This story is for entertainment purposes only. All characters are fictional and 18 years or older. The road trip is five days long, so the story will be told in chapters.
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My father and uncle owned a classic car repair shop. Sometimes, they would travel to other states for car auctions. They would buy old beat-up cars and bring them back to be fixed up and sold. I went with them once, and they bought a car for four hundred dollars. They spent a week and a half fixing it and sold it for six thousand dollars. The car didn't resemble the car they bought. By doing that, along with fixing cars that people brought in, they were able to make a good living.
So, a few months after turned eighteen, my father told me that he and Uncle Frank were going to an auction they heard about six states away. He told me they were bringing their regular tow truck and the flatbed. When I asked him why they were both going and needed both trucks, he told me there was a specific car they wanted and that they were going to get me a car. I was so excited that they were doing this for me. The car I currently have is a shitbox and is not dependable. I gave my father a big hug and thanked him profusely. I don't typically like going with them, but I asked if I could go with them this time. My father explained that they would be gone for five or six days, staying in cheap motels and sharing a room. But if I wanted to go, it was up to me and Mom.
To be honest, I didn't care about the cheap motels. I wanted to help pick out the car. I worked at the shop they owned as a receptionist, so I wasn't worried about getting fired for missing work. I graduated high school seven months ago and didn't have a boyfriend. The boyfriend I did have joined the military right after high school, so my mother was my only obstacle. She always makes a big deal about nothing.
After dinner, I asked my mom if she had a minute to talk. She immediately said, "Whatever it is, Maggie, the answer is no." This is how she's always been with me. I don't know why. I would say I am a good person. I did well in school; I didn't get into much trouble growing up. I didn't ask for a lot, and unlike some girls I grew up with, I didn't end up as a teenage mother. Don't get me wrong, I was no angel, but I wasn't in constant trouble, either. I did everyday teenage things. I would drink at parties, break curfew, and tell an occasional fib to get things. I wasn't a virgin, but I didn't sleep with every hot guy in town either.
"Seriously, Mom. I wanted to ask you if I could go with Dad and Uncle Frank to the auction and help pick out the car we are going to get for me. Please!"
My mother laughed at me. "You do realize that you are eighteen. Right? I thought you were going to ask for money. If your father and Frank can tolerate you on the road, I don't care if you go. Make sure those two idiots don't drink and drive, please. Plus, I could use a break from you and your father."
I told my father that Mom said I was an adult now, so I didn't need her permission to go with them. I asked when we were leaving. My father asked me, "Are you sure you want to go? You'll be in cheap, cramped motel rooms with two old drunks every night. We can get really grumpy on these trips, and we try to keep the spending down to a minimum. I just want you to think it through, that's all."
I understood what he was trying to tell me. I thought it was funny that he said they could get grumpy. I think he meant drunks, not grumpy. I had already made my mind up. I was going with them. I didn't want them to pick my next car. "Dad, I'm 100% sure I want to go. If I can survive being around you and Uncle Frank every day, I can survive six nights in cramped, shitty motels with the both of you. Plus, this is the first decision I didn't need Mom's permission for. I'm an adult now, and I'm going to pick out the car you are going to fix up for me."
My father laughed and told me, "Be ready to go when we leave work on Wednesday. We won't be waiting around for you."
I went to my room and packed my small suitcase. I made sure I had enough clothes for the trip and filled a cosmetic pouch with my toiletries.
On Wednesday morning, I put my travel bags in the truck, so I didn't forget them. At five, we were on the road. I asked, "How long are we going to drive before we stop at a motel?"
My father said, "We'll probably drive until ten, then look for a motel. Get comfortable; it's going to be a while. And no complaining. OK?"
"Yup, understood, Dad. Get comfy, and no complaining." We got off the highway at nine o'clock and looked for food and a motel. Fortunately, we didn't have to look for long. There was a diner and motel on the strip we were driving on. After eating dinner, my Dad rented a room, and the three of us went in. As soon as we got in, there was a problem. There were two full size beds and a small table with two chairs right outside the bathroom. I asked, "What are the sleeping arrangements?"
My father and uncle started laughing. Then my uncle told me, "We each get a bed. You either share a bed with one of us, or you get the floor. You get to decide. Welcome to adulthood."
I wasn't offended by my uncle's comment. He and my father were always sarcastic. They were fun to be around. They weren't grumpy or mean. They have always been super close, and I have never seen them argue with each other. They would have disagreements but never raised their voices to each other. I told my father, "Well, Uncle Frank drew the short straw. Please don't be snoring in my face all night, Dad, or I'll have to jump into Uncle Frank's bed."
They laughed at me while Uncle Frank asked, "And how did I draw the short straw on this one?"