"What is the time? So you won't be late for school."
I checked my new phone. David had gotten it for me yesterday during my stay at home. The time read eight past six. It was still early. Lucas told me school usually resumed by eight or nine, sometimes ten but as the family of Salvatore, we were required to lead by example and go early to school, lectures or not.
"It's eight minutes past six, mom. There's still time."
"I did not check my time, I did not know it was still that early. So why were you already awake when I got here?"
"I don't know. Frayed nerves, possibly."
"You're scared?"
I shrugged, then stood when nerves returned.
"I don't know mom. This is a new school. I know it sounds very stupid. I mean, I'm an adult of twenty one. I should be able to handle school and all its brutalities. Not fret over it like some pitiful wimp." Then my shoulders sagged. "Which I think I am."
"Hey." My mother's tone rang in warning. "I did not suffer excruciating ten hours of labor to give birth to a pitiful wimp. I am a strong werewolf and my daughter is too. Come here."
I went back to join her on the bed and plopped down hopelessly.
"I know you are feeling fidgety over this new resumption but you can do this. You survived the horrors of Moon Rock. You can survive this."
"Barely."
"What?"
"I barely survived the horrors of Moon Rock. And without you, I would not have survived it at all. You were there for me. So, it was all you."
"I am still here. I am going nowhere. But I trust you because I know you. I know the strength that lies beneath that fear, that uncertainty, that nerves. There is courage in you. Don't let fear or the possibilities of some faceless bullies make you not enjoy school. You love school, always have."
"Your daughter's a nerd."
"She's a beautiful nerd. What's wrong with being a nerd? Everyone is a nerd to something. I'm a fashion nerd."
I chuckled. "Mom, it doesn't work that way."
"Why? We can have book nerds but not fashion nerds? That's a load of bull nonsense."
"You're being hilarious, mom."
I laughed loudly.
"But it's the truth. So don't let anyone criticize your lifestyle. Don't let anyone get the best of you. Keep being unapologetically you."
"You're sure everything will be fine?"
I felt small and five again asking my mom that but I guess we're never too old to need our parents. We would always need their love, advice, care and affection. For parents like my mom, the jokes too.
"Of course, my darling. Katherina May Salvatore will be fine."
"Salvatore?"
"Yes, why?"
"Nothing. I just don't feel ready yet."
"Oh okay. I'm sorry for jumping ahead, I thought you'd be okay with it yet."
"Have you adopted the name already, mom?"
"Yes, I have."
"Okay. That's cool. When I'm ready, I'll let you know."
"Alright, it's fine. Your choice."
"Thanks mom."
"Anytime darling."
"I think I need to start preparing. I don't know, do you think I should?"
"Yes, if you feel comfortable."
I picked up my phone from the bedside table and checked the time again. It was six forty.
"It's six forty. I should probably start preparing so the boys won't leave me behind."
I heard a knock on the door.
"Yes, come in."
It was Aaron. He looked fresh out of the shower.
"I came to see you. I could not come yesterday after school. Busy day."
"I understand."
"Good morning, mom."
Even Aaron called her mom too. Now, they made me feel bad for still calling their father by his name.
"Good morning son. How are you this morning?"
"I'm fine."
"Taken your bath?"
Mom observed his appearance.
"Yes."
"Looks like Kathy here is the only student who is yet to get her academic groove on."
"What? What are you saying mom?"
"You're yet to be ready for school."
"Thank you for coming to check up on me, Aaron."
He nodded and smiled. It was sweet and gentle, I felt drawn to it. I returned the smile.
"So, breakfast is in like an hour. From there, we'll be heading for school."
"Alright, I'll be coming down as soon as I'm done here."
"Alright."
Then he was gone.
"Aaron is so gentle and calm and mature. I like him."
"Yes, he's nice."
"And that moment you both shared?"
"What moment?"
"The 'smile for me, I smile for you' moment."
"Mom!"
I stood and proceeded to my closet. I opened it wide and wondered what to wear on my first day of school. There were shoes too.
"Mom?"
"Yes."
She perked up, and I knew immediately why.
"Help me get dressed."
"Yes! I've been waiting to hear that sentence in like forever."
I let out a laugh. She had been begging to dress me up for once but I always turned her down. She was a fashion freak and did not miss any opportunity to play dress up. From shoes to clothes to head wear and bags, she was an expert of them all. A fashion guru was more like it. And I was going to need her help if I was to step into Stone Shadow academy oozing confidence and strength.
I went to shower and by the time I was back, there were clothes strewn everywhere. Shoes and bags too. Oh yeah, I forgot to add that mom always went wild and crazy when it came to picking matching clothes, shoes and bags. It distresses me to see my room look like a laundry room.
"Mom?!"
"Shh. I'm concentrating."
"Look at my room."
"I'm busy. I need to make you look perfect for your first day."
"Remind me never to indulge you again."
"Now, that's harsh."
She uttered calmly, as though what I had just said was of no concern to her. I began picking clothes from the floor and piling them on the bed. I did not have time to start arranging them, I'd be late for school.
"Look at my room."
"You have a personal maid, she'd arrange it for you."
Exactly. And have Melissa hate me more for doing absolutely nothing, but the truth was I had no choice. I could not leave my room like this. Well, I might as well brave myself for more coldness from Melissa because she was unfortunately going to tidy up the room. My apologies to her in advance.