The Accident

Part 1: Edgar

My father told me he'd buy me a car when I turn eighteen. Well, lucky me. I just turned 18 last month.

The day after my birthday, I got what my father promised, and I was so happy that I hugged him really tight. But until now, he still got that why-in-the-world-did-you-choose-that-car look on his face, and if only you can see my car, you would probably have the same look.

The day after I turned 18, my father brought me to his friend's car shop. His friend's name is Carlito, a 49-year-old bachelor who probably vowed to spend the rest of his life selling cars. He has the good looks alright, but I don't quite understand why he never got the chance to settle down. Perhaps he fell in-love when he was my age but never got the guts to tell her his feelings, or maybe a girl he was dating then turned him down right away and that made him vow to himself to spend the rest of his life selling cars. I don't really know.

My father is my best friend, although sometimes, I have to be very patient with him. He has been drinking every night since my mother left us for another guy. He was badly hurt by their divorce, and I am the sole witness of all the tears he poured and the bottles he emptied. I think he still loves her, but I also think that he is aware that there are no more chances for the two of them. He still does his job very well though; his restaurant is still running quite smoothly.

Carlito was cleaning a black 80s Cadillac when we dropped by his shop. The moment I saw the car, a feeling of excitement rushed through my veins, as though I was seeing David Bowie or Tom Jones in person. There are times in our lives when we feel a spot-on connection to people or objects the moment we see them, and the moment I saw the Cadillac is one of them.

When Carlito saw us by the lobby, he immediately stopped what he was doing and cheerfully greeted my father. It was obvious in the way they greet one another that their friendship has a very strong foundation. They are college buddies, and they know every bit of each other's life story.

"Hey there, John. Need a new set of tires for your car?"

"It's been a while, Carlito. Well, actually, no. I need a new car for Jimmy. You see, he just turned 18 last month. You got new models available?"

"Oh, yes, my friend. I have a bunch of new arrivals from my suppliers from Germany and Japan. I know one of them would definitely delight your son."

My dad likes calling me Jimmy although my real name is Edgar. My hairstyle is similar to Jimmy Neutron's (but I don't have a huge forehead, okay?), and my father thinks I really look like him, although I think otherwise. Jimmy Neutron is not really my favorite cartoon character; Dexter is, from Dexter's Laboratory. Ever since my childhood years, I always imagined myself to be Dexter's assistant in his laboratory, but because my father calls me Jimmy Neutron, I tried watching some episodes of The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and the show is really cool. It's actually similar to my favorite cartoon.

"So, Jimmy Neutron, what would you like to have? Ford? Montero? Toyota? I have all kinds here. There are new arrivals, you see—uh, hey, Jimmy? Are you with us?"

"Uh... I guess so... Say, Carlito, is the Cadillac you were cleaning earlier for sale?"

When I asked the question, my father and Carlito looked each other confusedly. It's as though they were telling each other that I had to be kidding them both, and I wasn't.

"Are you kidding me, Jimmy? That Cadillac looks old to me."

"I'm not, father. I really like it. It looks beautiful and mysterious. The moment I saw it, I felt something inside me – a feeling I've never felt before. I would really love to have it, father."

"Carlito, is that Cadillac old?"

"It is, John, but don't worry. Its engine is still impressive. Actually, I bought it from a friend when I visited him in Ireland, and I was planning to put it on display in my car museum at home. But if Jimmy wants it, then, I'm putting it on sale. 30% off – for our friendship's sake."

"Alright, alright. Say hello to your Cadillac, Jimmy – and Carlito, thanks for the discount."

My father couldn't do anything. He didn't argue with me anymore because I just know that he loves me too much. I explained to him how I felt when I saw it, and now, I think he finally understood. I know that my Cadillac will bring something great to my life; I can feel it.