She didn't see the point in learning to drive. Everything in town was within walking distance, and cars killed the environment. Walking was nice exercise, too. And she always met the most colourful people on the sidewalk. Cars were nowhere near a necessity- for Lydia, they weren't even a convenience.
But Oma was vehemently for her granddaughter learning to use an automobile, and there was no backtalking the elderly German woman. Even though she was an amiable woman, once she was set in her ways, that was it. Lydia knew it, but that mean she liked it one bit.
"Oma, muss ich?" Perhaps speaking German would sway her.
Or not. "Lydia Francis Baum, it isn't that bad. Mother Earth will still love you." It would've been condescending, if not for the encouraging smile on her face.
"Gosh, fine." Lydia turned the key all the way to the right, as she'd seen Oma and her parents do before. The engine sputtered to life. Her fingers traced down the key to the tree-shaped keychain, and then over to the gearshift.
Oma looked over her shoulder to make sure the drive and road were clear. "Lydia, jetzt." Now.
Lydia, palms sweating, shifted into reverse. All she had to do was slowly press the gas and back down the driveway. Then there was a little turn and a long, open road. Her hands went back to the wheel.
Nature, forgive this, she thought.
Her bare (because it was hot and Lydia didn't know how difficult it was to drive without shoes) foot pressed onto the bumpy pedal. The engine revved and she grimaced. But they were moving and Lydia Baum was driving for the first time ever.
"See, Lydia? We're moving." Oma rubbed her shoulder proudly. "Soon you'll want to drive everywhere. We can share—"
Crunch, crash. The little green station wagon jerked to a stop and Lydia looked out the window to see what she'd hit. Her blonde hair obscured her vision, but Lydia knew exactly what had happened.
"Hey, Oma." Lydia put her head back inside and shifted the car into park. "How do you feel about our mailbox?"
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