345: DRIVE THROUGH DESPAIR ARIEL’S POV I drove through the pouring rain, my windshield wipers working overtime to keep my vision clear. My mind was racing with worry as I headed to meet Tessa. I knew she was heartbroken, and I wanted to be there for her. Her two–year relationship with her boyfriend had suddenly come to an end, and I could only imagine the pain she was feeling. I pulled up to Tessa’s house and ran through the rain to her front door. She opened it before I even had a chance to knock, her eyes red and puffy from crying. I hugged her tightly, trying to convey my support and understanding. “I’m so sorry, Tessa,” I said softly. “I’m here for you.” Tessa’s sobs increased as she leaned into me. “I can’t believe it’s over. Two years and now it’s just…done, ” she choked out between tears. I knew there was nothing I could say to take away her pain, but I also knew that she needed someone to listen and be there for her. “Come on, let’s go for a drive,” I suggested, taking her hand and leading her to her car. We got in, and I started driving. The rain was still pouring down around us. We didn’t talk at first; Tessa just stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. But as we drove on, she began to open up to me. “I thought he was the one, you know? We had plans for the future; we talked about getting married and starting a family. And now, none of that is going to happen.” I reached over and squeezed her hand, trying to offer some comfort. “I know it hurts right now, but trust me, everything will be okay. You’re strong, and you’ll get through this,” I reassured her. Tessa let out a deep sigh. “I just don’t understand why he ended it. He said he wasn’t happy anymore, but he never talked to me about it. He just gave up.” I could feel my own anger towards Tessa’s ex–boyfriend rising, but I knew that wasn’t what she needed. right now. “Maybe he was going through something and didn’t know how to communicate it. But that’s not your fault, Tessa. You did everything you could to make the relationship work. “You deserve someone who will fight for you and communicate with you.” Tessa nodded, her tears slowing down. “Thank you, Ariel. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said, giving me a small smile. I smiled back, happy to see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “That’s what best friends are for.” We drove through the rain, and right at this moment, I felt grateful for Tessa’s friendship. She had always been there for me, and now it was my turn to be there for her. I knew that the road ahead would be tough for her, but I also knew that she was strong enough to get through it. Driving on the road, with the rain still falling down, Tessa still looked shattered, and seeing her in such a condition really hurt me. All of a sudden, a car came running in our direction. It came at full speed, making it seem like it was 145 DRIVE THROUGH DESPAIR going to collide with our vehicle. *Tessa, watch out!” I shrieked, tapping Tessa on the shoulders. Her eyes widened immediately, and with fast hands, she controlled our car in a different direction, going along the road and crashing into a store in the area. But we were quite lucky that the accident wasn’t a serious one. Our heads were down, with the both of us breathing heavily. I slowly took my gaze upwards, and so did Tessa. As we looked through the window, the car that had run in our direction stopped. I I burst out of the car immediately, burning in rage. As I approached the vehicle that had arrived to cause havoc, I sobbed, “Hey, who’s in the car? Get out right now!” I was being soaked by the rain, but I had been so consumed by anger that I was paying less attention to it Just then, a young man stepped outside of the car. As he emerged from his car, I had to notice his striking blonde hair and well–tailored white suit. He was undeniably handsome, but I couldn’t find it in me to be impressed. My anger at him for recklessly crashing his car towards us overshadowed any physical attraction I may have felt. How could he be so careless and put us in danger? His looks were irrelevant in this moment; all I could think about was the frustration and anger I felt towards him. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you coming; it was a mistake,” the man stammered, his hands raised in surrender. I stormed towards him, my anger boiling over. “A mistake? Do you have any idea what could have happened? You could have killed us!” Tessa joined me, her expression furious. “You need to be more careful! You could have seriously hurt someone with your reckless driving!” The man hung his head, looking ashamed. “I know, I know. I’m really sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. It won’t happen again, I promise.” But his apology fell on deaf ears. “Sorry isn’t good enough!” I snapped, my hands trembling with rage. “You need to understand the consequences of your actions. You put our lives in danger, and for what? Because you couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to the road.” Tessa placed a calming hand on my shoulder, trying to diffuse the tension. “Ariel, let’s just go. It’s not worth it.” But I couldn’t let it go. But not after the scare he had given us. “No, Tessa. He must comprehend the seriousness of his actions. Reckless driving is not something to be taken lightly.” The man nodded, his expression contrite. “You’re right; I’m truly sorry. I’ll be more careful from now on, I promise.” Satisfied that he had at least acknowledged his mistake, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “Just express gratitude that no one suffered harm this time.” “Don’t let it happen again.” “Who the hell is that, and why is she barking like a mad dog?” A voice came from inside the young man’s car. I turned sharply toward the voice, my anger still pulsing through me. “Who the hell are you referring to as a mad dog?” I shot back. Tessa hurried over, grabbing my arm. “Ariel, let’s just go. It’s not worth it,” she urged, her tone pleading. But I couldn’t ignore the disrespect. “No, Tessa. This guy needs to learn some manners,” I insisted, shaking off her grip and striding towards the car, “What’s your problem, lady? You’re the one causing a scene here,” he retorted, his tone mocking. I couldn’t see his face, but he was a goddamn asshole. I clenched my fists, my anger reaching its peak. “My problem is that you almost killed us with your reckless driving!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the rain–soaked street. Tessa tugged on my arm again. “Ariel, please, let’s just go. It’s not worth it. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. As much as I wanted to give this guy a piece of my mind, Tessa was right. It wasn’t worth it. “You’re right, Tessa. Let’s just go,” I said calmly, and as we were walking back to the car, the voice popped up again. “That’s right. Go away, you mad dog. Enjoy Ad
