Firemen are at the scene, many have already charged in. But they can’t get to my parents. The flames are too intense.
I bound for the door, but one of the firemen grabs my arm, pulling me back. I try to yank free, but he’s got a tight hold.
“My parents are in there!”
“I know, son, but you can’t go in there.” He won’t let go, no matter how much I try to free myself.
My gaze shoots to the windows, where the flames whip around like they’re taunting me.
“Mom, Dad!” I yell frantically. The flames show no mercy as they continue to eat my house whole.
My eyes dart from one window to the other, hoping to find them ready to jump out or waving their arms for help. But there is nothing but flames. They’re so strong they singe my face, but I’m not paying attention to that. Ineedto find them.
Then I see them. My mom’s head sticking out from the tiny bathroom window. Dad’s arms are wrapped around her. “There!” I point. “They’re at the window!” It’s the only place where there are no flames.
Hope bubbles inside me. They have a chance.
Mom’s eyes find mine. I’ve never seen her look so terrified before in my life. I want to shout to her that they’re fine, they’ll be saved. But just as I open my mouth, an explosion rips through the house, destroying the bathroom window.
I fall to my knees. “No. No!”
The firemen and a few neighbors, rub my shoulders, muttering words that they think help. But I’m not listening to them.
I jump to my feet. “We have to go in there!”
I wrench myself from the fireman’s hold, but he seizes me by my shirt. He clutches my shoulders, looking into my eyes. “I’m very sorry for your loss, son.”
***
I shoot up in bed, my heart pounding in every inch of my body. My eyes flit all over as I try to remember where I am. Grandma’s house.
Mom and Dad are dead.
My body is covered in sweat, my heart still pounds, and I’m trembling all over. Letting out a deep breath, I slide my hands into my hair, tearing at the strands. Crap. Not again.
I shove my covers aside and shakily get to my feet and walk over to the window, pulling the shade up. Tears blur my vision, but I blink them away.
I’ve been having these dreams ever since the fire. I relive that night over and over.
I lightly bang my fist against the window. There’s so much I wish I could change about that night. If only I could have…
I squeeze my eyes shut. What’s the point of all the what-ifs? It’s not like it’ll bring my parents back.
After staring out at the black sky for a while, I find my way back to bed and drop down like dead weight.
Like all the other times, I can’t sleep. As soon as I shut my eyes, all I can see is the burning house. Mom’s head sticking out the window, eyes wide and petrified.
I remain lying awake for hours, my eyes not leaving the ceiling once.
Chapter Fifteen
Artemis
Jenna spends the whole morning gushing via video chat about the Ball as we help each other choose an outfit to wear. It’ll take place Friday night in the town ballroom. That place is set aside for such fancy occasions, where, like I said, there will be a ton of food and dancing. She keeps squealing about what she’s going to wear and how fun it will be to dance with Jason.
I’m trying to listen, I really am, but I’m a bunch of nerves. I’m anxious to ask Ryan? Why? I mean, it’s not like it will be a date.
Gosh, but he might think it is.
