Helen is still buzzing over the fact that she's been nominated - and won the prestigious Prom Queen status at her school. She was still in her formal wear, energised and on top of the world.
It was a good idea - she thought - to bug her dad about learning how to drive. Besides, she couldn't let her brand new lime green Ford Focus/Fiesta, sit there on the drive, gathering dust!! It was a gift from her mum and dad. A little - well not so little but you get my drift - surprise for her for being so helpful and coping well when they went away.
Bleary-eyed and still in his PJ's, Brosie obliged, only because he'd learned very quickly that she wouldn't take no for an answer. Anything to keep the peace anyways!!!
He'd barely eaten the last morsel of breakfast when Helen ran to the car excitedly and sat in the driver's seat, waiting patiently.
I think Brosie actually started to regret his decision as he rushed around to slip on his clothes, his sweater getting caught and one arm tangled inside the other one.
Finally he was ready and got in the car.
"Now you've got to listen carefully," he said, clipping on his seatbelt, "got that?"
"Yes dad."
"Okay. Got your seatbelt on?"
"Check."
"Checked your mirrors?"
"Check."
"Seat okay?"
"Check."
"Right. Okay. Now you've got to remember the first rule before you set off. Right?"
"Yes dad."
"Mirror. Signal. Manoeuvre. Check your mirrors, make sure there's nothing coming. Use your indicator to let folks know you're pulling out, then when you think the coast is clear, move off. Clear?"
"Yes dad."
"Now, start your engine and lets get going. Oh and don't worry about kangaroo jumps. It's natural for first time drivers until they get used to the pedals and control of the car. Nervous?"
"Um, yeah."
"Don't be, you'll be fine. Now I'm going to talk you through the first things you've got to do and we'll see how we go from there."
He didn't need to tell her twice, she eased away from the kerb and drove away seamlessly. No kangaroo jumps, no stalling. Nothing. In fact, neither of their fun levels dropped at all!!!
Unfortunately, their hour long driving lesson was over only too soon, plus work and school beckoned. But Brosie promised Helen that they'd try again as soon as the weekend came along.
I've a feeling she's going to pass first time!!!!
