Only the Beginning

***Marcella***

"Marcella Hayes"

Thunderous applause filled the arena as I walked across the stage, the sound echoing in my ears. Among the sea of cheers, my mom and uncle were easily the loudest. I shook my head, already knowing what was coming.

Right on cue, my uncle let out an obnoxiously loud Que Dog bark, making heads turn in his direction. I couldn’t help but laugh when a few other men in the