274. Here we go again

 I have just made an announcement to the whole family that I am going to move to the little house by the woods and stay there as long as I can.

'So our mother is abandoning us?' A child of mine asks.

'What? Like two months?' Says an other in a shocked tone of voice.

'When did you decide this? We should have been informed!' States an other grumpy voice.

'You can come and visit. You can even stay for a bit ... of course you can. ... After all it is your house too.'

I'm trying to be nice about it. The thing is I do not feel an ounce of guilt. Why should I? They're big kids now. Then they find out that Baby is coming down with me and is to stay for a week.

'Typical! She's always been the favourite kid anyway.'

'Yeah ... spoilt brat!'

'Just because she's the youngest and mum and dad cannot be bothered anymore. So she gets away with murder.'

'So unfair.'

'Hey! You lot! Listen to you all! No wonder your mum wants a break. I wish I could do the same.'

At my husban's words I give a big smile to everyone and no-one in particular, mainly to me. It is Friday night and always a hectic time in our house. They've all walked in roughly at the same time. Baby home from goes God knows where, my son home from boarding school, Miss Muddy-Boots home from wherever she studies and Miss Organiser home from work just like her dad. She has a helmet in her hands and a tiny rucksack.

'Did you ride home with dad?' Asks her brother, trying without success to hide the fact that he is very impressed.

'Yes.' She says not just to her brother but to everyone in the room. 'Dad's a real pain about it too. Keeps saying I need to have a tiny bag.'

'You can always take the train.'

She ignores this piece of good advice. She is definitely back to being Miss Organiser, her bossy tone of voice and the right volume so that everyone has to hear her. 

'Bike ride home is free.' She admits with honesty. Her brother is definitely impressed. He's speechless which is very unlike him, especially wit his sisters.

Miss Organiser puts her helmet and her (tiny) bag down.

'Mum! Dad says you don't want me on the insurance for the little pink car? I need to be on the insurance! It's the perfect car for me, you see.'

Then she adds mysteriously.

'Anyway I need practice.'

My husband rolls his eyes. 

She exclaims. 'A real practice! I'm going to have to speak to you. And I won't stop until you give in.'

I am puzzled and my husband clearly does not want to go into this so she explains.

'I want to speak to my boss to ask about a pay rise. But I'm not sure how to do it. I'm not confident enough. So I figure if I nag you all weekend until you give in, I'll be ready to tackle him.'

A wave of panic goes through me. I have to be tough. Will I be able to resist? I look at my husband who seems to get weary just listening to her. He looks at me and makes this kind of face I know so well which basically means good luck.

I collapse on the couch. She's only been here 10 minutes and I'm exhausted. Yet I am saved for now by her social life.

'I need to rush! Am going out to meet ... '

Off she goes up the stairs before I can catch the names which is bound to be an issue later on. I grab my phone to call my favourite helpline (my husband) when I realise he's in the room. 

I then realise I really need a break. I go upstairs and start packing. All the while wondering in what state the little house will be after a year. What animals will have settled in there? I remember last year Muddy-Boots (still Maths-Head) was down there with her friends to fend off the dangers and prepare for  my arrival. I think this year the men of the family should venture first.