Page 34 of When You Stayed
My Dad hung his head, but I didn’t miss the smile that lit up his face. “Guess it has been a while since we’ve done that.”
Hope and excitement lit me up. “Mom would love it. She’s still sort of mad at you for hitting Ford.”
“She’s mad at me for more than that.”
I knew that but didn’t want to say anything about it. She was pissed at Dad for coming down so hard on me about what I was wearing.
“So you’ll do it?” I brought my hands together excitedly.
Dad pulled me into his side. “Yeah, I’ll do it.”
Growing up, our mom would throw the best karaoke nights. We’d have a themed dinner and ambiance. A few times we were able to even go to the Hollow for our fun, using the stage. That was ages ago though. Now I was more than happy with gathering in our living room with the lights dimmed, fresh margaritas made up, and cozy pajamas.
“Okay, which decade are we singing tonight?” I asked.
Taryn was wearing an oversized tshirt with sweats and thick socks. “I vote for early 90’s pop. Like Brittany Spears and Christina.”
“Oooh, that’s a great era.” Mom yelled from the kitchen.
Dad was drinking a beer while reclining on the couch, wearing his sweats.
“When was the last time we were all together like this?” I asked, sifting through songs on the karaoke machine.
Taryn glanced up at me briefly before lowering her gaze back to the song choices. “Well, we’re growing up, Royce. It’s natural for us to be apart sometimes.”
I didn’t like that. It made me realize how lonely I truly was. I missed my sister, but aside from that, I missed my family. Our unit hadalways been tight growing up. Dad and Mom created this epic childhood for us, and even with Dad leading the Stone Riders, it only enhanced our connection. My family was everything to me, and feeling them grow distant was the worst.
“I know, I just miss everyone.”
Dad watched us intently before saying, “We’ll always be here, you know that. I honestly hope neither of you ever move out, but when you do, we’ll be here.”
Mom walked in holding two frozen margaritas.
“I remember when you girls were little and you asked to wear those matching dresses. Royce you’d always pick pink, and Taryn you always wanted purple.”
Dad joined in with a smile. “And those shoes, you both always had to have those shoes with the little heels.”
Taryn laughed. “Mine always had to have gems on them. I liked having rings too for when I held the microphone.”
“Until mom bedazzled our microphone’s.” I added with my own laugh.
Abandoning the machine, I curled into the couch. Mom handed me a glass which I accepted and sipped from. Taryn remained by the mantel, where we’d placed the karaoke machine on top of a side table. She flipped through a few songs while holding her microphone.
“How about we promise to do a family karaoke night once a month no matter where we go, or move to?” My little sister suggested.
Mom and Dad searched the space between us. “What if one of you moves out of state?”
“Right now I don’t think that’s going to happen, at least not for me.” Taryn said then looked at me.
I shook my head. “Not me either.” Not that I had any prospects at all of moving anywhere, which again brought on a deep sense of sorrow. I just wanted to stay in Rose Ridge with my family, and never lose this feeling.
“Well, then let’s plan on it. Once a month, karaoke.” Mom promised.
I looked over at my Dad who had pulled my Mom under his arm. “Only if dad promises to sing every time.”
He groaned, but Taryn pointed at him. “Yes, he has to promise!”
We all laughed before the first song was queued up and my little sister broke into a ballad.
