His eyes, the eyes she shared, were red from crying. My name is Christopher Hayes and I'm your father. Tiana's face went blank. What?
No. Diane grabbed Tiana's shoulder. No, you don't get to do this. Not here. Not now.
But Christopher kept looking at Tiana. You have my eyes and my voice. Eleven years ago, your mother and I were together. When she got pregnant, I ran. I chose my career.
I abandoned you both. His voice cracked. And I have hated myself every single day since. Tiana stepped back, shaking her head.
You're lying. My father isn't... Mama said...
Your mama was protecting you from the truth, Christopher said. His tears fell freely.
That I was a coward. That I left you with nothing. That I promised to send money and never did. Why?
Tiana's voice was so small. Why would you leave? Because I was 24 and scared and selfish. Because I thought my music career was more important than being your father.
He looked at Diane. More important than the woman I loved. Diane made a sound like she'd been punched. Tiana's tears started. You're telling me this now, after the biggest moment of my life, you show up and tell me you left us because I couldn't stay silent anymore.
When Victoria tried to disqualify you, I had to protect you. It's eleven years too late, but I had to do something. You were the one who stopped them. Christopher nodded.
You don't get to be a hero. Tiana's voice broke. You don't get to swoop in and act like you saved me. My mama saved me.
She's the one who raised me, who worked herself sick for me. You were nothing. You are nothing. You're right.
Christopher pulled out his phone, showed the wire transfer. $52,000 to Diane Turner. Medical payment status paid in full. Your mother's surgery is covered. I called the hospital 2 hours ago, they confirmed.
She's scheduled for tomorrow morning, 7:00 a.m. Diane gasped, hand over her mouth. I can't give you back eleven years, Christopher said. But I can give you your mother's life.
Tiana looked at the phone screen, at the number, at her mama's face. Back at Christopher. Mama's surgery is paid for. Every penny.
You don't need the prize money for that anymore. Use it for your future, for college, for music, for whatever you want. Tiana's small body started shaking. The check fell from her hands.