Chapter 9

Maggie was shocked by Luke’s question. She didn’t expect that. Unknown to her, Luke had been listening to her conversations with Sarah.

“Uhmm…. Why don’t you go unpack your things with your sister” Maggie said hurriedly gesturing Luke to his room, trying to avoid his question.

Days went by so fast and six years had passed since Maggie, Luke, and Leah had settled back in their apartment. The passage of time had brought healing, growth, and a renewed sense of hope. Luke and Leah had wasted no time in resuming their education, and today marked another day of school in their lives.

Leah burst through the front door, his excitement palpable in the air.

"Mum, Mum, my teacher told me to give this to you!" She exclaimed, waving a folded letter in his hand.

Maggie, sitting on the couch, looked up from her book, curiosity piqued. She took the letter from Leah’s  outstretched hand, her brows furrowing as she wondered what it could be. With a sense of anticipation, she carefully opened the envelope and began reading.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she scanned the contents of the letter. 

"Leah," she murmured, her voice laced with disbelief, "this is a letter of permission for you to represent the school in the senior race."

Leah beamed with pride, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, Mum! Can you believe it? I get to run in the senior race and represent our school!"

Maggie couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and pride at her daughter’s achievement. 

"Senior race?" she repeated, a hint of astonishment in her voice. "You're representing your school in a senior race?"

Leah nodded, her grin widening. "Yes, Mum! I've been performing really well in my races, and they thought I could handle the senior category."

Maggie's eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. 

"You're that fast, huh?" she said, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I didn't know I had a budding track star for a daughter."

Leah  laughed, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. "You need to see me on the practice tracks this past week, Mum. I've been smashing it!"

Maggie chuckled, a mixture of surprise and pride washing over her.

As they sat together in the living room, the air filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Maggie's mind raced with thoughts of Luke running alongside older students, challenging himself, and showcasing his talent.

"Are you nervous,darling?" Maggie asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Running with older students can be quite intimidating."

Leah’s confident grin didn't waver. "Nah…mostly excited. It's a chance to prove myself and see how far I've come. Plus, the teacher and my friends believe in me."

Maggie nodded, her heart swelling with pride. "My brave girl. Remember, it's not just about winning. It's about doing your best, enjoying the experience, and growing as an athlete and as an individual."

Leah’s gaze met her mother's, her expression filled with determination. "I understand, Mum. 

Maggie leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on Leah’s forehead. 

She wasted no time in following Leah to her school the next day.  A sense of curiosity and pride propelling her forward. She made her way to the principal's office. The door opened, and she was greeted by the warm smile of the principal.

"Good morning ma’am”. The principal said, his voice filled with a welcoming tone. 

Maggie returned the greeting with a smile, her eyes scanning the office before settling on the principal.

"Hello, good morning," she replied, taking a seat as the principal gestured for her to do so.

The principal leaned back in his chair, his eyes attentive. 

"What can I do for you this morning?" he asked, his voice carrying a sense of curiosity.

Maggie took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. 

"I saw the letter of permission for my daughter Leah to represent the school in the Senior race," she began, her voice filled with intrigue. "I was wondering why she was chosen for the senior category."

The principal's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with pride.

"Your daughter is doing exceedingly well for her age group," he explained. "In fact, she finishes the race with the second runner-up, arriving at the finish line significantly seconds later."

Maggie's eyes widened with astonishment.

"I had no idea Leah had such incredible talent," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.

The principal nodded, his expression earnest. "Indeed, we have never seen anything quite like this at our school," he admitted. "Leah is an excellent runner, displaying exceptional speed and stamina."

A wave of gratitude washed over Maggie as she realised the significance of her daughter’s accomplishments.

Maggie sat in the principal's office, a sense of awe and pride swelling within her. As she listened to the principal speak about Leah’s achievements and potential, she couldn't help but be deeply impressed with her daughter.

"Ok," Maggie replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a mistake or something."

The principal shook his head, his smile unwavering. "No, not at all," he reassured her. "Leah’s talent and dedication are evident to everyone to see. Her performances are exceptional”.

Maggie nodded, a mix of relief and pride washing over her. "Thank you for clarifying," she said sincerely. 

As Maggie stood up to leave, she extended her hand to the principal, a gesture of appreciation.

"Alright, sir, have a nice day," Maggie said with a smile, grateful for the reassurance and encouragement she had received.

The principal reciprocated the smile and shook her hand firmly. 

"You too, ma'am," he replied warmly. "I have no doubt that Leah will come up top. We will be cheering her on every step of the way."

Maggie nodded, her heart filled with gratitude for the support and belief the school had shown in Leah. 

Just as she left the principal’s office, her phone rang.