Drabble 10: Creature of Habit
Thirteen year old Jemma walked behind her parents on the sidewalk. Her father looked back at her, saw her serious expression, and smiled.
"Come on, Jemma. I know you don't really want to go to the theatre, but I think you'll enjoy it!"
She gave him a sideways smile. Sure, she might enjoy it. But she couldn't be sure, as she'd never been to a theatre before.
They got to the theatre door and her parents turned to face her. They were kind people, who always supported her and looked out for her. But they also insisted that she try everything, and Jemma didn't like change. She preferred to do the things she knew she liked. She had thought she would go to the library today. Instead, her parents informed her they had planned a day together, just for her. This sounded perfect, but she had gotten serious when she heard she had to do something new.
"We're going to see a classic, dear. The Lion King! You used to love the Disney movie!"
Jemma perked up at that. "It is great. Do you think I'll really like it?"
"Only one way to find out." Her father said.
How clever her parents could be. They piqued her interest just enough to let her natural curiosity overpower her hate of change. She smiled at her father and walked behind them as they entered the theatre, and her mother handed a worker their tickets. He showed them to their seats, up on the second section of seats, right by the railing. They were actually very good seats, as she could see all of the stage quite easily. She found herself growing excited.
It was an afternoon performance, so the theatre was about three-quarters of the way full. Jemma sat between her parents, and her father leaned close to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Jem." He whispered. "You're trying something new."
She squeezed his hand. "Thanks dad."
He leaned back in his seat, and they waited for the show to begin. Ten minutes later the main lights dimmed, spotlights turned on, and overture music started. Jemma felt herself smile as she experienced it, and when she saw the actors she watched eagerly.
At intermission she was practically bouncing in her seat, waiting for act two to start. Her mother gently reminded her that it wasn't proper to be that obvious in her impatience, but her father said she was fine. He always understood her slightly better than her mother.
When act two started she watched with rapt attention. By the time the show ended she was clapping loudly, especially when the actors came out to take their bows. Her parents had to pull her away after a few minutes.
They practically guided her home as well. Her thoughts were on the show she had just seen. When they arrived at their home her father grinned and patted her on the back. "Apparently we should have taken you to the theatre sooner, Jem. You haven't said a word since intermission!"
Her mother laughed, and Jemma finally came out of her thoughts. "That was fantastic!" she said. "I didn't think I would care for it, but everything about it was wonderful!"
Her father raised an eyebrow. "You're not lying to us, are you? You really enjoyed it?"
"You know I can't lie!" she protested.
He laughed as he realized who he was talking to. "I forgot."
"I honestly did like it, dad. Thank you for making me go through with it."
Her mother came out from another room, holding a book. "If we'd known you would have liked the theatre so much we might not have gotten this." She handed the book to Jemma, who gasped and practically squealed.
"It's the new chemistry textbook I've wanted! Mum, dad, this is fantastic! Thank you so much!" She hugged them individually and then smiled, stuck between going into her room and reading her new book and staying with them to talk about the musical. She decided to talk first.
"I wasn't very enthusiastic about today once you said we would be going to the theatre. I tried to be, but you know I don't like change." Her parents nodded, and she continued. "But because you pressured me to try it, I know that the theatre can be a wonderful experience."
Her father put an arm around her shoulders. "I'm glad you picked up on that. That's why we did it."
Her mother looked at her with warmth. "We know you're a scientist at heart, Jemma. We just want you to be open to other things, at least until you actually pursue your career."
"Don't worry." Jemma said. "I still don't like change, but at least I know some of it can be good."
She knew their conversation was done for the moment, so she excitedly went to her room with the new textbook. She sat on her bed and flipped to the first page, smiling as she started to read. Change was manageable, as long as there was something comforting around the same time.