Maybe It's Time

JUNE, 2003 - PART ONE

Stefani's POV

It was funny the way Bradley and I got in a relationship and I could not do anything but think of him all the time. While studying, while writing my music, playing my piano. We talked everyday on the phone, even in the days we were too tired after a busy day. It was a nice feeling waking up with a cute text in the morning. I was a little mad in that week though, because for the first time, he didn't come to see me in the past week, so I acted a little selfish and cold.

I was applying for colleges in New York back then. Everything I could wish was living in my hometown, not only because I would get close to my boyfriend but because I really wanted to live in a big city, meeting new people and get to know new things, trying new experiences.

While studying and doing everything I could to get accepted in uni, my father was trying to teach me how to drive before taking my licence. I asked my mother before and it didn't go well, since she freaked out in the moment I started the car. Dad was much more patient with me, and I noticed mom was very different with me since the day she found out about me and Bradley in the prom night. She didn't process well and we didn't tell anyone about our relationship yet.

"There's no one here, Stef. C'mon, just start it and you'll do fine". Dad said and I looked around. We were in a parking lot at night. I couldn't see anyone and I took a deep breath. It was the first time he was trying to give me a driving lesson. I started the car accelerated it but I guess it was too fast.

"Ok, stop". I did what he said and sighed, nodding my head. "You can press the pedal gently, Stef. Let's do it again. Don't use both feet". I was nervous but dad was making me feel better. "See, nothing to worry about. It's easy". He said while watching me get the hang of it.

Dad asked me to get out of the parking lot and drive us home. I didn't want at first, but in the end it was fun. We were in a road, it was dark so I was not driving fast. Dad was a little bored, just looking ahead, making sure I was not going to do anything stupid.

"Thanks, dad!"

"About what?" He looked at me.

"I don't know, about being patient to me". He laughed. "Mom acted really bitchy with me".

"Yeah, she might be a little impatient. And she is still processing everything".

"Processing... What?"

"Oh... Well..." He coughed. "Mmm"

"Shit". I thought and nodded. "Alright... She told you right?" I did not take my eyes from the road.

"Yeah, she told me... And I am a little offended that you didn't tell me".

"Oh yeah, it would not be awkward 'Hey dad, guess what?'..."

"Got it". He interrupted me. "Got it, Stef... No need to say".

"I thought you would be mad".

"Actually, I was... for 15 minutes. But I decided saying nothing because it's your private life and there's nothing I can do about it. It would happen sooner or later. I am proud of you!" I looked quickly at him, surprised and confused. "It seems like we raised you right. Just... Take care of yourself, don't get pregnant..."

"Dad! Oh my God".

"What? It could happen... We never know. I just hope it was someone special to you". Mom didn't tell him everything for some reason.

"Well, dad... I think I need to tell you, not sure if that's the right moment". I stopped in a red light. He looked at me. "You have the right to know that..." I sighed.