Just an Accident

Untitled part

"Drive, drive, drive". Elise chanted causing Jason to press on the exhaust pedal. His heart was racing, throbbing painfully against his chest, he could feel the beating in his palms which had a death grip on the steering wheel. His knuckles had already turned a ghostly white, Jason noticed this but couldn't seem to force himself to loosen his grip.

"I can't believe I've just did this. Did it really happen? No it couldn't have. She wasn't meant to be there. This wouldn't have happened if I stayed home tonight."

Jason was in a trance. His muttering was becoming more and more incomprehensible, his foot was pressing down on the exhaust with increasing force. His breathing was erratic. Thoughts were flying through his mind faster than the continuously accelerating speed of his car.

After finding a suitable radio station, Elise turned in the passenger seat to face her brother. "J stop the car." Her worlds fell to deaf ears. "Stop the car or slow down". This time she raised her voice and placed her hands on top of Jason's. Her ice cold hands were what brought her brother back to reality.

The car was beginning to slow down, the urban scenery was no longer a blur. The two siblings sat in silence while they drove out of the town. Jason was still struggling to control his thoughts while Elise was calmly observing her older brother and tapping along to the upbeat song playing on the radio.

The young girl always had an air of knowledge and maturity that was far beyond her age. She knew what to say, when to say it or when not to say anything at all. Her big amber eyes observed everything with a look of curiosity. This particular characteristic was with her from birth. At first glance strangers used to mistake her for a doll; big eyed, silent and still.

"How are you so calm?" Jason broke the radio filled silence.

"Why shouldn't I be? It's not like we did something that bad. It was a small accident, nothing that we can't fix."

"Small?" Jason scoffed. His sarcasm was making itself known, this was an indication that he had stopped hyperventilating. Unlike Elise, Jason was an outspoken and active child, as a teenager he discovered the art of sarcasm and smart remarks. Becoming an adult he learned to control and filter all his thoughts, but when it came to his sister he never bothered to keep up the polite façade.

"Yes small. You did not intend for this to happen right?"

Without waiting for his reply she continued "We'll just need to get rid of the evidence, get new clothes, maybe change our identities, everything will be okay."

It was amazing how the 17 year old was able to say all of this with complete seriousness and conviction.

"Oh sure, hide the evidence, easy. Change identities, even easier." Jason was clearly frustrated he could not believe that he had just committed a crime. His first crime and one that could put him away for life if he was caught.

"Quit being a wuss. It is your fault that we are in this situation. Be thankful that I'm still here and willing to help you. You do realise that I'm leaving all my friends and mum and dad behind just for you? I know you haven't talked to our parents in years but I still love them."

Once again Jason grew silent he really did appreciate his sister helping him.

"I'm sorry 'Lise, it's the adrenaline."

"Don't worry about it, now where are we heading to?" Teeth chattering, Elise was rubbing her hands together to produce some warmth. The cold air from the outside had seeped into the metal contraption. It was, after all, the beginning of winter and the weather was especially bad this year.

The young man in the driver's seat glanced at the girl. She's going to freeze, how have I not noticed the cold? With that thought Jason turned on the heating. His body was using up the remained of the adrenaline, the cold had not penetrated his skin.

"Remember that little church right outside of Fittonstown?"

"Oh yeah we stopped there that one time when mum's tire got punctured and the caretaker of the church yard and the graveyard helped us."

This was a happy memory for Elise. She was twelve at the time, the family was coming back from the ice-rink, took a wrong turn and ran over half of a glass bottle. It was autumn and the world was covered in a carpet of orange and gold. This was Elise's favourite time of the year. Not too hot, not too cold and the fallen leaves were still crispy. This image combined with the magnificent stained windows of the little church were forever imbedded into the girl's mind.

"You know me so well. We're going on a little trip!" The young girl's face had lit up and she was now sitting up in anticipation. The mood in the car had been lifted at the mention of a trip.

"So am I forgiven for my unnecessary sarcasm?" Jason received a grin in reply.

"Tell me about school. Tonight has been the first time that I've seen you in weeks. You've got to have some news." This was his attempt at avoiding the much direful topic that was currently laying lifeless in the trunk of his car.

"Well you know just studying. Oh! I've got an interview in a few days for a scholarship at that performing arts academy that I always dreamed of going to. My teachers are confident that I'll get in, so fingers crossed." She crossed her fingers for extra effect and continued to grin.

"That truly is great news 'Lise. They'd be lucky to have you in their school. This is your first step to becoming an actress, right?" They were almost at their destination.

"Yes, and after I complete this course I can work in an art centre or even go work abroad. There are so many opportunities!" Jason was heartbroken by her enthusiasm. He knew that after tonight's incident her dreams of becoming an actress were ruined, but right now he did not have the heart to point this out to her. Instead of answering he focused on the road ahead. Most of the road was hidden in shadows with a spot being occasionally illuminated by a streetlamp.

A left turn here, swerving to avoid a pot hole, another left turn, passing by a stray car parked at the side of the road. Elise had gone silent. The atmosphere in the car had turned cold and dark. Finally after a right turn they arrived.

Jason drove past the church and into the graveyard where he parked under a large oak tree near the entrance gate. He opened the door, the bitter cold and fierce wind greeted him as he stepped out. It was almost like the elements slapped him, this was his punishment.

He tried to extend his walk to the back of the car as much as possible. Observing his surroundings made him realise just how deserted the graveyard was, no living soul could be seen. This should not have surprised Jason considering it was two in the morning, but he was on edge. Shadows loomed menacingly over him, swallowing his shadow.

"I'm procrastinating. Come on Jason you can do it." His attempt at self-encouragement was in vain. The young man stood frozen on the same spot for another five minutes, staring at nothing in particular and at everything at the same time. During that time he wished that Elise would come and comfort him again. But he knew she wouldn't, she couldn't, not any more.

With all the strength that he could muster he walked to the trunk. The graveyard silence was deafening. He clicked the lock. Shadows were growing bigger. He opened the trunk.

"I'm so sorry 'Lise. It was an accident remember?" Tears were streaming down his face as he looked at his sister's lifeless body.