Chapter 74

Evelyn had a lot of fun on her date with Andy. It was a lot of fun, even with Christina and Trevor there. Evelyn and Andy were able to talk and have their own fun while Christina and Trevor had their own too. The date ended with Evelyn giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Six days later, Evelyn stood backstage of the auditorium at her school with Liza and Mona. It was the night of the Eighth Grade Talent Show. She was both nervous and excited. She was nervous for performing. But excited for doing it. It was for her mom. Her mom did everything for her. Now Evelyn was doing this one thing for her mom. But of course, Evelyn planned on doing a lot more as well.

"We're just about up," Mona commented.

"Thanks for doing this with me," Evelyn said.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Liza said. "I have been looking forward to this."

"Me too," Mona said.

"I can't wait to finally sing for my mom," Evelyn said.

"Us too."

"We'll do great."

Mercedes and Colby sat in the audience of the auditorium with the kids and their parents. Judith had gotten into Moline the day before to not only visit her daughter and grandchildren. But also see her oldest granddaughter perform. The whole family had been excited about it since WrestleMania.

Colby, Judith, and Bob were getting ready to record and take pictures of Evelyn when she performed.

"Next up is Evelyn Lopez with the accompaniment of Liza Griffiths and Mona Stephens,"

The audience clapped.

The lights dimmed and the instrumental introduction played for the song. Evelyn slowly made her way onto the stage. She stopped and waited.

A spotlight came on as Evelyn began to sing.

When I'm lost, in the rain, in your eyes
I know I'll find the light to light my way.

When I'm scared, losing ground, when my world is going crazy,
You can turn it all around yes

And when I'm down you're there pushing me to the top.
You're always there givin' me all you've got.

For a shield from the storm, for a friend for a love to keep me safe and warm, I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong, for the will to carry on,
For everything you do for everything that's true I turn to you, yes.

When I lose the will to win I just reach for you and I can reach the sky again.
I can do anything, 'cause your love is so amazing,
Cause your love inspires me.

And when I need a friend you're always on my side,
Givin' me faith to get me through the night.

Mona and Liza joined in here:

For a shield (for a shield)
From the storm (from the storm)
For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm.
I turn to you. (I turn to you)
For the strength (for the strength)
To be strong for the will to carry on. (for the will to carry on)
For everything you do I turn to you.
(oh yeah oh)

For the arms to be my shelter through all the rain.
For truth that will never change.
For someone to lean on.

For a heart I can rely on through anything.
For the one who I can run to
Oh yeah
(so do you oh yeah)

For a shield from the storm, for a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
(to keep me safe and warm, yeah)
I turn to you (I turn to you)
For the strength (for the strength yea)
To be strong, for the will to carry on.
For everything you do (everything you do)
For everything that's true
For everything you do
For everything that's true
I turn to you.

Everyone applauded.

"Thank you," Evelyn said. "That song was dedicated to my mom. Everything you do and for everything that's true, I turn to you. I love you, Mom!"

Everyone applauded.

Mercedes was in tears as Evelyn waved to the crowd and walked off stage with Mona and Liza. Colby wrapped an arm around Mercedes and kissed her cheek. Mercedes looked at her husband with a smile. He smiled back. He wiped her tears away.

"Oh, my God," Evelyn said as she wiped away tears from her eyes.

"You did great out there, Evie," Liza said.

"You sure did," Mona said.

Evelyn smiled. She wrapped both her arms around her friends. The three group hugged.

After the show, Evelyn saw Christina, Trevor, and of course, Andy. The three said they would all come and she was very happy they did.

"Thank you for coming," Evelyn said, hugging each of them.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," Christina said. "Besides two of my other friends were singing with you."

As Christina said hello to Liza and Mona, Evelyn said hi to Andy.

"Hi," She said with a bright grin.

"Hi," Andy said. "You did great. And it was really sweet you chose to sing that song for your mom. Plus, for Mona and Liza to sing with you."

"Thank you. They think so too."

Andy laughed.

"Evelyn. Sweetheart," A voice said.

Evelyn turned her attention. She smiled. "Mom."

Mercedes smiled. She quickly wrapped her arms around her daughter, embracing her. "That was so beautiful. I love you," She whispered.

"I love you too, Mommy," She replied.

Mercedes kept hold of her daughter. Her love for her daughter would never change.