“Hello?”

“Hi Holly.”

“Hi George,” Holly said as she sat down on the couch. “So, your parents finally agreed to let you perform?”

“Yeah, Mom still thinks Cindy is some evil creature from hell, but I finally figured out a way to convince her to let me go.”

“How in the world did you do that?”

“We were driving home from church and Mom was frustrated by one of the other Mom’s bragging about her daughter winning some competition. My mom was going on and on about how this other mom always thought her kids were so much superior to everyone else. I threw out there that me playing in the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra would be just as impressive, if not more so. The other mom’s kids were competing against other kids, where I would be on stage performing with adults.”

Holly chuckled, “You played your mom.”

“I just had to find something she took more personal than religion. I’ve gone to church almost every Sunday since I was born. I’ve repeatedly listened to moms and dads brag and compare their children against other families. Sometimes I feel the only reason adults go to church is to prove their better than others by boasting about their job or children.”

“Grown-ups are so weird.”

“Can’t disagree with you there,” George stated. “How are you doing Holly?”

“I’m doing fine I guess. It’s hard without Mom around, but Grandma and Grandpa come by several times a week to check up on us all,” Holly said, while listening to Cindy and Anna playing in the other room, “Cindy, however, is taking it all real hard. She blames herself for Mom’s stupidity. She keeps asking me if she went back to being Frank, would Mom come back?”

“Poor kid,” George said. “After all that your mom put Cindy through, it’s kind of surprising that she would want her mom still.”

“She’s a little kid who used to turn to mom for everything. Now her Mommy’s not here, just because Frank decided to be Cindy full time. Cindy’s therapist says she’s getting better, but it will be a slow process.”

“I guess,” George thought about his little sister. “I can’t imagine what like would be like around here if Mom suddenly wasn’t here.”

“Right now, I’m babysitting Cindy and her best friend Anna. They’re back in Anna’s bedroom laughing and giggling like ten-year-old little girls should be. When they’re together, Cindy is fine, but at our house, Cindy mopes around. You should hear her music, George. Most of the time it sounds sad, even when it’s a happy song.”

“Yeah, emotions of the person playing a piece can really impact how it sounds. At home Cindy has to face the realities of her life, but I’m glad to hear she at least has some time to just be a kid.”

“I think this concert is going to be real good for her. She still talks about the five of you that last week at camp. It is kinda cute. She pretends her two American Girl dolls are Jessica and Sammie. The three of them go on adventures together.”

George smiled, “My little sister is always trying to drag me into her make-believe play with her dolls. It’s cute to watch her, but annoying when she wants me to participate.”

“From what Cindy has told me, you were great with Cindy and Sammie at camp. I bet you are wonderful with your little sister.”

“I was seven when she was born. We’ve always had a special relationship. She always turned to me to help her with things when Mom or Dad weren’t in the room. It can be a little annoying at times, but to be honest, I’d do anything for that little pip-squeak.”

“I understand,” Holly smiled. “My connection with Cindy is special too. Lots of my friends view their little brothers or sisters as pests, always bugging or fighting them. Cindy and I mostly only fight when we are in the car for long road trips.”

“I’ve gotta go,” Holly said, as she got up and headed for the bedroom. “Sounds like the rugrats just knocked something over.”

“Catch you later Holly,” George said before ending the call.