Driver's License

Chapter 1- "What is he doing here so early?"

I wake up to the sound of my blaring alarm clock, but any drowsiness I had disappears as I remember what day it is. Today, the choir is holding auditions for the annual musical showcase, and I have to get the main act. It would be a game changer. Not only would it be an amazing experience, a great extracurricular on my resume, but my parents might just see how serious I am about music and let me pursue it in college.

I unwillingly pull the blanket off of me, feel around for my glasses on my night table, and push them on forcefully. I stumble to the bathroom, freshen up, and put in a pair of fresh contacts. I open my closet, grab a pair of blue ripped mom jeans and a cropped yellow graphic t-shirt, and quickly get dressed. After applying some light makeup and attempting to get my frizzy hair under control, I take a deep breath and sulk out of my comforting room. I walk past my younger brother's room but turn back around when I realize his lights are still out.

"Sami, get up or else I'm gonna be late to school again!" I yell as I open the door and turn on the lights. Turning around on my heel, I ignore his whining as I walk downstairs to figure out which parent is driving me to school.

Sami's middle school is 15 minutes away from home and starts at 7:00 am. I, on the other hand, go to school an hour away. He gets dropped off first so I'm the one who ends up with a tardy on my attendance record, even though school starts at 8:00 am.

"Mom? Is it your day today?" I ask as I grab a granola bar from the cabinet and rip it open. When there is no answer, I look up and see that my mom's texting away. She texts faster than me. "Mom, it's 6:15 am. Who could you possibly be texting already?"

"I'm getting updates on my patient. She's been in labor all night." She replies, glancing at me with an amused smile when I make a gagging sound.

"There's no way I'm giving birth and letting a baby rip my––"

"Can we not talk about this?" My dad interrupts, grimacing. I sigh.

"It's the way you're grossed out when WOMEN go through it." I shake my head. "Me and Sami are going to be late. Who's driving us today?" I ask again.

"Sami and I." My dad corrects. I stare at him. "What? I'm an English professor."

"Can you just tell me? I want to get to school early so I can grab a practice room. I wanna be warmed-up for rehearsal."

"I am." My mom puts down her phone and takes a sip of coffee. Her makeup, hair, and outfit look flawless and professional. Couldn't be me.

"Okay. I can start the car if you want." I offer.

She nods and I throw away the wrapper.

I find my pair of basic white converse and pull them on. It takes forever to tie them. I grab my bag by its straps and swing it over my shoulder.

"Sami, I'm starting the car. You better be out in five." I yell up the stairs before opening the door and walking outside. It's humid and I cringe as I cover my hair with my hands. I sigh and drop them, knowing that nothing can keep the frizz away. I unlock the car and admire it from a distance.

I can't wait to get my driver's license.

Almost every single person in my grade has one, but I have to wait until late May to get mine. I've only had my permit for a month so I have to wait for another 8 before I can take the license test. I yank the car door open, sit down, and start it, flinching as the metal part of the seatbelt hits my arm and burns it from the heat. I rub it, annoyed, as I watch my mom come outside. I quickly lock the doors as she comes up to the car. She raises an eyebrow.

"Can I drive?" I ask through the window. She shakes her head no and tries opening the door. "Please, Mom. I have my permit." I beg and hold up my phone, which has my permit in its case. She gives me the look and I groan. I unlock the doors and get out, giving her a pointed look as I stomp to the front seat. I yell as Sami comes out of nowhere and shoves me out of the way.