CHAPTER 2 THE WALK

As I came down the porch of my house I notice someone skateboarding in the driveway next to ours. Must be the great Mr Fredrick Jones who is, you can say unfortunately but fortunately, my neighbour.

He is in my grade at Horace Green School. We are family friends but we don't associate much in school besides for homework or assignments. We also belong to different social groups-the popular and the nerds and you can easily guess which I belong to. As I walk past his house he notices me.

"Hey Red!" he calls out loud, "Going somewhere? I thought you would stay home and make cookies and get ready for your dad's party?"

"Oh hey, yeah just taking Princess for a walk. Mum's orders. And don't call me Red!" He started that nickname when my mother decided to experiment her hair and decided to drag me as well.

"Nice. Well would you mind if I join you?" he asked with a goofy grin.

"Yes! I mean no. Sure, why not? Plus I think Princess missed you," I mumbled and my dog gave out soft bark. Even she laughs at my misery.

He skates towards us, flips the board and kneels beside me to pet Princess's head. He then adjusts his board under his arm and starts to walk with me. I then notice he was wearing dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt and his favourite brown jacket that was coincidently gifted by Austin.

We soon reached the park and took a U-turn to head back for our homes. It was nice walking with him even though we didn't speak much and just enjoyed the silence.

I was thinking what special I should do for Dad. A watch as a present won't be enough. Maybe I should sing my song that I made for my school camp would be nice. Just a few words here and there and the song might be done. I begin to hum the tune when…

"You look quite pretty today," he rushed out. I was shocked at first but then again it's Freddy. He always does something unexpected. "Umm…thank you," I blush.

I was going to reply when I smelt something funny. I could even hear some cries and yells and the familiar siren of the fire brigade. I look at Freddy and suddenly Princess begins to bark and starts to run towards the yelling. When we reach our street I begin to panic and my heart begins to race. Was there an accident? Someone died? My hands starts to get sweaty and suddenly Freddy takes my hand into his. I think he is worried too. And when we reach our street my heart stops.

My house was on fire.

My house was on fire!

"Daddy! Mama! Austin" I shout at my highest voice and try to run but Freddy grabs me by the waist so I wouldn't move. I keep screaming at top of my lungs for my family but no reply comes. I slump down and begin to cry. How in the world is that possible?

Flames cover the whole house and there are pieces of wood around indicating an explosion. Was it a gas leak or something else? My mind was jumbled and I just wanted to see my family.

Warm arms come around me and wrap me into a hug. I continue to cry heavily into that person's jacket. The firemen douse out the fire and I lift my head a bit. My eyes meet that of Freddy's and I can see them full of concern. That's when I hear someone say that no one could have survived it and that's when my whole world goes black.

x-o-x-o-x

I hear voices and different sounds but I don't move at all. I am surrounded by warmth and I snuggle into it. I slowly open my eyes and see a pair of striking blue eyes that I know but they are worried. I gave him a confused glance and then realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

My house was on fire. My family was inside. Are they alive or not?

I begin to panic. I try to shout and call for my family but somehow I am not able to. My throat feels itchy and I then notice that strong but warm arms are holding me. I look at Freddy with tears in my eyes. He just looks at me and hugs me tightly.

I sit down in my seat and notice that I am in the hospital and Freddy is sitting beside. His parents are in the opposite chairs and Princess is sleeping near my legs.

The doctor then comes and sadly shakes his head. My heart stops beating. No. That's not possible. They are not dead, are they? No. it was daddy's birthday. We were going to have a party and fun but not anymore. Silent tears come out that turn into streams. Freddy holds me tightly and I hug him back. They are gone.

They are actually gone.

And only one thought was flowing through my mind.

I can't sing again as I always sung for them.

I won't sing again.

x-o-x-o-x

A/N: Ok guys this is the revised chapter and please share your thoughts about it.