"Aim High"

Chapter 2 – Full House

(March 24^th, 2009)

Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:08am

"Morning, Ashley!" Kyla walks pass me.

"Morning."

"Ashy…!" Simon kisses me on the cheek and continues his way down the corridor.

"Hey you! How’s the foot?" Simone doesn’t wait for an answer; five seconds later, she’s gone.

Here I am, limping my way down the corridor… Oh, when I finally reach the stairs is gonna be so much fun… I’ll be hopping down on one foot.  Argh stupid ankle! I’m moving… That’s it Ash: left, limp, left, double-limp. Pshh, I’m moving alright… turtle-slow! I’m glad Ferrari can’t see me right now – he’d be laughing for beating me at slow pacing. How old is he again? Been a Davies turtle pet for… hm… a very long time; but anyways… When I get to the kitchen there will be no breakfast for me. Why? Let’s see: Simone’s still wearing PJ’s, that can only mean one thing – she’s PMS-ing, and she can eat a whole elephant, believe me. Whatever! I’m used to leftovers anyways. Hope there’s some frozen pizza in the fridge…

The door 10 feet in front of me swings open… Oh, look, its Mitchell; I genuinely smile at him as I’m sure he’s most likely the one to help me out. Another door opens to reveal…my mother!

"Mom!!"

"Hello Ashley" she waits ’til I reach her by the door to give me a hug.

"Hey Ash. Need a hand?" Mitchell lifts me in his arms and carries me down the stairs with mom behind us. 

"I thought your flight was due this morning…"

"Is that your way of saying you’re not happy to see me?"

"No, no… I am! I’m just surprised that’s all."

"We landed late last night. I needed to make sure things were ready on time!" ah, yes! Mom and the undying need of perfection…

We finally reach the last step. Woah! Frenzy! There’re boxes everywhere, people walking in and out, furniture standing in the middle of the hall; security personnel following around handymen, decorators, contractors… I forgot they’ve been here every day this week. The mansion is being set to host mom’s annual ball… Tonight. This one is extra special, though… it’s her farewell alongside her soon to be ex-partner, Alpert Greene – a handful violinist. She figured working with someone for 18 years was long enough… The great duo spent the last 6 months touring Europe and as from tonight, Davies & Greene would no longer be. I’m very supportive of my mother, although I confess it’s a bit scary picturing Christine Davies – pianist extraordinaire – stepping away from the keys. I’ve always known her for an ass kicking passionate pianist, lovingly mother and aunt – don’t get me wrong I love my mom and all the attention she provides when she’s around – but this ‘break’, as she calls it, sounds more like an early retirement to me… She’ll die without her music, audiences, tours… all of it. I know it!