The Accident: Based On A True Story

Chapter Twenty-Four

Montage of party scenes. Party goers are drinking, making out, doing drugs, dancing, etc.

Carmen is snapping photos for Instagram of all of us partying. I'm sure my eyes say it all because I look wasted and I am. Not to the point where I'm falling over but I feel good. I'm riding the sound of the music as my body feels every beat. I can thank that to the Noz, also known as nitrous oxide. They fill up balloons with it and charge two bucks a pop. Everyone else is doing it too.

"I love this one. I'm posting it.", Carmen said about a photo she took of her, Liam, Jake, Bryan, Paul, and I.

"Do it.", I said as I vibe out to the music. I didn't care. Its not like anyone I know has her on Insta or even knows her to begin with.
It was a pretty dope ass picture though. We all looked great considering how high we all were.

Liam, who disappeared for a few minutes, came back with shots. After setting them on the table, we all grabbed one.

"I want to make a toast.", I said smiling. "To you guys. Thanks for making these past however many weeks bearable. You guys are okay.", I said jokingly as we all chuckled then downed the shot.

I don't think I'll ever get used to straight liquor. It honestly taste like poison. But once its down and the burning is over, I'm good to go. Or at least for a little while.

"I think I'm dying ", I said before puking into the toilet as Carmen held my hair back.

"Casey, you're not dying. You're just drunk.", she said.

Thankfully, after getting sick for like an hour, I felt better.

"Here, do this.", Liam said as he set a line of coke in front of me. It'll help. Trust me."

What do I have to lose at this point. I did it.

The night came and went faster than I had realized. Suddenly, it was three in the morning and luckily by that time, we all sobered up a bit. I don't know how, but Carmen can handle alcohol like a champ. It's like it doesn't even phase her. Not for long anyways.

"Hey, can someone take me home? I need to be home before my older sister gets there.", I asked.

"Come on. I'll take you.", Liam said.

"Thanks."

After saying bye to everyone, we headed out on his bike. I know it seems pretty reckless to drive with someone who's been using or doing anything that was at that party, but he was fine by the time we left. What's the worst that can happen? I die and then what? I don't have to deal with this pain?  That doesn't sound that bad to me.

Arriving home, I got off his bike and handed him his helmet.

"I'm glad you came.", Liam said with a smile.

"I'm glad too.", I replied.

He leaned and kissed me. I kissed him back. I know Carmen said to keep him in the friend zone but he's charming, handsome, and likes me. Its kind of hard to not to like someone like Liam back.

"I'll see you later?", I said.

"Yeah. I'll call you tonight.", he said.

"You better.", I said before he drove off.

You better? Why would I say that. Ugh, Casey, get it together! Don't sound so desperate!

I went to check the messages and there was only one.

"Hello, this message is for the parent or guardian of Casey Carpenter. It's Kathy from Dr. Schneider's office. The Dr. Schneider would like to talk to you when you have the time so please call us back. Our number here is 818-555-3201. Thank you and have a wonderful night."

Delete. Why are they calling her about me? She doesn't give a damn about anything they're going to have to say. Whatever. She won't even know about it now. I don't need anyone's help. I seem to be figuring everything out just fine on my own.

Exhausted, I decided to go crash on the couch. I was out faster than ever. By the time eight rolled around, I was awoken by a call. It was Keegan.

"Hey Case, it's me. Just wondering where you've been. Wanted to make sure you were okay. I haven't seen you at school... Okay, well, call me or text me when you get this... I'm still here.", he said leaving a voicemail on my cell.

I knocked out once again before being woken up one last time. This time by Sarah.

"Casey. What are you doing here?", she asked while standing over me.

I refrained from asking her the same question since she was barely home these days.

"What time is it?", I asked trying to play it off.

"It's 10:30", she replied with a hint of anger behind her voice.

I sat up.

"Crap. I'll get dressed and go now. I didn't mean to sleep in.", I lied.

I went upstairs, washed my face, applied basic makeup, and came back down wearing the same thing except with sneakers.

"I'll drop you off."

"Thanks but I'll walk.", I replied.

"I didn't ask. Let's go.", she snapped back.

Another silent drive, she pulls up to the front of the school, and I get out. She drove away before I got to the entrance of the school.
In that moment I knew I had two options. Go inside or walk away from it now. I chose the second option. I left.

(Text message to Keegan) "Hey! What are you doing? Wanna come get me?"

A few minutes later, I get a text back.

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

Shit! Did I just text Keegan?!?! That was meant for Liam. Why was I thinking about Keegs? I blame his call earlier this morning.

(Text message to Keegan) "Sorry. Wrong person."

After resending the text to Liam, I texted Carmen who came and picked me up as I waited out of sight. The town, being so small, means that anyone can see me and say something. Everything spreads here like a disease especially if your family is still the talk of the town.