The auditorium/cafeteria of Thomas Edison Elementary was packed with parents and students alike as the school talent show took place one Friday. Several acts had already performed, including Noah's daughter, Emily, who had performed a magic show. The current favorite to win was the defending champion, a girl in 5th grade who touted herself as the best singer in the entire school. She had once again received a standing ovation.
The next act was a shocker, as Scout Seville- the disabled daughter of Austin and Simon- hovered onstage and up to the microphone. Murmurs arose in the crowd as a teacher lowered the mic for her, wondering just what she would be doing. Some suggested she would be doing stand-up comedy, as her younger father was often referred to as a joker. Even her own fathers were unsure, as she refused to let them watch her practice.
A single note silenced the entire room. Her voice flowed out of the speakers like a smooth river of sound. High notes that troubled many girls were scarcely a challenge, and she boasted a range comparable to legends like Freddie Mercury. The judges were completely blown away, and Scout's parents were beyond speechless. Her aunts and uncles were equally impressed; the 3rd-grader outclassed even her red-clad uncle, if only just.
"As Noah would say, the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away," Austin whispered to his husband. Simon smiled and nodded.
"She may have lost her legs, but she has been blessed with the voice of an angel."
Less than an hour later, the contest was over and a new champion had been crowned. Scout claimed the top prize in the show, as well as the title of best singer in the school. Her brother and cousins had already been able to congratulate her, but she was only now escaping the backstage area to see her parents. Once all the other contestants filed out, she was able to get her hoverchair out the irritatingly narrow door and into the hall.
At first, all she saw was a crowd of parents greeting their kids, but then she remembered one of her dad's favorite tricks. Just as the door closed behind her, she whirled her hover-chair around to see Austin hiding stealthily behind it. Immediately she was scooped up, the two sharing a tight hug.
"You were amazing out there, Scout," he remarked. Simon and Colin walked up out of the crowd.
"We're both extremely proud," the former added. Austin smiled and looked his daughter in the eye.
"So, who's up for some celebratory ice cream?" he asked. Colin's eyes grew wide, and Scout gave her dad a squeeze.
"I do!" they cried at once. The two fathers could stifled a laugh.
"Alright, everyone to the car!" Simon instructed, "We're going to Baskin-Robbins!" Austin put a hand up, stopping his family.
"No, no, no. This time's special," he insisted, "We're going to Cold Stone." The kids gasped in shock; they never got to go there! Their dads always said it was too expensive, but clearly tonight was an exception. Austin smiled as his daughter squeezed him yet again; they shared Cold Stone as an all-time favorite.
"This is gonna be the best night ever!"