When my hair is done, I open the blinds and tie the apron around my waist to protect my skirt as I finish tidying up the house. We had completed most of the tasks last night as the only stipulation for the exam is that I have to be the one with final say. So if I told Ma to put a dish in the wrong spot last night, she would have to do it and I’d have to suffer for it later.

With all the rules Ma was willing to bend, I really wish she hadn’t made me follow that one.

My mind turns to the situation with Alexei. Perhaps it’s for the best she’s making sure I know the rules without her help. I am on a schedule, though, so I can’t think about this too long.

When I am satisfied that the house is in order, I begin preparing the tea and breakfast which I will serve to the examiner and my family as the home-based portion of my exam.

“Ma!” I call loudly enough for her to hear me from her room upstairs, “Would you mind assisting me with breakfast?”

“Try again, dear,” she called down the stairs. I’m never going to pass this exam.

“I mean, I would like some assistance preparing breakfast,” I think I get it right that time, so I add, “Please.”

“I’ll be right down, Maria.” Thank you.

I get to work while I wait for Ma to come down and assist me. I need to figure out exactly what needs to be done so I can instruct her properly. If I don’t do this right, we won’t have a meal to serve at all.

“I’m here to assist, Maria,” Ma smiles to reassure me as she ties her own apron around her waist.

“Please set out the plates and cutlery and then boil the water for the tea.”

“Of course, Maria.”

It’s weird that Ma is acting like I’m the one running the household, when that is normally her job.

With Ma’s help, I am able to get most things done to my satisfaction, and I only have to throw out one attempt at toast. Given my culinary skills, I consider that a success.

“Maria?”

“Yes, Ma?”

“You may want to check the stove, dear.”

I take the pot off the heat just in time to save the eggs from burning. I look at Ma and she winks at me; another rule broken! And she wonders where I get it from.

By 8:45, I am satisfied with everything, so I take off my apron and hang it up on my hook in the kitchen. I spend most of the fifteen minutes left pacing the entry way and double-checking that everyone’s items are on the correct hooks. I feel like I’ve been waiting an hour.

At precisely nine o’clock, I hear three sharp taps on the front door followed by the announcement, “Examiner Jessop here unaccompanied.”

I count to three in my head before walking to the door and opening it, “Examiner Jessop, please come in. May I take your coat?”

Like she would say no? Hanging up coats is literally a part of the exam.

“Yes, thank you,” she says, as my exam begins.