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“Where in the world did you get an idea like that?”
“You know my friend Usha from India? Her mom does it. I’ve learned from watching her work, and I’ve been looking into classes in floral design. I might branch out into corsages in the future, but for now I’m sticking to floral hair jewels. I even got an afterschool job at Millie’s Flowers, helping her run her shop.” She giggled, and I could help but smile in response to the happiness in her voice. “Paul’s work is right across the street, so I get the added bonus of some serious eye-candy when he’s in the office.”
I played with the hem of my silky black pajama pants and smiled. “Sounds like you have it all planned out.”
“I do. I know everyone thinks I’m this ditzy blonde airhead, but I know what I’m talking about. I just wish Mom could see that and stop making me try to live the life she wanted, like she did with you and Brittney.”
“What?”
“Oh, come on, you know it’s true. Mom’s pushed all of us to do what she wanted before she got pregnant with Brittney. Go to college, be wild, have a career, then get married. I mean, she’s like a stage mom in a weird way, but instead of reliving her youth by making you walk in a pageant, she makes you relive the youth she wished she had by encouraging you to party and date lots of guys.”
I sat there, stunned that my little sister had clearly seen what I’d been so blind to. “I never thought about it that way.”
“It’s not that hard to figure out. I mean, when you lived in the dorms, all she would ever talk about was how much fun you must be having, all the parties you attending. Now that you’re in a relationship, she wants to do the same thing with me that she did with you and Brittney. I don’t want that. I’m not into drugs, alcohol, or parties. I mean yeah, I smoke weed, but I’m not into doing keg stands or anything.”
“What does Dad say?”
“You know how he is, busy working. He did tell me that whatever I wanted to do was my decision. If I wanted to go to a trade school instead of a four-year college, he’d be more than happy to pay for it. He even said I could live at home until I saved up enough money for a place of my own, for however long I needed.”
“Dad is awesome.”
“He is, but I won’t be living with them after graduation.” She let out a little squeal, then whispered, “I’m going to move in with Paul.”
“Oh my God…Dad is going to lose his shit if you live with a guy before you get married.”
“Um, that’s kind of the reason I called. I was wondering if you could be there when I break the news to Mom and Dad? You’re a calming influence on Mom.”
“Me? A calming influence? You do remember the epic fights Mom and I have had, right? You’re the one who calms Mom down.”
“Fine, I need you there because you make me feel stronger.”
“Winter…” I swallowed hard, wishing I was as brave as she thought. “You don’t need me, but if you want me for moral support, I’ll be there. I can always say something to piss her off and divert her attention, so you can run away.”
“Should I have Paul there?”
Chewing on my lip, I shook my head after a moment. “No, you don’t want to spring something on them like this with Paul watching. We’ll just sit down, and you can tell them that after graduation you’re going to take some floral design and art classes, college-level courses, so you can learn your craft. You have the talent, I have no doubt about that, but you still need to learn the basics and the special little tricks that will make your work shine.”
“I love you,” Winter sighed. “You’re always on my side, and you know just what to say. You’re my hero.”
Laughing, I shook my head and stretched out. “I don’t know about that. On a serious note, don’t you think you’re a little young for this big of a step? Moving in with someone is huge.”
“Why can’t I meet my soulmate early? Why shouldn’t I be with the man I love? Paul is a man. I know he’s younger than you, but he’s a lot more mature. Besides, it’s not like we’re running off to get hitched. We just want to live together and see how it goes.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“Well, Mom’s going to think I’m dumb, like going to a technical college is something only people who can’t get into a ‘real’ college do.”
“Don’t listen to her. You’re smart, and brave, and awesome. Technical colleges are just as good as traditional. Be true to yourself. I’m so proud of you for going after what you want. I wish I’d been brave enough to follow my heart instead of trying to please Mom.”
