'd be relieved if you could help with preparations at home; everyone will be busy at the kindergarten."
After some hesitation, Roxanne agreed. Estella's face lit up at the news. After giving Lucian his costume, they said their goodbyes and drove home.