A Sisters Advice

Student No: 799 Source C)

A Sisters Advice
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, she repeated once again with a choir behind her I will respect the will of God and, under no circumstances, will I sin. She reached for the worn gold cross pendant. Her purpose to God was clear. Raising it to her young lips, she kissed it. Julia stumbled down the grand steps of the church. Her eyes grew sore from watching the children scattered about the dirt ridden road, like little ants ferociously searching for crumbs. Her family did not have to live near their kind, but they had no choice. It was the Depression, and everyone made sacrifices. It wouldve been fine if our father hadnt been obsessed Julia thought with a tinge of resentment. Her father was an achiever. He breathed success and saw nothing other than success. Once a child prodigy, he attained the conductors position in the London Philharmonic Orchestra an orchestra respected both nationally and internationally. However, his failure to change his cruel and uncontrolled anger towards the symphony soon led to his resignation. Nobody forgot his wit. Nobody forgot the accomplishments of his students. Nobody ever forgot the measures he would take to get them there. Like her father, Jacqueline - Julias late elder sister - was a virtuoso. It was she who introduced the intricacies of the musical world to Julia and encouraged her to begin playing the cello, despite their parents desires for her to play the violin. As a toddler, she was expected to blend in with the younger kids with their tight bonnets and specially crafted wooden horses. But Julia would always remain by the door, trying to peer into the neighbouring room that bellowed notes of tension, suspense and euphoria. She continued walking and heard the church bells ringing. Julia listened carefully as she quietened down her inner thoughts ding, ding...ding. They missed a quaver, noted Julia silently. Her mind echoed the wise words her sister had once told her, Do it if youre passionate Julia! Only then will true happiness come from that heart of yours! Julia believed this. Nobody had the capacity to change her views, or encourage her to do something else. Towards the beginning of the Depression, her sister began to approach music very seriously like her father with insanity. Mother called it enthusiasm, but Julia sensed a certain aura of unfamiliarity about Jacqueline. Perhaps it was their repossessed house. Perhaps it was the now degraded name of their family. Perhaps it was that their father had always wanted a son. Nevertheless, Jacqueline dismissed Julias concerns with possessed ferocity, God sent me Julia, Oh God Almighty! It will be you one day. Julia arrived at her homes doorsteps. The bells stopped ringing. Her hand reached for the door knob. She hesitated. It was midday. Her father was expecting her. She couldnt

A Sisters Advice
Student No: 799 Source C)

ignore Jacquelines remaining legacy though a duty, sent by God, to release their family from poverty. She had to continue her sisters purpose. However, she couldnt escape the feeling that maybe; just maybe, it was this duty of hers that led to her demise. She recalled the hours she had endlessly spent memorising chords. The constant practice, the limited breaks, words of abuse. Where was that previous spark of excitement? Without a conscious decision, she walked in. ~ With a tap of her fathers two fingers, the girl automatically rose. She detected the eerie beat droning from the mosquitoes in the soundless zone. One, two, three; Mozarts The Marriage of Figaro began. It was a joyful piece, but why didnt she share that emotion? Her fathers hand rose, and her sore wrists immediately twisted in response. Their bodies shifted in unison and rhythm, like as if she was a disguised marionette. Her eyes stared at the man standing before her; indescribable pitches and tones soared out of the f-holes like invisible salt crystals of the wind from the sea. This was her destiny wasnt it? The crescendo climax was approaching quickly. Why did playing feel like such a chore? Her heart skipped two beats. In a collision of nostalgia, delight and grief, the tune abruptly stopped. Next to where her father put his musical apparatus, she had glimpsed a recognisable photo lying on the floor. Dear, why have you stopped? She did not reply. The auditions will be held in the Town Hall next month. Silence dominated the atmosphere. You piece of vile buttermilk! Listen to me this instant! She did not. Her father grew tense. It wasnt ordinary for her to stop. The photograph hadnt been framed. It didnt deserve to be framed, according to her father. It was a portrait of her and Jacqueline - back in their younger, more optimistic years. Although curled from age, an abundance of memories were still encapsulated in that single photograph. Countless memories of their childhood struck her. For a moment in unobserved time, jubilation swept through the controlled aching parts of her body. The previous burden she carried momentarily vanished as if an angel had swept it away. In her imagination, a chilly breeze of freedom caressed her refreshed face. Opening her eyes, she focused on her sister in the photo - the one she tried to mimic, with the tight plaits, the colour coordinated pinafore, the natural glee. It was her sister she wanted to make proud. Julia Katherine Bourne, listen to me. An overshadowing voice said. She called to her heart. Who was right? Was the cello really her passion? Or was it burden waiting to be killed off? A piercing pang of loss and grief struck her. If she followed the path of her sister, history may repeat itself. The expectations were too high, the chances of being accepted - too slim. She was so young and with so much potential, but was it

A Sisters Advice
Student No: 799 Source C)

necessary to devote herself to all this? Fighting the swelling heat under her eyes, she prayed silently and looked towards the photograph for guidance. God knew. He would know if this was a duty she must endure, or a burden she must abandon. The two of them beamed with radiance and utter joy in the photo. But this time, unlike other times, she noticed a difference a small and ever so slight difference. With the gold crosses that sat peacefully on both of their necks, she noticed the strain of her older sisters cheeks and the dullness of her lips. And God answered. Even though she was a considerable distance away from the photo, Jacquelines smile stood to be the clearest and distinct of all. It was a smile, always a smile but one of reluctance.

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