II

It took several seconds for Sei snap out of her daze. When she realized that she had just crashed into the back of a garbage truck, Sei was instantly flooded with all sorts of negative emotions. She regretted having taken her eyes off the road, she was sad because she wrecked her baby yellow beetle, She was angry at herself for endangering Youko, and all sorts of other feelings. Like a cocktail of vile potions corrupting her heart.

The driver of the dump truck came to her and demanded her to take responsibility. She came out of the car and with whatever courage and self-control she had left mustered enough power to state that she would take full responsibility for this accident. Her face was still, but her hand was trembling. Youko noticed this, and she was not surprised. Sei may have a strong and carefree spirit, but the shock must have been quite a blow to her soul.

Youko made her way out of the car and walked to Sei's side. While the truck driver went inside his car to notify his superiors Youko placed her hand on Sei's back and said softly, "Are you okay?"

"Youko, I am so sorry for this. Are you hurt anywhere?" Sei asked worriedly. After doing a quick scan over Youko with her eyes and noticing that nothing seemed to be wounded or aching, Sei let out a slight sigh of relieve. "I can't believe I could be this clumsy, i could have gotten you injured and my bun bun's all smashed up"

The yellow beetle seemed to take the worst end of the collision. It's hood was pushed back, now it resembles folded paper. A quick peek at the engine shows that the front grill was jammed backwards a lot of spaces that used to exists between the engine components now no longer available.

Sei's parents were abroad, she practically lives alone in Japan. So she didn't really have anybody to call and help her sort out this mess. She was independent and mature enough to do it under normal circumstances, but right now the shock still overrides her. Youko held Sei's left hand with both palms, wishing she had the ability to transfer whatever energy or support she might have to Sei. Sei's panic and worry was brought down a notch when she realized the warmth of Youko's hand.

On the side of a road at 11 PM, this was not place for a lady to be, Sei thought.

"This is my mess Youko, I need not bother you with this. I'll call you a cab so that you can go home."

"No Sei! I'm not leaving you." Youko shook her head while looking squarely on Sei's eyes.

Sei tried to tell Youko otherwise but the determined look burning in Youko's eyes told her that it would be useless.

The truck driver returned shortly after, "I told my superior about everything, and he told me to settle the matter here. The cost for us to process an insurance claim for an accident is 11,000 Yen. I will give you a receipt for it." Sei choked upon hearing the amount, "Wow, that's quite a lot of money!" She braced herself against the car, her knees feeling even more weaker. "well, the insurance cost for garbage trucks are pretty high. That is the amount that my boss expects me to get from you, if you could hand me the money soon I might still be able to do my trip according to schedule." the driver said coldly.

Youko could read the hesitation in Sei's face, she caught the blonde's eye and softly asked, "Do you have the money? I could lend you some, I brought 5000 yen in cash." Sei casted her glance downward, trying to make up her mind. She didn't know how much money she had in her account, and truth be told, she would rather end the matter with the truck driver as soon as possible, so that she could concentrate on her car. "I have 7500, considering I'm still going to have to take care of my own car after this, and also get us home, I think I'm going to have to borrow your money for now" Sei said while swallowing her pride. This was humiliating, and yet she just wants the problem to be settled soon.

Sei called the tow truck, and while waiting for the it to arrive she settled the payment with the garbage truck driver. The tow truck came after a while, and as she watched the men hoist her car up, Sei can't help shedding a few tears. Youko ran her thumb across Sei's cheek., wiping the tears away. Then proceeded to give her a hug. "It's okay, everything's gonna be alright. Let's get you home."

"No, i'll drop you off with a cab, then i'll head home" Sei argued.

Once again Youko gave her determined look and said, "I'm staying at your place tonight. I don't want you to be alone."

Sei didn't even have enough energy to argue. They hailed a taxi and headed to Sei's apartment.