The Transfer

Chapter 4: A hard goodbye

'You got everything?' My mum said for the 6th time. I would have complained about her worrying but how could I when I'm worried myself. What if I made a bad decision? What if something bad happens? Just.. What If?

We were at the airport and this was my first time travelling alone. But that was the least of my worries. Will Mum be okay? My mum looked inside her bag and kept on looking at the time. We came half an hour early because Mum thought something might have happened in the way.

'Mum.' I said looking at her. She looked better now with her makeup and her blond hair tyed back. Since my dad left, I didn't understand why she didn't date. I mean, she was beautiful and even my maths teacher had a crush on her. And hes married. So I didn't understand. Its not like I couldn't tell her because I didn't know if I was ready for a new step or even just a guy living with us for a while. It just didn't seem right. Maybe thats how Mum felt.

'Yes CeCe.' She looked at me and then stopped fidgeting. She must have noticed the gloominess on my face because she came and sat next to me. 'Look, I know its a big thing. But look at it as a big to do list. Number 1, go on a plane on your own. Number 2, meet your dad. Number 3, fit into the school that you would do great at and Number 4, get your grades up. And you can leave the rest on me. Okay?'

I smiled. It was hard to keep a straight face when this was the best heads up my mum could give me. But it did help. A to do list. Yeah, I'll do it. But that wasn't the think I was worrying about.

'Mum, forget about me. Will you be able to do okay on your own at home?' I said looking at her. She looked distanced for a while but she then smiled.

'How can I be alone? I have lots of friends and they could come and have a sleepover at my house any time they want. No one is old enough for sleepovers.' She said to cheer me up. But it wasn't working. Me and my Mum never worked out but her just being there was a great comfort. But when I'm going to go to Scotland, how will I know?. 'But don't worry about me. Just don't pressure yourself. Have a bit of fun at times.'

I nodded.

'Can the people who will be travelling to Scotland, please come to their gates. Thank you.' I heard the speaker blare out. We both looked at eachother. Well this is it. The first ever time I'm going on a plane. The first time I'm ever going to leave Mum. This is it.

'You'll do great, honey. Just remember to be nice to your dad. You may be a bit angry at him but not too much that you will make him end up in hospital.' Mum said half joking and half serious. I sighed.

Don't forget to lock your door and make sure you don't let your friends in my room.' I said. I had to say something. Rules are something too. 'I may be gone for a while but I'll be back. And come visit sometimes and don't eat too much junk food or you will end up on The Biggest Loser.' She laughed and then I saw a tear fall down her cheek. Is she crying? I can't believe this. So much firsts in one day. She hugged me tight. Another first. I hugged her back, taking in a mummy smell that I could never work what it is.

'Please can the people boarding to Scotland as soon as they can. Thank you.' I heard it again.

'Bye Mum.' I said when she stopped hugging me. 'Take care.'

'Bye Cece. Be careful.' She said and then that was it. I went to the gate. I could see her in the distance waving at me. I waved my back and smiled. Who would ever know? I miss my mum.