You Get It

The Little Moments, Part 2

Pulling out of her parking spot in the front of the audition building, she couldn't help but feel a little worried. Having to pick up two of her siblings was not her idea of a good time so she was already off but the energy of her sister was also clearly not right. Not quite sure what to make of her role model being so off, she tried to act like she didn't notice. She'd just ask more later on. They both were like their mom in their ability to be professional conversation avoiders and she knew her efforts would be fruitless.

Her sister was supposed to be the older and responsible one but ever since she moved back to LA a month ago, it seemed like she wasn't herself. They had lived together in New York once Callie decided on Columbia University for undergraduate school and her parents insisted that they do the move together. The plan was for her to get through school and then apply to Law School back home while her sister auditioned and tried to get dance gigs but the process sped up once Callie started and found a passion for law that drove her to slightly overachieve. She finished undergrad a year early and was currently in her first year of law school. It wasn't easy but she made it happen and it was with the encouragement of her big sister. The big sister that clearly wasn't herself and for some reason wasn't doing much talking beyond vague answers.

It had been five weeks since the elder sister's move and Callie was still unclear of the reasoning behind her abrupt return to LA. When she tried to ask her sister about it, the topic got shut down or redirected to other things. Deciding to not press it, she returned to her conversation with her sister on a lighter note. The drive was nearing it's end as they approached the college's parking lot.

"So did Noah tell you about how Mom busted him on the USC campus with some girl? I thought you warned him that our mother is an undercover FBI agent?" Calie asked as she put the car in park and texted her brother they were there.

"I tried to. Clearly didn't stick. For either brother. They're not the brightest ones, those two."

"Clearly." She added in with a laugh.

"I figured Dad would be the one to do it. He was already annoyed that his golden child wasn't going to his alma mater so he was on the campus like every other day."

"Nah. Dad's more worried about the NFL rookie than the college player. More to lose" the older one deadpanned.

"You sure about that? Both are pretty dumb and can blow it pulling an underage marriage or something."

"Hmm...the older one for sure. Younger one, not so much. Noah's too much of a man-whore."

"I am totally telling him you said that." Callie said through hysterical laughter just as the back passenger door opened.

"Telling who what?" her twin brother questioned.

"Bubby called you a man-whore."

"I prefer the term lady lover" he said with a smug grin.

"Gross." Callie said with a disgusted face.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, dude." The oldest let out with a twisted expression.

"Anyways, have you guys heard from the last part of the fantastic four? I already played Uber to two of the members and don't wanna play it for the richest of the squad." Callie asked.

"Nope" "Nah"

"God you guys are annoying. Noah, call him."

"Is there a way to ask that, Callie Elizabeth?" Full government name. The ultimate annoying sibling move.

"Yeah, call your brother before I make you walk." She said with a sarcastic smile.

"Rude. But fine."

Calling the second oldest, they fully expected to hear the sounds of either loud music or some random girl to greet them but were pleasantly surprised to hear his voice.

"Yo" the NFL player answered.

"Hey" the other three greeted in unison.

"Are you on your way? None of us wanna hear mom or dad's mouth because you're late" Callie let out with little patience.

"I'm coming. I should be there in a little bit. I'm just coming from The Bay, not Mars." He deadpanned.

"Whatever. Just make sure you're there. On time." Callie said, her annoyance thinly veiled.

"And without some girl." Her sister added.

"No promises. See you in a little while." Her brother responded before hanging up.

"NFL rookie now and all of sudden to good for his siblings." Noah let out with an scoff.

"Jealous, are we?" Callie questioned, clearly unafraid to annoy her twin.

"Not at all. I'll be joining him soon. You just wait." He defended.

"I'm sure you will, Noop" the oldest comforted, using the boy's family nickname.

"Like 75% sure." Callie joked, peeking back in the mirror.

Not even able to fake annoyance, her twin let out a laugh at her ability to defuse situations and shot back, "We can't all be the law student genius that you are, Cal. Save some for the rest of us."

Callie cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. The praise from her family and accomplishments were nice on paper but pressure sometimes felt like a weight she couldn't quite shake. If anything, this time at home was going to be about refocusing. Setting aside the grind of being the daughter of accomplished parents, the younger sister of a rookie NFL star and broadway bound dancer, and the twin of an NFL prospect. She had decided on her path to purposely carve out her own identity. It wasn't easy but she also knew that it was important. Not only for her aspiring law career but also her sanity.

"Not a genius. Just a hard worker." She defended. It wasn't the time to announce that she was going to be going to work for a non-profit after graduation. That'd have to wait until they were all home and with their parents. "We all are. Not like we had a choice." She added to the sounds of her siblings agreeing.

"True. Kind of hard when your dad is an NFL legend and Mom is an award winning journalist." Noah stated with pride.

Callie beamed at the thought of their parents. She was nervous to let them know her plans but knew after the initial shock that they would be supportive. She hoped.