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Driving School, by Candace Arthuria Williams

1/10/2021

 
“Gimme the keys, Dad.”

‘No, you don’t have your license yet.’

Jimmy staggered and swerved the half block to the parking lot. He unlocked the doors, then collapsed onto the faux velvet seat in the back on the driver’s side. Selena sighed and took the wheel. Nervously, she shifted from park to drive and transferred her size 5 to the accelerator.

“I think I should call Mom.”

‘No! I’ll never hear the end of it.’ At least he was still coherent.

“But I’m not that good a driver, Dad.”

‘Just take it slow and you’ll be fine.’

It was dark and scary, but there weren’t many cars on the road. The ones that were whizzed by on a frenzied mission to go nowhere sooner. Selena was a wreck. Then suddenly, a thud.

“What was that, Dad? I think I hit something.”

‘No you didn’t. It was just a road bump.’

“But Dad….”

‘I said, no you didn’t. Now hurry up and drive. It’s getting late.’


About a block from the house, he ordered his daughter to slide onto the passenger seat. Jimmy got out of the back and took the wheel. Selena cried the rest of the way.

“Dad, we need to go back and check. I know I hit something.”

‘No you didn’t! Now put your arm around my waist and don’t say anything to upset your mother. You know how she gets whenever I take you out for a drive.'
Jim B. link
1/10/2021 05:40:59 pm

" on a frenzied mission to go nowhere sooner." What a great line.
I couldn't help but feel the fear in Selena, then the terrifying knot in her gut with the thud and the unknown that went along with it.
The price families pay for one who cannot control their addiction.
Nicely done
Jim

Candace Arthuria Williams
1/10/2021 09:23:00 pm

Thanks so much, Jim. I've been absent for a while and it's good to be back. So glad you can relate to that unfortunate child.

Mercedes Gomez
1/10/2021 10:26:01 pm

I remember you read this in the writing group. I like the title because Selena did get an education of what kind of father and man Jimmy was - an irresponsible and uncaring one.

Peggy Gerber
1/10/2021 10:48:30 pm

My heart goes out to Selena. Something tells me this is not the first time her dad has put her in a bad situation. Well done.

Dee Lorraine
1/10/2021 11:02:20 pm

A well-written, sad story. I agree with Peggy and Jim B. Thank you, Candace.

Candace Arthuria Williams
1/10/2021 11:21:08 pm

I wish mothers would stop enabling, and vice versa. Thanks to my fellow Champagne Writers. And to Dee. Pleased to meet you.

john morgan
1/10/2021 11:36:41 pm

The awakening of social consciousness where the unknown can be more challenging than the known!

The child fear she may have struck someone, or some thing. The father's fear is the 'blessing-out' he would get from all sources, not only his wife, for being intoxicated, but also in allowing his non-driving daughter behind the wheel particularly at night.

Your writing open areas for future conversation with lessons to be learned. GOOD JOB!

Marie Johnson-Ladson
2/10/2021 02:47:42 am

Great story, it is an emotional time, Selena will never forget. Something for some people to think about that drink and drive especially with their children.

Candace Arthuria Williams
2/10/2021 03:09:52 am

John and Marie, thanks for your input. I hope family members will begin to exercise tough love and get these people off the roads. I hope Selena will confide in a teacher or another authority figure before it's too late. I can write it, but I can't make it happen.

Sue Clayton
2/10/2021 03:37:23 am

Candace, all the other FFF commenters have said it so eloquently. Great story and I also felt Serena's fear. Also, you should never take driving lessons from your family; especially intoxicated ones.

Don Tassone link
2/10/2021 11:47:16 am

A portrait of addiction and the pain it causes. Well done, Candace.

Candace Arthuria Williams
3/10/2021 01:05:31 am

Sue and Don, I always appreciate input from FFF star writers. Thanks for taking the time.

Eunice Pruitt
4/10/2021 01:31:46 pm

Very well done. In this short piece you
captured the essence of this family's dynamics and the dangers of addiction. I feel for Selena with a parent like that.

Candace Arthuria Williams
4/10/2021 06:37:27 pm

Thank you, Zita. Sadly, the dysfunction of this family impacts others, as well. I feel compelled to share that, too.

Padmini Krishnan
8/10/2021 02:26:31 pm

When he says, '‘No you didn’t!', it is more like he is trying to convince himself. Hope Selena never goes out with her irresponsible dad again. Great story, Candace.

Candace Arthuria Williams
8/10/2021 05:15:58 pm

Thanks, Padmini.


Comments are closed.

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