Mae’s tightness didn’t fade at all during the drive to school. She kept her book open on her lap and tried to block out Grandma’s presence next to her, but such a task proved too difficult. Her demeanor, her previous actions, made her seem absolutely towering, even behind the wheel of Mother’s SUV.
Grandma only tried talking to Mae once before they got to the school. The SUV approached a red light and jerked to a sudden stop. Mae slumped forward, her book nearly sliding off her lap until she managed to grab it and pull it back. Grandma, who had remained upright, glanced over at Mae. “What are you reading?” she asked.
Hesitantly, Mae lifted the cover of the book so that Grandma could see it. Grandma looked at it, then turned her attention back to the road. “You like to read, don’t you?” she asked.
Mae nodded. The light turned green, and Grandma pressed down hard on the gas pedal. The SUV’s engine rumbled as it sped back into motion.
A long line of cars wound through the elementary school’s parking lot, towards the main entrance. There were a few patrol guards stationed in front of the building, signaling when it was safe to let the kids out onto the sidewalk. As Grandma approached the side of the building, a patrol waved to her, letting her know that she could let Mae out there. But when Mae grabbed her backpack and reached for the door, Grandma grabbed her wrist and told her to wait. It wasn’t until they reached the front entrance when Grandma let go, but even then she told Mae to wait. “They call this line ‘Kiss and Ride,’ right?” she asked.
Mae nodded slowly.
“Aren’t you going to give me a kiss before you go?”
Grandma leaned forward and closed her eyes. Mae gave her a quick peck on her forehead, the only action she could manage. For a brief moment, that sickly sweet smell filled her sinuses again.
Satisfied, Grandma leaned back, a wide smile on her face. “I’ll pick you up when school’s over, okay?” she said.
“Okay.” Mae opened the door and stepped out. “Thanks, Grandma.”
“Have a good day!” Grandma said, though her voice was cut off by the door’s slam.