Chapter 27 - Life

Nicole stepped out of their bedroom and came face to face with a theatre set up in the living room. A makeshift stage had been placed in front of the window. On it stood her daughter, going through lines while Lucy sat to the side reading through the script, prompting whenever she got stuck, or stopping her when she said the wrong words.

“Hang on,” Lucy said, stopping Storm mid-flow. “I think your character should be more upset about this, don’t you?”

Storm put her hands on her hips and pulled the face she always did when she was considering something. “I suppose so.” She took a step back and drew in a breath as Lucy took her seat again. This time when she delivered her line, it was with a touch of anger.

“Much better,” Lucy said as she spun around to the piano. “So, then you go straight into the first song. Ready?”

Storm was about to say yes when she noticed the audience. “Mom!”

Nicole grinned and walked away and into the kitchen. There had been rules, one of which was that nobody was allowed to watch her rehearse, except for Lucy. Lucy could do no wrong in Storm’s eyes and would be the only one of the family who was allowed to witness the imperfections.

From the window, Nicole looked out and waved as Cam and Michelle passed by, dressed for a walk by the look of it.

Watching them walk away, she didn’t hear Lucy come into the room behind her until she felt the warm palms grip her shoulders before they smoothed down her back and around her waist. “Hey,” Lucy said, kissing the side of her head and reveling in the feeling of Nicole melting into her.

“They look…sad,” Nicole said, not taking her eyes off of their friends.

Lucy’s chin rested on her left shoulder. “Yes. I think they are, but they will be better soon, I’m sure.”

“I hope so. This should be a time of excitement and contentment.”

“Time, love, and patience.” Lucy kissed her neck quickly before standing to her full height again. “Madam would like a drink, warm water with lemon and honey, for her vocal cords, don’t ya know?” Lucy winked as she flicked the kettle on. “No idea where she gets these ideas from.”

“No, I can’t imagine,” Nicole teased knowing full well that when it came to singing, music, or her voice, Storm got all of her ideas from one source: Lucy. “Are you creating a monster in there?” Nicole continued on with her teasing.

“It is a possibility. Do you think I should resign my post and find someone else to coach her?”

Nicole laughed. “The only way you are getting out of it is if you can get Michelle to take over.”

Laughing, Lucy turned away from the kettle and back to Nicole. Her laughter changed into a smile and then a brow raised. “That might be a good idea.”

“I don’t think that’s in the plan for Michelle right now, do you?”

“Maybe not, but maybe taking her mind off of things could help.” Lucy continued squeezing lemon into the water she had just boiled.

Nicole tilted her head back towards the retreating figures of her friends. “Maybe.”

“Mama, come on, we have to get this right!” Storm’s voice hollered.

“You better get back there, otherwise she might fire you.” Nicole giggled as Lucy rolled her eyes and walked off back towards her star pupil.