Page 102 of Time To Learn

“Oh? Is it good or badnews?”

“Umm…not sure. But it calls for some major girl-talk time, and you’re the only one who I can speak with about this, Laura. So, carve out some time for me, and ring me. Promise?”

“Okay, I promise.” I look down at my feet as Mum comes to stand before me, trying to focus on my best friend again.

“You’re kind of freaking me out now, honey. Are youokay?”

“Yes, I promise. Now, go. We’ll talk tomorrow. Bye!”

And then the line goes dead. That’s typical of Trish—she never gives you a chance to say goodbye when you’re on the phone with her. It’s always been thatway.

“Everything okay?” Mum asks me, a puzzled look in hereyes.

I tap my phone on my chin, lost in thought.

“I hope so, but you know Trish.” I give her a crooked smile and raise my eyes at her when shenods.

“Ido.”

“Anyway, what’s with the bag?” I point at herfeet.

Mum winks at me and picks itup.

“I realised that I hadn’t met up with Anna for a while so, seeing as Ailith has a sleepover, I rang her, and I’m going to stay with her tonight. Have a catch-up.”

My mouth pops open, and I think my eyes are bulging.

“You’rewhat?”

She laughs as she snatches the keys to my Beetle.

“You heard me, lass. Now, there’s plenty of food in the fridge, and you have my mobile if you needme.”

Struck mute, I watch as she walks to the boot and hefts her bag intoit.

“But I doubt you will,” she says as the shuts it. “Not when Kristian ishere.”

I grit my teeth.

“What, pray tell, is that supposed to mean, Mum?”

She shakes her head a little and then walks towards me, wrapping her arms around my waist for ahug.

“There’s condoms in your bedside table,” she whispers in myear.

I groan with mortification.

“Mum!” I hiss. “Where theheck…?”

“Be safe, and have fun,” she interrupts as she steps away from me. “Don’t think aboutit.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mutter as I cross my arms. “And why is everyone telling me to stop thinking all of a sudden?”

Mum opens the door to my car, shaking her head atme.

“You know as well as I do that you have a tendency to overthink every single thing, lass, and that will only bring you more wrinkles and grey hairs.”

I don’t have a clever comeback for thatone.