Let Me Call You Sweetheart

35 Tuesday, October 31st

When she was ready to leave the house for her early morning appointment with Dr. Smith, Kerry shook wake a protesting Robin. “Come on, Rob,” she urged. “You’re always telling me I treat you like a baby.” “You do,” Robin mumbled.

“All right. I’m giving you a chance to prove your independence. I want you to get up now and get dressed, Otherwise you’ll fall asleep again. Mrs. Weiser will phone at seven to be sure you didn’t let yourself fall back asleep. I left cereal and juice out. Make certain the door is locked when you leave for school.”

Robin yawned and closed her eyes.

“Rob, please.”

“Okay.” With a sigh Robin swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her hair fell forward over her face as she rubbed her eyes.

Kerry smoothed it back. “Can I trust you?”

Robin looked up with a slow, sleepy smile. “Uh-huh.”

“Okay.” Kerry kissed the top of her head. “Now remember, same rules as any other time. Don’t open the door for anyone. I’ll set the alarm. You deactivate it only when you’re ready to leave, then reset it. Don’t take a ride from anyone unless you’re with Cassie and Courtney and it’s one of their parents.”

“I know. I know.” Robin sighed dramatically.

Kerry grinned. “I know I’ve given you the same spiel a thousand times. See you tonight. Alison will be here at three.”

Alison was the high school student who stayed with Robin after school until Kerry came home. Kerry had thought about having her come over this morning to see Robin off but had acceded to her daughter’s vigorous protest that she wasn’t a baby and could get herself off to school.

“See you, Mom.”

Robin listened to Kerry’s steps going down the stairs, then went over to the window to watch the car pull out of the driveway.

The room was chilly. By seven o’clock, when she usually got up, the house was toasty warm. Just for a minute, Robin thought as she slipped back into bed. I’ll just lie here for a minute more.

At seven o’clock, after the phone had rung six times, she sat up and answered it. “Oh, thanks, Mrs. Weiser. Yes, I’m sure I’m up.”

I am now, she thought as she hurried out of bed.