Planet X

I picked the little lady up from School today. As is the norm she bounced about all over the place on the way home. Telling me all about the things she and her little friends like Jackie the Backie and Jim with two noses got up to.

We were about halfway home and I was wondering how she found it possible to speak continuously for so long without breathing in when she stopped and gave me what can only be described as an accusing look.

You are in big trouble, Mister.

I put my hands on my hips and grinned wryly, Mister indeed!

And why would that be my little ninky nonk?

Because of Planet X.

Ah. Planet X.

I had recently hung the planets from the solar system above her bed. (Not the real planets obviously. I am unsure how I would do that.)

She was very taken with them and asked me a million questions about the solar system day and night pushing my knowledge to the max with some of the things that she wondered.

One day, we were chatting about Pluto being a planet or not a planet.

Then I rather stupidly said...

And of course, there is always the mysterious Planet X!!

She was intrigued and badgered me for endless details on the mysterious, rumoured to exist Planet.

I gave her all the facts that I knew including drawing out many many pictures of its supposed orbit to explain why we couldn't see it and why we had no real idea it was there.

And that was that. Occasionally she would mention that she had seen it in the night sky or some such tosh. I would ruffle her hair and smile.

Until today of course.

WHEN SHE REALLY DID SEE THE PLANET AND THOUSANDS DIED...

I jest of course.

So, how did Planet X cause trouble at School today?

The little lady carried walking and told the tale as she stepped along.

Well, the teacher asked us what our favourite planets were. Jackie the Backie said her's was Saturn and Jim said something about the moon being his favourite.

We both giggled and rolled our eyes at that. Silly Jim, thinking the moon was a planet.

Go on lass.

When it was my turn, I said Planet X. Everyone went very quiet. Flo with the Bow shouted that there wasn't such a thing as Planet X. I shouted that there was and then everyone started shouting. A lot of us had actually seen it at night and some others were being mean saying there was no such thing.

And what did Mrs Johnny say?

I asked, with no small interest. After all, some of the teachers didn't actually look that bright, so I was intrigued.

Mrs Johnny said she didn't think there was such a thing.

Oh, did you tell her that it was theoretical?

The little lady chewed her face a bit and then repeated the word.

Theermetical?

Yes, it's what you say about something that people think is true but they cannot prove it... yet.

Ok, I will tell her that tomorrow. You are not in trouble then.

And tell Mrs Johnny, if she doesn't understand, to google it.

Ok!

She smiled and started skipping.

I watched her, smiling.

Stick that up your shitpipe Mrs Johnny.