Abstract
Designated Driver Amy Partin-Elliott (bio) It was the smell of "good, cold Budweiser"on the breath of my daddy, and it was the feel of a gear shifter,solid in my hand, in that big, old gray primered Chevy.I was driving, I was changing gears, squeezing the clutch,gently, gently, as he slurred to me, Doing good girl, doing good,and slurped another sip. I didn't mind, really, once I got going,the smoothness of first to second, second to third, third to fourth,and learning the subtle grace of when to give it gas.It soothed me, made me feel grown-up and able.I knew I could get him home. Is driving a talent, and gift you are born with?Because on that Saturday night, when daddy said drive for me,I didn't hesitate. [End Page 122] At 13, I was ready to keep him safe.We locked in the hubs, stumbling: him drunk in the dark, and me,unsure how to do it, threw it in four-wheel drive,and carried on. [End Page 123] Amy Partin-Elliott Amy Partin-Elliott grew up at Frakes, Kentucky, in Bell County. Currently, she works as a medical technologist in Knoxville and lives in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. This is her first print publication. Copyright © 2012 Berea College
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