Before
mockingbird:
Today is that stupid audition that I haven’t wanted to do from the moment my mom first mentioned it. So why am I thinking now that maybe it’s a mistake not to do it?
eastcoleman:
I don’t know. Why?
mockingbird:
Good question. I don’t know. I have no idea what I should do with my life. Maybe a dance education wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.
eastcoleman:
Hmm. Should I be honest?
mockingbird:
No, please, lie to me. Yes, be honest. Always be honest with me.
eastcoleman:
I think you decided not to go to the audition because you might like to dance, but music has always meant more to you.
So is it possible that you feel pressured by your mom?
Because she was a dancer and it would make her happy if you went to that school too?
And now you have a guilty conscience because you decided against it?
mockingbird:
No, that’s not it. Okay, maybe a little.
I do feel guilty, and of course Mom would be happy if I did it.
For her, ballet was the most important thing in the world.
Sometimes I think she’s disappointed that I don’t love it as much as she does.
But I think she’s already accepted that.
At least I thought so before. I don’t know. I’m confused.
eastcoleman:
I can tell. How can I help you, Birdy?
mockingbird:
No clue. If I knew that, I might be better off. I wonder why Mom even wanted me to go there in the first place. The school is in Boston, which is where my grandmother lives.
eastcoleman:
Why does that sound like it’s a problem?
mockingbird:
Because it is. My parents don’t get along with my grandmother very well.
Which is the understatement of the century, by the way.
Grandma has never visited us here in LA.
I can barely remember her because it’s been so long since the last time I saw her.
All I know is that Grandma doesn’t like my dad very much.
She blames him for Mom dropping out of college.
eastcoleman:
Ugh, sounds complicated.
mockingbird:
You have no idea.
eastcoleman:
Don’t feel bad, Birdy. It’s your life, and it’s up to you to decide. If you don’t want to dance, that’s okay. If you do want to at some point, you’ll do it then. Even though I would be happy if you moved to Boston.
mockingbird:
Why are you so smart?
eastcoleman:
I’m not. I’m just good at giving advice that I probably wouldn’t be able to follow myself.
mockingbird:
I like your advice.
eastcoleman:
I’m glad. I just feel like I didn’t really help you.
mockingbird:
Yes, you did. You listened to me, that’s enough.