The Price of Collision

"I've got this. I know these roads like the back of my hand. Let me get everyone home safe and sound!"Carmen Smith's voice cut through the silence, and I jolted awake to find her gripping the car keys, her eyes shining with hope as she scanned the crowd.That was when it hit me: Carmen had been reborn, too.She nudged me when I did not respond. "Yvonne, I just figured everyone's exhausted tonight. So, I offered to drive your car. Don't read too much into it."In my previous life, Carmen had exploited my allergy to alcohol, knowing I could not drink, to convince me to bring my car to the party.Whenever someone mentioned leaving early to catch the last bus, she would point at me with a sly grin and say, "Why worry? We've got our very own chauffeur: Yvonne!"She was our class leader once. Now she's here to serve, too. What's the big deal?"Next time you're in a bind, just call her like I do. She's a sweetheart; she'll never say no."Back then, I brushed it off as her being blunt

Then, Carmen slid back into the driver's seat, grumbling to herself, saying, "Lucky for me that nosy old hag didn't screw things up. My sweet ride should be showing up any minute now."Patrick was practically buzzing with excitement, rubbing his hands together, saying, "Awesome, we're going to be filthy rich soon!"The folks in the back seat paid them no mind, convinced they had lost their marbles.As predicted, ten minutes later, Carmen pulled up to the spot where my car had been rear-ended in our previous life. Sure enough, a sleek, limited-edition luxury car pulled in right behind us.Carmen shook with glee at the sight. "That's my ticket!"She hit the brakes hard.In a flash, the luxury car smashed into my car.This time, everyone lost it, pointing at Carmen through their tears, asking, "Why does tonight have to be such a disaster?""Seriously! If you can't drive, stop showing off with other people's wheels, will you?""Let us out! I'm done with this deathtrap!""Carmen,

"A problem?!" Carmen's face went ghostly pale as she yelled, "What could be wrong with my brand-new car? You must have messed it up!"The motor vehicle office employee wasted no time and swiveled the computer monitor toward her.The screen flashed the ominous words.[Reported Stolen Vehicle.]With a blank face, the employee explained, "This car was reported stolen six months ago. It's now listed as a stolen vehicle."It's a stolen car. Yet, you still want to think about transferring ownership."And in your car, we also discovered..."Carmen cut him off, her voice filled with disbelief as she said, "That's impossible! Everyone here saw it!"The owner gave me this car! How could it be stolen?"The crowd of classmates who had been watching with envy then buzzed with the thrill of gossip."How could this happen?" someone muttered under their breath.At that moment, the shrill sound of an alarm filled the motor vehicle office, sending everyone scrambling for the exit.Seconds la

I did not hold back; I nodded. "Yeah, she said a little drink wouldn't hurt. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen."The cop's face went dark, and he exploded at Carmen. "You hurt someone because you drove while intoxicated? No wonder you wanted to deal with this quietly! You've broken more than a few rules!"Inside, now. We're taking your statement!"Carmen gave Patrick a look, like she was begging for help. "Patrick... Say something, will you?"Patrick shook it off. Then, he grabbed my hand, all serious and stern. "Carmen's out of line, trying to throw dirt on you."Carmen stared at him, stunned. "You! What are you saying?"However, Patrick ignored her and continued to talk to me. "Yvonne, you didn't deserve any of this. I knew something was up with her from the start."Don't worry, I'll tell the cops everything and make it clear you're not involved."I pushed him away, feeling revolted. "I know I'm not involved. Just keep your distance."However, Patrick grinned and