It turns out that I should have been more worried about the living than the dead. My mom decided I was well enough to go to school, so I went without fuss. The problem being that all my brothers were now sick and I wasn't allowed the car.

"I am not walking to school on my own." I informed my mom while stuffing as many cornflakes in my mouth as I could. I immediately regretted the action as the gooey flakes cut into my throat as I swallowed. I put a hand in front of my mouth as I started spluttering. My mom ignored my stupid attempt at hurrying to get ready.

"Look Suzie. I'm really sorry but both me and Andy need the cars today. You know what my works like. I can't risk not getting there on time. And Andy has a very important conference to attend."

"What conference? You mean that cooking course thing he went on?" I was getting pretty peeved. I wouldn't mind if there was other transport. I used to catch the subway all the time back in Brooklyn. But this is Carmel. Land of nothingness. I doubt there's even a good bus line for ten miles.

"Don't be so harsh on Andy. He wants to improve on his kitchen skills. I think it'll do him the world of good." She replied absently, shuffling the papers that littered her desk. I gave up on my cornflakes and placed them in the nearby sink.

I sighed. "He doesn't need to get any better. He's already brilliant." Which was the absolute truth. It's also the reason I'm expected home by six every evening. Andy seems to think that by slaving for hours in the kitchen, he has unconditional rites over mine and my step-brothers social lives. Not that I actually have one. But whatever.

"I know that, and you know that. But he's happy learning again. So it doesn't really matter." She looked up at me. I could tell she was annoyed at me bugging her about this. But how could I expect my hair to stay straight if it rains? It'd be ruined before I reached the front gates. I decided to take a different approach.

"Look mom. I fully respect Andy's desire to be able to make toast to perfection. But you cannot expect me to just walk to school on my own. What happens if I get mugged?"

She looked at me severely. Wrong strategy.

"You'll be fine." She replied. "We're not in New York anymore Suzie. No-one gets mugged up here."

I looked at her in disbelief. Unfair!

"But mom...."

"Get a lift." She said, once again engrossed in her papers.

"Fine. But if I get pneumonia again. I'm blaming you."

"Suzie darling?" I turned to face my mom. Thinking maybe my nagging had worked. Then I saw her smile and realised I was probably wrong. "You didn't get pneumonia. You had the flu. Now stop fussing about you r hair and get to school."

I swivelled round in embarrassment. How did she guess about my hair? Maybe moms are just made like that.

"Oh, and Suzie?" I turned around again. One hand on the door knob. Trying to look impatient in my need to get going.

"Yes mom?"

She walked towards me and gave me a rib crushing hug. When she released me I doubted my top half would be functioning for a week.

"I love you."

I rolled my eyes trying to look annoyed and kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you to mom."