Page 112 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

“You’re a good driver and you’ll be fine.”
I marvel at her confidence. Her confidence in me! “Okay.
You’re the boss.” I smile, despite my trepidation. “I’ll be there as
soon as I can.”
I drop to the couch, head in hands. I cannot believe this! Oh
my God, what did I just agree to? What is she thinking? What
am I going to do now? I know how much she hates that hospital,
but I’m going to get pulled over by the cops for sure. How can I
possibly make myself look like a mature adult sitting behind the
wheel of that Cadillac?
My brain goes into overdrive. Then a light explodes. I know
what I need. I need a disguise! Sunglasses - yes sunglasses, that’s
it. They always make you look older. I need a pair of sunglasses.
But I don’t have a pair of sunglasses. Okay, I need to find a pair of
Mom’s. And a phone book. I’ll sit on the Calgary phone book and
then I’ll look taller. I’ll put on lots of make-up. Women who drive
Cadillacs wear lots of make-up, don’t they? And maybe a wig. Yes,
one of Mom’s wigs.
I get my disguise together, apply finishing touches to my
overdrawn hot-pink lips and make sure there are no long brown
strands of hair sticking out of my short blonde wig. I actually think
it kind of suits me. Mom’s new wet-look coat is a bit large on me
so I belt it as tight as it can go. The fur trim might be a bit much
for August, but I need to look rich so it’s going to have to do.
Finally, I put on the oversized dark sunglasses. Perfect! One final
glance in the mirror and I’m all set. I grab Mom’s shiny brown
purse and throw in my learner’s permit (as if that’s going to help).
Oh, and I can’t forget the phonebook.
With sweaty palms and a sweaty head (wigs are hot!) I
carefully back the Caddy out of the garage. Come what may, I am
hospital-bound.
Please, oh please God, don’t let me get stopped by the cops!

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