The Price of Collision

Once he was gone, Carmen went wild, running her hands over the car again and again. "I've got it! This time it's really mine!"

She spun around, showing off to us all. "You see? That's destiny!"

Patrick was beside himself with excitement. "Carmen, you're a legend! A luxury car worth 1.5 million bucks!

"We're about to hit the jackpot!"

I inhaled deeply, giving my car's trunk a thorough once-over.

Sure, it looked a bit worn, but it was a car my parents had splurged on back in the day.

Any damaged part would need the original piece for repairs, costing more than a new ride.

I faced the thrilled crowd and, with an icy edge, said, "If you're not going through insurance, then you better cover my car's repair bill."

Patrick sneered at me, saying, "Money, money, money. Is that all you ever talk about? I can't believe how materialistic you are, Yvonne. You're such a letdown."

He shook his head in disdain. "We're done."

The rest shot me scornful looks. "We thought the car wasn't yours? What's with the act?"

"Seems like you're just green with envy because Carmen got a swanky new ride, and it's eating you up inside."

I could not help but burst into laughter, flinging the car's registration in the air. "Take a good look. My name's all over it!"

Carmen just scoffed, utterly unfazed. "Sure, the car's in her name, but guess who shelled out the cash for it? Me.

"Yvonne used to push me around all the time and made me promise her a car once I graduated. That's probably why she's acting all high and mighty now.

"Whatever. It's just an old model. They don't even make that anymore. Can't be worth much."

Everyone gave me looks of contempt. "So you actually strong-armed Carmen into buying you a car? Have you no shame?"

"Money-mad, much? Patrick is smart to dump you. You should've been kicked to the curb ages ago!"

I ignored their trash talk and just grinned. "The trunk's a total wreck. It will probably be a 75-grand bill."

Carmen turned a shade of red I did not know existed, shouting, "75 grand?! For that clunker?!

"Yvonne! You think you can con me just because I've hit it big, huh?"

I just shrugged. "Don't believe me? Fine, I'll just call the insurance company now."

Patrick was quick to stop me. "No! If we report it to the insurance company, he might change his mind and never give us the car!"

Carmen, teeth clenched, tapped away on hers and Patrick's phones.

Minutes later, she wired me 75,000 dollars.

I caught a glimpse of their screens; they had taken out loans from a bunch of places.

When she realized I had seen that, she put on a proud smirk. "Once I get the car tomorrow, I'll sell it. Think I'll sweat over a few bucks then?"

Patrick just chuckled. "A few grand? It's like pocket change spent on a shopping spree."

I kept my smile to myself, watching Carmen zoom off in the luxury car, her excitement palpable.

That night, she snapped hundreds of selfies with the luxury car and flooded her social feed with them.

In a boastful move, she invited the whole class to the motor vehicle office to witness her big moment, promising anyone who showed up a cool 1500-dollar reward for their trouble.

I showed up the next afternoon, too.

By the time I got there, Patrick was already cozied up with Carmen.

He sneered when he saw me. "I thought you were too good for this? Well, it looks like you'd scamper over for a few bucks."

The others joined in, saying, "Yeah, she played the ice queen just yesterday."

"It's true what they say: money can make anything happen."

I kept quiet.

I was not there for the cash. I wanted to be there when their little scheme unraveled.

The motor vehicle office was crowded with our classmates, all eager to see Carmen claim her million-dollar ride.

She was decked out in designer gear, her makeup was on point, and she was glowing with pride.

Keys in hand, she beamed at us. "Glad you all could make it. After the paperwork, we'll hit up the fanciest place in town to celebrate!

"My treat!"

Everyone lapped it up, showering her with praise.

However, when 3:00 P.M. rolled around and the car was off getting checked, Carmen confidently dialed the owner's number, only to find it was out of service.

She tried again, with the same result.

Her face went ashen. "What's happening..."

Just then, a flustered employee from the motor vehicle office burst out. "Who's Carmen? There's a problem with your car. It can't be registered!"