This Is How It Goes

Chapter Six: Safety First

I call home later that night. Mom picks up the phone on the first ring.

“Kat?”

“Hey Mom.” I say.

“Baby, I’m so glad you called.” She exclaims.

“Get Tabs and Lachlan and put me on speaker.” I say.

“Of course.” I hear her yell for my siblings and then the click of me being put on speaker phone.

“Hey everyone.” I say. “College freshman calling.”

“What’s up loser?” Lachlan greets me. “How’s College life?”

“Boring so far.” I say. “But I’m going to a party on Saturday. That should be fun.”

“Don’t get too drunk.” Tabitha says. “Mom tell her not to get too drunk.”

“It’s her first week, of course she’s going to get drunk.” Ah what a responsible mother she is.

I hear Tabitha grumble and I laugh silently.

“How was school? And how’s the new house?” I ask crossing my legs. Natalie is getting a shower so I have the room to myself.

“School sucks. Like usual. The house is nice.” Lachlan says.

“The house is amazing.” Tabitha interrupts. “I have my own bathroom. And we set up a room for you Kat, for when you come home to visit.”

“The house really is something Kat,” Mom says. “You’d love it. Oh and Frank’s dogs are adorable.”

“Mom, you hate dogs.” I say.

“But these dogs are so gentle, and so clean.” She whispers.

“How was your first week of high school Tabs?” I ask.

“It was alright.”

“Just alright?”

“I don’t like any of my teachers and I keep getting lost but other than that it’s swell.” She says sounding less than pleased with her first taste of the big leagues.

“You’ll get used to it eventually. High school is scary at first and then it’s just hell.” I say. “Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones that learn to love it.”

“Doubt it.” She mumbles.

“Have you heard from Lea?” Mom interjects clearly not liking any depressing talk. “Is she like PennState okay?”

“I’ve been texting her all week. She loves it.” I say, feeling the twinge of jealousy I have all week. My best friend is having the time of her life while I’m finding College about as exciting as the colour brown. “They’ve already started classes and she says it’s great.”

“That’s fantastic.” Mom says sounding genuine. “You’ll start loving it as well soon enough sweetie. It takes time to adjust though. And you had such big expectations.”

“I know.” I sigh. “Anyway my roommate will be back soon.”

“Oh is she nice?” Mom asks.

“She’s great. Not what I expected but I like her. Her boyfriend is a total ass though and she doesn’t realize it.” I explain.

“Is she hot?” Lachlan asks.

“Lachlan.” Mom exclaims. “Please, use your manners.”

“Sorry,” He says and I know he doesn’t mean it.

“Okay I really should go now. I’ll call you tomorrow.” I say. “I’ve just been so busy with orientation so I haven’t been able to ring every day. But I promise I’ll start from tomorrow.”