16

 

All of the tests have been passed.  The hours logged with mom dad and the crazy uncle.  The night hours have been done, much to the fear of mothers everywhere.  Your money was saved and the rest was bankrolled by your father.  The plates are clean, and insurance has full coverage.  The DMV line is longer than you anticipated, but the eagerness for the picture washes the wait out.  Your mother tries to make small talk about school or responsibilities while behind the wheel, but all you can think about it the freedom this picture will afford you. 

“Number 272!?, NUMBER 272?!”

You move towards the booth calling your number with your birth certificate, learners permit and your mother.  The lady takes your information and doesn’t share the same excitement you do.  Matter of fact, she almost resents letting you take this first step towards adulthood.  As she directs you to the photo area, you mother is trying to fix your hair so you “look good” in your photo, but you don’t’ care.  You square your shoulder up and lift your chin because today is the big day.  The flash is weak and the lady says you’re done.  A wave of disappointment comes over you because you were unaware that you didn’t get your actual license that day.  The lady hands your learners permit back with a new piece of folded up paper stapled to it.  You glance over it and dismiss what the paper actually says.  Your mother sees slumping of your shoulders and offers to let you drive back home as a consolation prize. 

 

8 o’clock rolls around and you’ve been itching to take your newly purchased 95’ Grand AM out.  Your parents didn’t want you to buy a new car right away, because they figure you’ll ruin your first car.  You argued with them about how you will be responsible and you should get “cooler” car.  Your argument doesn’t stand a chance and your father will only bankroll so much of the purchase.  Your parents are sitting in the living room, and your father has your keys.  You are excited and nervous to ask for the first time, “Dad, can I take out the car?”  Your father smiles and tosses you the keys.  Your mother runs into the bedroom and grabs the digital camera and follows you outside.  As the car starts, mom is flashing photos nearly blinding you from moving out of the drive way.  Once you’ve made it out of the drive, you feel your finally alone and can do anything; Questions about where to go first, or if you could drive anywhere where would it be, overwhelm your brain while you wait idly at the stop sign at the edge of your road.  While you are contemplating your next big life decision on where to go for the first time driving, your cell phone rings and you see “DaD” on the caller ID, “Hello?”

“Son, can you swing by the store first and grab some milk before you go out?”