entomology in the spring to keep the science classes interesting.”
“Um Taryn, you hate bugs.”
“Yeah I know. They call them insects by the way.”
“O.K. then, that makes all the difference in the world.” He laughed.
“I was thinking about music history. It’s a good direction for me and I can keep an eye on vocals because I will become a part of the music department. The history part will make it a more relevant when I graduate. Who knows how far my voice will take me. It’s a dream to get long term success. I can hear the whispers now…she can sing, but not much else.”
“Long term? Sounds like my baby is growing up. You’ve done your research. Will you get the opportunity to perform? You don’t want to lose that ability and you project confidence now. It can slip away if it’s not practiced.”
“Don’t worry Dad I plan to keep that going. The options are endless.”
“Taryn – there’s a question in there somewhere. What do you need? You’re mature enough to know when it’s too much. It’s me and sometimes we have to take the help when it’s available.”
“I want to get a private voice coach and a weekly session with a piano teacher. I have no clue of cost yet. I’ve just started to look. It has to be the right fit. I’m ditching field hockey dreams and I can get a little waitressing job to help out.”
“Done. Write it all up when you make decisions and shoot me a figure. A job may or may not happen. It’s not like walking into the café in Concord getting hired by the woman who has known you since you were knee high. I would rather see you excel at your studies.”
“I love you Dad. I want to make you proud and Mom too.”
“That’s already done Taryn.”
Taryn and Mr. Wright continued their walk. The sky was a brilliant cantaloupe with puffs of smoke from home fireplaces creating a familiar scent. The day was ideal. Just what Taryn needed to power through the remainder of her first semester.
She would see Beth and Jen that night and they would tell stories of their far flung experiences. Beth had found love in Ohio and Jen struggled with homesickness in Maine. Taryn worried about Jen’s dramatic weight loss. She had heard about the rumored ‘freshman 15’ but this went in the opposite direction. She would remember to check in on this matter over winter break. It was too personal. The mood was decidedly light and time was short. Brett would stop in and join the party with his own anecdotes. Brett and Taryn had kept in touch and seamlessly fallen to a flirtatious friendship. No feelings hurt and no burning desires.
Taryn returned to the Berkshires recharged.
****
Kyle felt better upon arrival back home. He was able to sleep most of the way when he was able to tune out Dad’s cacophony.
“Kyle! My boy. You got so big” Mrs. Caldwell hugged her son and squeezed his muscles which pointed to his work in the weight room.
“Hey Mom. I missed you a ton and I can’t wait for your Turkey – I can taste it already. Mom it feels so good to hug you. I missed this. Did you lose a few pounds? You look fit and healthy and you smell great.”
Lesson from Dad – be specific when you compliment a woman. It matters.
“Well yes, thanks Kyle.” She blushed.
“Hi Kyle!” Bree was becoming a young lady. His youngest sister beamed with pride. She knew he was astonished at her advancing age and noticed it.
“Hey peanut. You are lovely. Missed you little Nugget. I loved the care package you sent to school. I ate everything and your drawings are on my wall.”
“Keith will be home from D.C. first thing tomorrow. He’s taking the bus and you can pick him up downtown. It will give you boys time to catch up. I’m sure you both have some stories to tell that would not be welcome to the girl’s young ears.”
“Sure Mom. Hey where is Juliet? She’s probably hiding in her room.
“Um Taryn, you hate bugs.”
“Yeah I know. They call them insects by the way.”
“O.K. then, that makes all the difference in the world.” He laughed.
“I was thinking about music history. It’s a good direction for me and I can keep an eye on vocals because I will become a part of the music department. The history part will make it a more relevant when I graduate. Who knows how far my voice will take me. It’s a dream to get long term success. I can hear the whispers now…she can sing, but not much else.”
“Long term? Sounds like my baby is growing up. You’ve done your research. Will you get the opportunity to perform? You don’t want to lose that ability and you project confidence now. It can slip away if it’s not practiced.”
“Don’t worry Dad I plan to keep that going. The options are endless.”
“Taryn – there’s a question in there somewhere. What do you need? You’re mature enough to know when it’s too much. It’s me and sometimes we have to take the help when it’s available.”
“I want to get a private voice coach and a weekly session with a piano teacher. I have no clue of cost yet. I’ve just started to look. It has to be the right fit. I’m ditching field hockey dreams and I can get a little waitressing job to help out.”
“Done. Write it all up when you make decisions and shoot me a figure. A job may or may not happen. It’s not like walking into the café in Concord getting hired by the woman who has known you since you were knee high. I would rather see you excel at your studies.”
“I love you Dad. I want to make you proud and Mom too.”
“That’s already done Taryn.”
Taryn and Mr. Wright continued their walk. The sky was a brilliant cantaloupe with puffs of smoke from home fireplaces creating a familiar scent. The day was ideal. Just what Taryn needed to power through the remainder of her first semester.
She would see Beth and Jen that night and they would tell stories of their far flung experiences. Beth had found love in Ohio and Jen struggled with homesickness in Maine. Taryn worried about Jen’s dramatic weight loss. She had heard about the rumored ‘freshman 15’ but this went in the opposite direction. She would remember to check in on this matter over winter break. It was too personal. The mood was decidedly light and time was short. Brett would stop in and join the party with his own anecdotes. Brett and Taryn had kept in touch and seamlessly fallen to a flirtatious friendship. No feelings hurt and no burning desires.
Taryn returned to the Berkshires recharged.
****
Kyle felt better upon arrival back home. He was able to sleep most of the way when he was able to tune out Dad’s cacophony.
“Kyle! My boy. You got so big” Mrs. Caldwell hugged her son and squeezed his muscles which pointed to his work in the weight room.
“Hey Mom. I missed you a ton and I can’t wait for your Turkey – I can taste it already. Mom it feels so good to hug you. I missed this. Did you lose a few pounds? You look fit and healthy and you smell great.”
Lesson from Dad – be specific when you compliment a woman. It matters.
“Well yes, thanks Kyle.” She blushed.
“Hi Kyle!” Bree was becoming a young lady. His youngest sister beamed with pride. She knew he was astonished at her advancing age and noticed it.
“Hey peanut. You are lovely. Missed you little Nugget. I loved the care package you sent to school. I ate everything and your drawings are on my wall.”
“Keith will be home from D.C. first thing tomorrow. He’s taking the bus and you can pick him up downtown. It will give you boys time to catch up. I’m sure you both have some stories to tell that would not be welcome to the girl’s young ears.”
“Sure Mom. Hey where is Juliet? She’s probably hiding in her room.
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