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And suddenly it was all worth it: the crazy deadline, the late nights sewing and ironing, the tired, bleeding fingers She did it all for a split second of togetherness "Me, too "

Marah hugged her "I love you, Mommy "

Kate held her tightly, sht in that moment how close they were to childhoods end and the start of puberty, and she held on too long These moments were too rare already

Marah pulled back, gave her another grin, and ran backstage with her friends "Bye!"

Kate got up slowly and went out to the auditorium, where Johnny sat in the third row, center, with a son on either side of hi for Tully "Is she here yet?"

"No And she hasnt called, either Maybe soe Clooney "

S, Kate took her seat beside Lucas All around her, parents and grandparents filed into their seats, bringing out their video cameras as soon as they sat down

Kates parents arrived right on ti their seats beside her As always, Mo fro," she said

"She said she was I hope nothing happened " Kate held a seat for Tully for as long as she could and then finally let it go

The lights flickered, and the audience fell silent Miss Parker, dressed now in pink tights and a knee-length black ballet skirt and black leotard, walked out to center stage She looked every inch the aging prima ballerina "Hello, there," she said in her soft, querulous voice "As you know, Im—"

The auditoriued open As one, the audience turned

Tully stood there, looking like shed just left the Graaer She wore a stunning forest-green silk dress that hung from one shoulder and nipped in at her still-small waist

Whispers overtook the audience Tallulah Harteven prettier in personNo one was listening to Miss Parkers introduction

"How does she stay looking so good?" Mo close

"Plastic surgery and a battalion of makeup artists "