Frustration x 2 = Growth. Part One

On Fridays most people have a sense of elation or maybe even anticipation for the weekend but this particular Friday I just couldn't wait to go home and lay my head down. Work had gotten the best of my patience and the warning sign in my head was flashing a bright red "EMPTY". I wish I could have gone straight home but that wasn't in the plans..well at least not yet. I had to pick up my baby. She's 13 years old and far from a baby but that habit of still calling her "my baby" is far from over.
On my way to her school I tried to compose myself. I relaxed, played my favorite R&B songs and tried not to get annoyed as several people cut me off and others seemed to be following a funeral procession. When I couldn't take it anymore I slammed on my clutch, switched gears and speed off into relaxation. It's amazing what speed does for me. Thank God that a little exhilaration goes a long way. I arrived with 10 minutes to spare. "How wonderful!" I thought. I can go in and speak to her after school activities coach.
As I walked into the school I instantly got this "mom" vibe. Something was going on. It wasn't a feeling of danger; it was the feeling of someone is up to no good."Where was my kid?" Yup, she was missing from the group and so where her friends. I approached one of her coaches and greeted her. I hoped she'd inform me of how well things were going but that didn't happen. She informed me that recently my daughter has had a serious attitude problem and was taking time at practice to speak to passing boys and slack in practice. That wasn't all. I also learned that as a parent I was out of the loop. Any and all information to future happenings and or past events had never been given to me. This got my blood pumping. I was team mom at her last squad not even two years ago. How I could I be that parent that never knew anything? I was embarrased. Needless to say that when I did see my daughter for the first time she knew right from my face that I was not happy. Once again, I tried to contain myself as we left the school. In my head I tried to assemble calm but firm words to get this matter resolved. I just knew that if started to swear all composure would be lost. I have an awfly foul mouth when upset.
We both got in the car and shut the doors behind us. There was a brief silence and then I spoke. "Do you still want to be in cheerleading baby?" I said as I looked at her. Her head was down looking at her cellphone and she said without looking back "yeah". "So why is it that I dont know what's going on?""Why is it that you never know what's going on?" Before I could even get an answer she was on the phone. She had called her dad to let him know I had picked her up and we were on our way to my house. By that time I had finally turned the car on and was driving home. I try not to drive when upset. Previous experience has taught me that you are not very aware of your surroundings when emotional.
When silence was present again I resumed the interrogation. "So? Cause I hear you also have an attitude." "What's up with that?" The eyes instantly rolled back and her head started to nod. Oh boy, here comes a dose of that attitude. Im her mom. I can feel exactly what's coming.