Pizza Party Peril

“The gate to destruction is wide and the road that leads there is easy to follow.  Be careful - many people go through that wrong gate.” -- Matthew 7:13

The fog in Jenny’s brain was clearing again; she’d been drifting in and out of consciousness for several days.  She remembered the joy meeting new friends on the first day at her new school.  A football player even asked her out on a date.  Soon she might soon be one of the popular girls if things work out.  High school would be so great she thought, as drowsiness engulfed her again.

She was never sure how long she’d slept; hours, maybe only minutes.  Jenny recalled her ambivalence: Mom and Dad thought she was too young to date, especially a boy they didn’t know.  She’d told them she’d stay at a friend’s that night, but left out important details.  She hated that guilty feeling about lying - but what's the harm in a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride?

The pizza was good; the party was great!  When it was time for a ride, her date seemed a little drunk.  Geoff assured her that the fresh air would sober him up.  They jumped in the car and drove to the Pointe.   He tried to make a pass at her (and I don't mean playing football.)  Jenny got scared, they were probably right, maybe she was too young.

“NO!” she screamed and pushed Geoff away with all of her might. "Please take me home now!”  In a fit of rage, Geoff started the car and drove home recklessly.  Jenny knew her life was in danger; she pleaded with him to slow down, but his agitation only grew. 

Her mind faded again, but this time her stupor was short lived.   Suddenly she awoke to the memory of shattered glass and screeching metal.  She didn’t recall the impact.  She did hear someone yell, "Call an ambulance!  These folks are in trouble!"

Fully alert now, she learns from the nurse that Geoff had been discharged – thankfully only a few scrapes.  “And the people in the other car?” Jenny asks.

"Dear,” the nurse says tenderly, “The two adults in the other car died instantly.”

Jenny spoke haltingly, "Oh God!  Please forgive me for what I've done.  I only wanted to have a little fun.  Tell them that I’m so sorry; that’s it’s my fault that those children lost their parents.  Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?"

Her lips sealed; the nurse never agreed.  She waited quietly as Jenny drifted back into a peaceful unconsciousness.   Soon she would have to muster the courage to tell Jenny that the two killed in the crash were her own Mom and Dad.

Holy Father, life goes quickly.  Grant us the wisdom to choose wisely - our activities, our studies, and especially our friends.  Help us to live each day, taking every challenge one step at a time, and bless each step with friends that care.  Amen.