Chains

It was a frosty winter night in Denver. The snow was slowly trickling down, making the whole earth into a winter wonderland with the trees covered with sleet and ice. The roads also weren't the best to drive on in these conditions. I was sitting waiting for my ride to come pick me up. Ryan had insisted on picking me up for Tyler’s Christmas party. I thought to myself “This better be a good party, because I was wasting my time when I could be working on getting my permit!”


After waiting ten minutes outside for him to arrive, the cold was beginning to sweep under my jacket, chilling me to the bone. Then I saw his headlights start to flicker up my driveway, relief flooded through me making me warm up. Ryan and I were just really good friends. I hadn't talked to him in a while because we grew apart once we got into high school. As soon as he pulled up, he jumped right out.


“I’m so sorry Sarah. I truly didn't mean to be ten minutes late. I hope you accept ,my apology?” Ryan said, questioningly.


“It’s no problem Ryan. But with it snowing so hard, I don’t think we should go. It could be really dangerous.” I stated cautiously.


“Well Sarah. This is the last big party of the year. And everyone wants you there.”


After what seemed like a half an hour, Ryan talked me into going to the party. On one condition though to get there as safe as possible. The car ride would take about 20 minutes so we both were up for chatting. When five minutes went by traffic was slowing down and they were only letting people with chains go by.


“Ryan do you have chains? I can help you chain up your car, no problem. My dad has been teaching me.” I said politely.


“Sarah, it’s okay. I don’t need chains on my car.”


Once we pulled up to chain control, the guy was very polite to us but wouldn't allow us through without chains.


“I’m sorry sir, but I can’t allow you to get through without chains due to the road conditions. So if you don’t have chains, I would advise that you both just go home.” The guy said really caring.


“Thank you for the time, but can I get off at this exit?” Ryan said tentatively.


The nice man let us get off at the exit. I thought I was getting off the hook because we were turning around when I noticed that he was going to use the back roads.


“Ryan you heard what the man said. We should really go home.” I was now getting really worried. What if he wouldn't listen to me? He still kept driving, I was now understanding where we were located. “Ryan stop right now. I’m not going with you anymore. Pull right into that pizza place, please?” He obeyed. And pulled into a parking spot.


“What's up now Sarah? I thought you wanted to go to the party?”


“I wanted to! But it’s not going to be safe to drive there.” I muttered quietly.


“Then get out of my car. I guess I’m going without you.”


“Go right ahead,” I said sternly. I shut the door saying “You sure are stupid. How you have fun at the party.” I answered pissed off. He drove off fast.


I walked into the pizza place. I called my mom for her to pick me up because she has four wheel drive, and she said she wouldn't mind picking me up. After I got home I was nestled on my couch with my blankets, the news came on and the newscaster said there was a really bad accident with a high school student involved. My heart started to pump really wildly. They said there were no fatalities, so that was good but the boy received a broken arm, they said if he had, a passenger then the passenger might not have made it. And the driver’s picture showed up, sure enough it was Ryan.

Till this day I never ride with others that I don’t trust, and don't promise for me to get to the destination safely. And I’m so thankful that I was able to say no and save my own life. Ryan sure deserved what he got for putting me through all that he did. I guess you can call that karma!