Journey Jitters

Isaiah and his mom turn down the winding neighborhood road onto the main thoroughfare, the GPS set to his best friend Colby's house. She flicks her turn signal off, and he fiddles with the radio dial. 

"So, Isaiah, honey?" she asks, breaking the silence. 

"Yeah, mom?" Isaiah answers, still browsing between stations. 

She automatically notices her son's actions. 

"Okay, I don't think you'll be able to get anywhere with those radio stations. It's been minutes, besides, we're almost at Colby's," she informs. 

"Okay." Isaiah awkwardly replies. 

He then turns off the car radio. 

"So, aren't you excited to have this sleepover with Colby?" she asks. 

"Yeah, I already know it's going to be epic!" Isaiah says ecstatically. 

"Well, there are still rules you must follow and things you still have to do." his mom says.

Isaiah knows precisely where this is going. He rolls his eyes.

"I know, Mom." Isaiah then says with an attitude. 

"Well, I'm just letting you know. Just make sure to brush your teeth before bed, make sure you eat something-" Just as Kim is about to finish, Isaiah interrupts his mom. 

"Mom." Isaiah starts to say. 

"I'm twelve, I think I can handle this sleepover. Plus, I'm pretty sure Colby's mom won't let us starve tonight." Isaiah finishes. 

"I know, but this is your first sleepover, and I want to make sure everything runs smoothly. I care about you too much to let anything happen to you." She says sincerely. 

Isaiah grins at her comment. 

"Well trust me, I'll be fine," Isaiah replies. 

"I'm hoping so." she then says, feeling hopeful. 

She pulls into Colby's driveway, greeted by the sight of him and his mom sitting on chairs on the front porch. 

"Alright, we're here. Just remember what we talked about, and-" she begins to say to Isaiah. 

Once again, she is interrupted, this time by Isaiah's excitement. 

"Colby!" Isaiah shouts, noticing Colby on the porch. 

Isaiah hurries out of the car, not worrying about what his mom has to say. He slams the door on his mom and then runs toward Colby. Kim rolls down the car window.

      "I love you too!" she says sarcastically. 

With the boys running inside the house and up to Colby's room, they run past Elle Woods, Colby's mom. She walks toward the car, and she notices her seconds later.

                              "Hey, Kim," Elle says, greeting Kim.

       "Please take good care of him this weekend." Kim says to Elle.

       "Did you not see them run into the house? Trust me, him and Colby are going to have the time of their lives with each other." Elle replies with a chuckle.

Kim then chuckles with Elle.

       "Seriously though, I know Isaiah's thrilled about this sleepover with Colby. Just don't let him drive you crazy." Kim says, telling Elle and then chuckling again.  

        "Don't worry, they'll be fine." Elle replies, chuckling again with Kim.

        "Well you already know to call if anything. Matter of fact, call me after you put the boys to sleep." Kim tells Elle. 

         "You don't want me to call you beforehand? That way you can say goodnight to Isaiah?" Elle asks. 

         "That works. I should be up." Kim responds.

         "Sounds like a plan." Elle then says, replying to Kim.

         "Alright, well I owe you one. Tell my son that I love him and if he misbehaves, tell him that he's grounded for a million years." 

The two share a laugh. 

           "Yes ma'am." Elle says. 

Kim backs out of the driveway. Her gaze shifts along the windows on the top floor, searching for one last sign of her son. 

            "Be sure to call!" Kim shouts at Elle as she drives away.

            "I will!" Elle says. She retreats into the house.