Beyond The Sky

12

ARLO'S POV

A few hours earlier...

I knew today wasn't going to be easy. I'm a firefighter -- well, only a volunteer one -- and at some point, I was going to be helping out. It was a weekend. I really only did this then, I was busy through the rest of the week with schoolwork. My school was always overloading us. I was a smart kid, but everyone seems to think otherwise. It could be my appearance, but whatever. I'm also a good kid, too... and hey, I met my soulmate during the week. All's really good, I guess. I haven't seen Serena in a while, actually. Maybe I should text her.

My phone rings. I look at the number, seeing it's from the station I volunteer at. Looks like I'm heading into the station sooner than I thought. I let my parents know after the phone conversation and I hop into my car, driving to the fire station. Let's just hope it's not a big fire.

I arrive at the station. All of the real firefighters are rushing around, looking around frantically for the things they needed.

"Arlo, you're here!" Andy exclaimed. The rest of the team chants, "Arlo! Arlo!"

"Yes, I made it." I reply. "What's with all the chanting and excitement of me finally being here?" I ask, confused.

"We really need the extra help right now. Huge fire just a few blocks down. We've already sent one truck down, but it's getting more uncontrollable."

I look at the team, shocked. "Wow. So you and the crew really need some extra help. Got it."

"Please say you're helping us."

"Of course, Andy, I'm more than willing to help out."

"Great, thanks kid." He smiles at me. "Simon! Where are you? Let's get the rest of the crew wrangled up - Arlo's joining us!"

Simon glances around, grabbing the rest of what he needed and hopping in the truck. The rest of the crew get in as I grab my uniform off the hook in the building. I slip it on as the sirens turn on and we pull out.

"Where are we headed?" I ask Simon.

"913 8th Street. Not too far from here, since we're in Sibley, too."
"How big's the fire?"

"I've heard it's pretty big. Uncontrollable, even. That's why we called you for backup."
I rub at the back of my neck. "Of course. I'm actually kind of nervous."

"Don't be, Arlo. You'll be just fine!"

"Did they say what started the fire?"

"No. All I know is that it's a house fire. Started in the garage, but got bigger."

"Interesting." It truly was. I've never dealt with something so big. I'm literally only a volunteer, yet here I am. I shrug as we stop in front of the house. Simon and I jump out with a big hose and we connect it to the nearest fire hydrant. The water spews out of the hose as we aim it towards the house. "Hey, Gizelle! Question." I call for the chief.

"What's up, Arlo?" She stops what she's doing for a second to come see me. "Anyone inside the building?"

"Yes. Would you want to go in with me to help rescue some of them?"
"I'd be honored."

"All right, I'll let you know when it's safer to head in. Still burning quite a bit."
"But shouldn't we--" Gizelle cuts me off. "They're fine. The house isn't completely on fire yet, and they're even outside. We've just got to convince them to get out of the backyard. With their dog. And stop staring at the fire in awe. Or, I guess shock."

"I see."

I'm thankful for this moment that I'm not a daredevil. I'd be racing in there right now if that were the case. I'm patient. I help out the best I can during this time, even if I'm unable to do much. I'm just thankful to be helping out a family in need.