Something in the Water

The Climb

"Hey mom," Sutton called from her room as I was distributing laundry for the kids to put away, "can we talk?"

"Always." I put the laundry basket down and grabbed a spot beside her on the bed. She looked nervous and she took a deep breath before diving into whatever it was she wanted to discuss.

"So, we are learning stuff at school... like about growing up... and stuff." Her eyes scanned around the room, "There's so much going on and I feel weird, I get cranky and annoyed and sad sometimes. My body doesn't feel like it's mine." Eventually her pearlescent blue eyes locked in on mine. "I feel confused."

"It's a confusing time, being eleven, your body is starting the process of changing to being an adult. You're growing, things are changing and it's not just your height. Your brain is even going through some changes. This is the age where you may gain weight - I did when I was your age. It's all overwhelming. I know."

"So, what about... periods. Like what if I'm at school? That'd be so embarrassing."

I nodded, thinking back to the day I got mine. I was at school, in grade six. I was too scared to tell my mom so I kept it a secret for three days. "Sutton, just know that as much as everything feels weird and maybe embarrassing - it's totally normal. Your body knows what it's doing. Every girl deals with it." I placed a hand on hers, "There's no way of knowing for sure when your period will start, but when it does, we'll handle it okay? I was almost thirteen when I got mine, and if genetics mean anything, you still have lots of time. Don't worry." I smiled and she sighed, evidently overwhelmed by these changes. "I was going to ask you, how are those tank tops working for you? Did you want to go back to the mall?"

"I would really appreciate that." She hugged me, "Thank you for being so chill about this." I wrapped her in my arms.

"No worries sweetie. You'll always be my little girl and I just want you to know that I'm here for you." She pulled back and we agreed to go to the mall after dinner. I finished putting my laundry away and fired Hunter a quick text.

J: Gotta take Sutton to the mall tonight. When can I expect you home? :-)

H: it's gonna be a later night than I planned. Does she have to go tonight?

J: she asked me about getting a bra.

H: I am no expert in that area. If she really wants to go, call my parents and see if they can come sit?

J: I will talk to them.

I called Lynette however she and Leo had other plans for this evening. Stephanie was unavailable so in a last ditch effort, I called Amy. "Ah, you're an angel. Thank you. Dinner's on me then. Appreciate it." I hung up before poking my head back in Sutton's room, "Hey sweets I am going to get started on dinner. Dad's working late so Amy is coming by to watch your brothers and joining us for dinner. Can you come downstairs and set the table please?"

Once we enjoyed dinner, Sutton and I headed to the mall. "My work is planning a music video for my song, would you consider being in it?"

"That'd be so cool," her smile said it all, "when?"

"I have the meeting with the creative director next week. So, shortly after that I'm sure." We went to the mall and went to PINK to find some bras. The sales person was especially helpful and kind, Sutton found what she wanted and we headed back home. "Your dad should be home by now." I said pulling up our street, and into the driveway next to the Suburban.

"Thank you mom, for being there."

"Of course sweetheart."

"And for being cool. Apparently Lilly's mom has this book and it's like, really freaking her out. I'm lucky to have you."

I was speechless, but I smiled and mustered up the words, "I'm lucky to have an amazing daughter like you."