Page 38 of Knotted their Beauty
ARLO
Why do I need to learn how to drive again? This isn’t a life skill I really need, is it?
I signed up for online classroom instruction, completed that during my downtime which has helped with how lonely I am in LA once Cali goes to bed. While Ves does call to check in more, I also need to be able to fill the hours while I’m alone. I’m trying to own my shit, even when my anxiety tells me I’m a waste of space because I miss him.
I passed the damn writing test with my eyes closed. Ves couldn’t stop telling me how proud of me he was, but now I’m concerned he may bite my head off if I kill his daughter in this car.
She’s been sitting quietly in her car seat coloring, ignoring the world around her. I’m grateful Calista can entertain herself while I white knuckle the fuck out of this steering wheel. I was moderately alright in the parking lot while the instructor reminded me of where everything was in the vehicle. I even went around the lot twice to get used to the gas and brake pedals.
I didn’t think I was actually going to get on a road today!
Sweat drips down my ass crack as I tremble behind the wheel, and I’m trying not to panic as Miss Erin tells me to change lanes.
“I have to?” I squeak out.
“Afraid so,” she says, shrugging unrepentantly.
Goddamnit! What if something runs into the street or I can’t see or…
Sucking in a breath, I check my mirrors, glance over my left shoulder as I signal, and switch lanes without anything catastrophic happening. Don’t worry, I’m sure there’s still time, I tell myself.
“I have a brake and a steering wheel on my side in case I need to take over. You’re doing great. Don’t get cocky, and take a left at the four way stop. Tell me what the rules of the road are at a stop like this.”
I mumble my reply as I wait behind another car. I’m a very anxious driver, but I don’t think I’ll ever be one who is affected by road rage. This would require me to not give a fuck about getting my ass kicked if I pissed off the wrong person.
I care entirely too much to ever do that.
“Breathe, Arlo.” Ugh, she’s so damn patient.
My nostrils flare as I do as she tells me, and then I’m checking my surroundings. Thank god I did, because even though I have the right of way among the cars, several bikes choose to cross in front of me. I keep my foot firmly on the brake as they pass, wincing as someone blasts the horn behind me.
“Ignore them. I always do. You’re not going to run over bicyclists.”
“Running people over is bad,” Calista says absently. “I need to remind Daddy of this a lot.”
“I bet you do, honey,” I murmur, checking again before taking my left. The guy behind me rides my ass illegally, tailing me as I drive.
Miss Erin grins as the beep-wail of a police officer’s siren cuts through the air, and I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. I like her. Despite how much I hate this lesson, I appreciate the way she teaches.
“This is why you shouldn’t break the law.” Miss Erin checks the mirror, nodding with satisfaction. “The only reason someone would tail you is if they were tailing you to give you a ticket for being in the wrong. However, you were perfect. Eyes on the road, Arlo.”
“Yes, ma’am.” It doesn’t matter that I’m already doing this, it’s an immediate response.
My heart pounds for the rest of my forty-five minute session, and I sigh as she instructs me to practice parking.
“Not too bad,” she murmurs. “This concludes our lesson. You’ll be navigating the highway before you know it.”
My eyes betray how much this scares me, but she’s already exiting the vehicle.
Shit. I survived my first lesson. Yay me.
Getting out, I help Calista out of the back seat and also take out the car seat. They don’t offer them through the company, and I found out many instructors won’t allow you to have a child with you during your lesson.
Thank god Miss Erin didn’t seem to mind. She said the real world is full of distractions, I may as well practice my driving skills in an accurate representation of it.
“We’re taking a ride share home, Cali.”
“Okay! Can I get a snack soon?”
