Warm it up

I was late to work today. I blame Alden. He has the tendency to take his sweet ass time in the morning. It’s due in part to his attention span when Curious George or whatever cartoon might be on the TV. It’s a friendly way to ease into the day. His concept of time constraints is lacking though, which is ok. He must get it from his Mom. Ha. So I guess in reality, I blame myself.

I made it all the way to work before I realized he was still sitting in the back seat, my mind wonders.

When we pulled into the school parking lot, I got out of the car and walked around the back to open his door as I always do. This time he pretended to be asleep when I opened his door, despite the fact we were having a conversation only seconds before. He rolled out of his seat and with half a banana in his mouth he muttered something about his tummy hurting and expressing his desire to go to work rather than school. I ignored his request and voyaged on through the doors of the pre-school.

Glancing towards the offices, the tuition box reminded me that it had been 2 months since I have given them any money. I figured since my door code was still working they must not have noticed, nor cared. Still, I decided that I would leave a check in the box before heading to work.

Usually, when Alden returns to school after being away for a while he is VERY shy. His big blue eyes and adorable little face usually melt the teachers hearts and they hold his hand and get him warmed up by taking him to different stations where he can play with his choice of toys before the other kids are allowed to touch them. By the time I return to pick him up he’s deep into socializing and has rediscovered his place.

Today was different.

Alden stopped and stared at the window into his classroom before walking in. There were two small boys, about his size, having what looked like seizures on the other side of the window. Their eyes were large and they were looking directly at Alden, screaming. AT first I hadn’t noticed but after watching them I realized they were screaming his name, over and over. “Look everybody, it’s Alden!” “Alden is back, everybody, it’s Alden!” I nudged Alden forward through the door of his classroom, where we were met by 6-7 tiny boys thrilled over the return of their long lost comrade.

I took his coat off, kissed his head and walked out of the classroom. I stood and watched through the glass as he passionately discussed such worldly topics as super heroes and the new toys he has acquired since visiting these friends last.

I miss being a kid.