Unlike all the other kids, Noah getting to see his Mom is a treat. He usually only sees her for 3 days every six months when his dad goes on business trips out to L.A.. So, when she says she'll be coming to town to see him perform in school's spring concert he is on a high for the following couple days.
Once the excitement subsides, panic sets in. What if she doesn't like it? What if she gets into a fight with his dad again? What if she doesn't come? It's Annie, his dad's girlfriend, who pulls Noah into her arms one night after a panic attack and tells him his mom will be there and she will love his performance. Promising as well that his dad will be on his best behaviour.
On the day of the performance, Annie was more than right; not only did his Mom come but she brought his brother and sister too! Giving each of them a hug, Noah lingers upon letting go of his mom; he wish he never had to let go. But his teacher is calling him onto the stage with the rest of his classmates.
From his spot on stage, he can see his mom's long blonde hair and his dad's bright green eyes along with the video camera in his hands. When she leans over to whisper something into his ear, Noah's heart drops, until he sees the gleaming white of his dad's teeth as he smiles and nods. Noah couldn't feel happier.
"So, are you and Mama friends now?" Noah asks on the drive home from school that afternoon. His sea green eyes meet identical ones in the rear view mirror.
"I suppose. Why?"
"Well, she made you smile so I thought you were," Noah mumbles as his eyes flutter down into his lap.
"Oh, I see," he can hear the smile in his dad's voice. "Do you wanna know what she said?"
Noah's head perks up with intrigue." Yeah!"
"That you're the only thing her and I ever did right."
"R-really?" His heart swells as his words become hiccups. The desire to throw his arms around his parents is almost as monstrous as the tears that slide down his cheeks.
Unlike all the other kids, Noah getting to see his Mom is a treat. Maybe now, it won't have to be.