Rachel thought it was a bit ridiculous that there was a car rider line for kindergarteners, but she supposed thats just the way the world worked now. As she meandered along in the line, Paige sat patiently for her turn to get out of the vehicle and walk into school. She had just finished wolfing down her Boston cream donut when she started pointing out her friends one by one (she had a lot of them, apparently) as they drew closer to the drop-off zone.

Thats Shelly! Her mommy has a cooking vlog.

How do you even know what a vlog is? Rachel asked.

Rather than give an answer, Paige continued to point out her friends. Oh, and thats Micah! Hes funny because sometimes hell burp in class and never remembers to say Excuse me.

Just as they were about to fall into place for drop-off, a car in the exiting lane to the left stopped and gave a little beep of the horn. Rachel looked over and saw that it was Courtney Pinter, a way-too-involved school mom. She was rolling her window down and, not wanting to seem rude, Rachel did the same.

Hey there, Courtney said in a tone befitting of a Disney princess. She was pretty and far too chipper. She was also only twenty-eight which Rachel also did not appreciate. Just wanted to remind you that we need permission slips for the Summer Camp Crafts by next Tuesday! I know how sometimes those deadlines and dates get the best of you!

The smile Rachel sent Courtneys way was about as fake as the too-chipper tone in Courtneys voice. Ah, she thought, if only I lived a life where handing school paperwork was at the top of my priorities list. Must be nice…

Oh, I know, Rachel said. Were going to be figuring out how to make that work over the weekend. Thanks!

She rolled up her window and pulled ahead, one stop away from drop-off. Mom, really? Paige asked. Youre going to sign us up for Summer Camp Crafts?

That Courtney is a real bitch, Rachel thought. Shed rather hoped Paige had forgotten all about Summer Camp Craftsa three day camping trip for mothers and daughters.

Well, like I told Ms. Courtney, well have to check our calendar and see, okay?

Paige smiled so wide that her cheeks seemed to stretch. The smile was still on her face when Rachel pulled into the drop-off spot. Page opened her door with great enthusiasm, dragging her bookbag out with her.

Bye, Squirt, Rachel said. Love you lots!

Love you lots! Paige echoed. She then took off running to catch up with one of her friends under the watchful eye of the drop-off watchdogs.