Episode 005
1068 Words
Tristan's POV
The early morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting thin stripes of light across my bedroom floor. I groaned, rolling over to silence the incessant buzzing of my phone alarm.
It was way too early for a Saturday, especially after the late night at Lily's dance competition. But I had promised her we'd talk about something important this morning, and if there was one thing I prided myself on, it was keeping my word to my little sister.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I hauled myself out of bed and shuffled towards the door, my mind already racing with the possibilities of what Lily wanted to discuss.
As I made my way down the grand staircase of Kingston Manor, I heard Lily's voice floating up from the kitchen. She sounded excited, animated in a way I hadn't heard in a long time. Curious, I quickened my pace.
"Morning, squirt," I said as I entered the kitchen, making a beeline for the coffee machine. "What's got you so chipper at this ungodly hour?"
Lily spun around, her long dark hair whipping behind her. Her eyes were bright with excitement, a stark contrast to my bleary-eyed state. "Tristan! Finally! I've been waiting forever!"
I raised an eyebrow, pouring myself a much-needed cup of coffee. "Forever, huh? It's barely 8 AM."
"Details, details," she waved her hand dismissively. "Sit down. I have amazing news!"
Intrigued by her enthusiasm, I settled onto one of the barstools on the kitchen island. "Alright, I'm sitting. Hit me with this amazing news."
Lily took a deep breath, as if preparing for a big announcement. "You know how I won first place at the competition last night?"
I nodded, a proud smile tugging at my lips. "How could I forget? You were incredible."
"Well," she continued, practically bouncing on her toes, "one of the judges approached me after the awards ceremony. He's from this prestigious dance academy in Paris, and he said I have real potential!"
I felt a mix of pride and unease settle in my stomach. "That's fantastic, Lil. But why do I feel like there's more to this story?"
Lily's excitement dimmed a little, replaced by a look of determination I knew all too well. It was the same look I saw in the mirror when I was psyching myself up for a big game. "He... he invited me to participate in their summer intensive program. In Seattle."
The words hung in the air between us. I took a long sip of my coffee, trying to process what she was saying. "Seattle? As in Seattle?"
Lily nodded eagerly. "It's an incredible opportunity, Tristan. Six weeks of intensive training with some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world. It could be my big break!"
I set my mug down, studying my sister's face. She was practically glowing with excitement, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes too. "That does sound amazing, Lil. But... have you talked to Mom and Dad about this?"
Her enthusiasm faltered slightly. "Not yet. I... I wanted to talk to you first."
"Why me?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew the answer.
Lily fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, a habit she'd had since childhood when she was nervous. "Well, I was hoping... maybe you could come with me?"
I blinked, taken aback. "Me? In Seattle? For six weeks?"
"I know it's a lot to ask," Lily rushed on, "but I really want to do this, Tristan. It's such an incredible opportunity. And... and I don't think Mom and Dad will let me go alone."
I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. Six weeks in Seattle. In the summer. Right when I should be training for the upcoming basketball season. Coach Williams would have a fit. Not to mention Dad...
"Lil, I don't know," I said slowly. "It's not that I don't want to support you, but six weeks is a long time. I have commitments here, training..."
"I know," Lily said, her voice small. "I just... I really need this, Tristan. And I need you there with me. Please?"
I looked at my sister, really looked at her. Behind the excitement, I could see the fear, the vulnerability. Lily had always been the brave one, the one who wore her heart on her sleeve.
But she was still just a kid, my kid sister. And she was asking for my help.
"When would we need to leave?" I heard myself asking, even as a part of my brain screamed at me to stop.
Lily's eyes widened with hope. "The program starts in three weeks. We'd need to be there a few days early to get settled."
Three weeks. It wasn't much time to prepare, to make arrangements. Coach Williams would be furious. Dad would probably hit the roof. But looking at Lily's hopeful face, I knew I couldn't say no.
"Okay," I said, the word feeling heavy on my tongue. "Okay, I'll go with you."
Lily's squeal of delight was almost deafening. She launched herself at me, nearly knocking me off the barstool as she wrapped her arms around me in a fierce hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the best brother ever!"
I hugged her back, a mixture of emotions swirling in my chest. Joy at her happiness, anxiety about the impending confrontation with our parents, and a strange sense of anticipation. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Maybe a change of scenery was exactly what I needed.
"Don't thank me yet, squirt," I said, gently disentangling myself from her embrace. "We still have to convince Mom and Dad."
Lily's face fell slightly, but her determination quickly returned. "We can do it. Together, right?"
I nodded, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Together. Now, how about some breakfast? We're going to need our strength for this conversation."
As we moved around the kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, I couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into. Seattle.
It was about as far from my comfort zone as I could get. No basketball court, no familiar faces, just me and Lily in a foreign city.
But as I watched my sister humming happily to herself, a spring in her step that I hadn't seen in years, I knew I'd made the right decision.
- Writer
