In The Name Of Family

Ch 31- Heart on fire

Andrea Buffet

Happiness had taken over his entire face as he drove the car. I could even swear that his hands were shaking, although it was hard to see because they were on the steering wheel. From time to time he looked out of the window, while he took one of his hands outside, probably to dry them because they were sweaty. I smiled, then I put my hand in his and he turned his head to me, smiling. As he put his other hand on the steering wheel, our hands rested on top of each other.

A few more minutes, I thought, and then I brought my head closer to his shoulder, laying on it. It had never seemed to me this long the ride. I had thought of hundreds of scenarios in my mind and I pray that everything will turn out as I thought.

After all those minutes that seem like an eternity, we were finally near the school.
Something tightens my chest like a ribbon behind the dress, but I put my hand on it and smiled. It is probably from happiness.
As we stopped the car in  front, we both got out and a feeling of anxiety came over me as I heard the police sirens.

“What is happening?” Aiden asked as he came closer to me. I raised my shoulders, not knowing anything and we got closer to the entrance of the school, where many people had gathered together. Some people in police uniforms ran from the other school building with machetes in their hands.

It felt like the ribbon was getting tighter around my chest and I touched Aiden's arm lightly. He looked at me confused. I could even feel his green eyes melting with fear while looking at me. Something inside me snapped and I was covered in fear too.

I looked everywhere to find Miles, but in vain. Then I heard Aiden call out to his nephew, Jay.

"What happened?" He asked as I followed him, curious.
"The gym is on fire, but apparently someone was inside," Jay answered and I couldn't bear it anymore, because of something inside me, I asked.

“Jay, where is Miles?” He looked at me in surprise.

“He left the class about 20 minutes ago. I thought he would be home now.” Aiden looked up from me, clearly worried, and the feeling in my stomach started to grow even more.
"Let's take a look around." He said as he grabbed my shoulders and I nodded.

As I was looking through the crowd, a boy about the age of Miles approached me, grabbing me by the shirt. I turned my head.

“Are you Miles sister?” He asked and i nodded, hoping for him to know something.

“Before the fire started, I saw him going to the gym.”

I felt myself numb. "No!" I said firmly. "It must have been your eyes," I refuse to believe such a thing. Surely he must be sitting somewhere to stay away from this noise. It's something he's used to. He hates noise because of the pain it causes in his head.

"No, I'm sure," he said again.
I could feel the tears threatening to fall as Aiden got closer, looking at me strangely.
"What happened?" He asked and the only thing i could manage to say was Miles name, although stuttering.

I couldn't stay in one place and started moving around asking people if they had seen someone with Miles characteristics. While Aiden followed me worriedly, his eyes went to Miles teacher.
He grabbed my arm to stop me and as she saw us, I couldn't help but notice her sad gaze.

"Mrs. Buffet!" She called me and I didn’t let time for her to speak any further.
"Where is Miles? Please tell me he is fine." I pleaded, but she closed her eyes once and then gathered her breath to say. "I'm sorry Mrs Buffet it seems that your brother is been seen going to the gym before the fire happened. "