Growing up might not be as exciting as we thought, but whatever it takes to get me into a car, I’m there

The doorbell rings, loud and obnoxious. I run down the stairs, pull it open, yank Debbi in, and we jump up and down screaming until Ma comes out, a smile playing around her lips.

“So, you girls excited for your first driver’s ed class?”

We shriek in response. Ma laughs and follows us out the front door.

We jabber the entire way there. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited in my entire life, including Libby’s l’chayim.

Sorry, Libby.

Half of Bais Yaakov’s 11th-grade class is there. We high five and hug and giggle and generally make nuisances of ourselves until Mr. O’Brien tells us all to “simmer down while I introduce you to driver’s education.”

Spoiler alert: Driver’s ed is seriously boring. Like, I can’t keep my eyes open, boring.

I look around the room. Debbi has her chin in her hand, eyes glazed over. Faigy’s mouth is hanging open while she traces circles on her desk, and Sari’s eyes are actually closed. I reach out and poke her; she gives a little startle then rolls her eyes at me.

Well, I guess growing up might not be as exciting as we thought, but whatever it takes to get me into a car, I’m there.