ART PROFESSOR

GINA (SIX YEARS AGO) - I was so excited when Mira, my best friend informed me about a house party. Sarah Beckman was throwing a birthday party at her house and everyone was going to be there. As a high school girl, I just had to be a part of it. But I knew my dad, wouldn't let me go. He was always so overprotective, especially after Mom passed away. I had to find a way to sneak out without him knowing. However, luck kind of seemed to be on my side that night. Dad was attending a dinner date with a lady he met at his workplace and he entrusted me to babysit my thirteen-year-old sister, Allison. I was heartbroken seeing I won't be attending the party. I couldn't wonder what Dad would do if he found out I sneaked into the party. "Hey kids," Dad called out as he descended the stairs. Allison was sitting on the floor, engrossed in a TV show, while I scrolled through the Internet on my phone. "Well, look who we have here, looking very sharp Dad" Allison joked, bringing a smile to Dad's face. "Thanks, Ally," Dad replied before giving me instructions. He was a strict man, who didn't waste time, joking or dabbling around. "Gina I'll be back by ten. Watch your baby sister." "Dad, stop calling me a baby," Allison interjected Dad chuckled, "Well, as long as I'm your dad, you'll always be my Sweet Ally Wally, alright?" Allison simply nodded, and we said our goodbyes as Dad left for his date. I couldn't help but feel a twitch of jealousy as Dad left for his date, while I was stuck at home. However, I was glad to see him happy. It was the first time I had seen him smile and make a joke since Mom's passing. Whoever this lady was, she seemed to make him happy. My phone rang immediately after Dad left, and I answered it without hesitation. "Hey, girl." "G, where are you?" Mira's voice came through the phone, filled with excitement. "I don't think I can make it," I replied, glancing at Allison who was still focused on her cartoon. "Dad's out on a date, and I'm stuck with Allison." "I'm sorry G, but you have to be here. Sarah's party is on fire!" "I'll see what I can do," I promised Mira. Not going to Sarah's party would have serious consequences. It wasn't just about missing the fun; it could affect my social standing at school, especially with Charlie Wade being there. He was my crush, the hottest guy who had ever noticed me. I had to find a way to attend the party. "Yeah, babe, see what you can do because..." Mira paused and continued with a whisper, "Charlie Wade is here." Oh my gosh! Charlie Wade at the party? That changed everything. I had to figure out a way to sneak out without Dad finding out. Knowing we were running out of groceries, I came up with a plan. I pretended to go to the store to get groceries, wearing a casual outfit. However, I secretly hid my party dress in a bag, ready to change later. It was risky, but I couldn't let this chance slip away. I tiptoed to the back door, praying that Allison wouldn't catch on to my plan. She was no longer a little kid, and her suspicions were getting sharper "Gina? Where are you going?" Allison's voice startled me, and I turned to see her standing there, with worry etched all over her face. "I just need to run to the store quickly," I lied, trying to sound convincing. "But it's getting dark," Allison said, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Are you sneaking off to Sarah's party?" "What? No, of course not," I stammered, feeling guilty. I didn't want to lie to her, but I also didn't want to disappoint her. Allison sighed and rolled her eyes with an "I don't care" attitude. "Well, if you're sneaking out, make sure you're back before ten," she said before heading back to the living room. I couldn't help but smile at my sister's cleverness. She was growing into a fine and responsible young lady. I knew I had to be careful, but the temptation to attend the party was too strong to resist. If I could pull this off, it would be a night to remember, though I also knew there might be consequences if Dad ever found out. The night was filled with excitement and anticipation as I made my way to the party. My heart was pounding in my chest, a mix of nerves and delight. I knew I was taking a risk, but I couldn't resist the chance to see Charlie Wade. He was like a dream, and the thought of him noticing me was exciting. As I arrived at the party, the music was already blasting, and the house was packed with my classmates. I spotted Sarah, the host, and made my way towards her. "Gina, you made it!" Sarah exclaimed, hugging me. "Yeah, I couldn't miss it," I replied, trying to hide my anxiety. The party was in full swing, and I tried my best to blend in. I danced with my friends and tried to enjoy the moment, but my mind kept wandering back to Allison. I felt guilty for leaving her alone, and the worry gnawed at me. Meanwhile, back at home, I hoped Allison was okay. I knew I had to be back before Dad got home, and I prayed that Allison wouldn't say anything to him. I kept checking my phone for the time, trying not to let the apprehension ruin my night. As the night went on, I noticed Charlie Wade across the room. He looked even more attractive than I had imagined. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes briefly met. I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. Just as I was trying to gather the courage to approach him, my phone buzzed with a text from Mira. "Charlie wants to talk to you!" it read. I couldn't believe it; he wanted to talk to me! With shaky legs, I made my way towards him. "Hi, Charlie," I said, trying to act casual. "Hey, Gina, right?" he replied, flashing a charming smile. "Yeah, that's me," I managed to say, trying not to sound too star-struck and weird. We ended up talking for what felt like hours. Charlie was easy to talk to, and he seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. I couldn't believe my luck. It was a night I would never forget. As the night wore on, I checked my phone again, realizing that I had lost track of time. It was almost ten, and I had to go back home. Reluctantly, I said goodbye to Charlie and my friends, promising to keep in touch. I rushed back home, my heart pounding with both excitement and fear. I knew I was in for a serious scolding from Dad, but I hoped Allison wouldn't spill the beans. I entered the house through the back, just like I did, only to meet Dad pacing forth and back with his face red with anger in the kitchen. It seems he just arrived since he was still in his tuxedo suit. I knew what was to come. Immediately he spotted me I felt the floor should open and swallow me up. "Where are you coming from" Dad silently asked with a deadly look. Words found it hard to escape my mouth. "I said where are you coming from?" This time, he barked at me and I felt my body quiver at the sound of his voice "I'm sorry Dad, I went to Sarah's birthday party" My voice trembled, due to the fury on his face. "Gina, how could you? You were supposed to be at home, looking after your sister" He yelled with disappointment evident on his face. Before I could respond, Allison intervened, pleading on my behalf, "Dad, please, it's not all Gina's fault. I told her I'd be okay and that she could go have some fun. I didn't mind staying home." she ended hugging and urging to calm down but dad was so angry that he wanted to hit me. He forced himself from Allison who staggered and fell, hitting her head on the marble floor. I gasped seeing Allison on the floor, unconscious. "Dad, what have you done?" I cried, rushing to Allison's side, tears streaming down my face. Panic gripped my heart as I realized she wasn't moving. I screamed for Dad to call an ambulance. As we rushed Allison to the clinic, I clung to her hand, praying silently for her to wake up. I never wanted this to happen; I never wanted anyone to get hurt because of me. But as we arrived at the hospital and the doctors took over, it was evident that Allison's condition was threatening. The weight of guilt pressed down on me. If only I hadn't gone to that party, if only I had stayed home like I was supposed to, maybe Allison would be okay. Hours passed, and the waiting room felt suffocating. Dad's face was etched with worry and anger, and every time he looked at me, I could see the blame in his eyes. And he wasn't entirely wrong, I was responsible for Allison's safety, and I had failed her. Finally, a doctor emerged from the emergency room, his face sombre. "I'm sorry Mr Porter but we did everything we could. We couldn't save her."