When I became a high school senior, and after receiving my college acceptances, I started to get the taste of that "freedom" all teenagers wish for while living under their parents roofs. I didn't have to tell them exactly what I was doing every minute of my afterschool hours. Mom and Dad didn't call my pager as often (remember those things?) And finally, my curfew softened. (which meant that although I didn't have one, I had to check in if I was going to be very late.)
So it happened that one Friday night, after working at the video store (just like Dawson and Pacey, and I even wore a vest! Although mine was red), I went to pick up one of my guy friends enroute to a house party. If you remember, this is how we high schoolers used to roll, we sat around and talked and held sodas, complete with the not-sleeping parents upstairs.
I do miss those days.
Where was I?
Oh yes...so I drove up in my oh so coolio 89 blue Ford Festiva, and knocked on my friend's door. I remember looking at my watch, and it was 11 pm. He opened the door, wearing a hoodie and a matching hat. He turned around to say goodbye to his mom, and I automatically shouted out a "Hello Mrs. C!" from the door. My friend moved aside, so I can see his sweet mama. And she was mopping.
Mopping!
As we walked to the car, I asked, "Why is your mom mopping?".
He said, "Oh, I dunno, she just wanted to."
Tonight, I totally got it. Because I just finished mopping. (at 11:24pm)
And it was a glorious, wonderful chore to do, because it was quiet all around me, and I could hear myself think while seeing my floors transform from one destroyed by cleats and flip flops to a shiny masterpiece. Quite an amazing experience actually, probably more pronounced by lack of sleep and my super duper late cup of coffee.
I wish I could hug Mrs. C today, to let her know that now...I understand. That poor woman probably wanted a small break from the hustle and bustle of raising those teenaged boys and was just itching for him to go out for a bit so she could mop in the quiet and peace.
I totally get it, Mrs. C. I mopped today with ya in spirit.
