The Accident: Based On A True Story

Chapter Six

The funeral is in an hour and since the whole plate accident, Sarah and I haven't really spoke. She's already there and getting everything set up. I would have went but, she left while I was in the shower. Guess I'm finding my own way there.

(Text message from Keegan) "Where are you?"

(Text message from Casey to Keegan) "Home."

(Text message from Keegan) "You aren't coming?"

(Text message from Casey to Keegan) "I'm going to start walking there in a minute."

(Text message from Keegan) "I'm leaving now. Be there in ten."

I don't understand why he wants to help a killer so badly. But I'll take the help this time because I can't miss my chance to say goodbye to my other half and my only niece.

Eight minutes later, he was at my door yet again. In a black dress, black sunglasses, and black converse, I answered.

"Let's go.", I said as I walked past him to his 2005 Jeep. Ryan loved this damn car. She really wanted a motorcycle but David and Sarah refused to let her get one. Next best thing? A jeep. At least in her mind. I'm more a smaller car type of girl. At this point though, I never want one. I never want to drive again.

Getting to the church earlier than planned, I decide to stay in the car for now. I don't want to talk to anyone but so much of the town has already showed up. Classmates, parents, teachers, everyone is coming it feels like.

"I don't think I can go in.", I told Keegs while looking at the church.

"Its going to be hard. But you won't be alone through it.", he said as he put his hand out and I put mine on top of his.

The inside was as expected - packed. Two caskets, one abnormally small, sits in the front of the church, closed. With my glasses firmly glued to my face, I cry silently inside. Have you ever seen a child's casket?... No one should ever have to... Inside, I know, Summer is with her favorite stuffed bunny and purple blanket. She hated small places and now, she'll remain in one forever.

Ryan is in hers alone too. We came in this world together and now she's left without me, alone, to be with mom and Summer. I'm still wearing the other half to our yin and yang necklaces and she, hers. As Gemini's and twins, we just felt that it fit us perfectly. We fought at times but at the end of the day, she was my rock. No one could understand me like her.

Keegan and I take our seats in the front by Sarah and other family members.

"I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the beautiful lives of these two girls, Summer Morgan and Ryan Carpenter.", the Pastor said to the crowd. Sarah is trying her best to be strong but it's obvious she's suffering too.

"A couple weeks ago, a tragic accident claimed the lives of three people, two being these girls.", the pastor continued to talk as I drifted away in memories, pain and guilt.

My brain is trying to wrap itself around all of this but it won't for some reason. I know they're gone but sometimes, my mind plays tricks on me. It feels like they're coming back. Like I just chose not to see them but they're still here. I still feel that way with my mom. She loved us so much and regardless of money problems or personal problems, I always felt safe and loved. The last time I was at a church, we were getting food from them. She worked but sometimes only had enough to pay rent and the bills. I'll never forget those times.

But she made sure we had what we needed even if she had to take a punch to her ego once in awhile by borrowing from someone or going to the church for food or clothes. She made up a game called dash and dress. We'd go through the boxes outside of our local thrift store left by people who donated them. If we got there early enough, we could get some stuff before the store went through the items and tagged them to sell. She had a way to get us involved without feeling embarrassed or ashamed about it.

Leah and Sam are in the back with other kids from school. I have yet to even talk to them, or anyone really.

The pastor called on anyone who wanted to go up and speak. Sarah was one.

Crying, she said, "I just want to let you know how amazing these girls were inside and out. The light they brought to so many of us was truly a gift."

Choked up, I get up and walk outside of the church. Keegan runs after me.

Hyperventilating, I try to get out my words.

"I can't - I can't breathe."

"Case, look at me.", he says trying to help but I hear nothing but my inner thoughts.

"Summer can't be in there. She can't breathe. She hates small places and dark places.", I get out while still sobbing.

"Hey, its gonna be okay ", he says as I cut him off.

"And Ryan needs me. I have to help her with her math project. Its due next week. She has to graduate to join the army"

Keegan grabs me and hugs me while I break down.

"We have to help them.", I say in one last ditch effort to try and change my reality. 

But I'm still trapped in this nightmare.