She jumped out of bed earlier than usual, too excited to sleep. She couldn't believe the day was finally here...she had waited so long. Today would be her first major "rite of passage" to adulthood. She would now have some freedom.
Mom drove her the few miles to the county courthouse. Here she would first take her written test, followed by her driving test. She had studied the book until she knew it front and back and Dad had been letting her drive the car for over a year now. Even knowing she was prepared she was still a bundle of nerves. They pulled into the parking lot. It was time.
The written test over, it was now time for the road test. A man approached, introduced himself and informed her he would be conducting her road test. He was middle-aged, short, slightly graying with a medium frame. He looked like someone's father and immediately put her at ease.
Pulling out of the courthouse parking lot they headed down the hill toward town. As soon as they were out of sight of the courthouse he slid over in the seat next to her. She flashed him a quick inquiring glance and he explained that he had to be able to see the speedometer and other controls. She wasn't fully convinced but continued through town.
Then it happened. As he instructed her to turn onto a road that she knew led out of town he slowly and gently placed his hand on her thigh.
Horrified, she screamed, "Stop that! Take your hands off me!" As he tried to calm her down and convince her that it was necessary to be nice to him and continue the road test she cried, "No, I'm going back to the courthouse!", which she immediately did, driving as fast as her shaking body would let her.
She couldn't get away from him fast enough. Once in the courthouse she told the clerk what had happened. She wasn't sure if they believed her or not but all she wanted to do was get out of there and go home. To her surprise, she was given her drivers license.
She later found out that she hadn't been the only young girl victimized by this letch, but maybe the first brave enough to report him. Even knowing that he was fired couldn't take away the bitter memory of a day that should have been one of her happiest.
Until next time...that's my view.
Kat
Yikes...now I have one more thing to worry about with 6 grand daughters yet to get their drivers licenses! Great story and unfortunately could happen!
ReplyDeleteThat is NOT the way someone wants to learn about driving! I'm glad you got your license, but sheesh.
ReplyDeleteOuch.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare!
ReplyDelete@ Jo - Yes Jo, it could happen and did. This is
ReplyDeletea true story. It was me so we do have to
worry when our grand daughters get their
license.
@ k~ - Me too, thanks.
@ Kelly - Ouch is right. It was not fun!
@ Linda - Yes, it was a nightmare, really scared
me.
Oh my, that really sounds like a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteI hate hearing stories like this. I am so sorry you went through that. What a strong person you are and what a good upbringing you must have had to be able to atand up for yourself. Bravo!
ReplyDeletebrave. brave. girl. i love her spunk. and drive (no pun intended. or maybe it is intended. :D)
ReplyDeletegreat writing, kat.
@ Maren - Yes it was.
ReplyDelete@ Marlia - Thank you. I think I was in shock. I grew up in a very
small town and things like that just didn't happen back
then.
@ Daphne - Thank you Daphne. It's a true story. It happened to me.
Good for you that you drove back to the courthouse. I hate that there are so many sick men in this world. When I was in my 20's, I worked with a dirty old man. I worked in human resources and he was the Business Manager. When he was acting as the professional he was, I gave him the respect by using Mr. (last name). But, when he was out of line, which was too often, I gave him NO respect. Finally, I was fed up, so I looked him right in the eye and said "you have 2 daughters, don't you?" He said yes. Then I said "I bet you wouldn't like it if someone spoke to your daughters like you just spoke to me. I just want to tell you that I'm someone's daughter." I never had another minute of trouble out of him.
ReplyDeleteI like your writing style. Excellent!
Sounds like you knew just how to handle your dirty old man too. Thanks for your kind words Darlene.
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