Echo-A Ballet Story

o1

"MOM! I'm going to be late!" I yelled, sprinting towards the laundry room. Picture frames on the wall whizzed by.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Mom tried to explain as she handed me my tights and ballet flats. Taking them without a thank-you, I stuffed them into my bag.

"I know, but I just don't want to come in late, if Madam Duval notices, I'll never get the lead part in the nutcracker this year!"

Mom just smiled and stroked my hair, "You really think so?"

I pouted, "Duh, she did that to Zariah last year during our swan lake recital."

"And how old was Zariah?" Mom questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"25," I muttered.

"Exactly, she was 25, Madam Duval probably had a reason, you'll do fine, you're by far the most talented girl I know,"

"Yep, she's right about one thing Brownie," I heard a yawn behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Luke leaning against the doorway. His own ashy brown hair was a mess as if he just woke up. 

I sighed, "Please don't call me Brownie."

He chuckled, "Whatever you say nutcracker."

"That's even worse." I glared at him.

"How about..."

"Paige. My name is Paige, and that is what you will call me." I told him, feeling annoyed.

"Ouch." Was all he said before he turned around and left towards the kitchen. One thing about brothers is that they're always hungry. 

Mom stifled a laugh, "You kids need to stop. And you," she squeezed my shoulder, "better go, or you'll definitely be late. Take Luke's pickup."

A loud, "Hey!" was sounded out of the kitchen, seconds later, Luke emerged again, "How do you know I don't need it today?"

"Luke, honey, you almost never use it, maybe today, instead of sleeping, you should go out and help your dad."

Luke faked a cough, "I think I'm getting sick."

"Uh-huh, right," Mom rolled her eyes.

"I feel faint." Luke continued, holding his hand up to his forehead.

"I'm sure the doctor will have an extra shot to spare to cure your illness."

Luke instantly straightened up, "Will you look at that! I'm cured!"

Mom smirked, "Cured, huh?" Whoever knows mom, she doesn't joke about getting the doctor. Which I'm sure is why dad married her. I quickly grabbed the keys from the key holder and gave mom a peck on the cheek. "Drive safe." She whispered.

"I will," I answered back. Before I went out the door, Luke called out to me.

"Do I get a goodbye hug as well?"

I Smirked as I turned back around and hugged his torso. He was only about five or six inches taller, but it was more comfortable hugging him like that.

"Take good care of Amanda." He whispered. I quickly pulled away.

"You named your car?" I almost laughed at that, I mean, who names their car? Right?

"And? Don't you?"

I crossed my arms, "I'm afraid my car is still in your imaginary shop."

"Hey, I'll be done with it soon."

"Right, well, you take care of my Toyota while I'm at school." I faked enthusiasm.

"Toyota? You should name him Rex or Toby."