Road 2 nowhere

Vicky is picking up some of her son's friends to take them to a football match. They stare at the car.

"It's a loan car, isn't it? So where's yours?"

"Being mended," says Vicky.

"Is that because of the tractor you crashed into?" says one of the friends.

"That was months ago," says Vicky.

"No - it's because of that removal van which you thought was waiting to let you out onto the main road - only it wasn't."

"Don't be silly," says Vicky. "That was weeks ago. No. It's because of the fire."

The boys get in, reluctantly. Vicky drives to the sports field. She's just inside the entrance when the school bus ahead of her starts to reverse, trapping her car between the electronic gates, which close slowly on the wings.

Next day, car sporting brand new matching dents, she picks up another load of boys to take them to a swimming gala. One of the friends from the day before is passing as they get in.

"Put your seat belt on, guys," he shouts. "Vicky's a really crap driver."

She smiles, a little, but later that day I get a text from her.

"OMG just had road rage. This woman in Sains. van dropping off shopping in my road stopped so no 1 could pass. Waiting ages so did little polite peeps. No response. One car turned round, i waited with cars behind me. when eventually she left i shouted, R U allowed 2 just park like that? Yes, she said rudely. I said i've got ure number plate. She said do u want my fone number 2 & i said i'm not a lesbian. Kids laughing hysterically behind me. Have never done that before. Grr xx."

That evening, she's supposed to be collecting me to go to a school concert. I suggest we both walk.