6
As soon as we got out, Vivian, my childhood
best friend, rushed towards me.
In my past life, when everyone turned against
me, only my parents and Vivian believed I was
innocent.
So, while Sarah was away, I’d called Vivian
while writing the note to Jessica.
Facing death brings a strange clarity,
enabling you to do things you never thought
possible.
Seeing Vivian, the dam of my emotions burst.
I wiped away tears as she hugged me tightly.
We didn’t speak, mindful of the listening
device.
Vivian handed me a sturdy rubber bar. I
wedged it against the steering wheel.
Then, I used a bungee cord to secure a rock
next to the gas pedal.
Vivian had found the perfect size and weight.
My racing heart calmed slightly.
Jessica, true to her upbringing, handled the
crisis with grace.
Without prompting, she’d taken the water
bottle with her, now half–empty, looking as if
she’d drunk it.
I threaded the bungee cord through the open
window. It was time.
Jessica
and I leaned into the car, making
small talk. I clicked my seatbelt, started the
engine, and shifted into drive.
Closing the door, I released the cord. The
rock fell, depressing the gas pedal.
The car lurched forward.
Vivian and Jessica stood by the roadside. I
ran to them, grabbing Jessica’s hand. “Thank
you for trusting me.”
Jessica managed a weak smile. “I guess it’s
the mom in me.”
<
….
I hopped onto Vivian’s scooter, Jessica
behind me.
Vivian sniffed. “Lisa, I’m here. Don’t be
scared.”
I nodded. “I know.”
I twisted the throttle and we sped after the
test drive car.
7
