I am regret that I mentioned about my car accident and didnt describe in details previously. Some of you were wonder how am I and I didn't even reply your email. Here am I to recall the day it happenned....
December 16, 2005 (Friday), 6:55 in the morning.
As usual, I have to drive Chris to school at 7:15am. I woke up Kyle and drove him to the driveway and wait for the bus. But he was late and we saw the girl live next door was driven to school by his dad. So, we thought we might missed the bus again. Thus, he asked me to drive him to somewhere to catch the bus. I was angry because I know he might cheat me and want me to drive him all the way to school again. And I can't do that because I have to drive Chris later. But he insisted that he know where the bus is and so I drove....
It was about less than a mile from house, I told him don't try to cheat me and if we don't see the bus in next junction, I would drive home and wake up his dad. At that moment, I found that my car run fast and I would want to slow down. The car lost control and swayed on the road. I once control it but suddenly the car slided to the left. I tilted back the steerling but the car crash immediately up to the hill and hit a big tree on my right.
I heard Kyle's screaming at the few second when we know we will crash. And both of my hand was holding my head when I see the car heading to the BIG tree. In a few second, I couldn't see anything but I smelled a strong smoke from the explosion of airbag or engine. Kyle was afraid and kept calling my name. When I realize that I am still alive, I am so worry about Kyle and he told me he is fine. I thought the choking smell were from the engine so I ordered him to get off the car immediately. And I did. The door on my side was damaged and I left from another side.
We both were standing far away from the car in the rain and tried to call his dad. A car had stopped and asked if we need help. I guess Eivind might having a big shock again when he answer the call from Kyle. We got back and waited in the car. The car was still standing properly on the road but facing backward on my way. Many cars stopped and asked if we need help.
In about 15 minutes, Eivind arrived and so as the fire dept, polices, and ambulance. The fireman said that is a bad spot and many accident happenned here. And we also been told by the police that the school was delayed for 2 hours due to bad weather. So, what did we rushed for? The ambulance staffs make sure we didn't get hurt and asked if we need to go hospital. I had a minor sore on my neck but i was just worried about the car. It was so bad!!
Later, Eivind drove us back home and I was so exhausted! I went back to my room and couln't stop crying. Everything appeared on my mind was about the crash, the car damage, Kyle's screaming, and I would be sent home.
I heard about many cases that once the au pair crash the car, they have to go home. For me, I dont really do other works besides driving the kids. And I might loose my job because of this accident. And Poh Chin was in the plane heading to America. How could I stop her and how could I show her around without a car? I might have to pay for the $500 deductible of car insurance, and bought a flight ticket to fly home immediately. ... so, I picked up the phone.. and finally I reached my eldest sister. I remember I was crying so bad and told her I have to go home because I crashed the car. And I told her that I have nothing after I pay the insurance and flight ticket. And cried and cried....
She just told me : Come back. We will support you.
And I called Nela and told her about the accident and some of my friends here too. We were suppose to have a farewell party and video recording in my suite that night, so I called them to cancel everything. I felt so guilty and how could I have fun again.
In two hours later, I walked with Kyle to the driveway to wait for the bus. He talked alot to me while we were walking. He told me not to worry about it, he claimed that it was his fault because he asked me to rush for the bus, he asked me not to listen to him again and do it my way next time, he asked me to yell at him if he refuse to wake up in future, he told me about the previous au pair driving and accidents, he told me about Kip's accident and how his parents settled it, he told me his parents are rich enough to scrab the damaged car and buy a new one, he told me that he will tell his parents that's his fault,.... He said if I feel cold, I dont have to come to the driveway in the afternoon, he can walk home alone. And suddenly he asked: "Will you stay here to celebrate Christmas with us?" I kept quiet. And he continue : "What Christmas gift do you like?" I cried again and told him I might have to go home. You know what he said? He said he likes me and I don't have to go home. Sometimes, he yelled but he don't know why because he just feel like to yell and it's not because he doesn't like me.... And, he hugged me many times and told me not to worry. Before he get in to bus, he hugged me again and told me go home and rest. He is so sweet, isn't it?
But I still felt guilty and worried about how my host parents think about this. I guessed Mary will be shocked while she return from France the next day. And, my neck sore were more serious when i woke up bed in the evening.
Eivind asked if I have really fine before he went to work and called home to check if I am okay. When he came home, he told me he would check with the insurance company tomorrow and if it costs too much to repair, he would crab the car and get a new one. I felt so guilty and just standing there quietly. He walked to me and hugged me. "It's okay" he said. He sounds like a dad talking to the frighten daughter. I was crying and said sorry again.....
And, the next evening Mary came back from France. Nela and Avashni were in my room. I told them it's time to be punished before I pick up Poh Chin from airport. So, I went to her room.
The moment she see me, she was holding a toothbrush and she hugged me and asked if I am fine. She was wearing a smile on her face and told me they can get a new car and as long as we are safe, everything is fine..... She didnt asked me to pay for anything.
I ran back to my room with smile and told them about the 'final result'. I guess she must feel sad too because I damaged the Santa Fe which is only 2 years car, still new and good before this. But, she still have to wear a big smile on her face... That's so nice!
Some local people told me that I actually hit the black ice. They told me it was not my fault because it could happen to experience local drivers too. Sometimes, when people aware of the black ice on the highway, they have to pull over the car and even wait for a few hours for the ice to melt or let other car drive on it first. It's like a layer of ice covering the whole road and you wouldn't aware untill you feel you car is 'flying' on the road. And I was the first few drivers who used the road that morning and underestimated the dangerous of black ice.
This frightening car accident was happenned in a flip second. I can't imagine if I hurt Kyle or myself or we might have die. I am so regret that I drove too fast and underestimated the road conditions.
to be continued....
