Page 22 of Between Regrets and Promises

Lennon

Just a sisterly reminder. Don’t forget it’s Mom and Dad’s anniversary today.

Even though I had a reminder programmed in my phone. It’s a big one for them, year number thirty of being married.

Sophie

Calling them is on my list of things to do

Lennon

Awesome! I’m gonna call them later after I finish setting up my classroom and organizing the instruments. We should get together soon too.

Sophie

Totally! Ugh, I have to practice for the next few hours.

Lennon

Good luck!

We say our goodbyes, and I promise to go out with her soon. Lennon recently moved to Sacramento to be with her boyfriend and because she got hired as a music teacher for Hillsong Elementary. My sisters are amazing, and I love how we’ll all be within driving distance from each other soon. Our youngest sister, Maddie, is moving here in a week, and I literally can’t wait. She auditioned for a dance scholarship at Southern California University before she graduated from high school, and right before Christmas, she got the acceptance letter for a full ride. This year, the Corrigan sisters will finally be together again, and I’m so damn happy about it. Maddie is a free spirit,so I have a feeling I’ll be reining her in a lot, especially around Liam. He is one hundred percent her type with that bad boy look and outgoing attitude. I’ve always been the overprotective big sister—it’s a part of who I am and who I’ll always be—but she’s going to keep me on my toes. I already know it.

After I dress, I walk into the kitchen and make a pot of coffee. I’m going to need it to jolt me awake because I have a full day of practice ahead of me. My violin sits in its case by the door, and I set it on the kitchen table, then open it. The coffee finishes brewing, and I pour a cup, then grab the stand and my sheet music while I wait for the steaming liquid to cool. I usually practice while Maria, my roommate, is at her day job so I don’t bother her while I play the same songs over and over until I memorize them. I try to be as considerate as I possibly can when she’s home because I can’t afford to live alone in this city on my salary. It’s the main reason I’ve taken on side jobs like teaching kids how to play piano or violin and performing at weddings and special events with my string quartet.

I do a few stretches, knowing I’m gonna be sitting for hours, then take a sip of my coffee. Pulling my violin from its case, I place it on my shoulder and do a few warm-up scales. I play through each piece of music we’re performing for next month’s concert. At this point, I could play it all from memory, but I’m meticulous and make sure I hit each note perfectly. I’m my worst critic. Once I’ve finished each piece, I start from the beginning and go through my set two more times before my stomach growls, and I take a break to eat.

After I scarf down a sandwich, I grab my phone and FaceTime my parents. They answer after the first two rings and are all smiles.

“Sophie!” Mom grins.

“Hey,” Dad says, standing behind her.

“Happy Anniversary, you two! Any big plans tonight?” I ask.

They look at each other and laugh, and I love how much they still enjoy each other’s company. I hope to have a love like them one day.

“We’re having dinner with some friends tonight and then after that…who knows.” Dad chuckles, waggling his brows at my mother.

“Eww, TMI!” I shake my head and give them a face, which only encourages them to kiss like teenagers.

“Is that Sophie?” Maddie yells from behind, busting between them and taking the phone from their hands.

“Mads! Are you almost packed? You’ve got a week,” Dad scolds.

She lets out a laugh. “You know it. I was packed before graduation day.”

“Hey, give me the phone back,” Mom demands.

“I’m counting down the hours,” Maddie calls out, handing the phone to her with a snicker.

“Appreciate you calling, honey. Keep you in our prayers, and we’ll talk soon. We love you,” Mom tells me.

“Love you too. Bye, Maddie!” I say loud, and she yells it back right before the call ends.

Maddie’s upcoming move has my parents struggling. It’ll be the first time they’ll be empty nesters, so it will be an adjustment for them both. Though my dad is the pastor for a mega church, Mom has devoted her life to us kids. She loves taking care of us, so it’s going to be a huge change.

Growing up, we knew how much they loved us, but it didn’t take away from the fact we were forced to live by their strict rules. Besides having early night curfews, we weren’t allowed to date, wear clothes that showed any sort of cleavage, and attending church was mandatory several times a week. Maddie is ready for freedom, and Mom knows she’s a handful. I’ve promised more than once to take care of and protect my littlesister while she’s here and look out for her and Lennon, but it doesn’t seem like enough.

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