When Perfect Meets Crazy

16 - It's tough being me

"So what are you trying to say, Oliviane?" Mom asked, delicately setting down her coffee mug.

Olly grimaced.

I pressed my lips to a thin line to keep from smiling. She would always be Olivianne to our mom just like I would always be Avyanna.

Mom abhorred nicknames. 

"I'm ready. I can play Chopin in my sleep." Olly persevered.

I quietly munched on my cereal. She should've waited till after Mom was fully caffeinated to emancipate herself from violin lessons. Caffeinated mom is much more agreeable than decaf mom.

"You think so?" Mom's tone made it clear she definitely didn't.

Olly flashed me a help me look.

I shovelled in what was left of my breakfast and escaped to the sink.

Sorry, babe

"Any Tom, Dick and Harry with a background in violin can play Chopin in their sleep," Mom continued.

"But Mom..." Olly whined. "I can really play."

I rolled my eyes. Whining definitely wasn't going to work on our mother. She was a lawyer for heaven's sake and while, yes, she had a soft spot for Olly, this was not one of those times it'd work out for her.

"You know the rules, Oliviane. I don't think you're ready and since you can't convince me otherwise, I expect you to be there every other week."

"Mommy!" she protested, whining in typical Olly fashion. "I know I'm ready. Avy stopped when she was my age."

"Past precedent does not apply here. Avyanna mastered two instruments. Would you like to take on a second instrument?" Mom replied.

I could feel Olly's eyes shoot poisonous darts at my back.

I rolled my eyes again. It's not like I enjoyed learning them.

"Give me a piece. Any piece," she begged.

I could only drag on rinsing out one bowl for so long. I had to give up my cover as I placed the bowl on the rack to dry and slunk back to my seat.

"Any piece?" Mom's tone warned that was a dangerous road to take. It made it clear she was going to find a piece even a Vienna music hall violinist would have trouble playing.

Olly glanced at me, begging me with her eyes to jump in.

I scowled.

Damn younger sisters.

"She's starting sophomore year next session. She will have to build up her extra curriculars and her academic load will increase. A lot. She might not have enough time for all of it," I chipped in. "It's worth considering. If she passes, she can at least get a head start studying with the new free time."

Olly glared at me, wirelessly communicating, 'Are you really helping me or killing my social life?'

My eyes answered, 'Zip it, you dragged me into this.'

"Hmmm," Mom drawled. "That's a fair point. We'll talk about it when I get back."

"Back?" I echoed, a frown marring my features. It was unlike her to use that phrase unless...

"You're travelling?" Olly inquired, barely masking her glee.

"Yes," Mom answered before turning her attention to me. "The oil case, you worked on it over the weekend, needs me there for the hearing and to go over some sensitive documents they refuse to fax over."