Confessions of a Queen Bee

13

I leave my hair curly today.

I woke up in a surprisingly good mood. My mum was attempting to cook breakfast for us and I'm not going to tell you that she can't cook, but let's just say, I feel a great amount of relief when I usually see dad stood by the stove instead of my mum.

She used to do this every now and again but recently I've been waking up with the almost delicious smell of pancakes quite frequently. I say almost because there is always a tinge of burning in the air. I don't mention it.

"Hiya sweet, you look nice today." My mum says as I walk into our kitchen.

I was wearing a very typical Ivy outfit. I was saving this outfit for something special but as I woke up feeling good I thought I might as well look good as well. I was probably going to get dress coded, the skirt was short, tight. Actually, I doubt they'd say anything anymore, everyone sort of walks on eggshells around me. 

"Thanks" I smile "What are you making?"

"You mean, what is she trying to make." My dad chimes in and I laugh at his tease. They have been getting along better lately.

"Shut it you." Mum says as she attempts to whip him with a tea towel. But turns to me "Pancakes of course" she says cheerfully but looks down at the mush in the frying pan in distress.

I just laugh at her. Most of the time her cooking isn't actually too bad. It's just the process is a tad all over the place.

"Ivy Hun, can you sit down." Dad says and I just regard him slightly anxiously. Frowning a bit at my dad's words I sit, I was about to sit anyway but it's weird that he asked me to. 

"I got a phone call from Lotta last night."

I take a sharp breath in.

"No, don't worry its nothing major. It's just that you're due to go for a follow up medical appointment at 2 pm today. Now I know that's in the middle of your school afternoon but there was no other time apparently."

I breathe a sigh of relief. "oh, ok that's fine. I've got a meeting with Mrs Granger but I'm sure I can reschedule."

My dad smiles but my mum frowns "The thing is Ives, neither your dad nor myself can take you. I really tried with work but I've got this really important meeting and I-"

"Mum it's fine. I can go by myself." I reassure.

"Are you sure? Because I could ask again-" Mum sighs, looking at dad and he runs his hands up and down my mum's arms reassuringly.

"She said she was good Beth, stop worrying."

I obviously don't like the idea of going back to the medical centre, but there are certain test results and certain things they need to check are ok. But I meant it when I said she didn't need to come, I'm sure I'll be fine.

Grabbing one of my mum's bizarre pancakes I grab my bag and say my goodbyes.

Both of my parents don't go to hug me anymore, mainly because I couldn't handle the physical contact in the first couple of weeks. I think it scared them. Occasionally, one of them will just randomly give me a hug or a squeeze. But it's definitely more for them than it is for me.

In the car, my favourite songs play through the radio and I just feel in such a more positive mood. All the normal stress Is there, I can still see Layton's face lurking in the semiconscious part of my brain but today I don't feel so much despair over it. One day it will go. Hopefully anyway.

Pulling into the car park I sigh in annoyance that Jayden and all of his friends are sat on the steps that lead into the main entrance of the school. I swear to God if anyone spoils my good mood I will make them pay for it.