Where It All Began

Arielle

My chest tightened the moment I realized what I had just done.

“Ari, how did this happen?” My close friend Tiffany was stunned. “Babe, are you okay?” she asked, looking at me after checking her car.

My lips couldn't process the words. Regret crawled up my throat.

Why did I want to go to the party in the first place?

Why did everything happen so fast? Too fast.

I stood there, staring at the broken left headlight of the other person’s car ahead of us. It felt unreal, like a movie scene unfolding in slow motion. I tried imagining every possible way this situation could turn out fine, but I found none.

I knew I was done for.

Tiffany’s eyes softened as she stepped closer. “It’s okay, Ari, no worries. Mine’s just a scratch. I’ll have it fixed.” She pulled me into a hug.

I nodded miserably and waited, already imagining the amount of yelling I would have to face next.

The next thing we heard was a car door opening.

I swallowed hard.

Tiffany stood close beside me, her arm crossed over mine.

A man stepped out and walked toward us, a rare face, or rather, an attractive one. My pulse quickened. I started folding my hands tightly just to control my nervousness.

He stopped in front of us, calm yet intimidating. Tall. Sharp jaw. Hair curled neatly to the side. A tailored suit I could never afford. He looked like someone from a very wealthy family, even more obvious with the driver and two bodyguards behind him. His cologne was so strong and expensive that I almost complimented it.

He was calm, but he was clearly mad. The smirk on his face confirmed it.

I quickly bowed, my apology spilling out. “I’m so sorry for hitting your car, sir. I didn’t see it coming. I’m very sorry for what I’ve caused, sir”.

Tiffany echoed me. “We’re so sorry, sir. We promise to pay for the damages we've caused.”

I had been driving slowly, and I truly never saw his car approaching. I knew it wasn’t completely my fault, but still, I had to humble myself.

He looked at his car, noticing the broken glass on the ground. “I want a new one,” he said, calm, final.

I blinked and looked at Tiffany.

“A new car?” she repeated.

“Yes, a new car. You’ve fucked this one up and I don’t use a repaired car.” He shook his head.

Was it forbidden?

My confusion grew. I wanted a better explanation, but I couldn’t form the right words

I was unaware that a tear slid down my cheek. I wiped it off immediately to avoid looking weak. “Sir, I’ll have it repaired. You wouldn’t even notice,” I said softly.

He raised his voice. “Never tell me what to do with my car.”

My pulse sped up. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that…” A lump formed in my throat. “I'm not able to get you a new car."

“Then you should have watched where you were going.”

“I was! Your headlights weren’t even on. I didn’t see it. I wouldn’t have hit your car otherwise.” I tried to explain as calmly as I could, even though I was shaking inside.

“Didn’t you hear a car sound approaching?”

Tiffany looked at me, waiting for an answer.

The truth was… maybe a part of it was my fault. I was partially responsible.

As I drove into the corner, my mind had drifted. I was thinking about money, how I needed to pay for my clearance and my project that was approaching. Being a final-year student came with too many responsibilities and too many fees.

The deadline was about to close, and I didn’t want to pressure my grandma. She barely earned anything from her knitting.

And my job at Sunny’s Diner, the money couldn’t get me anywhere. So no, I hadn’t heard the car. But asking for a new car was beyond ridiculous. I had no argument left. I kept quiet.

Tiffany broke the silence. “But, sir, she still can’t get you a brand new car. It’s just too much.”

“Oh, you will,” he said. “Or I sue you two.”

“Sue us? Come on, for just hitting your car?” Tiffany snapped, her tone rising. “It’s your fault and your driver’s. What if you hit someone? With no lights on? There are bushes all around us, and it’s dark.” I grabbed her hand, begging her silently to calm down.

The driver knew he’d messed up.

“How could you be so stupid? Do you even know who I am?” the man asked. His voice grew more aggressive; his eyes were wide.

“Sir, please. It’s not my friend’s fault. You don’t need to yell at her. It’s my fault. I’m sorry.” My throat burned.

“Sorry’s not going to do anything, young lady.” He looked me up and down. “You can see it’s a new car.” He pointed at it.

Indeed, it was. Brand new.

I nodded desperately. “Please, sir… I can’t afford that. I work at a diner down the street. I barely feed myself. I don’t have anyone. Please, sir… I’ll do anything you want. Anything other than getting you a new car.” I pleaded with everything I had in me. This was the worst moment of my life.

Tiffany and I exchanged a swift glance. Her eyes said something, but this wasn’t the time.

His expression sank. "You said you work where again?”

“Sunny’s Diner. It’s a few miles from—”

“I know the place,” he interrupted coldly. He observed us for a while, then he turned and walked back to his car. “I hope for your sake that’s true.” He said, then entered his car as his driver opened the door for him.

Tiffany and I froze.

He didn’t say anything else.

Of course, I was relieved he didn’t yell more, but the manner he left was….

The way he looked at me, like he wasn’t done with me. It scared me more.

He asked where I worked, then left immediately.

His car drove off, but before we knew it, it reversed slightly. I didn’t even notice when it stopped again; my mind was split in two. Tiffany pulled me quickly. “Come on, let’s go. What are you looking at?”

She climbed into the driver’s seat while I got into the back. Then we drove off.

But the thought kept echoing in my head.

Why did he just leave us like that? What if he shows up at my workplace?

My boss doesn’t even like me, and I needed to avoid trouble at all costs.

My fear was greater due to the recent occurrence than the crash. It started killing me, not being able to understand him.

And it scared me more, knowing this wasn’t over yet. He wasn’t done with me. This was not going to cost me money, but my freedom.