My Happy Accident

16

The following days were just harder. I can't help but wait for Deanna's messages to pop up on my phone.

Our memories kept replaying in my mind. How she introduced herself as my girlfriend, how she gave her best, reliving the moments we shared together and the friendship we've made.

I know Deanna's love never perished, but I didn't pretend to love her just out of gratitude or because she's always there. I loved her. Not romantically, but I sure will forever carry her with me.

Months have passed since the crash. I didn't come to her funeral, which I partly regret, but I cannot see her in that state. The person who inspired me to get my life back again is no longer breathing. The person whose warmth never went cold is now in her ice-cold grave.

Another Friday with nowhere to go. I completely cut off my communication with the people we knew. I barely think of Ella, and we never crossed paths again after that night in the bar.

It's been pouring while I'm walking down the street, not knowing where to go. I have an umbrella, but I sure am soaking because of how heavy the rain is.
I was crossing the street, not using any of my senses, when a car blasted its horn at me. I almost got hit.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

The driver of the car yelled at me. She's been going on with her nonstop lithany when it suddenly stopped. That's when I turned to face her.

"Jema?"

I can never be mistaken. It's Ella's voice I'm hearing.

"Do you need a ride?"

She calmly asked, but I didn't answer. I just stared at her in silence.

"You know what? Get in."

She blurted it out with authority.

I stared at her for another few seconds when she started snapping her fingers in my face.

"Get in," she said impatiently.

I stepped inside her car, not knowing why I did. She reached for the seatbelt across from me. She's obviously an elf, so our eyes met when she grabbed it. I hope she didn't notice how tomato-red my face turned.

After fixing my seatbelt, she too fixed herself in the driver's seat.

"I want to apologize for how I acted the last time, and I'm so sorry for your loss."

Again, with this conversation.

"Thanks, but drop it. I don't really fancy having conversations about Deanna's end."

I plainly said.

"Sure. Do you mind coming with me? I know a ramen house not far from here."

Well, that was straight-forward.

I just gave her a questioning look.

"I just want to make it up to you. Besides, it's still raining," she explained.

"Okay," I replied, then fixed my gaze on the road.

The ramen house she was talking about was just a five-minute drive from where we were. The place is a bit warm, which is a good thing because I'm freezing.

I walked into the ramen house first. Ella's following me.
"Hey, go change your clothes. Those damp clothes will make you sick," she said, handing over a black shirt.

I didn't protest any longer because I'm already shivering.