What have I missed?

Chapter 24: Being Heroic

Should I forgive Louis? This question buzzed around my thoughts. I tried to escape it, but sooner or later I had to make a decision. And then I considered something which lead me to make my decision. Did I love him? 

I awoke to the same bedroom I was taken to after being knocked out by Katherine. But this time, Louis was nowhere to be seen. I got up and began walking to the door just as Louis forced it open meaning that it collided with my face. It was painful, but I ignored it because more important things had to be discussed. 

"Louis I-"

"Ashleigh before you say anything, let me do this" And then he leaned over to me and kissed me, it was magical. This proved my thoughts, I do love Louis.

" I was just going to say that I forgive you" His face beamed a smile.

"Really?"

"Yes, but I can't go back to dating you, there's just some feelings I have to get over" His smile left his face and was replaced with a frown. 

~The next day~

School was normal. I pushed my way through the corridor as I did everyday, ocassionally being shoved into some lockers. I made my way to English in a happy mood however. 

I sat down at the back of the classroom next to Sam Johnson. He was the smartest guy in my year. But at the same time funny, attractive and really nice. We recently became quite good friends. 

"Hey Ash" Sam said loud enough for most of the class to turn around and glare. Luckily the teacher hadn't entered yet. 

"Hi Sammy"

I used to call him Sammy in primary school and the nickname kind of stuck. We were bestfriends then, but then, you don't usually stay friends with the people you're friends with in primary school. people move on. Me and Sam were talking last week and reminisced on the good times we shared when we were kids. It lead to us becoming friends again, a friend was what I needed right now. I had Ally, but sometimes someone of the opposite sex was more helpful. 

Mr Philips entered and class silenced. Sam whispered to me, mocking our teacher's choice of outift and the way he pronounced some words. I couldn't help giggling, a little too loudly. 

"Something funny?" Mr Philips shot me the death glare.

 I was just about to answer when the bell went. I was confused because the lesson started not long ago. The class began muttering about what it was and then Mr Philips stood up and silenced the class.

"That is the fire bell, so I would advise you to exit the classroom. in an orderly form please, we don't want any injuries." The class packed up their bags and slung them over their shoulders. 

"You don't need to take them with you" Mr Philips shouted over the ringing fire bell but the class ignored him. Everyone was pushing out the door and down the hall, trying to evacuate the building. I was feeling claustrophobic and so gripped Sam's arm quite tightly. He looked at me and shot me a reassuring smile. 

When the entire school was on the field teachers did registers to confirm that everyone was here. I couldn't help but notice smoke escaping from the science block. A teacher dashed past me and Sam and said something to another teacher sounding panicked. 

"We have a student missing, Louis Horan" 

My heart skippped a beat. Louis wasn't out here, he was in the building, maybe hurt. I couldn't leave him in there, he might be stuck. I heard another teacher say that he was just in science. He was in the block that smoke was pouring out of! I realised I had to go in there, my nerves were taken over by the love I felt for him. I escaped from Sam's clutch and sprinted off towards the science classrooms. I heard Sam yell and start following me, but there was no time to explain, so I turned and shouted "Louis is in there" and carried on. He replied "I'm coming too". 

We ran in the building, coughing and spluttering because of all the smoke. I took of my jacket and used it to cover my mouth and nose. Sam kicked down a couple of classroom doors until we came to the one with the fire in. The blaze knocked me backwards and I banged my head. I could feel the blood trickle down my back but it was something I had to ignore.

Where is Louis?