1

Amanda

"What's the plan, my friend?" Amalia inquired, arching her impeccably groomed eyebrows.

"I intend to find a romantic partner," I quipped, admiring my reflection in the mirror. Clad in a form-fitting blue dress that accentuated my curves, my jet-black hair hung straight down my shoulders. A deep neckline, perfectly toned legs, nude lipstick, and an eyebrow piercing completed my look. My tattooed right arm added to the allure. "I must say, I look rather enticing."

Amalia rolled her eyes. "Says the girl who's still a virgin at twenty-four."

Smiling innocently, I turned my attention to her. "I need a boyfriend to break the spell, Amalia. It won't happen on its own, you know."

"Why haven't you dated yet?" Amalia asked, her curiosity evident in her eyes.

I bit my lower lip, my heart sinking. Some scars are too painful to share, even with a best friend.

My mind briefly flashed with haunting memories, and a sharp pain tugged at my chest. The irony of my life made me laugh. Despite receiving countless admirers, I couldn't find happiness in dating. Love eluded me, for I felt incapable of loving someone. The concept of love and forever terrified me.

"Are you alright?" Amalia's voice brought me back to reality, and I managed a forced smile.

"Let's go and enjoy the night," she suggested, attempting to lighten the mood.

I nodded. "Tonight, I'll dance like there's no tomorrow."

"Indeed. Let's live in the moment and forget the world," Amalia exclaimed enthusiastically.

I chuckled and put on my heels. As we left the house, I took the wheel; Amalia wasn't fond of driving.

After passing her a playful gesture, I started the car and headed to one of my favorite clubs. At the club's entrance, Amalia ordered two shots with the help of my VIP pass.

"My favorite ladies are here," Chester greeted us warmly.

Chester, my college senior and a loyal friend, had been with me through thick and thin. Besides Amalia, he was one of the few I could rely on.

"Amanda, your alcohol tolerance is dreadful. Please, go easy," he warned as the bartender prepared our drinks.

I rolled my eyes and downed the shot in one gulp, then ordered another.

"Keep 'em coming. I want to be wasted," I told the bartender, ignoring Chester's concern.

After some time, my head felt light, and I knew I was thoroughly intoxicated. This was all I wanted – to forget, if only for a while.

"Alcohol should be prescribed to cure pain and heartache. It's crazy, man," I mumbled, resting on Chester's shoulder.

"Heartache and you? You're a politician's daughter, living in luxury. Money is the answer to everything," he replied with a laugh.

"I hate my dad, you know," I pouted.

"Who cares, Amanda? He might become our state's chief minister someday," Chester remarked, making it sound exciting.

I let out a humorless laugh. Chester had no idea of my father's reality – a successful politician but with a dark side.

"Stay here. I'll check on Amalia. She's probably seducing some guy, and I should save him," Chester said.

I whispered, "Yes, you should."

As I watched him fade into the crowd, I briefly considered following him and dancing with Amalia. But a sharp headache hit me, and I clutched my head, deciding to step outside for some fresh air.

I needed a break.

Stumbling, I managed to exit the club. My vision blurred, and I felt as though the world around me was spinning.

As vehicles sped past on the street, the rush of one car gave me an adrenaline rush. I longed to be in control, to drive my car.

With a smile, I made my way to my car, settled inside, and started the engine. I rolled down the window, allowing the cool breeze to caress my face, and turned up the radio, playing a fast-paced song. I reveled in the sense of freedom as I sped down the road.

While my head spun, and my vision blurred, I cherished the carefree feeling the speed offered. My cellphone buzzed with Chester's call, and I answered, a smile on my face.

"Where are you, Amanda?"

"I'm driving somewhere, though I'm not quite sure where," I laughed.

"You're drunk. Please, for God's sake, pull over," Chester pleaded.

"Don't worry. I'll text you when I get home. Bye," I assured him.

Rubbing my eyes, I reduced my speed, and just as I was about to hang up, a sharp headache struck. For a moment, everything went black.

I felt my car hit something or someone. Wait, what?

My mouth dropped open in shock as I hit the brakes and got out of the car.

With trepidation, I walked to the figure on the road – a girl.

I hit her with my car, didn't I?

Blood flowed from her head, and my mind went blank. I needed to call an ambulance.

I rushed back to my car, trembling, and grabbed my phone to call for help, but before I could, Chester called again.

"Chester, I-I...I believe I struck someone with my vehicle," I sobbed, my heart heavy with fear.

"WHAT? What are you saying, Amanda? Are you alright?"

"Let me call for an ambulance first. I... I'm sorry," I murmured, overwhelmed by intense nausea that forced me to vomit on the spot.

"First, contact your father, Amanda. Don't worry. Everything will be alright. Please call your father and inform him," he advised.

I nodded, wiping away my tears, and promptly dialed for an ambulance. Following that, I called my Dad to let him know. My breathing became labored, and in an attempt to prevent myself from passing out, I found myself sitting on the road.

In my helplessness, I anxiously waited for the ambulance. With the passing of time, my head spun even more, and soon, white spots filled my vision. My body trembled with fear, and I blinked repeatedly to regain composure, but to no avail. Darkness enveloped me, and I collapsed on the road.