May muses 29: Driving with dad
Day 29 of May Muses! The idea for today: what if Charming had to give a younger Emma driving lessons? Sorry, I know automatics are more common across the pond, but I only know how to drive manuals (and even then I'm sketchy lol) so that's what this will be based on!
"Ok, this time, be nice and gentle with the clutch. That way, you won't stall." Charming tried to give Emma an encouraging smile, but the way his knuckles were so white from gripping his seatbelt showed off his nerves to Emma. Emma concentrated hard as she began to accelerate down the road. When she needed to change gears, she was more gently with the clutch this time around. She didn't stall! Emma was so surprised by her lack of failure that she took her foot off the pedals completely and the car came to an abrupt halt. Emma sighed in frustration, resting her head against the steering wheel.
"I'm never going to get this." She grumbled, defeated. Charming rested his hand on her back.
"Yes, you will." He promised her. "It just takes time. It's a brand new skill. When you first began to walk, you weren't steady on your feet. You fell over, a lot. But that's ok, because each time you fell, you got back up again. I need you to do the same here, and I know you can." Charming promised her. "No matter how long it takes, we're going to get this, Em." He promised her. Emma looked back at him, big green eyes so filled with trust.
"You promise?" She asked him. Charming bent down and kissed her forehead.
"I promise." Emma nodded, focusing again on getting the biting point. She got it right, and set off slowly in the right direction. Charming watched her proudly. She was never one to give up, he hadn't expected her to now. He knew she would get the hang of driving in no time.
