It is late February on Mars, and the atmosphere around here is tense, at best. The children are bored with their Christmas toys, mommy is broke and crabby, and the regular onslaught of snow and bitter cold continues.
Worst of all, Ivan and Veronica alternate between fighting and fits of giggly hysteria, both of which drive me crazy. I do not like arranging for these meetings, because it is too much like real dating in that I tend towards becoming an insecure, anxious mess. So far, Ivan has been stood up twice by Jack, his friend from Montessori school. In both cases, Jack was sick, and in both cases, Ivan was absolutely heartbroken.
This week it looks hopeful. I am nervous because the playdate is here. I left a tentative message,. If this is, in fact, Elleepsies mom and here I change the pronunciation slightly, in hopes I will eventually nail it , which I hope it is nervous laugh. Okay, then, just call me, Veronica would love to see Ulllisspes. How can my reputation preceed me at this school? How can anyone snub my adorable girl?
I decide to plan a playdate for her and I while Jack is visiting. You: baggy wool pants with something sticky on the butt and a filthy white winter coat with no buttons.
Me: standing behind you in line when you argued down your sixty cent fine. The way your hair clung to your head after you took off your pink stocking cap stopped me in my tracks. Do you always smell like red wine and pizza in the morning? Call me! Tuesday afternoon. You were headed east on University with your two adorable children, who you appeared to be screaming at, but no sound was coming out of your mouth, despite gesticulating wildly with your hands.
