Beads of nervous sweat slowly started to drip down my face. Can sweat actually be nervous? Why not, its origin was me, and I was more nervous than I’d ever been in my life. I had never done this before and was now in uncharted territory.
It has happened to others, but I’m sure they are regular lawbreakers. Not me. I’ve always obeyed the law. That is until now. My eyes darted from the speedometer, rearview mirror, windshield and back again.
They would be coming for me soon. They have ways of knowing when such things occur. Sweat continued to drip, and I kept driving as I rehearsed my excuse, “Sorry, officer, I simply forgot.”
Guess I should start this story at the beginning. No, this time it isn’t a long, long time ago on an old familiar street not so far away called Flamingo. This story has its origin at a bank drive-through, just a week ago.
It never ceases to amaze me how a phone call, a letter in the mail, or knock on the door can totally change your life. Unfortunately last Tuesday it wasn’t any of those that upset the applecart of my otherwise very organized and well-planned-out day. It was the bank teller at the window.
After sending the check I wanted to cash through the air tube, (yes, I’m one of few folks out there that still uses checks) the teller asked for my driver’s license for identification. There’s a little red head and curly blond at the house that could identify me, I said. Her reply was “No.” I sent my license through the tube.
A few moments later she sent back the tube with my cash, license and a warning, “Just so you know, your license expired three days ago.” My car was instantly filled with panic.
From the parking lot, I called the Department of Drivers’ Services expecting to be placed on hold for at least 30 minutes only to speak to a rude government worker when the call was finally answered. This was not the case. The call was answered on the second ring.
After explaining the two reasons why I forgot to renew on time, too much babysitting and not enough sleep, I awaited the uncaring answer that was surely would come. I was mistaken. The well-spoken gentleman informed me of their new location, assured me there was no reason to panic, told me what documents I needed to bring, and head to the office.
After the call, I was stunned, but still worried. Driving home to retrieve the needed documents, and making it to DDS before being stopped by the police, would be difficult if not impossible.
Everyone knows they have special technology that alerts them the moment that a license expires. Not to mention those ever-powerful police drones flying around. Nothing gets past them.
Once home, I quickly retrieved the required documents, packed a drink and large snack. It was already 12:30 and by the time I reached the DDS, lines would surely be out the door. With government workers taking their normal hour and a half lunch breaks, the wait would be hours.
To say I wasn’t looking to spend the entire afternoon fighting for a parking space and then being squeezed into a crowded, stuffy, hot, and dimly lit room facing a bunch of uncaring folks sitting behind desks was an understatement. After letting out a breath of concern and frustration, I shut the door and started the car.
All during the 25-mile drive to the DDS, I kept a sharp eye out for the police and those flying drones. To my surprise, none were spotted. Also to my surprise, the new location housing the DDS was not at all what I expected.
The DDS building is newly constructed with plenty of parking. I carefully maneuvered into a space only 10 feet from the front, got out of the car, and walked to the door. That’s when the second surprise of the day greeted me. The door opened, but not automatically. It was opened by a real live person who not only held the door but also greeted me by asking, “How can I be of service to you?”
So surprised at this, I went outside and looked up at the DDS sign just to make sure I was indeed at the correct place.
One step inside and I had to go back to my car to retrieve a coat. Air-conditioning had the place so cold meat could hang in it. In a word, the new facility is incredible. Windows floor to ceiling on two sides let in tons of natural daylight and two widescreen TVs afforded easy viewing of all scrolling information.
The greeter walked me to the first counter and picked up needed paperwork as a kiosk issued a ticket number. After handing a clipboard to me, he carefully went over the forms and said if I needed any help, he would be standing by to assist.
Over each of the eight counters hung a large digital display of the number currently being served. With the numbers being called out so fast over the speaker system, I actually thought at any moment someone was going to jump up and shout, “Bingo!”
Everyone I came in contact with was courteous, knowledgeable and wore smiling faces. It was as if they actually were happy to be working there and to be of help to the citizens they serve.
The line went so fast I didn’t even have a chance to cut on my laptop. They took what I thought was gonna be a horrible experience and made it enjoyable.
Leaving the “not so dreaded” DDS, I treated myself to a vanilla milkshake with extra cherries. They make that special just for me at that chicken place with the red roof. And no, they still don’t think it’s funny if you drive up and try ordering a hamburger.
I enjoyed my time so much at the DDS, I just may tear up my paper license just to go back next week. But then again, maybe I better not. Don’t want to press my luck.
After all, those police drones are still flying around out there somewhere. If I destroy my license intentionally, they just might destroy me.
[Rick Ryckeley has been writing stories since 2001. To read more of Rick’s stories, visit his blog: storiesbyrick.wordpress.com.]
