Ishaan Reddy

I didn’t Mean to Kill Her

It wasn’t my fault she’d been standing by the edge of the bridge. It wasn’t my fault she’d tripped on a rock when I pushed her. It wasn’t my fault that the railing was lower than it should have been. But she’d fallen, her screams dissipating the moment she hit the water. 

I turned to where my friends had gathered at the end of the bridge, dancing and drinking around a small bonfire. It appeared as though none of them had heard the sound of the splash. 

Good, I thought. I’ll have a head start.

I quickly made my way to my car, parked at the other end of the bridge, got in, and started driving. I didn’t know where I thought I was going. It would only be a matter of time before someone noticed she was gone, or the body washed up somewhere on the banks of the river.

An idea formed in my head. 

I could go to my house, grab some more drinks, and rejoin the party. Most of my friends would probably be too drunk to even notice I’d been gone, and those who had noticed would have any suspicion cleared when I handed them the drinks. Perhaps I could say that Vanessa had walked home, after all, that was how she’d gotten here. Maybe that would be enough for my friends, and hopefully the police.

As I pulled into my driveway, I smiled, realizing I might just get away with this.