Homicide and Halo-Halo (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #2)(70)
The duo were fussing over a table with various flowers, greenery, and vases laid out over it. Naoko hadn’t participated in the talent rehearsal, saying that her talent didn’t require any technology checks, and that for her to do her best, her supplies had to be fresh anyway. She planned on doing a modern ikebana demonstration, which I found fascinating.
“What made you choose flower arranging as your talent?” I asked.
“It’s the only thing I like doing that would be interesting to watch live. Like, I love making jewelry and sketching outfits, but that’s not something I can do onstage in front of people. I wish you’d change those rules. Not everyone’s talent can be performed in front of an audience, but it still counts.” The girl fiddled with her bracelets as her mom also laid sheets of origami paper and slim twigs next to the greenery. “I’m not going to win, so can you tell that to Ms. Thompson? Maybe then I’ll have a chance for next year.”
I promised to pass along her feedback. “You never know, though. You racked up quite a few points with your winning design last week. It’s still anybody’s game.”
Naoko perked up and rewarded me with a brilliant smile. “Thanks. I needed that. Um, this is for you. Because you’ve been so nice to me. And my mom. She didn’t really have any friends in town until you came back. She seems really happy now.”
She held out a matching set of her signature beaded bracelets and earrings. She’d used nothing but black beads, in keeping with my aesthetic, but when you held them up to the sun, there was a rainbow sheen reflecting off the darkness. They were absolutely lovely and I told her so.
“Thank you, Naoko,” I said as I put on the bracelets and switched out my hoops for the dangly earrings. “I’ll cherish them. Just like I cherish your mom’s friendship. Good luck today.”
We said goodbye and I continued wandering around to wish the rest of the girls luck, making slow progress thanks to my injured ankle and the amount of people running around backstage. I finally found Winnie and Katie Pang with Joy at the last makeshift vanity station. Winnie was adjusting Katie’s makeup and putting the finishing touches on her hairstyle, and the teen was stunning. She still had her girl-next-door cuteness (no amount of contouring could take away the sweetness of those round cheeks), but the fake lashes and upswept hairdo gave her an air of sophistication.
“Oh Katie, you’re so beautiful!” Joy sighed as she looked at her best friend. “How’s your arm? Are you feeling OK?”
Katie’s forearm was enclosed with a bright green cast, which was already covered with signatures and doodles. She flexed her fingers and glanced at her mom before answering. “Yeah, I’m fine. My hands are free, so I’m still able to perform my talent. You look beautiful too, Joy.”
“I’m not very good with makeup, but I tried. You’re lucky your mom’s so good at it.” Joy smiled, but there was no hiding the wistfulness in her voice.
Winnie’s eyes met mine, and there was a look I couldn’t read there. Was she also wondering about Joy’s absentee parents? How anyone could neglect their children, let alone a girl as sweet as Joy?
Winnie broke eye contact to look down at her watch. “You know what, we still have some time. Joy, come here and I’ll adjust your makeup. Do you want me to do anything with your hair?”
As they started discussing possible looks, I said my goodbyes and made my way back to the judges’ table, passing Ate Bernie and Joy’s sister Pinky on the way. I glanced back as they joined the trio chattering away happily as they prepared for the competition. I said a silent prayer for all of them. As long as Joy had that kind of love and support in her life, maybe she’d be OK after all.
* * *
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The Q&A portion of the pageant, usually the bane of everyone’s pageant experience, flew by thanks to Valerie’s insightful questions, Mayor Gunderson’s skill at the mic (he was really quite charming when he allowed other people to get a word in), and of course, the contestants, who were bringing their A game now that they’d made it to the final round. Even Leslie, Sharon Randall’s wallflower friend, excelled during her interview—she seemed to have realized she didn’t have to be giggly or bubbly to play the part of a beauty queen, and her quiet thoughtfulness made me see why a girl as vivacious as Sharon Randall was her best friend.
She also showed quite a bit of bravery when asked the last question, “If you could change one thing about the Miss Teen Shady Palms Pageant, what would it be?” (Every contestant was asked this question, so Naoko got to deliver her bit of feedback herself.)
Leslie glanced at Sharon, who was just offstage, before saying, “I want this pageant to be more inclusive. Saying ‘anyone who identifies as female’ still limits it. I think if you want to create a truly modern pageant, you have to open your mind to all the other possibilities out there. Oh, and I use she/they pronouns, by the way.”
Mayor Gunderson said, “I’m not sure I understood all that, but I recognize the courage it took for you to speak your truth. Thank you, Leslie.” Leslie waved at the crowd before exiting the stage, and Mayor Gunderson continued, “What a way to wrap up the Q&A! And now for the main event: the talent portion of Miss Teen Shady Palms! Take it away, ladies! Or, um, contestants? Whatever, good luck, everyone!”