I really wanted a little car. A four-door sedan. A sedate vehicle designed to take care of my needs. For once.
I haven't had a new car for a long time. Seven years.
I missed the feeling of driving in a car that has all its paint. That doesn't have McDonald's wrappers stuffed into the ashtray. That doesn't have barbecue sauce ground into the carpet. That doesn't have dents in the door and the side panels and the back from other careless drivers. And careless kids on bikes.
And then, I do have a teenager (eighteen) that wants to drive.
He took driver's ed. He passed.
Oh God!
He doesn't get very good grades. He says he's bored with high school.
Insurance companies like bad students. They can charge more.
He doesn't have a job.
He thinks it is all up to me, his little, tired, old mother, to pay his bills.
He wants a truck.
He can't have one.
I give him $100.00 a month for his phone, his gas and his other needs.
He spent it at Virtual World. On games. Now he needs pants.
He gets gas because he took over my Visa card.
God help me.
At least he can't sign for anything.
He says he is keeping track of his checking account.
But he can't tell me the balance.
Boys who can't balance check books can't drive trucks.
Have you priced the insurance on a truck? When a teen-ager drives it?
You could buy two.
I am reasonable. Actually, I spoil him.
I am giving him my old car. The 87 Van. The one with the dent in the door. And his wrappers in the ashtray. Come to think of it, I'm not sure what he did with the ash tray.
I bought new carpet for it.
The car pool riders (junior high) stepped in something.
I bought new tires.
He laid rubber.
I fixed the brakes.
He stomped them soft.
He wants me to fix the dent.
I refused. He didn't get A's.
Besides, I spent my money on tuition. He goes to UCSD at night. So he will finish high school.
I have the new truck.
My twelve year old has the spare key.
It's only a matter of time....
A friend and I with my truck - note the license plates. Really.
Keeps the boys from driving the car. At least Fabio enjoyed them!
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