Big thanks to jlmayer, monkeybaby, peace486, Pharmergirl, and ki4pak for your kind reviews. jlmayer, I understand where you're coming from and personally think Anna shouldn't be quite so hard on her dad and she'll see that it'll just take some time. As one of my favorite fictional characters once said, "A lot of people are idiots at 15,". That's not to say Anna is an idiot, but just not seeing that being hard on her dad isn't quite the right thing.
There's a reference here to a deleted scene for 3x8, when Anna is talking about Danny's first car. Minor side note, I had her first car planned before I found out about Danny's first car.
When they got to the first car dealer, Anna was anxious but excited. The conversation even started off fine with Jamie giving her all the support she needed to get going on the car. "Morning, folks, what can I put you in today?" the salesman asked.
Danny and Jamie looked at her and when she didn't speak up, Jamie nudged her. "That Toyota there," Anna said, motioning to the 2002 Toyota they were standing close to.
"And will we be trading in today?" the salesman asked.
"No, the car is for me, the Jeep is his."
"I see. Well, we just had her in for a tune up. As you can see, no major dents or damage, no accidents on the record; a safe and practical car that any parent would want their child in," he said, looking more at Danny and Jamie than at Anna.
Anna looked up at Jamie to see what was next. "Let's take a look at the engine," Jamie said. As the salesman went to get the keys to the car, Jamie looked over the outside of the car. He walked all the way around it then check the underside, probably checking for rust. "Cosmetically, it doesn't look too bad but you can't tell until you look under the hood." Anna nodded and when they got the keys, Jamie popped the hood. Not seeing anything too concerning, he handed the keys to Anna and had her start the engine. It came to life on the second try and they let it run for a few moments.
"So? We ready to sign some paperwork? It's at a great price considering the year and the condition, safe and practical," the salesman said.
"Can I test drive it?" Anna asked excitedly.
"Sure kid, just as soon as I get your parent's or guardian's name on the title and the car is officially theirs," the man brushed her off. "So shall we step inside and draw up the papers?"
Jamie and Danny shared a look. "How about I test drive it?" Jamie asked. The man sighed but agreed and got Jamie's information before letting Jamie take it for a drive. Danny waited at the dealership and Anna went with Jamie. He drove the car around for a while then pulled into a parking lot and switched seats with her. Anna drove it around but eventually swapped seats back with Jamie and they went back to the lot. When they got there, Jamie handed the keys back to the dealer who was looking at him curiously.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"Anna?" Jamie asked.
"It's a nice car—" Anna started.
"Then let's get started on the paperwork. Mr. Reagan, this way please," the dealer said.
"Shouldn't we talk about cost first?" Anna asked confused.
"Just admire the car. This is business, sweetheart," the salesman said.
Danny looked from the salesman to his daughter then at his brother as Jamie laid a hand on Anna's shoulder. They could both tell how angry she was getting to be brushed off as if she knew nothing. "Could you give us a few minutes?" Danny asked. The man sighed and went back in the building. "Anna," Danny said as Jamie turned her around.
Anna huffed and stared at her father and uncle. "Anna, tell us what's wrong," Jamie prodded.
"It's a nice car, but I've worked years for this and I'm not about to hand most of my hard earned money to a man who can't, at the very least, show me a bit of respect. I know that I'm a kid and don't look like I know nothing but I know what I want," Anna answered.
"Oh?" Danny asked.
"Yes, besides anyone who pushes that hard to sell a car without a test drive has something to hide. Even if he didn't, he wanted to sell you or Uncle Jamie a car, not me. You've always taught me, Dad, that I am not inferior just because I am a girl; that I shouldn't let anyone walk all over me. What kind of message does that send to Jack, Sean, and Nicky if I let this guy treat me like this over a car? Is that what you want?" Anna asked.
"Of course I don't want that. You're my daughter and you deserve the most respect that anyone could ever give you. Part of you growing up though is me learning to let you stand on your own two feet. It's your decision, but it's also up to you to tell him," Danny said.
"Thanks Dad." Anna looked up at Jamie but he only nodded. Anna sighed then went inside. She thanked the man for his time but told him she wanted to look around some more. He acted disappointed but Anna could tell he couldn't care less about what she wanted. She rolled her eyes and left the lot.
This time, when they reached the car lot they walked around a bit before approaching the Pontiac. They were just looking over the passenger side window that looked like it had a bit of a crack when the dealer approached them. "Good looking car," The dealer said. "I'm Tom, how can I help you today?"
"I'm Anna, this is my uncle and my dad. We were looking at this 1999 Pontiac, what do you know about it?"
"A '99 Pontiac Trans Am, few previous owners, no major accidents but was involved in a fender bender. All fluids are topped off and it gets a full inspection before it hits the lot. So who is the car for today?" Tom asked.
"Me, but he's not trading the Jeep," Anna answered.
"Birthday present?"
"To myself."
"What else would you like to know?"
"Can we see the engine?" Anna asked. The man went and got the keys, then Anna fired it up when asked. They took it out for a drive and when they got it up to 65 on the highway, it started to rattle. Jamie looked it over when they got back and told her it could be something loose in the engine or it could be something bigger but he couldn't tell without really getting into it. Either way he told her it was her choice if she wanted to chance it. She decided against it and they went to the third dealer.
"Welcome to Apple City Motors, my name is Bob, what can I put you folks in today?" Bob asked, looking at each one in turn.
"I'm Anna, this is my dad and my uncle Jamie. We're interested in the 2004 Honda," Anna answered smiling.
"Good choice, it's a good, dependable, safe car," Bob said. "Six previous owners, no major accidents, non-smoker, just cleaned. Go ahead have a seat, and tell me what you think." He opened the door for Anna and motioned her inside. Anna slid behind the wheel.
She looked around and nodded. "Not bad. Looks a like all the buttons are here, same with the levers, cloth seats, which is good for New York ..." She trailed off looking around.
"Radio, tape deck, and cd player all work and are original to the car. Why don't you pop the hood and look over the engine while I go get the keys?" Anna found the release as the man walked away. She also opened the trunk. Jamie looked over the engine while she checked out the spare tire which looked in good condition.
"Anna," Jamie called. She walked over to where he and Danny were standing at the front of the car. Jamie pointed to the fan belt which looked a little worn. "It's a little worn so I'd have it replaced but it's a simple enough job. There are a few other things but honestly a little TLC and this car should be good to go."
"As long as there's nothing wrong in the engine during the test drive?" Anna asked.
"Exactly," Jamie said. So they ran the engine as Bob got all of Jamie's information for the test drive.
"Now, I know this car is for you, Ms. Anna, but due to insurance requirements I can't let you drive it off the lot. However I won't find out if your uncle here drives it off the lot and to a parking lot three blocks down the street. It's only insurance fraud if you crash my car," Bob said.
"Yes, sir," Anna said.
"So what do you folks think? Are we ready to deal?" Bob asked when they came back from the test drive.
"Uh ..." Anna trailed off, looking away from him.
"Hey, no sweat, I don't need a decision this second. You could—" Bob started.
"Hold up, is that what I think it is?" Anna asked, cutting him off. Jamie, Danny, and Bob followed her to the back of the lot.
"Ah, a 1995, cherry red, Chevy Camaro. It needs some detail work, some touch up paint on the body and some engine work but it's not a bad car," Bob explained.
"How many miles?" Anna asked.
"110,000, which isn't bad for a 17 year old car."
"What else?"
"Dual air bags, recently changed tires, power steering, and though it has more horsepower than the Honda, it's still a safe car," Bob said.
Anna looked at her father who had on one of those looks. One that said no chance in hell. "Come on, Dad, please? I'm paying for it all on my own, no help from you or my grandfather, please at least consider it."
"And what would your mom say if I let you buy a Camaro?" Danny asked.
"That I should have asked her first but she trusts me to be responsible. Like you were. Your first car was a Camaro. Besides you were considering letting me get a Trans Am Firebird. It's almost exactly like this car."
"I don't know, Anna, it's still really powerful for a little girl," Danny wavered.
Anna studied him like it was a game of poker. The right move here and she could win herself a car. "How about a deal?" she suggested. "You let me get it now and if I have less than five speeding tickets in a month, I get to keep it. Five or more and I sell the car for something you and Mom deem more practical."
"Any speeding tickets," Danny answered.
"Three," she stated.
"Three or more speeding tickets in the first month and the car goes bye-bye," Dann demanded.
"Thanks Dad," Anna hugged him.
"If your mom agrees. Look it over, I'll talk to her," Danny insisted.
"Deal," Anna said. She rushed to the car and popped the hood. "What do you think?" Anna asked looking up at Jamie.
"Radiator cap, fan belt, antifreeze, body work and a wash. That's just what I see to start."
"Oh," Anna said sadly.
"Less than $100," Jamie mentioned containing a smile.
"Oh," Anna said more hopefully.
"Let's test drive it," Jamie told her. Anna nodded. "So how exactly do you plan on getting your dad to let you buy a Camaro?" he asked as she drove it through town.
"He's pretty much on board. You heard him just now. If he pretends mom says no I'll get him with the fact that his first car was a Camaro and he went behind his dad's back to get it."
"And how's that?" Jamie asked.
"According to Pops, when Dad went to get his first car, he couldn't afford it on his own so he asked Grampa for the money. When he said no, Dad asked Pops who gave it to him. Dad's going to tell Mom about the deal and she'll probably add some stipulations but I don't foresee any major problems," Anna explained.
"I think he met your mom while driving that car."
"Yes, that too."
"And if I recall correctly, he had that car for about a year before he totaled it."
"Did not know that. I'm at least as responsible as he is. Maybe even more so." Knowing she had to get him back on her side, she changed the subject. "What do you think?"
"That even with all that, your mom is going to be a tough sell," Jamie answered not following her lead.
"About the car, Uncle Jamie," Anna laughed.
"Oh, well, it doesn't seem to be running hot or anything so the leak from the radiator cap can't be too bad. However I think it might have an idling problem. I'd have to get into it to find out what's really wrong. Other than that, it's a good car."
"Worth four grand?"
"Rarely is a 17 year old car worth four grand. I wouldn't go higher than 3500 for it. I'd also lowball first."
"Okay."
"Don't let him intimidate you. Your dad and I will be right there with you."
"Okay," Anna nodded sure of herself.
"That's my girl," Jamie said. They got back to the lot and looked over the engine again. "Looks good, Anna, what do you think?"
"I like it."
"So, the Honda or the Camaro?" Bob asked.
"Give us a minute," Danny said. Bob nodded and went inside.
"Daddy, what did Mom say?" Anna asked worriedly.
"Any ticket you get you pay yourself and we take the car of a week. If your grades slip, we take the car for a month, but she agreed with the rest."
"Yes, sir," Anna said.
"And it's your car, it's your decision. Your mom and I agreed."
"Really?"
"Yes," Danny said.
"Thank you!" Anna squealed.
"I think that means the Camaro," Jamie said. Anna grinned.
"That's a yes," Danny smirked. They went inside and Bob looked up from the paperwork he was doing.
"The Camaro," Anna said.
"Four grand," Bob answered, offering her a seat across from him.
"Ordinarily that deal would be great for a Camaro, but this one isn't in that great of shape and is 17 years old. I was thinking more along the lines of $3281," Anna answered taking a seat.
"I know it's not in that great of shape but it does run and has less than 115,000 miles on it. That's rare for a 17 year old car. I couldn't sell it for less than $3800. That's a really great deal."
"Maybe but I also know it's going to cost me nearly a grand to get it full restored so throw in tax, title, and license plate all included for 3450 and you have a deal."
"3500 all inclusive."
Anna bit her lip and looked from her dad to Jamie. Danny watched her carefully and Jamie smiled at her giving her strength. "Body work," she said turning back to Bob, "engine work, a car wash, replacing items, this car needs work. 3450 is a really great deal for it. Are you going to hold on to a car you need to fix this badly because of 50 bucks?"
Bob looked at them, carefully considering the deal. She could tell he was trying to tell how serious she was and Anna did her best not to let him see her nerves. Finally he conceded. "Fine, 3450 all included," he said, offering her a hand to shake. She looked at Danny who nodded and then shook the man's hand. They worked out the paperwork and paid the man then headed home.
"Mom, Dad's home," Jack called as he saw Danny's jeep pull up on the curb.
"Is Anna with him?" Linda answered.
Jack looked out the window waiting for someone else to appear from the car. "No," Jack said after a moment, "neither is Uncle Jamie."
"Finally finished," Sean said, joining his mom and brother in the living room. "Who's car is that?" he asked as the red car pulled into the drive.
"Looks like your sister got a new car," Linda said softly. It reminded he of the one Danny had been driving when they had first met.
"No way," Jack answered. He and Sean raced outside to check it out. "Awesome car," Jack said.
"Thanks, it's going to take some work but it'll be ready in no time," Anna answered.
"Will you take us to school this year?" Sean asked.
"You'll have to take that up with Mom and Dad," Anna said. "They're the ones that won't let me drive with you two in the car." Anna heard Jamie clear his throat. "And that's their right. They just want to protect us." Anna smiled and the boys went back to looking at the car. "Uncle Jamie, can we start working on it today?"
"How about after lunch?" Danny asked.
"Sounds good," Jamie said.
"Inside, boys," Danny said. Jack and Sean huffed but went back inside. "And Anna, not on the lawn, that's why we have a garage."
Anna rolled her eyes but went inside with her brothers. "I see you went with the Camaro," Linda said as Anna entered.
"Dad told me your stipulations," Anna said softly.
"Did he tell you if you're ever caught drinking or in police trouble or fail any classes, we take the car?" Linda asked.
"He did not, but I assumed you had a stipulation like that," Anna nodded, "I understand. You want to protect me and teach me right from wrong. This will do that."
"We just don't want you in trouble."
"Thanks, Mom. What's for lunch?" Anna asked. Linda smiled and shook her head.