Untamed (Completed)

29. Thanks for Believing.....

Arthit POV------

Check the mirrors.

Pull slowly away from the curb..... just like Prem taught me.

Ease the gas pedal down.

I have done this many times, but not with a stranger watching my every move, it makes me nervous.

"Mr. Rojanapat , I would like you to drive to the next traffic light and make a left-hand turn"

The instructor is a tiny woman with a hard face and huge glasses, she frightens me a little.

I bring the car to a stop, click on my turn signal, and wait for the green arrow.

The instructor scribbles something on her clipboard, I am  not sure if I should be relieved or nervous.

At the request of my instructor, I drive up and down several hills, make right turns, more left turns, and make lane changes. Each time I do something, she makes a mark on her clipboard.

"Now, Mr. Rojanapat , I would like you to attempt parallel parking"

I have been dreading this. I have practiced and practiced and only did it right one time.

"Right between those two cars will be fine, Mr. Rojanapat"

My stomach twists. I really don’t want to hit one of these cars.

I slow down and pull next to one of the cars. I check my mirrors again, put the car in reverse, and begin to turn the wheel.

The first try doesn’t go how I want, so I pull forward and try again. My second try isn’t better. I go for a third try and end up putting one of the rear tires over the curb.

"That will enough for today. Please drive us back to the testing center"

The instructor tells me.

I drive back to where my test started. The instructor continues to write on her clipboard, making me more and more nervous.

I park the car in front of the testing building and wait.

A few more scribbles and the instructor turns to me.

"Sorry, Mr. Rojanapat , you are  going to have to come see me again in two weeks. I gave you seventy points out of one hundred, and you need eighty to pass"

I don’t know what to say. I feel..... embarrassed. I really wanted to pass this, to have a license, to prove I can do it. I wish there was a way I could keep it from everyone. I don’t want Kong, Mom, and Roger to know I failed.

Mom is waiting for me when I walk into the testing center, she is smiling, until she sees me.

I know I look upset, I can feel it on my face.

Mom says nothing about my test, instead she suggests lunch and I agree with a nod.

Our drive is quiet, Mom keeps glancing at me, but doesn’t say anything. When we get to the restaurant she is still silent until after we place our order.

"Can I tell you a secret, Arthit ??"

I look at my mother with curiosity. She is smiling so I don’t think her secret can be something very important. I nod eagerly and wait for her to go on.

"I had to take my driving test three times before I passed. Not even your father knew that"

"Really ??"

I am  surprised. Mom seems like she can do anything.

"Lots of people fail their driving test the first time, it’s no big deal"