"I know you're not stupid," she said, not taking her arm from around his shoulders. "But I'm your Mum. I have to look out for you. It's in my job description."
Reaching her other hand up, she stroked Alex's hair softly. "I'm glad you haven't done it yet. You have to make sure you're ready before you make a big leap like that. And remember, the way it will feel for you is entirely different than how it will feel for her the first time. The both of you need to know that you can handle it, and be able to take care of each other, no matter what happens. Please just promise you'll be careful. I'll be at school all this next term, and you can come and talk to me at anytime, alright?"