FIONA

Chapter Seven: Coming To A Complete Stop

The following morning, the sun weighed down heavily upon the earth, blinding Fiona from the glare it cast upon her windshield. She put down her visor. It helped somewhat, but not much.

Coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, she leaned over to get her sunglasses out of the glove compartment, when another car hit her from behind.

Getting out of her car, Fiona inspected the damage to her bumper. There was a small dent in the fender. One of her taillights was cracked. She knitted her eyebrows and turned around to confront the guy who hit her. "What were you thinking? Are you drunk, buddy? Learn to drive. However did you get your license in the first place?"

"I'm sorry, lady. I worked the midnight shift and am just now headed home. I guess I must have dozed off," he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"Why would you be so stupid to drive when you're drowsy? Don't you know you could have killed someone on the road? You're lucky there was no serious damage or injury. I'm getting checked over by my doctor. I strongly suggest we exchange insurance information and stay here until the police arrive. I'll call them on my cell phone. Just to make sure, I'm going to take a look at your license plate number. Lucky for me I have a photographic memory," she snarled, walking back to her car to retrieve her cell phone from her purse.

Fiona waited for the police in her car.

Ten minutes later, an officer approached her, "Ma'am, I took down the other driver's information. Are you alright? Do you feel any physical discomfort at the moment?"

"I seem to be alright. But, again, one can never know for certain about any injuries, regardless of how large or small. I do know many times the physical discomfort from a car accident doesn't show up until a little later. Like within twenty-four hours of the incident. Anyway, officer, here's my driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. By the way, I did take down the license plate number of the vehicle that hit me, in case he tried to make a run for it, and drive away from the scene," she said, handing over her information.

"Yeah. It's a good idea. You did the right thing. In my experience, there have been drivers who have fled the scene of an accident they were responsible for. You can never be too sure how folks will react. I gave the driver of the other car the ticket. Definitely report the incident to your insurance immediately, so they can take action, too," he said, handing her information back to her, "Are you sure you don't require any medical attention, miss?"

"I'll make an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. Thank you, officer, for your kindness, support, concern, and help. Am I free to go?"

"Definitely," he smiled, and headed back to his squad car.

"Uh, officer. Can you please write me a note I can give to my boss? The accident has made me late for work. I'm supposed to train some team members at the department store I work at. I don't want to lose my job," Fiona said, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

"Sure. I'll be glad to write you a note," he said while walking back over to her car handing her a slip, "Drive safe, and have a great day."

Walking through the doors of the department store, Fiona walked into her boss's office. He was on the phone with the buyer of the store. So, she walked out of his office to punch in.

Returning to her boss's office five minutes later, Mr. Murray yelled, "Fiona, where have you been all this time? Do you realize the inconvenience you put us all through? It's not like you to be late."

"I was in a car accident. I know I should have called on my cell phone. But it happened so quickly, I didn't have time to think. The only place I thought to call was the police. An officer showed up ten minutes later. Look, I have a note from the officer explaining everything," she said as she handed the note to him.

Reading the note, he calmed down, and replied, "You're excused. Especially since the accident wasn't your fault. Are you alright, young lady?" Looking up at her with his penetrating eyes.

"Yes, but I'm going to make an appointment to have my doctor check me over to be sure," she said as she turned around and headed out the door.

Mr. Murray called out to her, "Fiona, your people are waiting for you in the team member lounge. They're anxious to start their training."

Fiona looked back at him, saying, "Yes, sir. Thank you. I'll tend to them immediately."