The next day was the big night. Most of Big Red's classmates were getting ready for the dance. However, he was not. He sat with his parents in the office of Cash Caswell. He was too exhausted emotionally for this meeting. However, this had to happen eventually.
"Your son's blood showed he didn't take a sip of alcohol that night," Cash explained. "That, along with the camera from the stoplight showing him driving responsibly, means he won't have to worry about getting charged with anything. Ms. Mackamara has confessed to everything, so this case probably won't go to trial."
"Then why are we meeting today?" Mrs. Redonvich said.
"I figured you'd want to sue her for the injuries her driving caused," Cash said. "My brother and his wife are planning to sue. They're suing based on wrongful death. That's another thing. They'd like to ask Noah to testify."
Big Red began to tremble. Big Red would have to be in the same room as the other driver if he testified. No. I can't. A sudden wave of nausea hit the teenage boy. His father handed him the trashcan moments before he threw up. Just the idea of being face-to-face with her makes me sick.
"This meeting is over," Mr. Redonvich said.
"We still have a lot to discuss," Cash responded.
"This meeting is over," Mr. Redonvich repeated. His voice was firm and demanding the second time. The man didn't wait for the lawyer's response before leaving with his wife and son.
Later that night, Big Red lay in bed. He was looking through Instagram, staring at all the prom pictures. He was happy that his friends were having the night of their lives. After the week that had passed, they deserved it.
Someone knocked on his bedroom door. "Come in," Big Red called. Mrs. Redonvich entered the bedroom.
"You have a visitor," she said. To Big Red's surprise, Ricky entered the room.
"Ricky?" Big Red asked.
"Hi," Ricky said.
"What are you doing here?" Big Red asked. "I thought you were at prom with the others."
"We all decided to leave early," Ricky responded. "I think we all were a bit overwhelmed. Gina went to Kourtney's for a sleepover. I felt bad you were spending prom night alone, so I came to see if you wanted some company."
"Thank you," Big Red said.
"Of course," Ricky said. "You're my brother. Want to bring out your dad's old N64 like we used to? That is if you don't mind losing at Mario Kart."
"Game on," Big Red responded.