68. Driving lesson (1)

'How did it go this morning?'

'Terrible.'

'What do you mean terrible?'

'Just that. Terrible. I nearly knocked a grand-dad over.'

'I hope he is all right.' I laugh, thinking my daughter is joking.

'Mum, you don't get it. I almost ran over a grand-dad! For real. He shook his walking stick at us. He did not look happy.'

I stop laughing right away. Now I am in a state of shock. How could that happen? I mean, she is taking driving lessons (has been for a while actually) with a driving instructor, a professional one (her dad refused to do it - declared it too risky) in a specially designed car with a double set of breaks, mirrors, everything. On top of that, that car is covered in flashy designs and neon colours saying: DANGER. TAKE CARE. APPRENTICE YOUTH LEARNER ON BOARD.

'But, I mean ... and you ... but, the instructor ...'

'Chill, mum, it's ok. I stopped right in time. I just jumped on the breaks like there was no tomorrow. I've got good reflexes. And the car lurched forward.' She laughs and continues. 'And my instructor screamed. She actually swore but I am not going to repeat what she said, don't worry.'

I do not know what to think, nor what to say. I still can't believe it. I ask her to explain exactly what happened. All she manages between the fits of laughter is that the grand-dad was coming out of a tiny hidden alley way and did not stop to look and crossed right in front of her.

I am thinking maybe I should go to the driving school and complain. But complain about what? About the fact that my daughter is useless behind the wheel? That's tricky situation number 628-c and I cannot handle it. 

'I've got an other lesson next week. The instructor said we'd work on that.' 

And she's off. On foot so I am reassured. But I am thinking 'work on what?'

Does my daughter need a special lesson about avoiding old age pensioners? And how much is this special lesson going to cost me?