You're the reason behind my S.M.I.L.E

Chapter 30

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Jennifer

Oh no. Grandma's bracelet is in my bag.

Mr. Reynolds caught up with my thoughts faster than expected as he grabbed my arm just in time when I was about to rush back to his car, “Where do you think you're going?” The front part of the car is catching flames but no one seems bothered by it, rather people are actually busy taking videos. Nooooooo.

“I need to get my things.” I cried out, harshly getting my hand out of his hold and threw the snake toy beside him. I put my Grandma's bracelet in the bag so it won't fall off my wrist. I need to retrieve it no matter what. I cannot lose it. The thought of it gone forever is terrifying.

That bracelet carries her love, makes me feel loved, even on days I couldn't bring me to love myself. Her unconditional love is alive in her bracelet.

“Are you crazy? It's not safe for you to go near—” Before he could finish, I practically ran towards his car. Once I was close to the car I covered my nose to avoid inhaling smoke. I could hear people screaming for me to move back but I ignored everyone.

The door handle was a little hot when I opened the back door, but to my dismay, everything was scattered so I threw away the stuffed toys out of the car first, then threw out snacks, clothes, jacket, his bag, before finally giving way for my bag which was crushed underneath it all. I threw it away at a safe distance before I pulled out the fire extinguisher next. I'm literally coughing from the smoke surrounding his car.

A bigger flame caught my attention on the other side of the car. I froze when I noticed Mr. Reynolds made his way towards me, barely reaching halfway, following me. He shouldn't come here. I signaled him to step back with my hand.

I did not waste any second in pulling out the pin of the fire extinguisher to unlock it, aim it straight at the fire, then squeeze the lever. Walter's teaching of how to property use it finally came in handy.

A few people had gathered to help me out with their fire extinguisher as well at the scene and I noticed a man trying to put down the flames on the other side of the car with the jacket.

My anxiety level went down along with the fire. When I was sure that everything was alright, my gaze immediately went to Mr. Reynolds who was hunched on the road breathing heavily. My eyes are in pain and his image is blurry.

“Jennifer,” he shouted to get my attention, which I believe he has been doing the entire time while I was too busy to dig out my bag from his burning car, “Come.” He called out pleadingly with his hand extended out in front for me to take. The pain is evident on his face. There must be internal injuries, I need to take him to the hospital.

I must be looking like a materialistic person to everyone who saw me getting my things out of the burning car.

Seriously, I should be taking him to the hospital first. However, I was stuck digging out the bracelet. I wonder if something is wrong with me. This can't be normal behaviour.

I said a quick thanks to the people who helped us before sprinting in his direction as fast as I could while shoving my bag protectively against my chest.

I instantly took his hand as soon as I was in front of him. He wrapped his fingers around my hand tightly as if to assure himself that I am still there.

As I looked back, I momentarily froze at the thought of what could have happened if I were even a second late to put out the flames or if people hadn't bothered to help me.

I made him stand up with difficulty, and took him far from his beloved car which is no longer in running condition. I really hope he has insurance.

I didn't dare look at him when we sat down on a bench at the side of the road. He seemed to have got the signal that I don't want to hear him nag about being such a careless human even though I proved to be a careless human not long ago.