Isaiah n Terence
Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

***

I was very excited when I found out that I had been invited to one of the biggest and liveliest party in town, hosted, no less, by my former classmate and her multi-millionaire family. It was the talk of the neighbourhood for weeks and as the date drew closer, I became hyped. On the day itself, I specifically bought a new set of clothing just for the party and admired my sense of style in the mirror before grabbing my car keys and prepared to go. I know you told me to be a little more thrifty, Mom, but forgive me this time.

“Remember, do not drink and drive,” my Mom’s voice resounded in my head. “Do not drink and drive,” I repeated and exhaled.

I parked my car nicely some distance away because, even though I was early, the place was already packed. I took out a small mirror and scanned myself just to ensure that I was at least well-groomed and presentable. Before I started walking to the party, which was to be held in their backyard, I took out a small cute hairpin with a strawberry motif and attached it to my fringe. How do I look, Mom? Glancing over my face once more, I finally decided that I was ready to go.

When I arrived, it was as if the party was already going on in full swing. There was loud music being played through huge speakers by a famous local dee jay, people were crowding the dance floor and getting low, waiters were carrying glasses of wine and hors d'oeuvres on trays, and there was even a chef roasting a lamb over a fire. I met a few friends and we started to party ourselves.

I was getting high on the environment when someone offered me a glass of lager beer. Although it had only a minimal amount of alcohol in it, I knew deep down that if I were to accept that glass, it wouldn’t be the only one I was going to have that night. And yet, I was seriously considering it. After all, everyone drinks and drives anyway. Why couldn’t I? I reached out with my hand to take the glass.

***

Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

***

“Do not drink and drive,” I could hear my mom’s voice resounding in my head. I snapped back and gained control of my logic and reasoning again. I politely declined the glass and took some Sprite instead. I felt proud of myself, the way you used to tell me I would, that I didn’t drink and drive although some people think I should.

The party ended without a hitch and the people started to leave. They drove off one-by-one, until the whole area became quiet again. I was completely alert and sober, wits all about me, and ready to return home safely and in one piece. I walked alone to my car, taking in the beautiful night sky and fresh air. And you know what, mom? I never knew what was coming—at least not to me.

***

Lub-dub...

Lub-dub...

***

I found myself lying on the pavement in a pool of my own blood and yet, I wasn’t hurting at all. I overheard distant chatter saying that I was hit by a drunk driver—the voices seemed so far away. It’s funny, really. I tried to laugh at the irony, but I ended up coughing up more blood. My body was turned around as I could see a paramedic inspecting me. He gave up halfway though, and said, “This girl is going to die.”

This girl is going to die.

Why did it have to happen? I did nothing wrong—I even steered clear of any alcohol. And yet, simply because someone else didn’t have anyone telling him not to drink and drive, I’m slowly dying here. I’m sure he—the person who caused this accident—had no idea of what might happen since he was feeling so high. He would be defensive, saying that he didn’t know he would kill someone and that it was really just an accident. Surely, he wouldn’t have the guts to admit that he knew full well that he shouldn’t have driven drunk but did it anyway. “You only live once”? But why did I have to suffer the consequences of his actions?

***

Lub...dup...

Lub...dup...

***

My mind is getting foggy and it’s getting harder to breathe.  My breaths are getting shorter, Mom, and I’m getting really scared. I tried hard to keep my eyes open, but the tears forming sting them. But I keep them open anyway. Because I know the next time I close them, they won’t see anymore. Maybe someone should have taught him that it was wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had, I’d be very much alive. Maybe I’d be home by now; already taken a bath, and tucked in to bed and ready to sleep—but here I am at the side of the path. So, why do people do it, Mom, knowing that it ruins lives?

I wish someone would wake me up and make this nightmare go away. I wish someone could hold me, and tell me everything would be okay. These are my final moments, and I'm so unprepared.

***

Lub...dup...
...
Lub...dup...

***

I’m coming back home, Mom, I hope you’ll be waiting for me. I just wish dad was here, so I could tell him that I loved him for one last time.
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 Written by,
Terence
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