Daunting Time

The Time When Claire Drove

(Claire)

Seth stared at me with his deep penetrating eyes, he brushed his hair out of his face as he tried to process my request.

" Claire," he huffed, finally finding his voice, " you have got a better chance of getting me to make out with a vampire, than you do of me letting you drive my new truck."

I let out a long agonized whine, I didn't see what the big fuss was about. I had my learner's permit and Seth had a license, which meant I was legally capable of driving his damn truck.

" But Seth," I pouted, " I need to learn how to drive!"

Learning to drive was one of the most crucial steps toward adulthood, driving meant independence and freedom. Independence and freedom meant Claire wasn't a "kid" anymore. Seth shook his head, backing away from his truck like it was on fire.

" First of all, you still have six months before you are even allowed to take your driver's test."

I knew exactly where this was headed. Seth was the unchallenged master, of making lists of reasons for why one shouldn't do something. I could still see Embry's face, as he mocked me behind his back, the last time Seth made a list of why we shouldn't go swimming until May.

" Second," he continued, " teaching you to drive is not my responsibility. I can think of more than one person who would be pissed at me for it. Third, it's my brand new freaking truck!"

I knew if I wanted to win this argument, I needed back up, I turned to Brady and stuck out my lip. I could tell by the change in his posture, it bothered him to see me sad, he shuffled his feet uncomfortably.

" What could it hurt Seth," he asked, smiling weakly over at him.

" My truck, that's what it could hurt," he growled, " plus YOU KNOW he would kill us."

" Sam isn't going to do anything," I growled back at him. Seth glanced down at me confused, but quickly turned his attention back to Brady.

" We are not doing this." He stated determinedly.

" Come on man," Brady begged, " you taught me how to drive."

" True, however I taught you in Jake's old Rabbit, and you would have given Rachel a new door to her bedroom if I hadn't pulled the emergency brake in time."

Brady winced as he remembered the incident, I knew I was loosing. It was time to turn to back up number two, I gave Colin the same please help me pout. The only problem was that he was avoiding any eye contact like the plague; bastard.

They began having a discussion without me. Seth was continuing his list of reasons, I think he was officially up to five now, while Brady and Collin were commenting on why they made perfect sense. I hated when they did that, these boys had this uncanny ability to slip into big brother mode on occasion. Every single time it always concluded with them making the wrong decision without taking my opinion into consideration; I was sick of it.

I just walked off while they continued to argue, they were so wrapped up into their argument, they didn't even notice me leave. I started walking down the road, in no particular direction, I just knew I needed to get away. I needed to get away from these over grown, know it all jerks, who were determined to keep me imprisoned in this pseudo baby sister delusion, they had all created. I wasn't Claire bear anymore.

I'm Claire.

I have a learner's permit. I do calculus. I am a woman.

Why can't they see that?

I walked faster, wanting to put as much distance between us as possible. It was dark tonight, there was no moon or stars to light my way down the road, but I kept walking. I followed the edge of the blacktop, using it as my guide.