A Starling's Awakening

Sweet Sixteen

Raina decided to put off her sixteenth birthday celebration until Bret and I had settled back in. Barney took her to the DMV the day after her birthday. She passed her driving test and got her license. We had her party a week later, on Saturday afternoon. Along with family, she had a handful of friends in attendance.

I had given up on ever being able to drive my car again. By the time I'll be thin enough to drive it, I will have my son and his stuff I will need to carry in the car. Getting a car seat into and out of the backseat would be ridiculously difficult. Bret and I discussed it.

"I don't want to sell my car. I want to keep it in the family. Would it be wrong if I gift it to Raina?"

"Babe, I'm worried. It sounds like you are starting to get depressed."

"Maybe a little. This transition is bigger than I ever imagined it would be. But I'm also trying to be realistic. My car isn't being driven. I won't be able to drive it until after Paul is born. It will never be practical as a family car. It got me through the last few years. I want Raina to have it."

When it was time for Raina to open presents, Bret brought me both keys, the title, and the registration. We waited patiently as she opened her other presents. There wasn't one from us, and she kept glancing at us. Once she finished, Bret cleared his throat.

"Sis, I know you didn't have anything from us. My wife wanted to save the best for last. If you will come here?" She walked over to us. Bret held up the keys, and I held out the papers.

"What's this?"

"Your present."

"Elise, you're giving me your car?"

"It will be years before I will be able to drive a little car like that again. It's been good to me for the last three years. I hope it will be just as good for you."

Raina hugged my shoulders. She hugged Bret, and grabbed the keys from him. I handed her the registration and title.

Ruby said, "Since Monday is a half-day, I'll meet you at the DMV. I'll pay the fees for you." Robert said he'd buy her a fireproof lock box to keep the new title in when it comes.

Raina went out to sit in her new car. She adjusted the seat, and reset the radio to her favorite station. When her friends were leaving, one of them couldn't get ahold of her mom, so Raina drove her home. Bret gave her enough cash to fill the car with gas. It was not only very low, but had been sitting, so it was in need of fresh fuel. When she returned she was grinning, and needed to hug me again.

Dear Diary, Tonight I gave away the last item from my starling life – my cute little German coupe. Bret's sedan will be my family car.