Chapter Ten

Red engines lined the road, spraying precious water at the blaze. Black patches of burnt grass hissed and steamed, still defiant against the hoses even as they sputtered. The flames still leaped and danced, their light highlighting the concern filling the fire chief’s face. It was already too late. The flames had too much of a head start. He knew the flames would win the battle tonight, but he called for more men to fight the war.

***

I fidgeted with my gloves, gathering up my courage to get out of my car and go inside the hardware store. My dad had asked me to pick up some supplies for him, and I didn't have a good reason not to go. I thought Andrew was sure to be working. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Andrew; it was that I was nervous to see him. I shouldn't be nervous. Nothing happened.

Nothing happened. I repeated it to myself, hoping the repetition would convince me. Nothing happened. I closed my eyes, but I could still smell his cologne, feel his body push into mine, his a