Mother spent a moment gathering her thoughts. “I’m sorry love… these last few weeks have been er… hard for both of us and today is… well… significant to say the least.”
I gave her a huge hug. “I’ll be fine.” I reassured once again.
“Are you sure you’re sure?”
“Yes!” I stated. “And before you ask… I’ll use the ladies if need be and I will sit down!”
Mother laughed. “You’re one step ahead of me!… I meant to mention that.”
“No need.” I replied. “I know I’m not a girl but I do have half an idea what girls do .”
“I know Peter… er…. Rebecca.” She smiled.
“Becky.”
“Becky.” She smiled.
“I love you Mother.”
Mother said nothing but hugged me tightly. As we held each other, the door bell rang. I (for a change) answered the door as knew it would be my tutor. “Hello Mrs Barnes.” I said as I opened the door.
“Hello Peter.” She replied as she stepped inside.
Mother and Mrs Barnes said their hello’s before they both eyed me up and down. “Doesn’t he look nice!” Said Mother, breaking the silence.
“Yes you look very smart Peter.” Replied Mrs Barnes. “Although I have a feeling you’d rather not be called Peter today?” She added calmly.
“Oh er… yes…” I nervously replied. “…er…. Rebecca.” I blurted, blushing.
“Oh that’s a pretty name.” She commented with a smile.
“I think he prefers Becky.” Mother suggested.
“I think I’ll stick to Rebecca.” Mrs Barnes stated. “I’ve never been a fan if shortening names.”
Mother and Mrs Barnes chatted over a cup of tea as I nervously waited for our departure. I kept sweeping my hair away from my eyes as it was getting quite long and I’m more used to wearing a hair band. I returned to my bedroom to get one, but placed it in my hand bag as I did kind of like having it down for a change, “Best to have everything.” I thought to myself. I noticed my small selection of nail varnish on my dresser and quickly applied a layer of pale pink, as I knew Mrs Barnes would approve of that.
“Are you ready Rebecca?” Mrs Barnes shouted.
I appeared at the top of the stairs, blowing my nails to speed up their drying. “Almost.” I replied as I carefully walked down the stairs in my high heeled boots and trouser suit, admiring my nails.
“She looks ever so grown up.” Mrs Barnes commented as I joined them in the hallway.
“A proper young lady.” Mother added with a smile. “Here…” She said, passing me her digital camera, “…I’m sure having a photographic record will be beneficial to your studies.”
“Thanks Mother.” I grinned as I took it from her and placed it in my hand bag.
“Now make sure you look after it.”
“I will.”