Monday I didn’t phone Mum at the weekend and I need to tell her about our latest student house-hunting expeditions. I’ll have to drop hints about the increase in the cost. I ring her at work. It’s no surprise when the secretary tells me she’s in a meeting. Mum calls back that night, just as I’m on my way out for a “quiet drink”. She asks if I’m eating properly. I explain that students aren’t supposed to eat properly. But I am drinking lots of orange juice (best not to mention the vodka that goes into it).
Tuesday Phone Mum to update her on the housing situation, but there’s a staff meeting. I need to break the news about this amazing place soon because the deposit is huge. When she rings back, she tells me about the finance meeting she had. I don’t mention houses, rent or deposits.
Wednesday Mum phones after her governors’ meeting. There are concerns about cars parking outside her school - a potential danger to the children. Mum, there’s loads of space to park cars outside this house I want to tell you about - which mans I won’t have to walk the dark streets when Icome home late (from college, that is). I could take my car with me next year. You don’t use it much, do you, Mum?
Thursday I speak to Mum after her performance management meeting. We’ve seen the house and it was horrible. But there’s a flat over a solicitor’s, down a smart-looking cul-de-sac in a perfect location (for our favourite night spots, nowhere near campus). We’re going to look tomorrow. There won’t be space to park the car, but it has five big bedrooms, a lounge and a dining room. So we can sit down to proper meals together. When we eat properly.
Friday Mum rings when she gets in from a fundraising dinner at school, a success thanks to the hotel next door. A good time to ask for the deposit on our chosen home for next year. First, she asks me for a favour. Can I come home next weekend to look after the dog while they have a weekend away? I agree, on one condition...
Kate Bindotti is a student in Bristol. Her mother is a primary head in Plymouth
