| |
I stood,gamely trying to hide my fear as they handed me instructions along with the car keys. All of the voices seemed to chime in with words of encouragement and talk of reward. A hand surreptitiously patted my shoulder in sympathy…or pity. I could not allow these people to see the terror that lurked in my heart, so drawing in a deep breath and with false conviction I soothed them with platitudes about confidence and willingness as I pledged to do my best against all obstacles.
Straightening my back defiantly I then strode through the door, as a journey can only begin if one takes the first step. Settling into the car, I wiped my sweating palms and glanced back toward the house, surprising several faces peeking from behind the curtained windows. I knew that I had to be the one to go and while they were all full of sympathy and understanding, no one had volunteered to go in my place. It was made clear by actions if not words that I and only I could fulfill this particular mission.
Sighing, I resolutely turned the key and as the engine sprang to life, my own life seemed to flash before my eyes, making me want to run from the vehicle as fast and as far as I could. Forcing myself to calm down, I shook the escape fantasies from my mind and with surprising precision backed from the driveway and onto the road that would eventually lead to my primary destination.
Keeping my mind set only on the directions I would take, I refused to think about what I was actually doing, thus, by taking one turn at a time I found myself pulling into the parking lot of the building I sought. Heart pounding, I sat for a moment; again, wiping my damp and shaky hands on my jeans as I swallowed my sudden fear.
Almost confused by my arrival, I stared blankly at the entry to the building for a considerable time. Eventually, forcing myself to move, I left the car and walked on rubbery legs to the doorway and staring straight ahead I pushed open the door and walked in. Feigning nonchalance, I quietly made my way to the area I wanted and without looking around I reverently picked up the item I needed to complete the first part of the mission. No one seemed to notice anything unusual as I finished the rest of the steps and was free to leave. Inside my head I kept hearing the same refrain, “Stop now, before it’s too late. Stop now.”
Now, wanting only to make my escape, I quickly entered the car and started the engine. As casually as possible I drove from the lot out onto the road and heading back the way I had come. As I drove, I kept glancing with disbelief at the item I had so desperately sought. Unable to help myself, I reach over to touch it, to feel its reality. Yes! Here it was, proof for all those doubters waiting back at the house.
Too soon, I was pulling onto the street where the house sat tucked privately away on a back lot. Parking in the driveway I turned off the engine, softly sighing as a single tear trickled down my cheek. Gathering my prize, I slowly walked to the house and entered. Once in the kitchen, I held my trophy high for everyone gathered there to see. At first, the gesture was met with complete silence and then suddenly there were hugs and shouts of joy.
“I knew you could do it,” my daughter wept, “I knew it!”
My family and friends were generous with their praise as I laid my precious loaf of bread on the table and smiled. After years of trying before finally receiving my driver’s license, I had just made my first solo trip driving a car. At age 42, this was indeed an accomplishment.
|
Help Us Stop Plagiarism -
Nearly all works at PnP are original. However a few people choose to plagiarize.
To check, choose a phrase from the work, then either drag and drop to the search box or copy and paste.
click on search and works at Google will be shown which match. Just to be sure, please do this before
you recommend or rate the work highly...
|
 |
|
|
|
Select a Random Work
from Stories
|
|
Welcome !
