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got there, when the Jeep would inevitably screech and crank upon entering the school parking lot. It also seemed that every time she’d agreed to a ride in the past, there were always a queue of boys about ready to poke fun at her expense. Her cheeks would often turn the colour of a ripe tomato when this happened, in stark contrast with her olive complexion. This would lead her to bombard her peers with a commentary about her public humiliation; for it was the only way she could think of handling such a situation. Although, it wasn’t what the majority of her peers thought that really bothered her. It was actually what one boy in particular might think that made her uneasy.
    â€œPlease Dad, not this morning. I’ll catch the bus around the corner. If I go with you, I’ll only be made fun of when I get there.”
    He popped his head out of the driver’s side. “Don’t be silly. Hurry up and hop in. Otherwise you’ll be late.”
    Reluctantly, she traipsed over to the passenger’s side door and claimed a seat. With a grimace and stroking at her forehead, she glared out toward the road before them. Just when she thought her morning could not possibly have gotten off to a worse start, Duncan proceeded to play his collection of old country western songs and hum relentlessly along with each verse.
    Katherine could feel herself becoming nauseous; she wound down the window and hung her head out, trying to create distance from the melancholic music. Not one to forget, she remembered once admitting to him that she found some lyrics fairly thought-provoking and sincere, but it seemed that every song her father would play was about dealing with hardship and loss. It was all so depressing.
    â€œDad, I’m more than capable of taking the bus like everyone else,” she said. “I just don’t feel comfortable driving with you to school in the morning; I often get made fun of.”
    â€œWho makes fun of you?”
    â€œSome of the boys and girls at school,” she responded. “They look for every opportunity to tease me.”
    And anticipating how Duncan was likely to respond, she acted with haste to cut him off before he could go on a long winded spiel.
    â€œAnd as you’ve taught me in the past, I know they only do it to cover for their own insecurities. But why give them the opportunity in the first place?”
    â€œThey only make fun of you because they know they’ll get a rise out of you,” he said, looking rather disgruntled. “If it wasn’t me driving you to school, then it would be something else. Besides, with all these earthquakes happening, I worry for your safety. You should be grateful to know that I care.”
    â€œI know you care, Dad. But it’s so embarrassing rolling up to school in this old beat up jeep.”
    â€œBe kind Kat, she might hear you,” he laughed, as he stroked the dashboard.
    â€œNow that I’ve got my licence, you could at least let me drive. It would be good experience.”
    â€œWhat, and wreck the Jeep even further,” he said. “I’m not even sure how much more the old girl can take.”
    Katherine narrowed her eyes “How am I supposed to learn then if you won’t even let me drive? I’ve had my learner’s licence now for over three months.”
    â€œMaybe if you were to start getting better grades, I’d”---
    â€œBuy me my own car?” she quickly interrupted.
    â€œI was going to say that I’d let you take the bus,” he snickered with a cheeky grin. “So, when are you going to introduce me to this boyfriend of yours? I need to know if he measures up.”
    She could feel a sudden rush of blood go to her head, and the little hairs on the back of her neck were now standing on end.
    â€œHow do you know…?” She asked, her bottom lip trembling. “Have you been eavesdropping in on my private conversations with