It was the first day of the new school year and Millicent was nervous.

"Mom does this outfit look alright?"

"Yes my dear. You look nice today."

"She doesn't," her brother Nielson said. "She looks like a mop."

"I don't," Millicent said. "Unlike your hair."

"Hey I didn't take several hours in the bathroom," said Nielson.

"Mom…" said Millicent, "It's not 'in' to be driven by our mom on the first day of school."

"Yeah mom," said Nielson, "We must be cool now."

"Shut up," said Millicent.

At the Junior High Mom said to Millicent, "Have a nice day my dear."

"Have a good day, brat," her brother said teasingly.

"You too snot face," said Millicent laughing.

"Here we go," mom said, "I'm glad at least one of my children doesn't mind me driving them to school on the first day."

"Mom I don't mind being driven, but please, no hugs," Nielson said. "Oh, and don't forget, in two weeks I start driver's education."

"Oh my god. My son's learning to drive. I shudder to think about it. I guess I can be glad that you didn't get to drive on the first day."

"That's next year," said Nielson grinning.

© 2009 Rhyanna DeTuathana. Original for CCF. DeTuathana grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology.