Nothing for you to worry about, baby. Grandma, Jasmine said firmly, sitting across from her. I'm not a child anymore. Tell me. After a moment's hesitation, Grandma Ruth sighed.
The hospital sent over my medical bills from last week. Insurance didn't cover all of it. She pushed a statement across the table. The amount due made Jasmine's stomach drop. $1,800. I can pick up extra shifts next month, Grandma continued.
But the rent is due next week, and with the electric bill, the weight of adult responsibilities pressed down on Jasmine's shoulders. Even if she won the showcase, the prize money would barely cover their immediate needs, leaving nothing for the championship registration. For a moment, she considered withdrawing from the showcase altogether and looking for part-time work instead. I have something to tell you, Jasmine said slowly. I entered the Oakidge charity showcase tomorrow night.
First prize is $2,500. Grandma Ruth's eyes widened. The taekwondo in front of all those people. When Jasmine nodded, she asked, "What about your scholarship? You've been so careful to keep a low profile.
Maybe too careful, Jasmine replied. I have a review meeting with the headmaster the day after the showcase. I think I think they're looking for a reason to revoke my scholarship. The kitchen fell silent as the full stakes became clear. If Jasmine lost her scholarship, all of Grandma Ruth's sacrifices would be for nothing.
Your daddy never backed down from a challenge, Grandma Ruth finally said, reaching across the table to take Jasmine's hand. And neither should you. Whatever happens tomorrow, we'll face it together. The next morning dawned bright and clear. Jasmine carefully packed her Doough uniform and belt into her backpack along with a water bottle and the thin gold chain that had belonged to her father.
At school, an excited buzz filled the hallways as students discussed the evening's showcase. "During lunch, Jasmine overheard Whitney in the cafeteria holding court with her usual entourage. " "I heard this Jay Taylor signed up last minute," Whitney was saying. "Probably some desperate freshman trying to make a name for themselves. As if anyone could beat my routine. I've been working with a professional choreographer all semester. " Jasmine kept her head down, focusing on her textbook instead of her untouched lunch.
The nervous energy coursing through her body had eliminated her appetite. As she was leaving the cafeteria, Allison and two other girls from Whitney's circle deliberately bumped into her, causing Jasmine to stumble. Her backpack fell, spilling its contents across the floor. "Oops," Allison said with false concern. "So clumsy of me. " Jasmine scrambled to gather her belongings as students walked past, some deliberately stepping on her papers.
When she reached for her water bottle, she found it had opened, soaking part of her uniform. The white Doough fabric now had a spreading stain. "What's this? " Allison asked, picking up Jasmine's belt before she could grab it. "Some kind of costume? Are you in the showcase? " "Give it back," Jasmine said quietly, standing up.