lost in paradise

Culminating Story - Kiss of Death

He held on, with all of his strength, and he was not going to let go. After all, it was the only thing he had left of her. The necklace started to hurt his hand, but it didn't matter; his hand could start bleeding or fall off, but he was never going to let go.
~
"I want you to kiss me."
"Oh, shh. I'm driving, love," the influence of alcohol slurred his speech.
"Please. I want a kiss so badly," she leaned in and started to kiss his neck.
"Sweetheart. I love you and I want to get us there safely. I'll kiss you later."
"I want one now. How could it hurt?" she whined.
He leaned in quickly to kiss her, and then pulled away instantly. As he turned his head back to the road, he knew he made a huge mistake. He tried, hopelessly, to correct his steering, which caused the car to skid, passengers' door first, into a telephone pole. The pole started to fall. In response, he jumped out of his seat, desperately trying to free her, but failing. He got out of the car and moved far enough away, so when the pole fell and crushed the car and its contents, he was safe. Tears came streaming down his face and he couldn't stop them. He ran to her side of the car, trying to find a way in; a way to save her. She was dead; completely lifeless. His eye caught the sparkle on her chest. The diamond heart necklace stood out against her pale skin. He grabbed it and started running; without direction, without purpose, he just ran. Tears still falling steadily, he didn't know what else to do, so he ran until he couldn't run anymore.
~
Time doesn't heal, it just blurs things, but the memory of her will forever be embedded into his mind. He cried himself to sleep, night after night, wishing it had been a dream. The imprint of the necklace appeared on the palms of both hands, showing only a fraction of what it really means to him. He sat up straight, patting down the black tie around his neck as well as the suit. This was only the second night he wore the suit, the first being the night of the accident.
~
"Well, don't you look handsome, Ryan," Tracy smiled and shook his hand. "Carly should be down soon."

He smiled back, awkwardly; taking compliments was not his forte. Carly appeared at the top of the wooden staircase, wearing a fiery, red dress that reached the floor. It sparkled as she took her time walking, step-by-step, down the stairs. His smile grew, staring at his beautiful date for the evening.

"Madam,' he beamed, reaching his hand out. His other hand held a corsage, which he proceeded to place on her wrist.

"Oh, aren't you two just the cutest thing," Tracy chimed in. "I need a picture before you go."

Carly and Ryan stood side by side, holding each other and smiling at the camera, capturing this perfect moment.
~
He felt the pocket, inside of the suit jacket, for confirmation the picture still rested there, against his heart. He never would have guessed that the picture he now held would be the last picture they ever took, nor that that night would have been the last night she was alive.
~
They drove down the road to Mathew's house, Ryan's best friend, for a small get together before the dance.

"Hey man," Matthew greeted. "Come on in. There's drinks and food in the kitchen. Carly, you look fine," he winked and walked back to the group gathered in the living room.

"Want a drink, Carly?" He asked, watching her eyes examine the entryway. Her eyes darted to Ryan, when he spoke.

"Uh, sure," she smiled drily before moving into the living room. He proceeded down the small hallway to the kitchen, where he mixed two drinks, consisting of rum and coke and brought them to Carly.

"Did you know that 70% of the people here do not even go to our school?" Carly questioned, as she took the drink. "I know Matthew and recognize a few others, but most of the..." her voice faded as she looked around the room.