The Town of Winchester

“Kay! Get up here and look what’s on the news!” My mother never understood that I could care less about what is happening on the local news, but yet here we are.

“Mom, you know I don’t care about politics. Whatever they are saying is probably fabricated or is most likely for attention and ratings. Why don’t they report something good? Something uplifting? Instead, it’s all about murders and kidnappers. How about we hear about how much fun a two year old had at the damn petting zoo.” Cleaver, I thought. That was actually pretty decent.

My mother was a soft spoken woman with a sturdy hand. She always knew how to twist her words just right so that it was made clear what she meant, and she always meant what she said. I never doubted my mother. Maybe it was her naturally straight blonde hair that made her look elegantly professional even when just rolling out of bed. Perhaps it was her hazel, but slightly smiling eyes that gave her the appearance of being the most approachable woman I’ve ever known. My mother was altogether the embodiment of what a Politian should be, without the snootiness. She was the first woman to become Mayor of Winchester and the whole town was so happy when she was confirmed. She always put her family first and that is why I couldn’t wait to be just like her when I became a mother… minus being involved in politics, of course.

“It’s not about politics Kay. The riots are getting worse, and I think you should be a little more intrigued and prepared. You never know when something could escalate at a moment’s notice, and the ones that are not prepared are the ones to be the first to panic and scramble. I just want to make sure you are safe, always.”

My mother had a strange way of making me feel scared and secure all at the same time. She always wanted me to be prepared, for anything, at any given time. I didn’t like it when she was right, but this time was different. I knew that she was right about the riots, and it scared me, but I would never tell her that.

“Mom, I know. I know how to take care of myself. I’m 17 and in one more year I’ll be an ‘adult’.” I use my finger to form overly exaggerated quotes. I always tried to make her feel more at ease with my humor, and it usually worked.

“Okay, well I’m off to work. I should be home around dinner time, maybe a little earlier. We should do something tonight, cards? I know you will be tired from being at the beach all day with your friends, perhaps a relaxed Friday night would be okay?” She raises an eyebrow at me, as if hinting to me that I won’t be going out tonight.

“Yeah that sounds fine mom, whatever you say. You suck at cards but I’ll still play with you. Helps with my self-esteem.”

I see her shoulders raise up and down as she shakes her head. Chuckling as she opens the door and steps out “love you kid, have a good day and be safe.”

“Love you too mom.”

I walk over to the couch, flop down, kick my feet over the arm rest, flick on the t.v. for background noise, and take out my phone. There is a text that reads on my way, be there in 15. Ugh. Upstairs I go to throw on my swim suit underneath some basketball shorts and a tank top. One thing I always loved about myself is the ability, being a girl and all, to get ready and be out the door in 5 minutes flat. I hear music in the distance and realize it’s growing closer and a car horn follows. I head downstairs and my mind drifts to what this day could have in store for me. Hanging out with friends and a pretty girl was always top priority on my summer list, and today was just an example of that.