Chapter 1: Nancy: Not Ready

Question

A. Gautam

1 Although I had to keep my promise to Mrs. Lancaster, I was getting cold feet on the day of announcing my campaign. What was I thinking when I said yes? I was a single mother to a teen, and she needed me now more than ever because kids at her school were vicious. But I had kept my dreams on hold until Kiera needed me less and less. It seemed that day would never come. Now, the city of Rosali was ready for the first female mayor, and Mrs. Lancaster was going to fund my campaign. I truly couldn’t deny the opportunity, but now, I couldn’t dive into it either.

2 “Ready for the fundraiser luncheon?” I asked my daughter donned in a somber black outfit that looked fit for a funeral. There was no time to change. Besides, relatable kids fared better than prim and proper kids.

3 “Never been more ready,” Kiera said, putting her phone away with a sigh and dragging her backpack on the carpet.

As we grabbed donuts and milkshakes from the drive-through, I realized that only until last week, we used to eat oatmeal and smoothies together every morning and chat about our days.

“Did you want to get smoothies instead?” I asked, briefly stealing a glance of my daughter who was furiously typing on her phone. She hadn’t touched her food.

“Uh huh,” she said and remembered to start eating.

I was worried if being elected would ruin our relationship and if my only daughter was already pulling away from me.

Answer 1

4 As we drove to the venue, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling in my gut. It wasn't just the gravity of my decision weighing on me; it was the realization that this campaign could shift the dynamic between Kiera and me. The last thing I wanted was to become one of those mothers who became so consumed by ambition that they lost sight of what mattered most—their kids.

5 When we arrived, the hum of conversation and laughter filled the air, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the rustle of silk dresses. The venue was adorned with pastel decorations, and the long tables were heaped with beautiful food. For a moment, I felt a surge of excitement; the energy was contagious. But as I stepped inside, the weight of expectation loomed even larger.

6 “Looks like a scene from a political movie,” Kiera commented quietly, rolling her eyes as she adjusted her backpack.

7 “More like a scene from a horror film,” I thought, glancing around at the crowd. The room was filled with faces I’d seen on the news and read about in papers—people who had the power to make or break my dreams. Every smile felt like a façade, a performance in this high-stakes game of politics.

8 “Let’s grab a plate, okay?” I suggested, trying to keep the mood light. “We can’t impress the voters on empty stomachs.” Kiera shrugged but followed me as I led the way towards the buffet line.

9 As we fixed our plates, I observed the mingling crowd—supporters, critics, perhaps even some undecided voters. Mrs. Lancaster was easy to spot, flitting around like a queen bee, her charisma drawing people in. She caught my eye and waved enthusiastically, a reminder of the weighty trust she had placed in me.

10 “Do you think I can really do this?” I asked Kiera, catching her attention as we settled at a small table in the corner.

11 “Well, you promised Mrs. Lancaster you would,” Kiera replied, her tone almost playful. “Besides, if you can handle me during my teenage meltdown, how bad can a campaign be?”

12 Her response made me chuckle, yet I felt a twinge of guilt for even comparing the two. I was a mother first and a candidate second, even if I didn’t always show it.

13 Just as I was about to respond, the hall hushed as Mrs. Lancaster took the stage, adjusting the microphone. I turned my focus to her, heart pounding as anticipation swelled in my chest.

14 “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, her voice strong and steady. “Thank you for being here today to support a future where we shatter glass ceilings. It is my utmost pleasure to introduce our candidate, Nancy Gray!”

15 The people around me erupted into applause, and I felt a mix of thrill and terror. Kiera squeezed my hand under the table, her expression a blend of encouragement and concern. “You’ve got this,” she whispered.

16 Gathering my breath, I stood to join Mrs. Lancaster on stage. The spotlight was blinding, but I focused on Kiera, offering her a reassuring smile. This was it; this was my moment. I had to believe that no matter what happened, I could balance my dreams with my role as a mother.