The teasing lasted for years. Students whispered that her father scrubbed their toilets, and the comments followed her through the hallways. Nicole tried to stay strong in front of them, but she often cried when she got home. Her father always comforted her, reminding her that honest work was something to be proud of and that people who put others down often did so because they felt small themselves.
During her junior year, Johnny was diagnosed with cancer. Even while battling the illness, he continued working as long as he could. One of the things he talked about most was seeing Nicole attend prom and later graduate. Sadly, he passed away a few months before prom night, leaving Nicole heartbroken and unsure how to face the milestone without him.