The Send Off

Today was the day - hooray! Eleanor is now at Howqua.

I was up at 5.15am making fricking chicken sandwiches, as requested. I sent a text yesterday, 'Brown bread or white? Chives or spring onions?', on my way home from a day of meetings - no reply. I rang and got a sulky 'brown and chives... please.' Yep - that  killed her.

5.45am
Are you taking that nightie?
Yes, why?
There's no name on it. Hand it over and I'll sew one on. (Okay, there may have a few 'for god's sake's in there as well...)

5.55am
Mum, the printers jammed.
What are you printing? You've had weeks!!!! Blah, blah, blah....
Don't worry about it then. (sulk)
Alright, I'll fix it!!!! (Voice raising.)

6.35am. Finally ready and about to leave.
Has that jumper got a name on it??
Yes.... (hesitates)...on the label.
Show me. (It has no label, no name, nothing. Small but forceful yell regarding lying, disorganisation, blah, blah, blah....)

6.40am
I really hope you're going to make the most of this.
God!!!! Do you have to give me a lecture me on my last day?! (Screaming, fake crying, storm out the door to the car.)

Crap. I head to the car and slam the front door. Get to said car... no keys and everyone is here. Oops. We do have a hidden key - that we have nagged Elle for a year to put back as soon as she uses it - she hasn't and it's not there.

She will be on that bus if I have to carry all seven bags and her up there myself!!!

Eventually break a fly wire and squeeze Sass through a window. Get keys, in car, up to bus.

6.50am
Elle bucks up as soon as she sees her friends. They finally get on the bus. Some mums are having an emotional moment.
Let it all out Mum, don't hold back! Elle yells over a crowd.
I am!! I reply, punching the air as promised.

We get back to the car to find it hooked up to a tow truck - we're in a clearway. Generously, the guy unhooks us. Thank Christ. I have a very busy day of meetings - tricky with no car.

I've had about five emails from school already to say they're fine (of course they are!) and I have written and posted Elle a second letter tonight. But I have to admit, there's a real calm over the house tonight and it's not all bad.