Page 8 of Love Letter Lost
“Great.”I muttered. I glanced in my rearview mirror to see two women in a small blue sports car directly behind me. I flipped on my hazard lights and moved to the side of the road, the other car following.
Just what I needed on top of this emotional day. At least it wasn’t my fault, not that anyone would believe me when I told them. My minor driving mishaps had become legendary among my family and friends. As if they never bumped into trash cans or light poles on occasion. Of course, it didn’t help that every minor incident sent my mom into a panic with memories of the accident in high school.
I dug through my glove box, past paint chips and flooring samples, and found my proof of insurance before grabbing my phone and hopping out of the car. Both women were out of the car, one examining the damage, while the other stood with her arms crossed over her chest, glaring at me.
The women looked similar, with long blonde hair and striking green eyes. Their clothes and hairstyles hinted at money. They were of similar height and build, though the one glaring at me was clearly younger.
“What is wrong with you?” The younger one yelled as I approached, her high-pitched voice quickly traveling the distance between us.
“Excuse me?” I stammered, stunned.
“Slamming on your brakes like that. You could have made it. Now Daddy will never buy me a Tesla. He’ll take this as proof that I can’t handle it.”
“I’m sorry, but—”
“You should be.” The sound she made reminded me of a strangled yell.
“Now hold on, Ella.” The other woman stepped forward, placing a hand on the younger girl’s arm. “You’re the one that rear-ended her.”
“If she,” Ella waved towards me with a flick of her hand, “hadn’t slammed on her brakes, this wouldn’t have happened.” She jerked away from the other woman and turned to me. “Tell me you have insurance.”
“I do. I hope you have it too.” I folded my arms to hide the insurance documents until she produced her own. “Just give me your information and I’ll be on my way.”
“That’s not how this works. Thevictim,” she emphasized the word with a grimace as she pointed to herself, “files a claim and needs the insurance from the responsible party.” This was followed by a gesture in my direction.
I had no idea where she was getting her information from, but there was no way she was the “victim” in this case. I straightened and, channeling all of my anger and frustration of the day, prepared to respond when the other woman stepped between us, her hands spread in a placating motion.
“Ella, you’re being ridiculous. You rear-ended her. You are not the victim here.”
“But Amber—”
“No. You are not going to throw a fit and bully this woman for your poor decisions.” Amber gave me an apologetic smile.
“But you know Daddy will never buy me a Tesla now!” Ella huffed out, folding her arms in front of her chest and glaring at Amber.
“Then maybe you should have listened to me when I said you were too close to the car in front of us. Also, Daddy’s not going to buy you a Tesla while you’re still in high school. You know my car”—she waved to the blue sports car with a dented bumper—“was acollegegraduation present.”
I watched the two sisters stare each other down, unsure of what I should do. It didn’t feel like the right time to ask for their insurance information, and yet, I needed to get back to Livvy and the discussion I’d run away from.
Abruptly Ella turned on her heel and stalked to her car, jerking the passenger door open. While I waited, I pulled out my phone and took pictures of the damage on both cars, making sure to capture her license plate, just in case.
Amber relaxed her stance, giving me a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that. This is her second car accident this year, and our father will not be happy.”
“I get it. Thankfully, it’s a minor incident, and no one was hurt.”
“Here.” Ella returned, thrusting the papers in my face, and I grabbed them before handing her my own. We both took photos and then I handed her documents back.
“Thank you.” I forced a smile, hoping to leave on civil terms.
She snatched her papers and threw my documents into my face. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” She gave the parting shot before climbing back into her car.
I stood stunned. She put my sassiest fifth graders to shame.
“Sorry again.” Amber gave a small half-wave before climbing in the car. Once she was situated, the duo drove away, leaving me on the side of the road. If it hadn’t been for Amber’s civility, I would be wondering if I’d somehow been sucked into a cheesy TV teen drama.
Breathing deeply, I walked back to my car, grateful the sisters were already gone when my toe caught on a rock and I stumbled a bit, banging my shin into my bumper. I rubbed the sore spot, muttering words my mother would be ashamed of. I called my insurance agent and relayed the needed information before pulling back onto the road and driving to Livvy’s parents’ house, preparing for another confrontation.
CHAPTERSIX
