Chasing Life

Chasing Life

CHAPTER ONE

The monotonous sound of the windscreen wipers threatened to send me into a hypnotic sleep. My eyelids drooped. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. The time read 2:30 a.m. I shifted in my seat, stiff muscles aching from the three-hour drive sat in a static position. I snatched up my electronic cigarette, breathed in deep, and then exhaled. It did nothing to wake me up. With my eyes on the deserted road ahead, I reached across to the glove compartment in search of a drink. I pulled it open quietly, not wanting to wake my brother, Toby, whose head lay propped up against the window, mouth hung open wide. He had called me earlier today, begging that I come and pick him up from our Dad’s house in the heart of Wales. He had complained of being bored and with no Internet access. Could I really blame him? He was only twelve, after all, and lived life playing online with his friends. I tutted as my hand found nothing but empty cans of Coke inside the compartment. Yawning, I leant forward and peered through the rain-drenched windscreen. I recognised the road sign that wobbled about in the wind.

Thank God! I whispered. Another half hour and I’ll be climbing into bed.

The sudden excitement of nearing the end of this tedious journey had renewed my energy. I gripped the steering wheel tightly as a strong blast of wind hammered into the side of my car, forcing the rain to slam hard against my window.

Toby had better be grateful for this, I thought, staring at the empty road ahead of me. There couldn’t be too many big sisters out there who would drive three hours to pick up their brother and then another three hours back in the middle of the night. Not to mention that I had cancelled my date with Dan. We had planned to go out for dinner to celebrate our sixth month anniversary. Luckily, Dan hadn’t been too pissed about it. Still, I was glad Toby was home. The house had been dead without him. Mum had been busy with her new boyfriend and had hardly been home. At least now, I would have some company. Toby and I were very close. I smiled.

I glanced into the rear-view mirror. Two headlights like tiny pinpricks appeared in the distance.

I’m not the only one crazy enough to be out on a night like this, I muttered, leaning back into my seat.

I switched the wipers to a faster speed. The rain was coming down heavy now, and I struggled to see through the windscreen. Fumbling with the dial, I turned the heater up and eased my foot off the accelerator, just enough to keep the car going at a steady 50.

The sudden glare of bright lights in the rear-view mirror startled me.

Shit, I grumbled, squinting at the two bright headlights. How fast are you going? The car, now only a little way behind me, must have been going at some speed. It had only been seconds ago when I had first spotted its lights way back in the distance. I suddenly felt uneasy. The car was so close behind me now that if it hadn’t been raining, I would probably be able to see the driver in my mirror. I pushed down on the accelerator, bringing my speed up to 60. Still, the car behind me kept the same distance.

You can overtake, you stupid idiot! I spat, feeling pressured to break the speed limit.

The car flashed its headlights at me, lighting up the dark interior of my car in short, bright shots. I looked down to check my speed: 68 the numbers glared up at me. My eyes darted back to the rear-view mirror. I gasped. The car had vanished. I blinked several times, wondering now whether I had fallen asleep at the wheel momentarily and the other car had just been a dream. I switched on the back wipers. Was the rain falling so fast that it had blurred my vision? I shook my head. I needed my bed.

I looked at Toby. He hadn’t stirred from his peaceful sleep. His dark curls hung over his eyes like a shaggy dog. Yawning, I picked up my cigarette and took another puff. I checked the mirror again. There was no car, just an empty, dark road. I tutted at myself. I had never fallen asleep at the wheel before. I could have killed us both, I thought, steadying the car as another gust of wind hit us. Still, the strange incident had rattled me. Perhaps I should open the window a little, just enough to let the cold air wake me up. I blindly fumbled for the window switch, not wanting to take my eyes off the road. But as my fingers seemed to fail to find the switch, my eyes left the road and I glanced down at the door. Before I’d even pressed the switch, something made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The inside of my car seemed to have an eerie glow filling the darkness. I suddenly found myself not wanting to look up out of my window. I could feel my heart stutter—a gasp caught in my throat. My eyes had ignored the fear I felt and now bulged at the sight of the other car. It was back, only this time; it was now driving alongside me, matching my speed. I could feel my hands shake as I gripped the steering wheel.

Wake up... wake up, I ordered myself. I looked to my right and the car was still there. Shit, I’m not asleep... this is real! Taking one hand from off the steering wheel, I frantically tried to wipe the condensation from the glass. I wanted to see who this maniac was. The window was too blurry and the constant onslaught of rain hitting the glass made it impossible to see.

Staring out, I shouted, Fucking overtake! What was wrong with this idiot? He could easily get past me. My eyes darted back to the road ahead. The wipers sloshed away the downpour only to be replaced with another helping of rain. I looked back at the other car, my eyes strained to see who was behind the wheel.

What’s going on, Jena? Toby’s voice muttered in the dark. He sounded confused.

Just some idiot wanting to hog the road, I said, trying to keep my voice calm. Go back to sleep. We’ll be home soon. From the corner of my eye, the other car suddenly fell away and returned to its position back on the road behind me. I glanced at Toby. He had gone back to sleep. My hand shook as I reached out and locked the car with a loud clunk. I could feel my nerves shattering inside me—jumping around in my stomach—escaping in short, whispery gasps. My eyes flicked between the rear-view mirror and the windscreen. The rain came down like the heavens had just opened up, and I could feel the car slip as each gust of wind pummelled into my vehicle. This wasn’t the weather to have while some lunatic chased you in a car. I wanted to put my foot down hard on the accelerator, to escape, but if I did, I would probably lose control of the car. My eyes searched frantically for a safe place to pull over. My mind worked overtime as I mentally tried to map my route home. Was there anywhere I could stop? A petrol station? Someone’s house? No, there wasn’t. This stretch of road wasn’t only void of vehicles; it had no buildings, no life. It was just a lonely, long road in the middle of nowhere.

My sudden panic of realising that I was on my own with no help close by froze within me as the other car sent angry shots of bright light, disorientating me and blurring my vision. My car lurched to the left, nearly leaving the road all together. I pulled down hard on the steering wheel, sending us across the road. The wheels screeched as they slipped over the wet tarmac. The car behind followed.

What do you fucking want? I yelled, controlling the car and pulling it back onto the correct side of the road. Maybe it was just some drunk, some pisshead who had stayed after-hours at a bar? No. He kept his car under perfect control. Some psycho then—he had to be. Why else was he behaving like this?

I jumped at the sudden sound of Toby’s voice.

Why are we going so fast? he asked, sitting up.

I checked my speed. It read 75. The car behind... I don’t know... I thought it just wanted to overtake, but... Before I could continue, I starred in horror as the car behind accelerated, its two headlights disappearing from view as it smashed into the back of us. The impact sent me forward and my head hit the steering wheel. I heard myself scream and the loud crack of Toby’s head as he fell to the side and hit the door window.

Toby! I screeched, reaching out with one hand to grab him.

The car hit us again. The awful sound of metal, crunching, and grinding filled the car. We spun 360 degrees, the other car a blur as we circled in the road. Coming to a stop, and facing away from the other vehicle, I touched Toby on the arm. Blood gushed from the side of his head. He was unconscious. At least, that’s what I hoped.

"Toby... Toby!" There was no response. I checked my mirror. The other car waited in the road, its headlights on full, cutting slices into the sheets of rain. With shaky hands, I fumbled with my seatbelt. Releasing it, I twisted around and took hold of my brother.

Toby... wake up... Toby... please. No sound came from his lips. All I could hear was the noise of my car engine and the revving coming from the other vehicle mixed in with the battering wind. Trembling, I reached down for my handbag. I had a mobile. I could ring the police. As my fingertips brushed over the phone, I heard the rumble of the other car. My eyes fell upon the rear-view mirror. The other driver was reversing his car. Was he going? Was he satisfied with what he’d done? I watched, breath held. Please go... please go, I begged.

It stopped a short distance away and waited. Waited for what? What are you fucking doing? I trembled. Just go... leave us alone!

Still the car stayed, yet the revving got louder and faster. To my horror, I realised what the driver had in mind. Shit... shit. He’s gonna fucking hit us again! I sat back in my seat and threw the gears into first. Pressing down hard on the accelerator, my wheels spun in the rain. I gripped the steering wheel.

Please... please... move! I pleaded with my car. As our speed picked up pace, I shifted through the gears, reaching fourth, just as the other vehicle smashed into my car. As I crashed through the windscreen, only then did I remember that I hadn’t refastened my seatbelt. Shards of glass pierced through me, the sudden gush of wind almost seemed to help propel me through the dark, rainy night. I was falling fast, yet to me, it felt like slow motion. I could see the road under me, the white lane markings rushing past. Trees swayed back and forth and the cold air almost seemed to dull the pain that splintered through my body. But all I could think about was Toby. My flight came to a sudden end as I hit something. All thoughts and feelings disappeared. The wind vanished and the rain stopped falling.

CHAPTER TWO

It was like I’d been drowning. A struggle to the surface. The need for air. Kicking out my limbs, desperate for life, I broke free and gasped. My lungs filled in short, sharp breaths. I opened my eyes. Thick tree branches hung over me, threatening to hit me with each gust of wind. Long, damp strands of black hair lay across my face. For a few seconds, I didn’t know where I was. I lay numbly on cold ground. The wind tore about me and the rain stung my face like daggers piercing my flesh. I could hear a rumbling sound. Where was it coming from? What was I doing here? As if every question swimming through my mind suddenly fell into place with an answer, I sat bolt upright. My heart hammered in my chest as my eyes surveyed the carnage that lay ahead of me. I swallowed hard. Out of breath, I staggered to my feet. My surroundings seemed to sway around me. Suddenly, I felt very small and alone. The dark, stormy night and shifting branches seemed to swallow me up—overbear me. It was like the sky threatened to topple over onto me. I gazed down at myself slowly; my mind felt stunned. What was I going to find? My injuries couldn’t be too bad. I was standing, after all. I looked at my arms and hands. I twisted and bent my torso, then suddenly, I remembered Toby.

Toby, I murmured, my voice sounding as confused as my head. I looked toward my car. The front half had come off the road and the back half was crushed up as if a tank had run over it. I ran. I had to get to Toby. In my haste to reach him, I barely noticed the other vehicle positioned diagonally across both lanes in the road, its headlights mashed up underneath the bonnet. I didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to Toby. I fought against the wind and the lashing rain as each step nearer blew me two steps back, but my determination to reach Toby pushed me on. Gathering up what strength I had, I ran the last stretch. I half fell onto the bonnet, my hands knocking off large slices of glass from the broken windscreen. Toby sat hunched over in his seat, his shaggy mop of hair concealing his face. Clambering over broken branches of the tree my car had come to rest upon, I reached the passenger door. Tugging on the handle, I yanked it up. It wouldn’t open. I tried repeatedly. It was stuck solid.

Banging on the window, I shouted, Toby... Toby...it’s me, Jena! There was no response. Desperate to get to him, I charged through the undergrowth around to the driver’s door. It was crushed in and wouldn’t open. The broken windscreen was my only option. I clambered up onto the bonnet, slipping and sliding over the wet metal. My hair streamed about my face as the wind whipped up fiercely. Holding onto the rim of the windscreen, I slipped my legs through first and wriggled in. All of a sudden, my desperation to get to Toby left me. I felt fearful of what I might find. What if Toby was dead?

Stop it, I cursed. Don’t think like that! The sound of my own voice was almost comforting from the loneliness I felt. I took a deep breath and with both hands, I slipped them under his chin and brought Toby’s head up, resting it against the back of the seat. His eyes were shut and his mouth hung open, just like when he had been asleep before the crash. Only now, there was blood. A lot of blood.

Toby... can you hear me? Silence. I tried again, but this time I shook him gently. Toby... wake up... please. With no response, I tried to find a pulse. Come on... come on, Toby. We’re gonna go home... we can’t play the Xbox if you won’t wake up... I shook him again. Please... please don’t leave me. Tears rolled down my face. I looked around, my hands shaking. What could I do? I blinked away my tears and spotted my handbag laying upside down between Toby’s feet.

My phone! I shouted, snatching up my bag. The contents had fallen out. My hands scrambled about in the small, dark confines of the foot well. My fingers curled about my mobile. Perched half on, half off the driver’s seat, my fingers trembling, I punched in 999.

Come on... answer! I screamed into the phone.

Hello, which emergency service do you require? a woman’s voice asked.

I need an ambulance... my brother... he’s hurt... I don’t know if he’s breathing... I can’t find a pulse... please hurry... I don’t know what to do. I swallowed down the hard lump forming in my throat.

Hello... which emergency service do you need? the woman’s voice asked again.

Ambulance! I need an ambulance!" I shouted.

Hello... do you need an emergency service? came the response.

Feeling confused, I took the phone away from my ear and banged it against the dashboard. Wasn’t it working?

Trying to stay calm, I said as clearly as possible, Please, I need an ambulance.

Are you requesting an emergency service? the woman’s voice sounded impatient.

I’ve just told you God-knows how many times! I spat, shivering as the cold wind blasted through the broken windscreen. Was it the signal? Was my voice not getting through to her? I’ve been in a road accident... my brother needs medical help... please... I looked at Toby. His face was so pale. Hello... can you hear me?

The female operator fell quiet. But the line was still open. I hadn’t been cut off. I leant over Toby. There was so much blood coming from the side of his head. I had to find something I could hold up against the wound to stem the flow of blood. My eyes spotted his sweatshirt poking out from his rucksack on the backseat. Placing my mobile down onto Toby’s lap, I pulled out the top and held it up against the wound. My eyes fell upon the screen of my phone. I was still connected to the operator. With both hands pressed tight against the sweatshirt, I called out in the hope that just maybe I might be heard. I need help... can you hear me? I screwed my eyes shut, praying for an answer.

No sooner had I spoken, a garbled slur came from Toby’s open mouth. I jumped. Oh, my God! Toby... it’s me, Jena. His eyes stayed shut, body limp, but another moan escaped from his lips. He’s alive, thank you...thank you, was all I could say inside my head.

The operator’s voice suddenly spoke up. Can you tell me what help you need?

Bending as close to my mobile as I could without letting go of the sweatshirt, I called out, Ambulance... I need an ambulance!

Toby suddenly dropped forward like a ragdoll, and a loud, wailing screech blocked out the voice of the operator.

It’s okay, Toby... help is on the way, I tried to reassure him. I had no idea if he could hear me, but I breathed a sigh of relief when the operator spoke again.

Stay where you are, sir, we’re dispatching an ambulance and police vehicle to you. We have tracked your location. Please stay on the line.

The operator must have heard Toby’s cry of pain. Looking at him, I said, You’re gonna be all right...try and stay still.

Another gust of wind sent a shower of rain through the broken windscreen. I stared out into the dark. My eyes fell upon the other car. There was no movement from within it. Was the driver dead, or just unconscious? As I strained my eyes against the pounding wind, it looked as though the windscreen was missing. Had the same fate that had happened to me happened to the other driver? I peered up the road. I felt myself flinch as I spotted what looked like a bundle of clothes lying underneath a tree. Shaking my head, I looked back at Toby. Silent tears rolled down my cheeks.

CHAPTER THREE

The dark night was suddenly lit up with flashes of blue. I knelt up and stared through the back window of my car. I had no idea how long I had been waiting for help. After wrapping a coat over Toby to keep him warm, I had sat as close to him as I could, the sweatshirt still pressed firmly against his head. The rain still poured down and the tree branches swayed angrily about in the wind.

The sirens cut through the gale as they came closer.

You’re gonna be all right now, I whispered to Toby, gently squeezing his arm. He hadn’t made a sound since that last wailing screech. I propped him up against the window, making sure the sweatshirt stayed in place between him and the glass. I knew I would have to get out of the vehicle and leave the paramedics in charge of Toby. Kissing him gently on the forehead, I whispered, I won’t be far... just outside the car. I twisted around and pulled myself out through the windscreen. The rain soaked through my clothes instantly and I slid down the bonnet, landing on my feet. With my arms wrapped tightly about me, I waited for the ambulance to pull over.

Shielding my eyes from the rain and bright blue lights, I ran toward the paramedics as they got out from the ambulance. The police van had stopped a little further back and I could just make out one shadowy figure emerge from the vehicle.

I turned my attention back to the paramedics and yelled over the cry of the wind, My brother... he’s trapped in the passenger seat... I can’t open the door.

The two men