The Accident: Based On A True Story

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I asked Eric if Carmen could join us and like I had expected, he agreed. We ended deciding on Little Italia. If you can't figure out what that is yet, it's Italian food. I think the last time I was here was a couple years ago. Today I decided on chicken parmesan, Carmen got lasagna, Eric got spaghetti and meatballs, and Lorraine got steak and a salad. Leave it up to her to get the only non-Italian thing on the menu. We went to a steakhouse for Eric's birthday last year and Lorraine got chicken.

"I'm glad you got to join us.", Eric told Carmen.

"Thanks for inviting me.", Carmen replied.

"So how do you guys know each other? School?", Lorraine asked.

I wasn't quite sure how to answer that.

"Umm, no. Mutual friends.", I answered.

"Oh okay.", Eric said.

"What school do you attend?", Lorraine asked Carmen.

"Meadow Academy.", Carmen answered.

"Wow, that's pretty far.", Eric said.

"It's only like an hour from here.", I chimed in.

"Do you live here in Rayden?", Lorraine had to ask.

Can someone please Lorraine a badge and a job at the station? She's acting like some kind of detective.

"No. I live in Golden Hills.", Carmen replied. "Sorry but can you excuse me for a minute?"

She got up and walked out the front door of the restaurant to take a call.

"She seems nice.", Eric said to me.

"Yeah. She's cool.", I responded.

We sat there in eating in silence waiting for Carmen to come back. At the moment, she was the one bridging the gap between all of us. Glancing out the window, I saw Carmen on the phone and lighting a cigarette. WHY?!?!?! Lorraine looked out the window right after and I'm positive she did appreciate that I have an underage friend who's smoking.

"How has that boy been? Keegan, is it?", Eric asked.

"He's fine.", I said feeling I needed to add more even if it was a lie. "I hang out with him everyday at school."

I used to.

"And things at the house?", Lorraine asked.

"Good. I'm not home a lot because of school and friends. I've been going to Sam and Leah's a lot."

I realized the more you lie, the easier it is to do the next time. I'm not proud of it but I don't hate myself for it.

......

All together, the dinner wasn't bad even if it got weird at points. We ended up getting dropped off at my house earlier than expected when I told them I had to study for a math test. I didn't. I mean, I'm sure there's some kind of test about to cone up but I wouldn't know.

"I have to go.", Carmen said about an hour after getting back. "My parents are about to be home and I need to be there when her there."

"Okay. Text me.", I said as I saw her out the door.

"Of course.", She replied as she walked to her car.

(Text message from Keegan sent at 7:52 PM) "What are you doing tomorrow?"

(Text message from Keegan sent at 8:03 PM) "I wanted to see if you wanted to hang out.

(text message from Keegan sent at 8:04 PM) " We can talk. Maybe go see a movie?

(Text message from Keegan sent at 8:11 PM) "Casey?"

(Text message from Keegan sent at 8:17 PM) "...."

(Text message to Keegan from Casey) "Sorry. I was at dinner with Sarah's dad and Lorraine.

(Text message from Keegan) "So you want to hang out tomorrow?"

(Text message to Keegan from Casey) "I have plans tomorrow but I'll text you when I get back."

Keegan never replied back after that. I wish he just did what Sarah and everyone else has done and forget about me. He's a great guy and deserves someone as equally as great as he is.

Checking the answering machine, there's yet another call from my counselor, Mrs, Bowen. Well there was until I deleted it. Its become one of my daily routines. Kind of like brushing my teeth, doing a line, or cutting myself.

Realizing I have barely any clean clothes left, I decided to do laundry. Ryan used to get hurt all the time. The girl would trip over her own feet on the daily. I used the same technique Sarah used to, to get the blood off of all my sleeves. It worked!

Waiting for them to drive, I'm at a loss for what to do. I can't wait for tomorrow. For another party around people who I enjoy. Around people who let me be me without judging me or pretending to worry. With them, I'm not a murderer.