ENTANGLED HEARTS; THREADS OF DECEIT

The thunder rumbled on with commanding authority as the rain hammered against the windshield in quick succession. The air in the car was so thick with tension that it felt suffocating. He gripped the steering wheel in anger as he sped on with rage. “Nathan, Nathan, slow down”, I pleaded with tears in my eyes. He looked at me, eyes filled with rage, before focusing on the road, the wet, slippery road, “Please, Nathan,” I begged, eyes filled with worry. “Just quit it, Lia”. Panic gripped me as he continued to accelerate, “Nathan, I’m serious; slow down.” I noticed a hint of panic etched on his face as the road twisted. I felt panic rise within me, but it was too late. The screeching of tires and a crashing sound were all my panicked mind could register. Then—silence. Utter deafening silence. We came to a jarring stop, the car resting upside down, half-submerged in the muddy ditch below. Steam rose from the crumpled hood, mingling with the relentless rain that seeped through the broken windows. I don’t know how much time has passed, but things seemed to have settled down a bit. My heart raced as I struggled to catch my breath, the world around me darkening. “Nathan?” I called out, my voice barely a whisper, fear clawing at my insides. “Nathan”, I called out, but there was no answer; I turned to see him still fastened by his seat belt with his bloodied head on the steering wheel. I wanted to scream, but my voice seemed to have stopped working. The blinding lights and wailing sirens of an ambulance followed, “please save him”, I think I managed to mutter before I was engulfed by the darkness. I jolted awake, and breathed a breath of pure relief as I realized it was a dream. I struggled to catch my breath, I dragged myself out of bed, the heavy weight of guilt and grief still lingering. It felt like a shadow that would never fade, no matter how hard I tried to push it away. “It’s just a dream,” I told myself, but deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. I could still hear the screeching tires, feel the car spinning, and see Nathan’s pale face etched in my mind. I look through my window on the streets of New York City as I enjoy my drink. It’s too early to get ready for work and I hate to be a burden, but I’ll be needing some Chloe energy. I quickly pick up my phone to call Chloe, who is nothing but an absolute ball of sunshine. I pressed dial, and after one ring, her bright, familiar voice filled the room. “Morning, babe! What’s up? How’s my favorite workaholic?” I managed to give a small smile, the sound of her voice pulling me back to the present. “I’m surviving.” “It seems someone is not in the best of moods. What’s the problem? Oh wait, don’t tell me it’s the nightmares again. “ “Yeah” I said trying to sound bright but the weight of my emotions are too heavy to hide. “The same one?” she asks, she’s already quite used to this by now. “Yes”, I reply in a less than half-hearted tone. Chloe’s tone softened, her usual playful edge slipping away. “I’m coming over. Coffee and carbs are happening. You can’t say no.” “But it’s 3AM Chloe”. I don’t even get to finish before she interjects, “no buts, Mademoiselle” “Okay, but bring the sugary stuff,” I replied, grateful for her unwavering support. While I wait for Chloe, I begin to mull over the events of that unfortunate night. And there’s one thing I still don’t understand. How on Earth did the brakes fail? I brought the car in for inspection that very day. I used it that evening before Nathan did. Did someone plan to kill me? My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of keys jiggling, yup, it’s definitely Chloe. I opened the door to see Chloe in her pajamas holding two cups of coffee and a box of glazed donuts. How the hell did she get donuts at 3AM? Oh well, that would have to remain an enigma for me. She plops herself on my sofa as she starts her lively chatter about some Indian guy at the museum she works for. I pretended to listen but my pensive look doesn’t go unnoticed by her. “Wanna talk about it?” I hesitated, the ghosts of my past swirling around me like a storm. “It’s the same as always,” I admitted, sipping my coffee as if it could somehow ground me. “The night of the accident. Nathan…the car crash. It feels so real like it’s happening all over again.” Chloe’s expression turned serious, her blue eyes locking onto mine. “It’s been a year, I think it’s high time you let go of this weight”. “I know, but it’s hard, it’s so hard because with every breath I take I’m reminded of the part I played in his death”. Chloe looks at me, worry evident on her face, “it’s not your fault, Nathan made his decision”. “I know, but I could’ve stopped it; we argued that day; I shouldn’t have said the things I said.” She takes my hands in hers in a reassuring manner, “Don’t blame yourself any more Lia.” I am immediately filled with the warmth coming from her words, I know she means them. I force a smile, determined to forget about the whole ordeal, well, for as long as I can. I am immediately reminded of the fact that today is my big day. The atmosphere immediately turns bright as Chloe and I squeal in excitement, my dreams are finally coming to fruition. I can’t let the past ruin this day for me.