The Accident: Based On A True Story

Chapter Seven

I waited, with Keegan, in his car until the funeral was over. After, we drove to Sarah's fathers house, Eric. He agreed to host everything afterwards knowing everything Sarah has already had to deal with. Eric's always been a good guy. Last year for our military ball and owning his own limousine company, he took me, Ryan, and some of our friends to the dance in a limo. He sure didn't have to do it. Technically, his only kid is Sarah. We're not even blood.

The military ball is for members of ROTC at my school. I had joined NJROTC after Ryan did. Sarah wanted me in an activity and I figured at least way, I could learn to spin a rifle. It's pretty badass when you see a girl who is more than just pretty, smart, or all about makeup. I also wanted to be better than Ryan was at it. Its a twin thing.

Pulling up to Eric's and his wife, Lorraine's, place, it helps knowing that everyone won't be here. Just immediate family and friends. Company is not something I want right now or can give in return.

Getting out of the car, Eric was there to greet us.

"Hey, honey.", he said while giving me a hug. " How are you doing. How's your arm?"

"Better.", I said only referring to my arm. " I won't need to the sling as long as the cast."

"I know it's a tough time right now, for all of us, but don't hesitate to give me a call whenever you need anything."

"I'll keep that in my mind.", I replied. But last thing I need to do is take Sarah's dad away from her too, in any form.

"Where's Sarah?", I questioned Eric.

"Inside, with the family. I'll see you inside?", Eric asked.

I nodded my head before he went inside, walking past a few people outside of his house.

Once Keegan and I got inside, I was bombarded with family and friends asking how I was and trying to console me. Others seemed like they wanted consoling from me. I wanted none of it.

Sarah, with a glass of some kind of wine in her cup, is drinking. If I was able, I'd have my own glass, or twelve, right now.

"How are you doing?", I asked Sarah while Keegan went to the bathroom.

Sarcastically, she replied, " How do you think I'm doing?"

She walked away after that still refusing to make proper eye contact with me.

"I want something to drink.", I told Keegan once he got back.

"What do you want. I'll get it."

"Alcohol.", I claimed, knowing that he cared for me and would help.

"Do you think-", Keegan said as he was about to discourage it. He wasn't against drinking but there usually is a time and a place. I normally get that.

"I don't need a lecture Keegan. If you can't help that's fine. I won't be mad."

After a moment he answered, "Stay here. I'll be back."

Waiting for him to come back, I took Eric's offer to get some space in the guest room. I texted Keegs to let him know where I was at. I don't know where he went but, in fifteen minutes,he came back with a bottle of wine.

"I didn't know what you'd want but I know most chicks love wine.", he said as he closed the bedroom door and pulled the bottle out from under his jacket.

"Lock it.", I said before Keegan locked the door.

"Do you have a corkscrew?"

"No. Should I?", I asked.

"Me either. And I figured you wouldn't. I grabbed a bottle that has a twist off lid.", seriously, Keegan is secret superhero. How is he not taken yet? I've tried to help him find a girlfriend but it never works out.

Being the gentleman he is, he opens the bottle and hands it to me. I don't care about cups, I just take a swig from the bottle feeling the need to puke at first taste. Bitter was not what I was expecting. Keegan took a drink after me but took it better.

"Thanks for this.", I told him as I took another drink.

"You know none of this is your fault, right? None of us blame you."

Why does he keep saying things like that?

I quickly change the subject.

"How's your family?", I asked.

"Worried about you.", he said but he sees the side eye I'm giving him while taking another drink before he does again.

"They're good. Candace has a recital next Thursday. She wanted me to ask you if you wanted to go."

Candace is Keegan's little sister. At the age of eight, she already has dreams of becoming a superstar. Being the camera hog she is, I have no doubt that its a possibility.

"Maybe. I'll have to see.", I said, knowing that I most likely won't be there.

"No pressure.", he said as he took a drink. "Can I be honest with you? I don't really want to go myself. I see her practicing the same dance everyday.

Keegan and I nearly finished the bottle by the time everyone left and I was feeling it.

"Just don't! ", I heard from downstairs. It was Sarah arguing with Lorraine about drinking.

I got up and went to living room. Keegan followed behind.

"You have no right to judge me! What have you lost", Sarah yelled at Lorraine and Eric.

"Sweetheart, calm down.", Eric said trying to calm her.

"Don't touch me!", Sarah said and Eric listened.

As she said that, her red eyes landed on my own red eyes.

"Great... Where have been? Would you like to run out again? Seems like it's your best quality.", Sarah said to me.

"You're drunk.", I replied. She chuckled then walked up to me.

Lifting up my chin with her hand, she says, " And what are you?"

"Can I stay here with you guys tonight?", I asked Eric and Lorraine.

"Yes.", Eric said before Lorraine said, " Of course."

I turn around to walk away immediately after but am pulled back by Sarah.

"The hell you are.", Sarah said.

"Let go!", I said as I managed to pull my arm away. Keegan grabbed me and went outside.

I could still hear them from outside. Eric took her keys prompting more yelling. Eventually an Uber picked Sarah up. I know I can't stay here forever, but what happens after tonight? Go back to a house that's no longer a home? Maybe Sarah will do both of us a favor and kill me.