Parties and cops, what a great combination! Evading the police may not be the healthiest of experiences, but it is undeniably one of the most thrilling and unusual incidents I have ever encountered. Although I can’t deny my secret wish to relive that excitement, my rational self acknowledges the need to resist the urge. While I don’t fully understand the underlying motive behind this desire, my logical thinking leads me to a few possible explanations.
I enjoy treating this experience and the surrounding events as a short story. The scene is set on a warm summer night in a wealthy neighborhood in Avon, Connecticut, where my cousin Seth lives. The characters in this story include myself, Seth, Mike, John, and John’s hesitant girlfriend Sarah. The story begins with Seth and me sitting in the newly renovated family room of his parents’ house. I turn to Seth and raise the first obstacle: “Hey, what are we going to do tonight?” Seth responds, “I’m not sure. Let me make some phone calls. It’s only eight fifteen, and not much action starts until 9:30.” Impatient to leave the uncomfortable family room, I can’t recall if it was the mochacinno I had just consumed or my generally restless nature, but I was itching to go to a party. However, much to my excitement, Seth proves to be resourceful, and with just one phone call, we are speeding away in his swift Honda Accord, driving at 65 mph. Within a few minutes, we find ourselves seated in a sticky booth at a nearby McDonald’s. I have a cheeseburger in hand and attempt to engage in conversation with both Seth’s friends and my grumbling stomach, both seemingly eager to talk to me. At this point in the narrative, our party has grown to ten people. Being unfamiliar with the area, I find myself doing more listening than talking.The majority of conversation within the group of girls is centered on gossip about who is involved in sexual relationships and a big party happening at a friend’s place. The initial problem is resolved when the group agrees to attend the party. Although I recognize that “stopping by” the party may actually mean getting heavily intoxicated, blackout, and waking up the following day, I am still enthusiastic.
At a fancy mansion with a three-port garage, where a Mercedes and other cars were parked, the second crisis emerged involving attending a party. The three-story house was filled with drunken high school students and there was an imminent issue of the party being busted by the local law enforcement agency. This could happen due to either the long line of cars leaving or the loud music playing. As someone from out of town, I didn’t worry much since I thought I would be shielded from any consequences. However, I soon realized that my assumption was wrong. Others in Seth’s car had different opinions on what to do next. Mike suggested grabbing some beer and leaving while John tried to reassure us by saying we shouldn’t worry as long as we left with Seth without taking any alcohol from the house. He even joked about how cops can perform acts of oral sex on his lawyer for all he cares. Encouraged by John’s speech, he and his girlfriend Sarah went inside the party and influenced our decision-making process, causing us all to follow suit. The party turned out to be one of wildest parties I had ever attended but crisis number two was momentarily set aside.
The climax of the story, referred to as the third crisis, is not a singular event like the previous ones. Instead, it involves my erratic behavior and foolish actions due to it. While at the party, I felt like a sponge soaking up alcohol, skin, temptation, and drugs while unintentionally spreading them elsewhere. Time seemed distorted and before I knew it, it was already 1:15am. Despite the party still going strong, my mind started catching up with reality. A sudden realization of our main concern made me urgently search for Seth. Mike informed me that the cops had driven by the house. As a visitor myself, I discovered that Seth had a curfew at 1:45am.
Since Mike didn’t have any issues leaving and the party seemed to be winding down anyway, we gathered John and his girlfriend Sarah and headed towards our car accompanied by about 12 other kids who also wanted to leave. Mike followed us with two six packs.
We all got into Seth’s car – where Mike, John, and I settled in – while the rest of the kids hopped into their own vehicles.As I relaxed into the comfortable upholstery prepared to doze off suddenly flashing blue lights startled me awake and instantly triggered an adrenaline rush throughout my body.This unexpected sight also caused everyone in the car to panic exclaiming “OH SHIT”. Due to my intoxication,I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening around me.Suddenly,the air pressure fluctuated with two consecutive slams creating a sense of spaciousness withinthe carIn response to this, Mike, John, and a police officer swiftly began running. Glancing to my left at Seth, I took a deep breath and found myself sprinting down a dimly lit road. A voice shouted “Stop!” but the words failed to register in my ears. Disregarding the command, I continued my frantic run. Observing a park on my left side, I dashed through it before returning to the road. Once again, a familiar light temporarily blinded me. Realizing that an approaching car was racing towards me, I quickly changed direction and darted back into the park.The screeching sound of tires followed by alarming words echoed in my ears once more.My feet momentarily slowed as the voice yelled out; however, hearing rapid footsteps closing in from behind rejuvenated me with adrenaline and propelled me forward again.Filled with panic and desperately searching for any means of escape,I noticed a set of tennis courts lined with fences on my right side.Altering my path accordingly,I sprinted towards the metal wall as fast as possible.Like a spider climbing its web,I clung onto the barrier and nimbly ascended it.The voice resurfaced once more as I scaled over and gracefully jumped down on the other side of the fence.After a forceful landing, my elbow and heart throbbed in sync while moisture accumulated on my arm. Rising to my feet, I saw a figure swiftly running across the fence – a police officer shouting unintelligible words. Determined to escape, I entered a door leading out of the court and sprinted forward. Ahead of me was a wet grassy slope that I descended like a skier. The cop’s voice became insignificant as thoughts of football or rugby filled my mind – imagining reaching the end zone and scoring a touchdown.
Reaching the bottom of the hill, I encountered an unexpected stream. Without realizing its depth, I ran through it and tripped, bruising my knee. Despite this setback, I quickly regained balance only to be met by a bright light shining directly ahead. Atop the hill stood the cop, observing my clumsy fall through the water. Nevertheless, I persevered and continued running until sensing that danger was gradually diminishing – crisis number three successfully avoided.
With some time on hand, I assessed my physical condition and discovered a sizable scrape on my elbow and swollen knee. Relieved, I checked my pockets to ensure all belongings were intact – fortunately finding everything undisturbed.Noticing distant streetlights, I casually strolled towards them as I exited the park once again and returned to the road. Still slightly intoxicated, I stumbled into a convenience store where I promptly headed to the bathroom. The overwhelming realization of what had just happened hit me, sending me into bouts of vomiting. Leaning over the toilet, I found solace in expelling the stress from the ordeal. After cleaning up, I bought a drink and said goodbye to the cashier before leaving the store. Once composed, I used a pay phone to call Seth’s cell phone. Our conversation was brief: “Where are you?” “Citgo.” “Okay, I’ll be there in five.” And now we reach the conclusion. That night, as I fell asleep, I experienced an intense rush unlike any other.Regardless of whether or not I had done something wrong,evadingthe police gave me an incredible sense of satisfaction.It wasn’t about committing acrime; it was more aboutthethrilling excitement that wouldbe impossibleto replicate under normal circumstances.This iswhat madeitspecial–likea first kissorafirst fight–an unforgettable experiencethatcan never truly be relived.
