Stranger Things Have Happened, I Know

Ch 29 & 30

Chapter 29

The next day, we did make it to the DMV and I passed my quick motorcycle learners permit test. I met Dave back in the waiting room, proudly showing off my new permit. While we were there, I also switched my Massachusetts license for a California driver’s license, which would come in the mail within two to three weeks.

“It’s getting more and more official,” I said happily as we drove back home. We had just pulled into the driveway when Dave’s cell rang. He put the car in park and answered it.

“Hey Jordyn…” he said. I turned away so he wouldn’t see me frown, growing irritated. I saw Dave glance at me, then down at his watch. “I guess I could drop you off there, but I can’t spend all day doing this… Ok, I will leave now… Yup, no problem…Bye.” I was fuming.

“What now?” I asked, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.

“She needs a ride to the rental car place,” He said, placing his hand back on the shifter. I went to re-buckle my seat belt, assuming I was going with him. “It will just take a few minutes and I will be right back, OK?” I stopped my hand before the buckle reached the clasp. I guess I wasn’t going with him.

“Fine,” I said, pushing open the car door, climbing out and shutting it a little harder than I should have. I swore under my breath all the way to the front door. I put my key in the lock and let myself in as Dave drove back down the driveway, off to be Jordyn’s knight in shining armor. I picked up my own car keys and headed back outside. I dialed Cara Shiftlett, who answered on the second ring.

“Are you home? Do you mind if I come over?” I asked.

“I’m here! I will see you in a few minutes,” she replied happily. When I arrived, she stopped everything she was doing and sat down to listen as I told her about Jordyn’s neediness over the past few days. When I finished, Cara frowned.

“Yeah, that’s not cool,” she said, agreeing with me. “He has no obligation to her… I understand he’s trying to be nice, but he really needs to set some boundaries.”

“Does she really have no one else?” I asked, frustrated. Cara shook her head.

“Kate, her younger brother lives in the same neighborhood as her, practically right across the street. She was born and raised in LA. There are plenty of people here she could call.” Hearing this pissed me off even more. “You have to let him know it bothers you, I think. I bet if he sees how upset it makes you, he will stop responding to her every beck and call.” I nodded, knowing she was right, but not really wanting to have that conversation at all.

I met up with Dave later on, back at home. I sat down on the couch.

“Can we please talk for a second,” I said uncomfortably.

“Sure, what’s up?” Dave said, sitting next to me on the couch.

“This whole thing with Jordyn is really bothering me,” I said, looking down at my lap. “And I wish it didn’t but… I just feel like she doesn’t need to be calling you for anything other than child-related matters at this point.” Dave said nothing. “It would make me feel better if you maybe…set some boundaries with her…” He sighed and rubbed his beard.

“Kate, she was in a car accident…” he started. “What? Was I not supposed to help her?”

“Well, no… But she didn’t have to call YOU. Don’t you see?”

“Ok, so next time she’s in trouble, I will tell her my new girlfriend doesn’t want me to help her and ask her to please call someone else?” I flinched.