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Sophie left after high school to attend CSU Fresno, which is why I applied there too. After graduation, she moved to Sacramento, and then I followed the next year. I wanted to be close to her and to give Brandon’s and my relationship a real chance since he lived there too. During my last semester, I applied for teaching jobs and was fortunate enough to find one right in the area.
Sophie now plays violin in the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, and when she’s not practicing, she’s performing side gigs for weddings or special events. She’s often fully booked, but when she has downtime, she teaches music lessons on the side for extra money.
Music played an important part in our lives growing up; it was all we knew. Ingrained in us from the day we were born, it paved the path for our chosen careers. I just love that we’re here together now and can hang out as much as we want when our schedules don’t clash.
I unlock my phone and read my message from her.
Maddie: Sis! Guess what? I received an invitation to an exclusive audition for a ballet company for their summer show. I AM SO EXCITED!
She’s been dancing since she could walk and is obsessed with ballet and lyrical dance. This is a huge deal, and it’s not lost on me how important this is to her. She’s worked hard over the years to perfect her skills, and I’m so thrilled for her.
Lennon: Oh my God! That’s amazing! When’s the audition?
Maddie: In two weeks, which means I’ll have to practice my butt off until then.
Lennon: You’ll do fine! Are you ready?
Maddie: I’ll make sure I’m ready! Sorry, I know you’re probably on your way home from work now, but I had to tell someone before I walk into practice. Love you! Oh, tell Brandon I said hey!
I grin at her last comment. My sisters love Brandon so much. Their support means everything, considering my parents still don’t know we live together or how serious we are. My sisters know my secret, and while it’s been hard to keep from my parents since I hate lying, I know they’d never approve. Their rules were always so strict when it came to relationships. Couples don’t live together before marriage, and they surely don’t have sex either, simple as that. I love my parents so much and have always wanted their approval, so having to lie hurts more than I’d like to admit.
Living in a conservative, religious household wasn’t always easy. My dad is the pastor of a large congregation in Park City, and my mother is the daughter of one as well.
Growing up, the three of us kids sang in the praise and worship choir. When we got older, Sophie and I played in the church orchestra. She played her violin, and I played the organ, which was always fun, but it consumed so much of our time when all we wanted to do as teens was hang out with our friends.
My parents had stern rules in place until the day we left for college. We had an eight o’clock curfew, and we dedicated Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings to service. Dating was never allowed, and we were expected to get straight A’s in school. Though they were tough, they raised us with wholesome values and a distinct moral compass, and taught us compassion. We know they love us wholeheartedly, but after high school graduation, we were ready to leave the nest and do things our way.
Disappointing them would be one of my greatest regrets, and that’s why it’s important for me to keep my relationship with Brandon locked tight. Although I don’t always stay within the lines they’ve drawn, I’ll never admit it to them because it would hurt them too much.
Moving closer to Sophie gave me the freedom I desperately craved. The way she talked about California made it sound like paradise. I knew from the moment she left that this was where I wanted to be and so did Maddie.
Lennon: Love you too! I’ll send the message along. Have fun!
After I get in my car and buckle up, I pull out of the parking lot. I can’t wait to put on some comfy clothes and start dinner before Brandon gets home. Sophie calls me while she’s driving and tells me how her private lessons are going so far. She didn’t want to teach but decided it was nice to make some extra money.
“There’s this one student who refuses to practice at home, and the only reason she takes lessons is because her mother is living vicariously through her.” Sophie groans, releasing a frustrated breath.
I shake my head as I pull into my assigned parking spot. It’s actually Brandon’s, but after I moved in, he insisted I take it, and he now parks on the street.
