Author's note: The story is now drawing to a close. This is one of the last chapters.
Everyone said it was a tragedy, that November night. The lightning had struck the football field in the middle of the homecoming game. Three members of the team were killed, and two more were injured. The firemen called to the scene discovered traces of gasoline on the field, and eyewitnesses remembered seeing people on the football field that morning. Several of them claimed to have seen Roger there, and Roger was immediately hauled in for questioning. He was nursing several burns of his own, having jumped onto the football field to rescue April, who was homecoming royalty, from the blaze. That act right there convinced most that he was innocent, but many people still said he wasn't. The arguments flew back and forth, and in the middle of it all, Roger found himself being accused without any reason at all.
He maintained his innocence throughout everything. "I'm telling you, I didn't do it. First of all, even if I was gonna set the football field on fire, why would I let it happen during a time that my girlfriend was going to be on the field? That's just ridiculous!" The principal nodded. "Yes, Roger, you have a good point. But several eyewitnesses recall seeing you at the scene of the crime. How do you explain that one?" Roger nodded. "Okay, I'll square with you. I was on the field. And yes, I was going to pour gasoline on the field. But first of all, I had no intention of starting the fire. My plan was to cause the opposition to slip and fall, making them forfeit. However, I decided not to go through with it. I don't know how the gasoline got there." A cop got into his face. "Son, did you know that arson is illegal? And furthermore, you killed three people. That's called homicide. You're going to jail for a long time, son." Roger clenched his fist. "The only thing I see illegal here is the way I'm being treated! Look, I'm sorry that people were killed. That's exactly why I decided not to go through with my plan in the first place. I've never wanted to kill anyone. Why has everyone decided that I did it? Because I'm not a jock? Because of the little bit of fame that my song brought me? Did you decide to knock me off of my non-existent pedestal?" The principal held up a hand. "Roger, you're absolutely right. We obviously have the wrong person. You may go. You may want to have the paramedics look at those burns." Roger nodded. "Thank you. Again, I'm sorry people were killed." The principal smiled. "About that. Everyone who was near the field at the time of the fire needs to help identify the bodies." Roger nodded. "Okay."
April rushed at him the minute he reappeared on the field. She was crying. "Roger, it's awful. It's just awful." Roger held her, wincing slightly. "Baby, it's okay. What is it?" After a moment, he added, "Well, besides the obvious." April looked at him. "One of the players that was killed. It's…it's…" Roger held her at arms length. "Who is it?" She looked away. "It's Luke. Luke died. He got hit directly by the lightning. He didn't stand a chance." Roger's heart fell. "Oh, baby!" He held April close, and they cried together.
They were still holding onto each other when Charlene was permitted on the field to find Roger. She respectfully gave them some space for a moment, and then tapped Roger on the shoulder. He turned to look at her. "Yeah?" Charlene motioned to the car. "If you're ready, we can go home now. We'll drop April off on the way." Roger nodded, glancing at April. "Actually, Mom, if you don't mind, April, Mark and I were gonna stay together, try to help each get through this." Charlene nodded. "That's fine. Call me in the morning."
The next morning, Roger woke tangled in April's arms. The events of the previous night were a blur, but the pain that shot through his arm and chest when he moved quickly let him know he hadn't been dreaming. He cringed in pain, trying not to wake April up. She must have had a sixth sense, though, because she woke up instantly. She placed her arms gently around Roger, watching the burns. "Poor baby," she crooned. "You must be in so much pain. Let me help." She dug in her bag, finding some aloe vera gel that the paramedics had given her for Roger's burns. She rubbed it gently over the burns. "Baby, there." Roger smiled at her. "Thanks. You have no idea how much better that feels." April grinned. "I'm glad I could help. I can't believe they were blaming you for last night. That's so unfair!" Roger shrugged, gingerly. "Yeah, well, what are you going to do about it? Besides, the principal believes me. I'm not getting in trouble for it, that's for sure. A lot of people are always going to blame me. I'm just planning on ignoring them." April nodded. "You're very wise for your age." Roger laughed. "I try."