Page 38 of Collided

I look around the car and find it littered with empty wrappers and cups.

Marie must’ve noticed me because adds, “I babysit kids, and they caused this mess. I’m gonna get my car cleaned tomorrow.”

“You babysit?”

From owning a BMW to looking like a model, Marie screams money just like Heath. Her outfits are from famous brands, and she changes stuff often. Even her phone cases are different each day.

“Yeah. I don’t like being alone. So, I spend time with children and they’re the most fun. My neighbors are busy and travel frequently and I babysit their two sons and daughter. They’re awesome. There are other kids too. Some in the neighborhood and others here and there.”

Marie lets out a short laugh. “Also, myparentsare rich. I’m not. They bought me this car, but everything else I bought on my own. I live in the uptown, it’s a lavish area, as you know. The people are wealthy, so they pay me well. That’s how I’m able to afford most of my stuff. But don’t get me wrong, Idosave and only buy stuff if I can’t help it. Like there’s this computer I’m building and the parts cost thousands of dollars. Lately, I’m saving up, and splurging less. I love pretty things, especially clothes and makeup.”

Sparing me a glance she adds, “There’s only one life to live. I want to make every second of it worth it. Turn my dreams true and fulfill my wishes. I don’t want to have regrets when I’m old and gray. Regrets are heavy. I don’t want to live under the weight of them.”

There’s only one life.

Regrets are heavy.

Turn dreams true and fulfill wishes.

Something snaps in me. I decide then and there that I will give my idea a try. If I fail I don’t have anything to lose, and if I succeed good things await for me.

“You’re wise, Marie.”

“Fuck no. I’m young, dumb, and broke.”

I laugh. “You’re definitely not broke.”

“Well…”

We both share a laugh.

“Tell me about yourself. I want to know everything.”

“There’s really not much to me.” I only now realize how blank I am. If I were a color I’d be white. There’s nothing to me. I’m boring, and so uncool compared to Marie who’s a rainbow.

“Tell me about your family.”

I swallow the confused feelings. “My mom is a nurse and my dad… he left three months ago.”But recently he paid a visit and almost choked me to death.

“It’s all right,” she says softly. I get the feeling that Heath hasn’t told her about the bruises. If he did, nothing would’ve stopped her from interrogating me. She cares.

“I’m mostly alone at home. Sometimes I cook food and bake—I’m not good at it. I blame the cookbook.”

She makes a turn. “I happen to be a great baker. We can do it together sometime. What do you say?”

“I’d love that.”

“Tell memore, Hope.”

“There isn’t much.”

She shakes her head. “Huh? I find that very hard to believe. You are nothing but full of surprises.”

I’m confused. “What? How?”

She smirks. “You got Heath to talk to you. That guy is always sulking and hates the world.”

“He’s not that bad.” I think about the last time we were together. He turned on the AC for me, bought me food, and drove me home. He did all those nice things for me, and I didn’t even thank him. I’ll do that the next time I see him.

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