This Is How It Goes

Chapter Four: A Departure

"This is it. The big move." My Mom says wiping her somewhat teary eyes. "My baby is moving on."

"I'm going to College Mom. Moving on sounds like I've died." I say.

"Don't even say those words." Mom gasps. 

I laugh and Darren shifts his weight uncomfortably.

Today is leaving for college day. It's a big one. My mother has spent most of the morning fussing around and telling me she's going to miss me. Tabitha and Lachlan are mostly quiet and Darren is trying to remain unnoticed, he knows he's not going to miss me and I won't miss him. We don't know each other. Honestly I'm surprised my mother has been so emotional. We haven't got that type of relationship. You know, the one where we tell each other we love each other every chance we can. We don't hug every day or get emotional on birthdays or at mother’s day commercials.  We show our affection by not having killed each other already. She's my Mom and I love her and I have put up with her and she has put up with me. For now that is enough.

But seeing her with misty eyes and feeling her hug me for the millionth time is sort of, well nice. Unexpected and awkward but nice. 

"I can't believe this is happening. I'm not ready." Mom says. 

"I think she's the one that's supposed to be ready honey." Darren says giving my mother a reassuring pat.

"I know, but she's my baby. My first born." She brings a tissue out of her pocket and dabs at her eyes.

"This is so weird." I hear Lachlan whisper to Tabitha.

"I think it might be time for me to go. If I want to beat traffic." This is my big break. I am going to be free. I am going to college. And all I feel is sick.

"She's right." Darren says. "It'll take her hours to get there if she doesn't leave now." 

Shut up Darren, I want to say. Let my mother be sad over me leaving, this might never happen again.

"Of course." She takes a deep breath and adjusts her perfectly styled hair. "Okay, Kat I love you. I'm going to miss you so, so much. Call every day and don't do drugs. I don't care if you have sex with girls or do shots off some boy’s naked ass. But do not touch drugs."

"And do your homework." Tabitha says.

"And try and eat well. You don't want to gain the freshman fifteen." Mom says, ah yes that's the Mom I know.

"And never walk alone at night." Darren adds.

"Do your washing." Tabitha says.

"Don't fall in love." Lachlan chimes in.

"Never, ever sleep with your professor. Ever." Mom says sternly. 

"Okay guys I get it. I'll be safe. I've survived life so far. I'll be fine."

"You're right, you're going to be fine." Mom says hugging me, tighter than all the other times. I don’t think I want her to let me go. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

"Love you too Mom." I hug her back, harder than usual. "Don't get a divorce while I'm gone."

Tabitha and Lachlan chuckle. 

"Don't be cheeky." Mom says but I can tell she sees the joke in it.

I let go of her and move on to Darren. I give him the quickest of hugs, knowing it will make Mom happy. "Bye Darren. Good luck putting up with all of them."

He laughs and gives me a shoulder pat, Darren’s favourite thing. "Have a good time Kat. College is a wonderful experience."

Last to say my good byes to are my siblings.