The Accident

The class was dimly lit; the holographic screen projector was displaying the guide for the lesson that going on in the school. While the teacher was busy explaining the course material to the students, the students were also displaying their capabilities. However, a male student stood out from the rest. He was staring at the clock in the room like his life depended on it. He looked very lifeless as the only sound that could be heard from him was the continuous tapping of his feet. After a while he soon snapped out of what he was doing.

Jonathan stared out the classroom window lost in thoughts. Not that he could see the streets outside. The dark clouds gathering overhead the whole morning had finally broken and the rain was lashing down on anyone unlucky enough to be caught outside.

The much anticipated and needed Semester break was just around the corner. Almost half the student body had already disappeared as the final exams were almost over.

Jonathan sighed. He would stick out for the last week for attendance credits. Every bit helped and could make a difference if he ever needed it… not that he would ever needed them. All his Grades were above average. His near perfect scores were due to a deep seeded need to himself to his estranged family. And he would too! He frowned and sighed again. After a few months of bitter arguments and a final explosive showdown, he had moved out of the house and into his now battered R.V. Let's face it, he was in class because he had no place to go.

"You shouldn't do that. It drives the girls crazy"

"Do what?" Alex asked as he turned to his best friend's grinning face.

"Sigh like that. It makes half the girls melt into little puddles and the other half want to hug and mother you", Asher's grin broadened.

"Gah! Seriously Go bug someone else" Alex Shuddered

A quick look around the room proved everything was quite normal the few surreptitious glances his way, he pointedly ignored.

"See? The girls here are normal human beings not weirdos like you," he looked back at his friend with his trademark half smile "Besides they don't want me for me, they still think I'm rich" his expression darkened.

"But you are my moody friend, your fat monthly allowance has been accumulating for months…" Asher tubbed his hands together "… think of all the damage we could do with it"

"You know I won't touch it, I don't consider it mine" he growled "… and besides we already do enough damage with your own resources."

"And by the way, you are handsome too", Asher batted his eyes dramatically at Alex grinning his head off. His friend punched him. Laughing at Alex's discomfort he turned to wave at a few giggling girls who saw the playful banter. They waved back one even going as far as to blow a kiss in their direction. Alex reached out to catch the invisible kiss and slapped it hard onto his friend's cheek. Asher yelped.

The girl laughed and winked at Alex who winked back in conspiracy, she blushed and started whispering among her friends.

Asher laughed. Alex was so much fun to tease. At least he managed to lighten his mood and bring him back down to earth. He was his best friend since they were kids, he knew Alex better than anyone. Asher shook his head, Alex was oblivious to the fact that girls whispered about his good looks and lean muscled body. Hours upon hours were spent debating about the exact shade of his eyes, was it grey-green, bluish, greenish or some other impossible mix that changed with his moods. His boyish looks and dark casual style of clothing was at odds with his brilliant mind, which surprised more than one lecturer. He could sit quietly at the back of the class lost in his thoughts and when pounced upon with a complex question, answer in precise simple language that everyone could understand. Alex had always thought that when Asher teased him about the girls, it was a joke, not to be taken seriously. If only knew.

He had an athletic build he was proud of. Fairer in coloring, he had dirty blond hair, radiating blue eyes and a quick smile. Outgoing, smart and popular himself he got the gossip on his friend first-hand. But Alex preferred to be alone. After all, he had too many survival problems at the moment to focus on than on simple teenage problems like parties, girls and dating.

"One more week and we're out of here"

"Yeah, any plans for the long break"

"I don't know. Get a Job I suppose. Catch up on my social life. Play games. The last few assignments really zeroed my social time", Asher rubbed his hands in anticipation. "So many girls, so little time," he lamented "What about you?"

An intense look suddenly crossed Alex's face. As he leans in closer he lowers his voice "I haven't really given it a thought" his eyes showing mischief before he burst out of laughter.

"Are you coming, I promised Chloe lunch, or, rather, I lost a bet with her" Asher smiled sheepishly " Join us? Get a free meal and save me from non-stop chatter? I swear she hardly pauses to take a breath. Her friends are all dying to be seen with you."

Several girls glanced their way and one waved.

"Later" Alex quickly made his escape with a half-smile and left the room without a backward glance.

Asher looked at the retreating form of his friend. He noticed a few admiring glances watching him walk away. The blond youth grinned and shook his head knowingly.

Poor Alex, brilliant in some ways and so naïve in others.

...…..

The cold rain was not letting up, in fact, it was getting heavier. Nikki could hardly see beyond the small pool of light her car was shining into the murky gloom.

"Aww c'mon! So near yet so far", she groaned.

She was on her way to her Grandmother's place with her amended schedule for Lady Janet's numerous events and charity events. She has been technically working for her Grandmother ever since she graduated from college and learnt about the real world.

The widowed Lady Janet [her Grandmother] is a formidable force with a large network of powerful friend and influential acquaintances. Lady Janet's need for a personal secretary whom she could she trust came when she found out that her personal secretary had been selling inside information for extra money. As if she didn't pay her enough. Needless to say the girl was dismissed in disgrace and notices were sent out. And so, Lady Janet turned to her clan [family] looking for someone whom she could groom and trust. It took a year for Nikki to fully earn her grandmother's trust. But looking back now, she wouldn't trade her post for another job.

Nikki smiled. I'll just have to get there faster. Once Lady Janet's schedule for the following and itinerary were done, they could relax with some tea and just be family> Automatically Nikki's foot pressed down on the pedal, accelerating the Audi. The solid car sped forward. The young woman started humming to herself as her thoughts turned to a warm fire and hot tea.

Suddenly she saw a car in front of her. She had not realized she had been speeding letting he instincts lead the way on the familiar roads.

She screamed s her foot slammed hard onto the brakes, but it was already too late. Her car crashed violently into the unsuspecting vehicle ramming it into a giant oak tree. She was thrown forward, the seatbelt jerking back painfully. Then everything went still.