STICK SHIFT

It was one of the steeper hills in Lynnwood, WA

quiet

The Russ girls from high-school lived there

Dad decided it was time for me to learn to drive a stick

He pulled over in the middle of the hill

The steepest part

Yanked on the parking brake

Got out of the car

Indicated that I was to get into the drivers' seat

He climbs in the passenger side of the 78 Honda Accord

Nods his head

I'm probably 15 and a half

It's exciting though

I know how to work a clutch
With my hands

Had a dirt bike for a couple years

Hadn't changed gears with my feet though

Heart starts beating

Nerves are there

Pretty sure it was right in front of the Russ girls' home

I imagined they were peeking out the windows

Watching

Put my right foot down on the brake
Press and release the handbrake

Slide the left to the clutch
Shift into first

Switch right to accelerating
relax the clutch
and we're moving 

Press back on the clutch

Shift down to 2
accelerate
and

Up the hill we Go!
After that
I kinda hoped the Russ girls were watching