The Accident: Based On A True Story

Chapter Thirty-Eight

"It's so quiet here.", David said to Sarah as he sat in his wheelchair and she on the couch. I sat at the top of the stairs, out of sight but listening. It's the first time there's been an actual conversation  between two people who live in the house. I miss it.

"I know.", Sarah replied.

Such a liar. She's never here to know.

"How have you been?", he asked.

"It's been hard. I keep thinking the girls are going to walk in any minute.", she said. "I keep waiting."

"I'm sorry.. I should have taken them to an empty parking lot to practice."

"David, don't. This isn't your fault. That truck ran a light and hit you.", she replied trying to comfort him. "There was nothing you could have done. No one blames you. The girls wouldn't blame you."

"How is Casey doing?", he asked.

"Better. Now.", she replied.

"I don't mean with what just happened. Since the accident, how has she been?"

"It's been rough. But she's handling it."

I don't know if she was protecting herself or me but she left out a lot. I didn't want to hear anymore. I went to my bathroom and realized someone had went through all of my stuff. My scissors, shavers, it was all gone. Anything with a point. And my bedroom door? Locked.

"Where is my stuff?, I asked as I came downstairs. "All of my stuff is gone."

"You know why, Casey.", Sarah replied.

"You- You can't do that!"

"Yes I can and I did."

"And my room?", I asked angrily.

"As soon as I go through it, you can go back in. Until then, you'll be in the guest room."

"You have to be fucking kidding me!", I yelled.

"Hey! Watch your language.", Sarah said.

"No! This isn't fair! You took my phone, my room, I don't even have a damn shaver!"

"And who's fault is that?", she asked.

"You know what, screw this. I'll be back. I'm going on a walk.", I said as I walked to the front door and opened it.

"Casey!", she yelled as I slammed the door behind me.

"Just let her go.", David said. "She needs space."

I didn't know where I was walking to but as long as it was in the opposite direction of my house, I was fine with it. I hate her. I absolutely hate her.

I walked for what seemed like hours but I couldn't even tell you how long it was because I didn't have a phone. I didn't have anything anymore. I have David but I'm sure it's only a matter of time until he hates me too.

(POV SARAH)

Looking at Casey brings up everything I don't want to remember. The accident, the day my daughter died, the day my sister died, the day my husband and other sister nearly died. I love her. Even if I haven't shown it. But it's hard looking at someone who looks identical to another person you lost. It's a constant reminder of what once was but no longer is.

Having David back, even though he just came home, has gave me a sense of relief. A feeling that things will be okay even if it takes time.

"You know you can't keep doing this, Sarah.", David said.

"What are you about?", I asked.

"I know it's hard to see her sometimes. But she's always going to remind you of Ryan. She can't change that. None of us can or should.", he said.

And just like that, he saw straight through me. Like he read my thoughts.

"It isn't fair to her or you.", he added.

"Things will get better.", I said. Not sure if I was assuring him or myself.

"Will they?"

"Yes, David. They will.", I said defensively.

(END OF POV)

I walked back home and ONLY because I had no where else to go.

"It's late.", Sarah said as I walked in the door.

Sarcastically, I replied, "I figured since it's dark."

"Do you know what time it is?"

"Oh, was that a serious question?", I said as i begun walking up the stairs with Sarah following. "Let me pull out my phone and check."

"It's nearly ten."

"Thank you, clock.", I retorted.

I walked into the guest room pushing the door behind me to close but before it could, Sarah pushed it open.

"What?!", I asked.

"Take off your jacket.", she replied.

"Umm, how about no."

"How about I'm not leaving until I check your arm."

"I went on a walk, Sarah. What? Do you think I managed to cut myself in front of random pedestrians and drivers? And with what? A leaf? You took everything."

Sarah folded her arms and didn't budge. I chuckled in annoyance but finally gave in if it meant she would leave. I stuck my arm out, she pushed up my sleeve.

"Told you.", I said. "Happy now?"

"Happy? You think knowing my sister is hurting herself makes me happy?", she said, annoyed.

"That's funny.", I replied.

"What? What's so funny, Casey?"

"Nothing. Forget it."

"No, go ahead.", she quickly said.

"Fine, you want to know?", I replied. "It's funny that now David is back, you want to act like you care."

"And what is that supposed to mean?", she asked.

"It means exactly what it sounds like. Take it how you want.", I said. "I'm going to bed. At least keep your word and leave now."

I got into bed and faced my back towards her. I could tell she had more to say but it was obvious that I wasn't going to listen to any of it. Why should I have to now?