I'm Scared

I don't know why I'm scared of the dark, cold basement. I didn't use to be. It's maybe a little bit quieter and a little less organized than the rest of the house, but I don't really understand what's so frightening about it. But Karli and Tawni are both adamant that there are spooky things that go on down there. They tell me that the "boogie man" and "hobos" and "evil spirits" like to lurk in basements. I want to giggle at their ghost stories, but they're so intent on saving me from the horrors of the basement, that I try really hard to believe them. And so, I begin to cautiously descend the stairs into the deep, dark depths of the basement, more concerned about the 7 year-old girls on the top floor than the boogie men I'm approaching in the basement. 

I don't know why I'm scared of driving on the freeway. I've heard the statistics: you're much more likely to get in a car crash in a residential area, completely void of traffic, than on a freeway jammed with cars. Really, I have nothing to fear. Mom tells me that I only need to drive when I'm ready. Jaelynn says I shouldn't go until I absolutely, positively, feel comfortable. Melissa laughs that she's still unhappy on the freeway. Dad tells me that it's okay that I make mistakes. Jake, my little brother who has never ever driven a car before, says that it makes sense that I'm afraid that I'm going to die in a car accident. Look at that support. Really, I shouldn't feel nervous. I should feel lucky--lucky to have such an understanding family. Yet, every word of encouragement somehow makes me even more nervous than I was before. 

I don't know why I'm scared for this date. From what I know, he seems like a completely decent guy. I mean, I wouldn't dream of agreeing to a date with someone unless he's kind and fun to be around. I'm excited to get to know him, and to have a great night. I have nothing to fear: especially since Jaelynn says dates, not "hanging out" is the best way to find a husband, and Annie says that going to football games is the perfect venue, because there's no pressure when you run out of things to say, and Jami says he's probably already crazy about me since he asked me out, so I don't need to worry about impressing him. I shouldn't be worried, right? But suddenly, I'm absolutely terrified