Chapter 2
The Flame
As soon as Riley got home that night she got something to eat before she started to study for her test she had the next day.
She felled asleep while she was studying.
She dreamed the same dream she has been having for years. Its more than a dream, actually, it's more like a nightmare.
In her nightmare, she could feel the heat from the fire on her skin. She could smell her flesh burning. She heard the same screams; the screams that were crying out for help and crying out in pain. She could feel the weight of the flames keeping her pinned down to the floor. She couldn't escape. She started to scream.
She woke up with a start. Her breathing was heavy.
She signed and rolled over to her back on the bed.
She stared up at the ceiling for the longest time; until something caught her eye outside her bedroom window.
She turned to look and whatever it could have been was gone.
She got up to shut her window before she went back to studying for her Bio test.
XXX
It was normal for Riley to be late to school. Why would this morning be any different?
She parked her car in two parking spots, not even bothering to fix it. That's how late she was to school.
She walked into the school just as the bell rang, signaling the start of first period.
She started to walk to the office to get a pass for first period.
She walked into someone; causing her to drop her books.
She bent down to get them. So did the person she walked into.
"Sorry," she said.
"It's okay," the guy said.
He handed her Bio book to her. She took it and looked up at him.
"Thanks," she said.
She got up to walk away but something stopped her.
The guy stood up as well and looked at Riley in the eyes.
She knew him.
How could see ever forget him.
"Derek?"
He looked at her confused as he breathed in deeply.
"I know it's been awhile, but it's Riley," she said.
The name registered.
"Riley Goodwin?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said almost embarrassed.
She looked down.
"You've grown up," Derek said.
She looked at him again. She looked him up and down.
"The same could be said about you."
He looked behind him, "I have to go."
"Of course. You have places to be," she looked behind her because she remembered she was supposed to be somewhere, "I'm late for class," she said but Derek was no longer there.
She continued to walk to the office to get a pass.
"That was weird," she whispered.