Drive

= My Short Story  =

Drive by Courtney Lampman “Hey Mckenna, you ready to go?” my best friend Zoe asked. We were going to a party at Jack’s house, a senior that I had met a couple times. “Yeah, I’ll drive.” Soon, we were pulling out of the driveway and on our way to Jack’s. We had heard Jack threw awesome parties but had never been invited, not surprising, we were only sophomores. As we pulled in to the driveway, I got a nervous feeling in my stomach. I thought back to all the shows on MTV I had watched with people partying, they seemed totally normal. This will be fun I thought to myself, just everyone having a good time. As we rang the doorbell a senior named Sara answered the door. “Hey, do I know you?” She slurred out. “Yeah, we’re both sophomores.” We said at the same time. “Oh, alright come on in, beer’s over there.” She said smoothly. Zoe and I exchanged nervous glances. Sarah looked at us funny, “Maybe you two should be at the playground with your moms.” She said with a smirk. “Are you kidding? We drink all the time.” Zoe lied. “Oh?” Sarah said satisfied with her answer. As she walked away I mumbled, “Zoe, maybe it’s not such a good idea to be here.” I had always been the nervous, reserved one. “Chill, we’ll only stay for a little. I’m going to go talk to Zach, text me if you need me.” Zoe said politely. “Okay, see you.” Zoe glanced back at me as she walked away. I glanced around and spotted Mary, a girl I had Spanish with. As I made my way over, Jack bumped into me. “Oh hey, you made it. Want some beer? My parents shipped in a fresh keg.” He said nonchalantly. “Sure,” I said with a smile. “So, are you having fun?” He said glancing at me. “Yeah, you certainly know how to throw a party.” I said glancing back. “Yeah well, my brothers taught me everything they know, they’re probably partying right now at the university.” He said, handing me my cup. “Thanks,” I said taking a sip. Yuck. I knew I shouldn’t be doing this but something inside told me it was okay and made me look older and cool. I finished the cup and grabbed another. Then as I started to walk away, he grabbed my arm. “Hey, I need to go get more beer, we’re running out and it’s only midnight. You want to come?” I thought quickly I knew he had been drinking heavily and it wasn’t safe at all. Not to mention if I was seen with him and his fake ID was discovered my perfect record would be ruined. “Sure.” I said with a smile. “Okay, this way.” He said motioning to the garage door. As we walked out to the garage I thought. You can still back out Mckenna. No one is making you do anything. I climbed into the front seat and buckled my seat belt. “You wear that thing?” Jack said smiling. “Yeah, just in case.” I said laughing. “You’re funny,” He said, backing out of the drive without his seatbelt on. Soon we were driving along laughing and singing with the blaring radio having a great time. I should’ve listened to my conscience when it told me not to get in the car with him. Everyone knew what could happen with a drunk driver. We were just approaching a busy intersection that my father had lectured me about always, saying stop always, because it was very busy and the trees were tall, easily hiding oncoming cars coming from the side. Jack cruised right through it, not stopping. Suddenly, I heard a crash and breaking glass and felt something crushing me from the side. The next couple hours were hazy to me. I remember being wheeled into the ambulance and a kind nurse telling me I had to stay awake. I tried so hard to stay awake, but my eyes were so heavy. I kept telling her that I couldn’t feel my body. I was wheeled into a blank white hospital room and soon dozens of doctors were tapping my feet and asking me if I could feel anything. My whole body felt numb. I couldn’t feel from my neck down. I didn’t realize I was paralyzed. I thought my body was just shaken from the accident. I asked constantly about Jack, making sure he was okay. The doctors told me he had a couple broken ribs and would be fine. The alcohol I had in my system had given me brain damage so I would have to re-learn everything. I stayed in the hospital then soon attended rehab to try to help me walk again. My parents hired the best physical therapist they could find, knowing that he couldn’t even fix me. I was paralyzed for life with no escaping the permanent damage the accident had caused. I had only heard stories about people becoming injured from drunk driving. I knew, my conscience knew, everyone knew, I shouldn’t have gotten into that car or have drank that night, but I did and I still face the consequences today.