Finally, In Step and In Tune | @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2285 | Prompt: no rhythm

"Girl, you're embarrassing! Almost thirteen and have no rhythm at all in your bones. I'll bet all your friends laugh behind your back. No wonder you haven't been invited to the school dance." Rogie, a lanky, confident fourteen year old, knew he'd finally found, what his mother refused to see, his sister's weak spot.

Avaline paused. Red-faced, she stiffened. "I may not have rhythm, but I have a tune in my throat that is going to take me farther than your ridiculous, awkward movements." She glared at Rogie with balled fists at her side.

Rogie looked down and backed away a few steps, responding loud enough for only her to hear.

"Let me hear you belt out of something decent that won't burst my eardrum before I agree with that prediction!" Her brother's screeching howl sent chills through Avaline. She stifled a cry.

Although her height equaled his, she would forever be the little sister who could do nothing right in his opinion. But he made sure to stay a safe distance from her long arms. Often, he regretted having taught her defense moves.

A loud slam of the screen door interrupted the argument.

They turned to find the one person they wished would not have appeared at that moment. With a Bible in one hand, an evening cup of lemon tea in the other, and heaving shoulders, their mother freed her hands by setting the items on the small, round table.

She eased down onto the rocker.

They both gulped hard, imagining venom in her eyes. She surveyed Rogie, then Avaline as though trying to decide whether these were the same children she birthed at the hospital.

Their pulse beat faster as their eyes followed hers to that tree. The tree in the front yard they stood beside and loved for its shade, but hated with a passion for its thin branches. As if mocking them, the branches swayed back and forth, laughing at the siblings' predicament. The tree already knew, as they did, the next move.

Their mother motioned for them to head on over to the tree. She pointed to the low-hanging branch she needed removing and brought to her. Seniors during that era called it a “switch.” The switch was a thin, green-colored branch. You could smell the fresh aroma because it was still alive, not having dried up and turned brown. The color was important for its intended use. You see, the switch had to be fresh for its flexibility. And it was this flexibility that gave the switch its potent power and sting. So potent, in fact, that children usually would think twice about being caught in the wrong. And it was nervous anticipation that lingered in your mind while taking time to cut the item that would be used to correct your bad behavior.

But that day, apparently Rogie and Avaline thought their mother was still asleep.

They handed her the switch. She took a long look at it, then laid it down on the table on top of her Bible. She took a steep drink of tea, then began.

"I'll tell you this one last time. Family supports and uplifts each other, no matter what. Everyone on this Earth has a purpose in life. Sometimes it's not for another person to see, determine, or know another person's gifts. If you feel in your heart you have been called for your specific purpose, do it. But don't do it unless you put your whole body and soul into it for the Lord's sake. And I expect both of you to love, respect, and support each other no matter what your gifts are. Do You Understand Me?"

Shaking and unable to speak wondering whether there would be more, they both nodded in the affirmative.

Their mother took the last sip of her tea, rose, and turned her back. She left the Bible on the table. "And when I return, I expect the chapter and verse to be bookmarked that confirms my words."

With that, she slammed the screen door behind her.

During the year, Avaline mastered her voice. She and Rogie entered a local talent competition in the song and dance duo category. The back seat of their vehicle was filled with laughter and singing as their mother eyed them from the front mirror.

Excited, they stepped onto the stage for their performance. Their mother sat on the front row watching proudly while cheering as her duo's praise dance and song routine took second place. Immediately, her head hung low. She clasp her hands in thankful prayer that her hope of unity for her children was realized. Their father, bless his soul, would have been proud also, she nodded in agreement.

Returning home, she prayed again that night. Her children would need to lean and rely on each other in the months and years ahead without her. Too soon to be left alone before adulthood.

But that day was a special day for happy thoughts. She smiled, satisfied she had done her best.

There was plenty enough time for bad news.