Waiting in the Shadows by Trish Moran Page B

important member of our community,’ he replied. ‘That’s why it is so important we free all of them from the Centre as soon as possible.’
    He stared into the distance, his mind far away. At the sound of the others returning, he gave her a quick smile, stood up, and walked towards them.

    The next morning they stood around a shiny new four-wheel drive. Ruby’s hand shook as she signed the papers that made it officially hers.
    â€˜I know, getting your own car is so exciting, isn’t it?’ the man smiled at her.
    â€˜So it’s all taxed and insured and ready to drive, then?’ she asked him.
    â€˜Yes, for you and your named drivers. It cost quite a bit, but as your friend said, you’ll all be using it, so it’s worth it.’
    He nodded at Celia, who stood exchanging technical details with one of the men from the garage.
    Soon after that the men left.
    â€˜Who’s going to drive it first?’ Johnny asked.
    â€˜Can I?’ Leon asked. All eyes were on Celia.
    â€˜It’s best if I do,’ she said. ‘We’ll take it on the flat stretch of beach over in the north. Once we’re all familiar with driving we can take it in turns.’
    They all got into the car. Celia narrowed her eyes and looked at the controls, ‘Slightly different to the simulator, but most are pretty obvious.’ She switched on the engine and the car smoothly slipped forward.
    It was like driving with an experienced driver, Ruby felt as they sped along the road. Leon and Johnny were chattering and laughing like excited children. Keith, in the front seat beside Celia, was carefully observing all her actions and occasionally asking questions, nodding his head thoughtfully as Celia replied.
    Once on the deserted beach, the twins began to argue over who should be next to drive. Celia selected Johnny, getting Leon to sit beside him while she sat behind, leaning over to remind or give any advice they needed. After ten minutes the boys swapped seats. Next it was Keith’s turn to take the wheel. Ruby sat on a rock at the side of the beach, trying hard to remember the facts she had learnt on the simulated drives on the laptop the previous evening, but it was like being back at school. Her mind had gone blank.
    Finally, she sat in the driver’s seat.
    â€˜Go when you’re ready, Ruby. Just remember all the things you did on the laptop last night,’ Celia smiled at her.
    After several false starts, Ruby managed to get the car started without stalling it. She could fell Celia stiffen as she crunched gears and drove along the beach at erratic speeds.
    â€˜Don’t change gear yet! Wait until you hear the tone change!’ she told her. ‘Steer to the left! You are going to hit that rock! Slow down!’
    Finally, the car shuddered to a halt.
    â€˜I can’t do this!’ Ruby cried.
    â€˜Of course you can! Anybody can …!’ Celia began sharply.
    Keith appeared at the side of the car and opened the passenger door.
    â€˜Celia, go for a run with the twins,’ he suggested in such a way that she climbed silently out of the car.
    He sat beside Ruby watching as the other three disappeared along the strand. He gave a sigh, then turned to her and smiled.
    â€˜Now, we’ll try again. There seemed to be an excessive amount of pressure on your performance up to now. It could not produce positive results,’ he smiled again. ‘Start up when you feel it fit to do so. I don’t think you will be ready to drive on a public highway today, but you should be able to manage the rudiments of controlling this car.’
    â€˜But … Celia thinks I will be able to drive as well as she can,’ Ruby said.
    â€˜Don’t worry. Between us we will always have a driver until you feel confident in yourself. Don’t let Celia intimidate you!’ he smiled.
    By the time the others returned, Ruby was able to drive the car fairly