"So, why do you let that freak run your life?" I inquired, as I threaded my way through the heavier traffic of the downtown area. "Does she treat everyone like what she did to Penny?"
Marcy nodded.
"Yes Sir." she replied. "It's just her way, I guess."
"It's her way of masking her own insecurities." I observed, as the traffic light ahead turned red.
I stopped the car and looked at her as I continued.
"Putting up that front is how she deals with the same feelings that you have. Deep inside, I'll bet you an orgasm, that she's terrified of someone doing to her what I did back there. Safe bet she was bullied or molested as a child, and now she takes it out on everyone else to make herself feel more powerful. It's all a front. At least you realize your meekness, but you're just as messed up on the inside; just in the opposite direction."
"What do you mean by that?" Marcy inquired. "How can I be like her, but completely opposite at the same time?"
"You're too dependent on others." I explained. "I don't think you are comfortable with making decisions on your own. You need someone to tell you what to do, and even if you could, I don't think you'd even know how to do a lot of things. When was the last time you did something on your own or spoke your mind?"
Marcy shrugged.
"I dunno." she replied honestly. "You're right, I need guidance from others to get by, and I really don't know how to operate things or make them work. I leave that up to Sara. As for speaking my mind, I did once when I was a kid. My father got so mad at me that he turned red in the face and started screaming at me. He leaned in and told me to never speak unless spoken to again. I guess I haven't."
"It scarred you for life." I observed. "Believe it or not, I used to be almost as timid as you are now."
"No way!" she exclaimed. "No fucking way you were ever just like me."
"Yeah way," I responded with a smile, "and look at how you just spoke up! You're away from that controlling bitch less than thirty minutes, and you're already growing a little backbone. How did it feel?"
Marcy looked at me in surprise.
"I'm sorry!" she apologized. "I didn't mean to-"
"Stop!" I said quietly, as I pulled into the graveled parking area of a closed nursery. "Don't say you're sorry, Marcy. You've got to stop being a mouse all the time."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be." she replied meekly.
"You just did it again." I responded.
"I'm sorry, Sir." she responded.
"Marcy..."
"Yes Sir?"
"Stop being so fucking obsequious."
"I haven't heard that word since I was in college." she said with a smile. "It's like something you'd learn for a spelling bee. I never thought I'd hear someone use it in real life."
"How long were you in college?" I inquired.
"Just a semester." she replied. "That's where I met Sara. She told me to drop out and be her girlfriend."
"So you just quit school because she told you to?!" I demanded. "Marcy!"
"Yes, just like I'm going to live with you now, because you told me to." she replied. "I told you, I can't make these decisions on my own. I need someone to tell me what to do."
"Do you have a job?" I inquired.
"Yes. I work at a quickie mart." she said quietly, dropping her eyes.
"Do you have a car?"
"No. Sara takes- well, took me to work. I have a driver's license; just no car. I can't afford the payments. Sara takes all of my money anyway. She says it's my contribution to our relationship. I get twenty dollars a week to spend."
"What a fucking cunt!" I spat. "When was the last time you drove a car, Marcy?"
"About five years ago." she admitted. "Sara won't let me drive."
"It's a wonder that two of you could even fit into that deathtrap." I remarked. "Ever drive a stickshift?"
"Just on a dirt bike when I was a kid." she responded "Why?"
I reflected for a moment before I responded.
"Marcy," I said quietly, "get out of the car."
She looked at me with a terrified expression on her face.
"Did I upset you?!" she asked fearfully. "I didn't mean to!"
"Marcy," I said softly, "you didn't upset me. I want you to switch places with me."
"What?!" she responded incredulously. "Why? I can't drive this car!"
"Because I'm going to teach you how to drive a stick." I replied. "Now get out of the car and get in the driver's seat."
Marcy stared at me in astonishment, but exited the car anyway. We swapped places, and I looked over at her.
"I don't think I can do this." she faltered.
"You can, and you will." I stated. "When you rode a bike, you shifted by ear, right?"
Marcy nodded.
"Yes Sir," she responded, "but this is a hundred thousand dollar car!"
"It's the same principle." I said encouragingly. "Look at the gear pattern on the knob, and shift when it sounds right. Just clutch with your left foot, instead of your left hand."
Marcy took a deep breath and nodded.
"Okay," she replied, "I'll give it a shot."
"That's what I wanted to hear." I said with a smile. "Adjust your mirrors, and make damned sure there's no traffic coming when you pull out."
Marcy nodded, and gingerly put the car into first gear. She drove around the parking lot a few times to get used to the feel of everything, and then cautiously pulled onto the road.
"Listen to the engine." I instructed. "Sounds good now, right?"