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Everyone desires independence and freedom. Most teenagers' first taste of independence comes once they're free to drive. They've even more freedom when they don't have to borrow a car from someone.
A teenager with flowing white hair was finishing work on his custom motorcycle. Jeff Brooks's father ran an auto repair shop. Unfortunately, he allowed his son to use unwanted parts to build his own vehicle.
Provided he kept his father up-to-date. Furthermore, it was thoroughly tested before he took it out for the first time. His son loved motorcycles. He'd been building his bike since he'd turned thirteen!
No doubt, it was one sick ride! He could ride it for the first time in two more weeks. What made the thought of that first ride even more thrilling? Jeff planned to take his girl Sata out with him.
They planned to cruise around before going to Sata's favorite sushi restaurant. Sata was a Japanese-American and thus embraced her cultural heritage. She even brought traditional bento boxes to school instead of eating the school's food. That's how strongly involved with her heritage she was.
Jeff hoped to impress her both with the bike. Plus, he'd been working harder at learning Japanese. But, unfortunately, he still couldn't speak it fluently. Yet, he was past conversational. So that was a plus.
"I hope you aren't thinking of doing anything stupid, son," his father remarked as he wiped the grease off his hands.
"Don't worry, Pop. Everything will be perfect. I've been studying for my driving test for the past three years! I can handle it!" his son exclaimed, exasperated.
"Okay, Jeff. However, as your father? I need to make sure you're acting responsibly and remaining safe. I don't want you to become foolhardy and then hurt someone."
"I have already sworn never to drink, Pop. So don't worry about me being intoxicated! I'm way more mature than that!" he snapped defensively.
"You're sixteen years old and prone to the stupid choices of that age," his father retorted. Then his features softened. "Nothing against you personally, son. Simply stating the fact you're a teenager. Thus bound to make a few stupid mistakes all teens make."
Jeff sighed, knowing his father had a point. Nevertheless, it still grinds his nerves. "Okay, you've made your point, Pop. Now can't I please finish giving my girl her shine?"
"Alright, Jeff, but don't stay up too later with her. After all, it's a school night," as his father left whistling, "Fort Dixie."
Finally, the day came when Jeff finally got his license! He decked himself out in the most Harley Davis way to pick up his girlfriend. He did stop to pick up a few roses for her. Sata's hair was as dark as a moonless night. Her face was a smooth polished mask of breathtaking beauty with a smoldering fire in her dark almond-shaped eyes.
"Kon'nichiwa, Jefu. Kireina hidesu ne?" Sata greeted him. (Hello, Jeff. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?)
"Anata wa motto utsukushi, Sata," Jeff replied, to which she smiled. (You're more beautiful, Sata.)
Switching to English, she smiled at the rose he brought. Taking it gingerly, she inhaled its beautiful scent. "You sure know how to turn on the charm, Jeff. So where shall we ride today?" as he handed her a helmet.
"Wherever the wind takes us, I suppose. Don't worry. I'll still stop at your aunt's sushi restaurant on the way home. I keep my promises," he assured her as they got on the bike.
"You better, Jeff, or you'll be very dishonorable indeed. My father wouldn't like that at all. Only honorable young men may court his daughter," she reminded him.
Nodding, they took off for their first joyride together. Their first taste of freedom tasted better than her aunt's homemade sushi. Indeed a wonderful day of freedom!