Page 45 of Forgiving Fate

We make our way around the house when I hear the telltale sign of cars coming down the road. Adjusting her higher in my arms and more securely against my chest, I make a run for it.

We are almost on the road when the wind picks up. Slowing down so I don’t slip on the slick road, I walk right up to the edge of the asphalt and wait for a car to come around the corner, but I’m only met with silence.

“Any second now,” I say out loud.

I wait and wait, but no one comes. Just my luck. I don’t want to walk on the road with her and risk getting hit, but I have no choice. Stepping out onto the road, as close to the edge as possible so as not to fall into the deep grassy valleys, I walk towards town. I know a car will come before I get there, so I just have to make it until I see someone.

The seconds tick by, the wind picks up, and I know that I have failed. I have failed another person all because I was stupid and lost in my own desires.

Looking down at Allie’s lifeless body, I whisper, “I’m sorry I failed you. You were meant to soar, but instead some bastard took your wings.”

Tears fill my eyes and I push them back. I push everything back and settle into a mental state of utter hollowness.

I round a corner and a car’s headlights shine brightly in my eyes. It all happens at once and all I can do is stand there and watch.

The rain picks up, my foot slips on the mud on the edge of the road, and all I hear is tires screeching and someone yelling in the distance.

Wetness covers my face and I wait for it all to disappear.

Well. I guess fate really had something up their sleeve and I’m getting what I deserve. I just wish I could have saved one last person.

Chapter Seventeen

Landon

“LANDON! Wake up, honey!”

“Conrad. Call an ambulance. Call Logan.” Mom’s melodic voice sounds close to my face, but I don’t open my eyes. I can’t. I don’t want to see what I know will be a scene I will never forget.

My head is screaming at me, but I manage to find my voice. “No. Don’t call Logan. She doesn’t need to see her like this.”

Hands flutter over my face and I wince. I don’t deserve to be comforted. I failed Allie and because fate is some terrifying version of a horror film, I am still here.

Why couldn’t I have just met my ultimate demise? I’ve failed everyone enough for a lifetime.

“Lan. Stay still. I’m going to call an ambulance.” Dad’s voice sounds from somewhere above me.

“No. I don’t need one. Let them take her. She’s gone, but she doesn’t need to be out in this rain.” I hear my voice shake and red hot pain courses through my head.

Shit. I must have landed on my head. Reaching up, I try to feel for a cut, but I don’t feel anything.

I want to say that’s good, but I don’t deserve to be here. She does.

“Sweetheart, who is she? Is there someone here with you?” Mom rubs her hands up and down my arms. Rain hits my face, and the wind picks up, causing me to shiver.

“I don’t know, but she’s here. Don’t let them leave without her. Check the ditch or under the car. She’s light as air right now, so she probably flew when we got hit,” I explain, still refusing to open my eyes.

Someone drapes something warm over me and my dad’s cologne envelops me, giving me an ounce of comfort.

“Son. No one is here with you. I’ve checked. Can you open your eyes and try to tell us what happened?”

Frustration builds as I try to explain, and they keep sounding confused. Finally, my eyes fly open and I sit up. My head whips around frantically, looking for Allie, and that’s when I freeze and see where I am.

I’m on the ground next to my truck. Mom is kneeling next to me, concern is evident all over her face, and Dad is standing above me, his phone in hand, ready to call someone.

“Conrad, come stand behind him so he can lean against your legs and get his back off these wet rocks.”

Dad does as he’s told and my spine is rigid for a moment while I try to process what is happening.

---