A Tearless World (Editing!)

Chapter 15: Burning

When I stood outside the front of the building, I began to wonder whether this was such a good idea. But then I thought of Jack, whimpering and suffering. I thought of him dying cold and alone. No, I can’t let that happen. I have to do this, for both our lives. And for any chance of returning home to my world. I took deep breath, and then stepped inside. Remembering what Mr Black had said, I approached the front desk.

“Can I help you?” Said the woman sitting at the desk. She was an old plump lady that took off her glasses when she saw me.

“Um, yes. I’m here to see Miss Nells.” She didn’t seem to believe me. “I’m here for information for a school project I’m doing.” I added quickly.

“Are yes, yes of course. Your headmaster phoned ahead. You’re from the Blueberries academy is that right?” What a stupid name. He didn’t tell me about that.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Ok, just wait here a minute while I go and fetch Miss Nells.” I smiled gratefully and calmly as she hurried off down some corridor.

I waited by the desk for her return. I stared around the office. It seemed a fairly big and busy place. A few people turned their heads at me when I arrived but I ignored them. I don’t want to bring myself too much attention. Soon, she returned.

“This way young lady.” She pointed for me to follow her. She then led me down another corridor and to an office. “Wait here for Miss Nell. She’ll be with you shortly.”

“Ok thanks you.” I replied.

I quickly checked the watch that I’d been given to keep an eye on the time. Ten minutes left, I have to hurry. Just as I began to worry I wouldn’t have time, the door behind me swung open to reveal a tall woman. She was much younger than the one at the desk. She must be Miss Nells.

“Miss Nells?”

“Yes, that’s me. And you’re the young lady doing a school project about politics am I right?”

“Yes, that’s right.” I said, going along with my story.

“Right, so, what would you like to know?” I thought for a minute, wondering what would sound convincing. It’s a school project about politics. Ok, I’ll think up questions around that.

“Um, how do you feel politics has changed throughout the years?” I said finally.

“Err, I think it’s advanced and has opened the public’s eye about certain concerns. Actually, I think I have a file about that somewhere hang on.” She replied, hurrying out of the room and towards another.

This was my chance; I was running out of time. I quickly rushed over and shut the door and start looking for the Tator’s file, just like I was instructed to. I rushed over the files and looked through every one of them, nothing. Then I searched the bookcase on the far side of the room. There it was! I smiled happily and checked the time, only a few minutes left. I hurried to the open window. Sure enough someone was there to catch it just like Mr Black had said. I dropped it into their hands and made my way the door. It was locked.

I pulled on it fiercely but it wouldn’t open. I was out to pull again, when I heard the sound the fire alarm. Followed by a smell of thick smoke and high pitched screams from the workers. That’s when I realized, they were setting fire to the building whether I was still inside or not. And I was trapped here while the building is being destroyed. Maybe this was their plan all along, for me to die here. Then they would kill Jack, and probably J and Evan if he found them to. I had to get out of here.

I needed to break down the door. With all my strength I kicked the door, but it didn’t budge. Then I felt the building shake, I needed to get out now. Without thinking, I opened the window as wide as would go and jumped. I was terrified, but even dying trying to save myself is better than dying without trying at all.

As I leapt out, the building blew up in one blow and fire and ash consumed it. I landed with a thud as I hit the ground. I somehow managed to land on my feet but had to stumble over because of the impact. Then I felt someone grip my hand helping me up. It was Evan. Before I had time to say anything, he gripped my hand tighter as we ran away from the burning building. Then we leapt to the ground as there was a small exploration behind us. When it was clear, we got up and ran to safety.

“Evan! What are you doing?” I asked, taking a breath.

“What am I doing, what are you doing?” He shouted in reply.

“Saving my brother.”

“No, you haven’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I did.”

“You?”

“Yeah, me and J.” I stared at him confused, so he explained everything. “When you were taken, I figured out what they must be doing. So we followed them. When you were locked up, we were hiding outside waiting for our moment. I knew they would want you to do something so we waited until we saw the van leave. Then, we simply got inside and rescued him.” Evan continued.

“Is he ok?” I asked concerned.

“Yeah, he’s fine. A bit bruised and shocked but he’s fine.

“Where is he?”

“With J. When we rescued him J went back to the park where we came with him and I came to look for you.”

“Thanks.” I said, blushing a bit.

There’s something about Evan, something that makes me blush and feel uneasy inside. I don’t know what it is, and I’m not sure if I want to know. But that’s not important right now, the important thing is getting Jack back home safely. Is it over? Have we won? Is everything a lot easier than I thought it would be? No, I don’t think anything is as easy as I thought it would be. There’s more to this, we’re not quite done yet.