A Collection of My Stories

Speeding Tickets

I previously shared the story of my third speeding ticket and the punishment that followed. I don't think I've told these stories in writing before but I thought I would share with you the first two tickets.
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It's late, it's dark, I said I was going to stay over and drive home in the morning. I'm trying to talk myself into following my plan but I'm just so ready to be out of here. It's been an emotional couple of days, I'm far from home, missing my support system. I've been with my Dad and his family for three days, it's draining. I love my Dad but if I'm honest I'm not sure if that has ever really been a mutual feeling. He's not cruel, but distant and emotionally unavailable. Being there for him when he is vulnerable, emotional and grieving has been harder than I expected.

Walking into the living room I give my Grama and sisters a hug before letting them know I'm going to head out. I find my Dad outside and do the same.

Throwing my bag in the trunk and getting in the car I hurriedly send Jake a text:
"Changed my mind, I'm heading out now - ready to be home"

It's already 11, he might not even see that text before I get home. I know I'm sending it right before I leave so I can have an excuse to ignore it if he protests.

I've already got my podcasts downloaded and I zone out to the harrowing tales of crime as told by Keith Morrison.

I grab myself an iced capp at the first town I come to, I pull into the parking lot adding it to my food tracking app and adjusting my gps route. Recharged with caffeine and sugar I continue on.

Passing through small town after small town, barely paying attention as speed limits change from highway speeds to small town roads as I go. The roads are clear, it's three am and I see lights before I hear the short siren.

UGH.
Pulling over. crap, crap, crap. Pretty sure I was going WAY over the limit.

I turn off my engine, lower my window and rest my hands on the steering wheel. I can feel tears pricking the back of my eyes because I know I was already treading in deep waters making a six hour drive in the middle of the night alone.

The officer strolls up to my window,
"Hello there, I assume that you know I pulled you over for speeding?"
"Yes, sir"
"Okay, any idea how fast you were going?"
"No, sorry"
"You were hitting at about 92, this is a 60"
He scolds
"I'm so sorry, I'm not from here, I am just on my way home, it was just in an 80 - I didn't think I was that over" I explain
"I understand, could I have your licence and ownership please?"
"Absolutely"
"Alright just one moment" he says walking back to his car.
Ughhhh. I'm kicking myself, I knew I was speeding but truly didn't realize I was going 30 over!
I can see the officer walking back to my window and I hear him sigh
"Alright, Sia?"
"Yes"
"Now, I would have let you off today as I can see it's your first time, but when I ran your licence, it's expired"
"Oh, I didn't realize"
"Yea, so I'm actually going to have to keep it, and I do need to issue a ticket at this time. I've reduced the fine to 10 km over"
"Okay, thank you so much - what should I do now without my licence?"
"Yea, so I know you are just headed home tonight, I'm going to ask that you pull up into this parking lot - take a second to breath before heading on your way. I'm not tricking you or anything of the sort, I won't be following to pull you over without a licence or anything crazy but you are going to need to follow the speed limit and all other traffic laws for the rest of the night, okay?"
"Yes, sir"
"Alright, you take care"

Pulling into the parking lot, I park and my tears start to fall. I look at my phone and see a text from Jake:
Not particularly happy with this decision, but we can talk about that tomorrow. Drive safe and give me an eta if you stop. Love you.