Lost in the Flames

Life Doesn't always = Lemonade

The bed is empty when I wake up. A small note is attached to the headboard with tape that reads:

'We went to school. Thought you could use some rest and skip the day. See you later. xAvoryx *Danni* ~Brian~'

A smile plasters from ear to ear across my face. While they're gone, I have some time to talk to Ms. Burks.

I crawl out of bed and shower. Quickly getting dressed, I brush my hair and head downstairs to her office.

"Come in," her voice is stern but soothing at the same time.

I open the door slightly and poke my head in. "Good morning Ms. Burks."

"Ally, aren't you supposed to be attending school? What have I told you about skipping," she doesn't sound happy.

Maybe this isn't such a good time.

You baby! This is your only chance, get in there.

"You skip a day, you skip a chance at life," I copy her tone when she told me that on my first day of school.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't feeling well this morning, it's a long story. It won't happen again. Promise."

"Well. You know this will take out of your weekly pay," she says.

"We get weekly pay?" I can't help but laugh.

She gives me an annoyed face but it quickly changes to a smile.

"What can I do for you?" She puts down her pen and folds her hands.

I take a seat across from her and take a deep breath. Here it goes.

"Do you know how everyone's parents...," I swallow hard. "Died?"

"Yes, of course I do. Why is this any concern of yours?" Her tone of voice has changed drastically in a fraction of a second.

"Well, Avory and Danni's parents passed the same way mine did," I lower my voice to just above a whisper.

"Ally dear, many people pass from fires. It's no big secret."

"Well, it's not just us. Everyone here had their parents pass in a fire. Every single one of us where in the same house of the fire and were rescued. I was just-"

"That's quite enough. I don't want to hear anymore nonsense. Ally, don't dig your nose where it doesn't belong," she slams her hands on her desk.

"I-I'm sorry," I stutter. "I didn't mean to-"

"I don't care what you meant or didn't mean to do. Please Ally. Stop while your ahead," she says.

"Okay," I whisper.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend." She says, motioning to the door.

I stand and slowly walk to the door. What have I done?

~

*Third Person P.O.V.*

When Ally leaves Ms. Burks' office, she runs out the front door and to the only place she knows; the lake.

Ms. Burks picks up her phone and dials a number she never dreamed of calling.

"I need your help," Ms. Burks begins. "Come to my office, now." She hangs up the phone and begins pacing about her office.

In a matter of minutes a single, strong knock sounds at her office door.

Without a word, she opens it.

"You have 3 minutes," the male voice says.

"The subject is Ally Beckett," she says, biting her nails.

"Reasoning," the voice is deep.

"She knows too much," Ms. Burks takes a seat at her desk.

"My job?"

Ms. Burks sits silent for a minute, contemplating her causes.

A small tear leaves her eye and she sits up.

"Kill her."

~

*Ally's P.O.V.*

I arrive at the lake and the tears finally escape my eyes.

What have I done?

I sit with my knees to my chest and my back against a tree. The lake was blocked off because it was going to be filled in for a hotel.

The county must have forgotten about it because nothing has been done to it. Trees have grown around it and vines have covered the 'scheduled for building ground' signs.

Brian showed me this place. We come here when life doesn't go as planned. That is exactly the situation at the moment. I guess life doesn't always equal lemonade.

"Ally?" I hear Brian's voice behind me.

My head shoots up. "Brian?"

"You weren't in your room. Are you okay?" He sits beside me and slips his hands over mine.

"No. Actually," I admit.

"What happened?" He asks. He sounds so confused.

"I talked to Ms. Burks this morning," I begin. "I asked if she knew how everyone at the orphanage died-"

"You didn't," Brian inturups me.

"Y-ya. Wait, what?" I am not following him.

"Ally, you have no idea what you have done!" He stands and pulls me up with him.

"Brian. What are you talking about?" I stand.

"You have to come with me. Now," he pulls me with him to his car. Running around to the drivers seat, he gets in and pulls out of the brush.

"Brian! What is going on? What aren't you telling me! Did I miss something?" I'm going to throw myself out this window.

"I'll explain when we get to my house," he says, sweat preset on his forehead.

"No Brian! I'm done with secrets! Tell me what's going on!" I scream at him.

"Ally-"

"No Brian! Now!" I unlock my door as leverage.

"Fine, fine!" He pulls my arm and locks the door again.

He stops the car and unbuckles his seat belt, turning in his seat to face me.

"Ally. I'm just trying to protect you. You know that right?" He says, holding my hand.

"Of course but, what are you trying to protect me from?" I squeeze his hand.

"Pain." He says.

"What pain? Brian I need answers," I say.

A tear forms in his eye and he looks forward again. "Ask me anything and I'll answer," he finally says, starting the car.

I take a deep breath. "Honestly?" I ask.

"Honestly," he replies.

"Promise?"

"Promise."