by Lisa Decandia

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt-the story of my life, I thought as I looked in the back seat at my youngest daughter. I exhaled and chuckled, it was better than the alternative.

I had been driving all day, taking my oldest daughter to work, dropping the puppy at the vet's office, and transporting the neighbor kids to and from school. My youngest had asked to ride along and all I wanted was little peace and quiet.

Was that to much to ask? From the moment we got in the car she started to talk about her computer game, her friends at church, the dream she had the night before...On and on she went. I just blocked my ears until her voice was a distant hum in my head, replying, "Uh huh," every now and then to reassure her that I was listening.

A noise in the back caught my attention and I glanced in the rear view mirror. My daughter's smile covered her entire face. I exhaled, chuckled, and tuned back in to hear her saying, "So I just shouted at him why are you staring at me? For no reason I did this and when my teacher looked at me I gave him a wicked smile and nodded. He just turned around shaking his head mom. I think he felt sorry for the boy. Oh well, everyone knows how I like to stir things up when I'm bored. I'm just glad someone gave me a chance."

The alternative...Deja vu...me being twelve, riding in the back of the family car and trying to talk to my parents about my day only I knew they weren't listening. Deja vu is often my opportunity for change. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt...I think not, more like, been there, doing something different, I need a new t-shirt.

http://www.helium.com/items/316922-short-stories-deja-vu