My mother once told me that the day would come when I would finally have to deal with the responsibilities and tough realities that every other adult must face. She said that I still lacked a true sense of what it meant to deal with consequences — even at age 28. What she was telling me still didn’t really register until last Tuesday.

I was minding my own business, trying to get to the other side of town to pick up my girlfriend Tonya. The past few days she had been pressuring me to take her out for our “anniversary.” Reluctantly I agreed, just to avoid any conflict later on. Between you and me though, I really don’t think 10 weeks in a relationship warrants any type of real celebration.

As I was preparing to turn left onto her street, this SUV flies out of nowhere, runs the red light, and tattoos the rear of my car. Luckily no one was injured in the violent collision, but I can’t say the same for my bumper.

When the officer finally arrived, I immediately dove into my vivid account of the details, “Officer, I was minding my own business, trying to pick up my girlfriend for some silly…”

He cut me off.

“Sir, it’s showing here that you don’t have any car insurance.”

Why should that matter? This wasn’t my fault right?

At least that’s what I thought. It turns out that the law says something totally different. Without car insurance, I was automatically liable. Now I have to pay for all of the damage out of my own pocket; a cost I would later learn totaled upwards of $8,000.

Well, goodbye Jamaica — and Tonya can forget about anymore anniversary celebrations. From now on, its Ramen Noodles and long bus rides until I can save up enough money to get my car fixed. Being an adult sucks. So please don’t be like me — make sure you have car insurance.

Thanks for jinxing me mom.
dewayne rogers

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