Two Steps Behind

CHAPTER 1

The cold air embraced me as I went out to our mansion. It's Saturday morning and all the people at home are nowhere to be seen. My father is at work the same as well with my mom. But I didn't mind it because later would be my great and unforgettable day. I wish I had a sibling to at least hang out with us together.

I fished my car keys in my purse while walking in our parking area. As soon as I saw my Blue Montero, I opened it with the key and positioned myself on the driver's seat. I took a glance on my face and tucked a fiber of hair to my ears. 

I am now heading to Peachie's place to ask her help about my assignment in math which I have a hard time with. Wearing a mint green floral sleeveless dress with cream-coloured stiletto heels, I actively started the engine. I am also scheduled to visit my mom at her office later after my business with Peachie that's why I dressed pleasingly. 

A minute of my travel was quite not until my phone rang. I shifted my gaze from the road to my pouch when I heard the constant ringing. This must be important so I extended my arm to reach it from the passenger seat. When I was about to answer the call, the phone slipped from my hand causing it to fall beside the break. 

Without any doubts, I stretched my arms to get the phone from below but I was taken aback when my eyes returned its sight to the road. I hurriedly yanked the gear shift, stepped on the break and pulled the car keys away. That was almost! 

I am still in the middle of shock and my heart is pounding when I realise that the man I almost hit is nowhere to be found. I immediately stepped out on my car to check the surroundings. 

My blue car might hit the man so bad and I can't take it if someone's gonna be at the hospital just because of me. I scanned the area and there I saw a man sitting on the ground holding his arms in front of my car. I felt a little guilt inside me of being so careless. 

I ran towards him and checked his whole body for any injuries. "Are you fine? Do you want me to bring you to the hospital? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it. Wait, can you stand up? Oh no— I mean wait, I'll call help," I said in a panic. I actually don't know what to do, this is big trouble and I don't want my parents to know this because it may ruin our plans for today. 

I let go of him and stopped scanning. I fixed myself and was about to stand to call for help but before I could do it he grabbed my wrist. I can feel a sudden electric shock running into my body which is a very strange feeling. He smiled at me and slowly assisted himself to stand up. 

"I'm fine, Miss. I'm sorry if you almost hit me. Thank you for your concern but I have to go," he cooed still with a smile plastered on his face. I felt a sudden tinge in my cheeks so I looked away from him. 

He let go of my hand and asked forgiveness causing me to scrunch my eyebrows.

"No, I must be the one asking for forgiveness." 

He looked at me so I did the same, "I have to go, Miss. Thank you for your offer but I'm in a hurry," he answered with a shrug. 

"Are you sure? And you won't sue me?" I asked straight to his face, almost stuttering. He nodded twice enough for me to relax. 

I kept my sight on him walking away until he called for a taxi then I got back in my car. I let out a loud sigh before Inserting my key to start the engine. I really hope he's fine. 

My low driving speed made me at ease and comfortable the minute I saw the familiar gate of the cream house. I stopped my car in the driveway and picked up my phone from beside. I forgot to call my mom back after my almost accident episode. 

I dialled her contact and waited until she picked up. "Blythe, I called you earlier but you didn't answer," she informed me. 

"My phone was set into silence, that's why I haven't notice," a lie suddenly slipped into my mouth. I can't help myself but use this excuse for them not to worry about me. 

"Is that so?" she asks and I nod as an answer as if she could see it. 

I jumped off the car and slowly pushed the door closed while walking to Peachie's house. 

"Well, I just called because I want you to know that we will be having a business trip for a week or month. We are heading our way now to the airport. Take care always, Blythe and just call us if you need something," she said. I can't prevent myself from dropping a face in sadness. 

"But mom, can't you just postpone your meeting? It's me—" before I could complete my sentence, she cut me off. 

"I'm going now, Blythe. Take care, always sweetheart!" 

I breathed heavily before I answered her, "Okay mom, take care," then I ended the call because of disappointment. 

What's new? I am supposedly used to it. I barely see them for a month but still, I'm acting as if this would be the first time. My parents were rich and prominent in business, I can't blame them for that but they could not blame me also if one day I can't recognise their faces anymore. 

I am very excited to meet them today. I even dressed up in a simple but elegant dress to impress them but ended up canceling our meeting with my own parents.

I opened my purse and inserted my phone inside. This is a woeful day to begin. With my disappointment, I pressed Peachie's doorbell hard and simultaneously. 

"Wait!" a girl shouted. To conclude, it's my best friend. 

As soon as the gate cracked open, I immediately stepped inside without her invitation. This two-storey house has been my second home so I think I can easily step my foot in. 

"Are you fine? It's too early for that horrible face of yours," Peachie commented but I just shrugged as an answer. I don't want to slip a word from my mouth now. All I want is to drink and think. 

When we finally reached the living room, I instantly plopped myself on the couch. I rested my head on the headrest and closed my eyes. I couldn't stop myself from feeling bad and prevent bursting the heavy feeling I have right now. 

"Explain. Now," she demanded. I slowly opened my eyes and a tear suddenly fell. I couldn't stop it any longer. 

Without a word, she embraced her arms to me and let me cry on her shoulders. The worst thing about this day is that it's my birthday but my parents forgot about it. They promised me that we will eat together on this special day but here I am, crying on my best friend's shoulder. I think I have to get used to it.

"What happened?" she whispered just enough for me to hear. I pulled myself away on her and smiled bitterly.

"I almost killed someone," I started making her eyes widen in shock. I think I did pick the wrong word to say.

I rested my head again and continued what I am saying while staring at the ceiling. "I bumped into a man on my way here, I offered him help but he declined as he thought that he was fine," I heard her sigh in relief. 

I faced her and wiped the stray drops of tears from my cheeks. "But I thought it was the worst thing to start my day. My mom called me and she said that they will be going out of town. She just forgot what they promised to me on this not so special day," I heaved a sigh as I continued my storytelling. I've been so excited for the past week but it turned out to be a disappointment. 

I was imagining eating lunch with my parents beside me on my birthday while talking about life and our moments together when I was young. I expect that we will wander around the mall shopping classy dresses and my dad will judge and see if we look nice. I thought of watching movies together while eating popcorn laughing or crying over the scenes. I was imagining sleeping blissfully for the best birthday but all of those were shattered and flew together with the air I am breathing.

After hearing those words, she swiftly ran upstairs which made my eyebrows scrunch. What's her problem? 

I stared at her until she lost out of my sight. I dropped my head on the coffee table with a thud and decided to wait for Peachie here. 

This is really the worst birthday ever.