That Darn Cath

I went to my Mom's shop today for the second time this week. Usually she brings the other two, but they wouldn't be able to wake up at noon, forget 8am. I brought 2 CD cases, gum and my English coursework concerning 'Children growing up too quickly.' We have to write to Argue/ Persuade/ Advise; one of the dreaded triplets... During the car ride somehow my Mom sarted talking about that kind of stuff, so when I got to the shop, I wrote down as much as I could remember.

Later that day, Cath, the infamous old lady that is a regular customer came in and asked about school and homework. Then I said, 'Well actually I have some english coursework under the counter that I'm doing. I have to write an argumentative piece in response to "Children growing up too quickly." And I'm saying yes.' Now, a normal 70 year old lady, that is supposed to hobble around and wear their plastic bandanas for rainy days in England would have said something like, 'That's nice' and carried on with life. But this is Cath, who drinks Vodka and cranberry juice on a regular basis and once burst into the shop yelling 'IS THE POPE CATHOLIC?!' She is a hoot, as my Mom describes her. She always has something to talk about, opinions to share, horrendous stories from 50 years ago, or from the day before.

WELL, she starts going on and on about how that is NOT the case, kids are growing up too slowly. And she mentioned something about her Dad having long trousers when he was 14 (?). Anyway, she asked where my Mom was and I said 'Oh, she just sneaked across the street to talk to a friend.'
'The protein shop?' I nod. 'The ENEMY???!!' I nod.
Finally, my Mom's employee walks in and then they start arguing about my essay. Then my Mom walked in and all 3 of them do. It was quite the sight. I don't think you could get 3 more interesting and completely opposite characters in England, in one room together.
'They have to stay in school till they're 30 nowadays!'
'Yes, but that doesn't make them grow up slower, it just means they're cleverer.' Is cleverer a word?
'But kids now days are drinking and blowing out their livers by the time they're 20 or 30.'
I wonder who said which...

Now my opinions have changed, I am agreeing with that darn Cath, kids are growing up too slowly. :-)