“Hey!This guyis right here, ladies!” Ezra yells over us, making us chortle. “And you, Feather,weren’t thinking anything; you were so blinded by yourlovefor me,” he says with a dramatic flare in his voice.
“Lucky you,” she huffs in pretend annoyance.
“Awww!!! Stop it, you guys! You’re so stinking cute!” I giggle over the phone, both their laughter joining me.
After a breath, Ezra speaks, “Hey, kid. So, why’d you call?”
“Oh yes! So, as you—”
He cuts me off. “Shit. Sorry, Andie. Someone’s at the door, give me a second, would you?”
“Sure,” I nod as if he can see me, and the sound of rustling follows as he opens the door.
“Oh, hey, man. Come in,” he greets whoever it is. “Give me a second, let me talk to my sister.”
My lips automatically lift into a small smile. I love how he has his priorities set.
“Yes, Andie. What were you saying?” His voice cackles through the speaker of my phone.
“Well, I know it’s a long shot, but I really wanted to invite you to the year-end event I’m organizing tomorrow.” I chew on my bottom lip, waiting for an answer.
His sigh is an answer enough before he even says the words. “You know I wish I could bethere, kid. But we have a game tomorrow, and it’s nearly impossible to reach your school in time.”
I do understand where he’s coming from. Now, he can’t just not show to the game. I knew it was a long shot, so I don’t let his response dampen my mood. “It’s okay,” I say in a cheery voice.
At least, I hope it sounds so.
“I’m sorry, kid,” he apologizes sincerely, even though there’s nothing he can do.
“We really wish we could come, Andie,” Kaeli comforts me, hoping I’ll understand.
“I know. It’s alright! See you when you guys come back. Good luck with the game tomorrow,” I ramble and hang up the phone before they hear me choke on a sob.
The high I had been experiencing all day comes to a sudden low. I know where they’re coming from.
But I really wanted them to attend. I’ve worked day in and day out on this event, and it’s the first chance for me to prove not just to the world, but also to my family and me that being a teacher was my calling.
I understand, but I don’t have to like it.
I angrily swipe at the tears. Millie hops on the couch and snuggles into my chest. Needingemotional support, I grab her and bury my nose in her fur, sniffling into it as I let out a tired breath.
The sudden ache to hear Noah’s deep and soothing voice blooms viciously in my chest. I consider it for all of two seconds before I discard the idea.
They have a game tomorrow, and I can’t just call him because I’m tired or emotional. He must be tired too. It’s not easy stopping all those pucks that rain at him at hundreds of miles per hour.
Consoling myself and seeking comfort with Millie, I try to remind myself that it’ll all be okay, and my parents will be there at least. And I know they’ll be immensely proud of me, and that’s enough.
My parents, though, were uncertain about my dropping out of law school and studying to become a teacher; they have never tried to influence my decision, or fallen short in their support or love for me.
But it was your Brother who stood by you, loving you unconditionally.
My mind whispers, and I can’t deny that him not being there would hurt me. Someone missing out on a mere elementary school eventmay not be an issue for some, but it meant a lot to me.
There’s no reason for me to be a baby and be upset about when it can’t be helped, though. So, be a big girl and do your best tomorrow, with an ever-present smile on your face.
I sleep with a mantra playing on a loop in my mind.
You’re enough.