Betty’s POV
The night before nationals, the house was unusually quiet. My dad had just come back from one of his long business trips, and I could hear him moving around in his study, the low rumble of his voice as he wrapped up a call. I’d missed him, but our interactions had been tense lately, especially since my grounding.
I was on the living room floor, flipping through my notebook filled with last-minute adjustments and cues for our routines. My mind buzzed with nervous energy. Nationals. It was here, finally, after all the hours of practice, all the struggles, and all the moments of doubt. I didn’t want to mess this up—not for myself, not for the Unseen.
Just then, my dad walked in, his footsteps soft on the carpet. “Hey, kiddo,” he said, breaking my focus. “Mind if I join you for a bit?”
I looked up, a little surprised. He rarely initiated heart-to-heart talks, and after the last few weeks, I’d thought he was still holding onto some lingering frustration with me. But the warmth in his gaze eased some of the tension I’d been carrying, and I nodded, scooting over to make space for him on the couch.
“I, uh… I hear the big day is tomorrow,” he began. “Nationals.”
“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’ve been looking forward to it for months. Didn’t expect it to be this intense, though.”
“I didn’t realize how much work went into this. I just thought… well, I guess I thought it was something you did for fun. I didn’t know it was this important to you, Betty.”
“It’s more than cheerleading or even winning, Dad. It’s about proving that we deserve to be here.”
“I’m sorry if I haven’t been the kind of support you needed through all of this. Work kept me away, and, honestly… I was worried. I thought you were getting caught up in something that might hurt you. But you’ve really impressed me, Betty. The way you’ve taken on this responsibility, how you’ve rallied your team together—I’m proud of you.”
My throat tightened at his words, a swirl of emotions overwhelming me. For so long, I’d felt like I was struggling to prove myself, to him and to everyone else. Hearing him say he was proud was something I hadn’t realized I needed.
“Thanks, Dad,” I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat. “That means a lot.”
He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “If you need me—really need me—I’m here, Betty. I may not know everything about your world, but I believe in you. You’ve always been stronger than you realize.”
I looked down, unable to hold back the tears brimming in my eyes.“I couldn’t just let it all go. My team… they’re like a family now.”
“That’s what makes this worth it, then. Knowing that you’re not in it alone. No matter what happens out there, I’m already proud of you. Get some rest, kiddo. You’re going to be great.”
I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Dad.”
”
As he walked away, I took a deep breath, feeling a newfound strength settle in my chest. Nationals were here, and I was ready.