It was tradition on my birthday to open presents after dinner in the evening, but life on the other side of my driving test was impossible to imagine at that moment.
‘Yeah, we’ll just do the same as always,’ I said.
‘Aye, that’s what I thought,’ he said. ‘Right, that’s your mother out of the shower. I’ll head up and brush the teeth.’
I was sitting in a daze when Mum came down in her robe.
‘Morning, Brendan. Happy birthday.’
I could see it felt odd for her too when the words left her mouth.
‘Thanks, Mum.’
‘All set?’
‘Think so.’
‘Did you sleep?’
‘Not really.’
‘No, I didn’t either, plenty of time to get a few extra prayers in for you and … for everything.’
I’d said a fair few prayers myself, probably could have said more. It’s hard to know when to stop when nothing feels like it’s enough.
‘Did you get something to eat?’ she asked.
‘Yeah.’
‘Is your wee friend Jennifer still meeting later?’
‘Aye, she’s going to wait for me at the hospital.’
‘Right, you’re going there straight after the test? Will I meet you there too?’
‘Yeah, perfect.’
‘Does your wee friend Jennifer want to join us for dinner later?’
‘Why do you call her my wee friend?’
‘Well, is she … what should I call her?’
‘Well, I think she’s my girlfriend,’ I said awkwardly.
‘Oh right,’ said Mum.
‘I don’t know, I’ll see how things go today, I can ask Jennifer about dinner later.’
‘OK,’ she said.
I heard the jangle of keys as Dad came back into the dining room.
‘Will we head?’
‘Aye,’ I said.
‘Good luck,’ Mum said, twisting her hands. ‘I’ll see you after.’
