Page 38 of Consumed By Fire
22
DYLAN
"Dylan!" she screams in fear. Despite trying to stay focused, I rushed to her. I see her get out of the car, hurrying to get the driver out, too. "There’s smoke! There’s some smoke starting to appear!” she says, coughing.
The boys secure the car and I pull her away while two others do the same with the driver.
Charlie is shaking. “There's gasoline everywhere. Guys, there's gasoline up to the ditch!" she shouts. I can see the fear in her eyes and I hold her close to me as I see the boys finish isolating and securing the car.
"Don't worry, baby. We're done, it's over,” I say. The boys give me their thumbs up and I breathe a sigh of relief. “It's over, baby.”
The ambulances are here and the EMTs are taking care of the two passengers who have woken up. We’re making our way to Charlie's car when I see Dad. I have to blink several times to make sure that fatigue isn’t playing tricks on me.
"Dad?" I ask, surprised. It can't be.
"Hi, son. It wasn't exactly what Charlie and I had imagined as a surprise."
"Definitely," I say, hugging him. I see my mother holding a baby. Charlie goes to her and smiles at him, playing with his little hands. Her smile is fantastic, and I know for sure she’ll be a very sweet mom. The idea of seeing her play with our children makes space in my head.
The horn of engine two brings me back and I continue to observe Charlie, intent on talking to the baby's mother. When the two ambulances leave, Charlie and Mom join us.
Mom hugs me and gives Charlie her jacket as she looks at her worriedly.
"Honey, is that blood yours?" Mom asks. I take Charlie's arm, checking it.
"I think I rubbed it on the window glass,” she says. I take her to my car. "Dylan, no need to be worried, it's just a scratch," she says as I take the first aid kit. When I clean her wound, she closes her eyes for the pain.
"The cut isn’t deep, so no stitches. I just put this bandage on. Change and disinfect every day for a couple of days. Then take it off unless it swells."
"Okay, thanks,” she says, looking at me.
I hug her and kiss her forehead. "Can you drive?"
"I think so," she replies, raising those magnificent eyes to me.
"Hmmm, Dad?"
"Yes, Dylan?"
"Can you drive, please? Follow me and I'll take you to Paradise. I have to go to the firehouse to fill out the report, then I'll come home."
"Okay," Dad tells me even though Charlie tries to complain.
"I love you, baby. Thanks for the help you gave us."
"It was a pleasure,” she says, mouthing I love you. Mom and Dad look at us and I have the impression that she’s embarrassed.
They get in the car and I feel guilty over knowing that I won't be with her. I know that once the adrenaline is gone, she’ll feel exhausted.
23
CHARLOTTE
Dylan returns to the firehouse and recommends that I go to bed.
I accompany David and Grace to their room and then take a shower. I need to wash off the adrenaline and fear of today.
Poor little one, I can't imagine how scared he was. I hope they all will be well and forget about today's bad episode.