Emmy Levine Saves a Life

Chapter 6

"There," I say aloud as I hold the homework sheet in both hands. "Now please don't get lost."

I pull out my geometry folder and slide the worksheet in. My burst of concentration came, but it waited until Sunday morning to do so. I cranked out the homework for biology, world history, and geometry in one sitting and I feel like a champion.

I think I put the other sheets in the right folders, but before I can consider it I've already moved on to my English reading. I can feel my focus waning though, the objects in my room becoming more interesting and my attention shifting.

I peer at my clock and notice it's time to get ready for church, anyways. I stand, trading my pajamas for a floral maxi-dress, the buttery soft fabric cozy against my skin. Not as cozy as my pajamas, but still nice.

A dash of makeup to my eyebrows and eyelashes, plus a dot of concealer on my pimple, and I'm ready to go. I fluff my hair and head to my door where I see Hope passing by. She's wearing a white blouse with puffed sleeves paired with a bubblegum pink midi-skirt with a slit up to her knee.

Right off a runway, I think, suddenly very aware that my dress is a little out of fashion. There's just so many trends to keep track of, I can't seem to follow them. It pays off for Hope, though, because she looks gorgeous.

When we get to church we slide into a pew next to Nolan, his white button-up shirt neatly pressed and paired with a lavender tie. His usually unruly hair is combed and gelled to the side, a clear sign that Gran got to him before leaving for her Sunday shift.

He looks nice, I think, then I shake my head. So random.

I smooth my skirt against my thighs and pull my hair to the front of me, the waves nearly covering my torso.

During the sermon, Nolan has clearly decided he's ready to talk about what happened.

"Do you think it was God?" He whispers from next to me. His breath tickles my neck and a shiver goes down my spine.

"Hm?" I ask, catching a stern stare from my dad. Nolan seems to miss it entirely.

"Helping guide you to the fire," he continues. "Do you think it was God? Or the Holy Spirit? Or some kind of angel?"

Huh, I think. I hadn't thought of that. Still, I shake my head.

"No, it was some kind of sound," I whisper, earning another pointed look from my dad.

"Maybe that's just how he spoke to you," Nolan says, "Or maybe I'm crazy."

"Pretty sure I'm the crazy one," I mumble, and he nudges me with his shoulder as if I'm joking.

I'm not, though.

I peek at him, waiting for further interrogation, but he's already drifted off into his own thoughts. I take the chance to drift off into mine.

I'm not an expert on heavenly help, but I would think that it would be something more... obvious? Plus, if God is going to lead someone to a burning building, wouldn't he have chosen someone more qualified? A firefighter or just a responsible adult?

I'm still trying to figure out my relationship with a higher power, but I don't think a loving God would send me into danger.

That crosses off that theory, I think, sighing aloud. It's like a mystery — one I'm afraid to solve.

Nolan, however, is at it again bright and early on Monday morning.

"It's on the news, you know," he tells me as soon as I sit down next to him on the bus. "Did you know that the average arson causes over $16,000 of damages?"