Volume 3 Chapter 1: New Beginning
"You ready Aaron?", Dad asked catching my attention.
I nodded with a positive attitude. Today was the day that I wouldn't have ever seen coming for awhile. At last, I was finally getting my own car or truck. Dad was very secretive and keeping it a secret for a long time now. I got up off the living room couch and jogged towards the front door which was halfway open, my dad standing by the door waiting for me.
"Heck Yeah!", I answered with excitement.
Honestly I didn't care what kind of vehicle Dad had brought me. I'm greatful, regardless of the result. I knew the countless days I spent with day learning how to drive would be worth it in the end.
"Anna! Hunter! Behave yourselves while we're gone will you?", Dad shouted up the stairs.
"Yeah!!!", They both shouted from inside Anna's room.
"So, what do you think you'll be getting?", Dad asked me out of curiousity.
I casually shrugged not knowing what to expect at all, "To be honest with you, Dad. I don't care what I'll be getting. I'm just happy knowing all the hard work will be worth it."
He smiled and gently pat me on the back. "That's my boy."
My phone started to buzz as a sporadic jingle played. I brought out my phone to see Dolly trying to call me. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my right ear.
"Heya Dolly."
"Sup, my BBFF.""Hehe, I'm still never gonna get over that name."
"So whatcha doing?""Dolly, you won't believe this. My Dad's finally getting me a car. After months of learning, it'll be worth it."
"Dude that's amazing!!! What if it's a corvette, a chevrolet, or even a lamborghini.""Woah Dolly slow down. I'm Aaron Daniels not Logan Paul. Besides that's kinda of a stretch for a first car don't you think?"
"Yeah I guess, but are you coming by later on to show off your new hot rod?""Oh sure, so what're you doing right now?"
"You know, the usual. Bothering Dylan, playing around with our siblings, and living life to the fullest.""That's great to hear. So how's Da Vinci doing? I know she didn't take me not "like liking" her very well. I was just curious of how she's been taking it lately."
"To be honest, I think she's fine. Although now that you've brought it up she's been going outside a lot more recently. She's usually painting down in the basement. Though, from what she told us it seems she's made a new friend. Da Vinci isn't too big on telling us who it is though.""It's good to see she's moved on and to top it all off she's making friends. I'd say that's some good progress for her."
"You don't say? Well, Dylan's calling me over so I'll talk to ya later.""Alrighty then. Bye Dolly, Love you."
"Aww, Love you as well."I hung up the phone and looked up at the road. I was shocked to see that were already here. Many cars littered the parking lot across the street from us. There's so many possibilities of what vehicle I'll recieve.
"It's that time, son. Come on.", Dad said with pride. "God, you're growing up too fast. Just like your father."
I chuckled, "Come on now Dad, let's save the emotional family good times for later. I'm already on edge to see what kind of car you got me."
He nodded in agreement and got out the car while I followed suit. Dad jogged into the parkinglot holding out the keys that belong to my car. I did my best to follow after him so I didn't get lost in this maze called a parkinglot.
"Here it is kiddo.", Dad announced just as I finally caught up with him.
It wasn't as crowded anymore, but I was at last able to see what car Dad had in store for me. A bright red 2016 Honda Odyssey sat clearly out in the open, the fresh paint glimmering in the sunlight. It's not the kind of car I expected it at all, but I'm grateful for it.
"So...what do you think?", Dad questioned nervously. He probably thought I didn't like it.
"What? Dad I love this!", I happily replied. "A van is just as great. This means I have more room for all my friends. I don't even have to ask you to try Anna, Hunter, and I anywhere. Heck! We could even go camping with this thing."
I attempted to take keys from Dad, but he flinched and kept them out of my reach. "Hold on there kid. You gotta promise me something first.", He sternly mentioned and I nodded. "You gotta pay for your own gas, obey the law on the road, no going over the speed limit, and don't put other people's lives in danger."
"Dad, you know well that I'll do everything in my power to show you how responsible I can be.", I said with full honesty. "I promise you, I'll follow the rules."
"Ok then, don't take advantage of my trust.", He warned before handing me the keys.
"Remember, be back home no later than 10:00 pm.", Dad reminded me.
I took them out of his grasp and ran towards the van. I unlocked the door and got inside, immediately starting the engine. My heart raced with anticipation as I put the car in reverse and then to drive before exiting the parkinglot onto a highway.
"Hey Dolly, I'm on my way to your place."
"Great! Can't wait to see your new ride.""See ya until then, bye!"
I placed my phone on the dashboard and kept my eyes on the road. 101 Dalmatian Street was about a block away. Something then caught my eye on the sidewalk to my left. I slowed down the car as I saw a small dalmatian that had her face covered. I recognized the purple and pink paws anyway and the bandana. I proceeded to roll down the window.
"Da Vinci is that you?", I called getting the dalmatian's attention. I motioned her over to my car as to not cause a scene. She looked both ways to make sure nobody was looking before dashing towards my car and quickly entering.
"Woah DV, you ok?", I asked
She brought down her scarf which concealed her face from everyone's view. "Y-yeah, I'm fine.", She bashfully answered.
I got back on the road and continued heading in the direction of the Dalmatian's house. Da Vinci stared out the window watching things pass by us.
"Dolly told me you made a friend.", I brought up in hopes to start a conversation with her. "That's some good progress since you aren't much of a social butterfly. You mind telling me about them?"
"I-I don't know. They're an artist just like me.", Da Vinci said.
I smiled with glee, "I'm glad you've found someone that you actually have something in common with. Anyways, I won't pester you any longer. I'm happy for you though."
Da Vinci looked back out the window as the awkward silence soon came back. School starts back up in a week, so there's something else I'll be looking forward to. Glad things are changing here in Camden for the better.