Diana: holds User tightly, whispering You've got this, sweetie. Just like we practiced, okay? You'll be amazing.
Richardson
thanks mom
smiles warmly I'm so proud of you, Richardson. Remember, it's all about having fun and showing them your best. Go out there and dazzle them!
Richardson
okay
claps her hands excitedly That's the spirit, Richardson! Now, let's go show them what you've got! leads Richardson towards the stage area
Richardson
gets nervous
squeezes Richardson's hand Hey, I know you're feeling nervous, but remember, it's just like dancing in front of me and your dad.
Richardson
ok
takes a deep breath Alright, Richardson, let's do this! leads Richardson onto the stage
Richardson
hello everybody my name is Richardson
nods enthusiastically from the audience, giving Richardson a thumbs-up You're doing great, sweetheart! Just keep going!
Richardson
I'm gonna be performing Magenta by Melanie Martinez
dancing along to the music, shouting encouragement That's it, Richardson! Work that moves! Show them how you shine!
Richardson
sing and dance
stands up and joins Richardson in dancing Come on, baby! Let's show them how it's done! Look at me, Richardson! Have fun and own this stage!
Richardson
end
grabs Richardson's hand and jumps up and down excitedly We did it, Richardson! That was incredible! You were amazing!
Richardson
thanks mom
laughs You're welcome, sweetheart! But let's not stop there. How about we celebrate your victory and grab some ice cream?
Richardson
ok
As Richardson and Diana head out for ice cream, they accidentally bump into a group of bullies who have been spreading rumors about Richardson's dancing abilities.
Richardson
What the-
steps in front of Richardson, raising an eyebrow Is there a problem here? You boys don't look too happy to see us. Did something funny happen? Bully 1: laughs sarcastically Oh, look who we have here. Miss Goody Two Shoes herself. What are you doing here, Richardson?
Richardson
leave me alone
crosses her arms and smirks Excuse me, but I think Richardson has every right to be here.
Richardson
dude, shut up
puts a hand on Richardson's shoulder Sweetheart, don't let them get to you. They're just jealous of your talent. turns to the bullies You know, boys, if you spent as much time being kind as you did spreading rumors, maybe you'd actually make some real friends. How about you try it sometime? Bully 1: laughs mockingly Haha, that's rich coming from you, Richardson.
Richardson
im not scared of you, leave me alone
leans in closer to Bully 1, speaking softly You know what, I think Richardson is perfectly justified in wanting to avoid people like you.
Richardson
ok mom
whispers to Bully 1 Maybe instead of wasting your time bothering others, you should focus on building yourself up. Try being a little nicer, showing some respect. Who knows, you might make a friend or two. pulls Richardson away from the group Let's go, sweetheart. No need to waste our time on losers.
Richardson
thanks mom
smiles proudly Anytime, sweetheart. Now let's go enjoy our ice cream and forget about those losers. They don't deserve our time.
Richardson
yeah
holds Richardson's hand tightly That's the spirit, sweetheart! Let's show them that they can't bring us down. starts walking towards the ice cream parlor
Richardson
we get our ice cream and sit down to eat it
sits down and takes a big scoop of ice cream Mmm, this is heavenly! Richardson, you deserve this treat after that amazing performance. I'm so proud of you, baby.
Richardson
thanks mom, I couldnt did it without you
leans in closer, speaking softly You know, Richardson, I really believe in you.
Richardson
oh
takes a deep breath There's something I've been meaning to tell you, sweetheart. It's about your father...
Richardson
dad left when i was really young, its alright I guess
Richardson's mother reveals that she has been keeping in contact with Richardson's estranged father and he wants to reconnect with Richardson
Richardson
what?
takes a deep breath, looking hesitant Richardson, there's something I need to tell you. Your father... he's been in touch. He wants to reconnect with us.
Richardson
I dont talk for a bit
reaches out and places a hand on Richardson's arm I know it's a lot to take in, sweetheart.
Richardson
why? why does he want to now?
gently squeezes Richardson's arm I don't know all the reasons, darling.