"I didn't tell you beforehand because you're not going to be alone on stage," the teacher explained with a smile. "The emcee will ask you how you raise your children and you'll be invited to share your views on our school. You may answer however you please."

Avery nodded. "Okay."

She was no stranger to making small talk during official functions.

Layla's dance performance ended half an hour later and the audience burst into applause.

Avery was invited onto the stage amidst the raucous applause, and she put on a proud and dignified expression.

She had recorded Layla's entire performance on her cell phone earlier and felt that she should have brought a DSLR camera if she knew Layla could dance so well.

Avery walked to the stage and took the microphone from the emcee.

"Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to participate in our school's activities, Ms. Tate. I wonder if Layla's father is here," the emcee asked with a smile.

Laughter ensued following that