Episode 59: Scene Five
"Would you like any help?" Cliff asked, though he already anticipated a refusal.
Trace shook his head, but the action wasn't intended to be negative. "No, I think I've got it. Thanks, though."
Cliff smiled. "Anything I can do, just let me know."
Trace nodded and prepared to walk out on the stage. The crowd was now beginning to gather in front of the elaborate set for the Miss Midway contest. In a couple of minutes, the Miss Midway for 2001 would be announced. Everyone was eagerly anticipating the showcase.
However, Trace had decided to offer a small yet significant tribute to his dearly departed girlfriend. Only a small few had witnessed his deep feelings about Kim's death, but in just a few moments all would see exactly how much Kim meant to him. He gulped in a breath of air before walking out onto the stage.
At the sight of Trace, the crowd in front of him quieted down. He smiled brightly and said, "Looks like we're going to have a great crowd for the Miss Midway contest today!"
The crowd cheered in response.
"That's great. Well, before we let Mr. Winston do his thing, I just wanted to talk about something that's been on my heart for quite a while now. As all of you probably know, my girlfriend Kim Anderson died a couple of days ago," he paused momentarily. "In light of this tragedy, as well as the not-too-long-ago death of Randall Bentley, I think we should all just take a couple of minutes to reflect on Midway Prep and what we're all about."
"Kim was a person whose spirit couldn't be dampered. Sure, she had her moments of uncertainty, but she always came right back up as strong as ever. She was one of the most loyal people that I've ever known. We got into heaps of trouble sometimes, but she always stuck by me through thick and thin.
"Midway Prep is the kind of school where dreamers and leaders are made. Some are dreamers, some are leaders, but Kim managed to be both. She set the inspired others, but also managed to reach for the stars herself. It's at times like this that we have to remember not who we are now, but what we will become. Kim was always looking beyond the "now" of things. She was focused on what was coming up for her."
"Now I'm not going to sit up here and bore you to death with all of this sentimental stuff. I just want you to remember a message that Kim always lived: don't let anyone stop you from going after your dreams. Tough times may outnumber the good times, but that just makes the good times all the sweeter. Thank you."
Silence was all the response that Trace received for a brief moment. Then, the applause came. It was hesitant at first, but then rose and crashed all around him. During the tremendous clapping of hands, all Trace did was look up at the sky and smile sadly.
"This is for you, babe."