The Arsonist (Warren Peace)

Chapter Sixteen

I exited the school and held up a hand to see past the sun’s glare and I saw Layla waving her hand at me and I headed towards her and I saw the others there as well, “oh hey I didn’t realize that y’all rode the bus too.” they all nodded, “alright so how is this going to work?” They all shrugged, making me sigh, “how about this you pick me up at six and we’ll have dinner at the Paper Lantern sound good?” he nodded, “alright um let me see your phone.” I handed him the phone as we boarded the bus. I saw Warren glare at the bunch then seemed confused as he saw Zack with my phone, “here’s my number text me your address.” I nodded and typed in my address including the apartment number, “you want me to dress casual or formal?” he shrugged, “be comfortable.” I did a miniature fist pump, “good I’m not that big a fan of dresses but I’ll wear a loose skirt to make it a little more believable.” I rubbed at my throat that seemed to throb more and more the longer I spoke, “hey are you alright?” I seemed surprised Magenta spoke to me as she had barely spoken a word to me since I met them. 

I nodded getting my whiteboard out, “yeah fine my throat is just sore.” they all seemed a little concerned but Ethan spoke up, “it’s probably your vocal cords irritated from getting used to speaking after not being used in so long but see you doctor just in case.” I nodded lifting my arm and Layla scrunched up her eyebrows, “weren’t you supposed to get that checked out when you got it?” I shrugged, “would you be willing to go to the visit with me? I hate hospitals.” she nodded and we stopped two stops before our usual and I stood frozen on the sidewalk staring at the towering building, “Blake are you alright?” I shook myself from my stupor and nodded walking to the entrance, “hi can I help you?” I quickly scribbled onto my whiteboard but made sure it was still somewhat legible, “hi I’m Blake Kitsch I need to see Dr.Schutz.” she typed into the computer, “alright darling I just need your date of birth.” I grabbed a kleenex from the box and wiped the board, “November 18, 2003.” she nodded, “alright follow me.” we followed her for what seemed like twenty minutes but was probably only two, “put on the gown and she’ll be in shortly.” Layla waited in the hall while I changed. We were making light conversation when Dr.Schutz came in, “hello Blake, how are you doing today?” I gave her a thumbs up and she smiled, “that’s good to hear so what made you come in today?” I motioned to my throat and briefed on my whiteboard, “started talking again, throats sore.” she hummed, “alright well I’m gonna have you lean your head back and saw ahhh okay?” I nodded and leaned my head back saying ahh like she said, “hmm your throats a little red which is no surprise since it would be irritated by talking after so long of not here’s what I’m gonna do amoxicillin because it looks like the beginning stages of strep and take that until it’s gone but if the irritation continues come back and try to keep the talking to a minimal alright?” 

I nodded, “alright is that all you came for?” I shook my head and lifted my arm to show the bandages, “what happened?” Layla answered for me, “um there was a fight at our school Sky High and she got hit with a fireball.” Dr.Schutz made a hissing sound between her teeth as she saw it, “well I’m giving you some burn cream and that sure help does it hurt at all?” it hurt like hell but I didn’t want to seem like a baby and I shrugged my shoulders, “right well I’ll prescribe you some Naproxen for the pain.” she ripped off a pharmacy paper, “just go to the front desk and they should be able to get that stuff for you alright?” I got up and got changed walking alongside Layla as we waited for them to fill out my prescription, “do you really want to go out with Zach, “it’s only pretend and with the way he’s looking at Magenta he’s okay with that.” she nodded, “whelp let’s get going.” I grabbed the bag the nurse held out for me and we stopped at the edge of her driveway, “I’ll see you later.” I shook my head and practically dragged her to Will’s, “we have a surprise.” I waltzed in without knocking, waving at Josie, “hi Blake, Layla Will’s up in his room.” I smiled at her in thanks and started up the stairs. Will's eyes widened as he saw me coming up, “now?” he mouthed and I nodded as I grabbed my guitar from the side of his and he grabbed his, “I didn’t know you play.” I shrugged and Will did as well and we both started to play in sync.

His voice started of trembling a little, “I found a love for me darling, just dive right in and follow my lead well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet I never knew you were the someone waiting for me 'cause we were just kids when we fell in love not knowing what it was I will not give you up this time darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own and in your eyes, you're holding mine.” Layla had tears in her eyes but I could tell it was from happiness, “Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms barefoot on the grass, we're listenin' to our favorite song when you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath but you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know she shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets to carry love, to carry children of our own.” we quickly finished the song and Layla stood in shock as Will pulled out a decorated sign with flowers, “will you go to homecoming with me?” I awwed and Layla nodded, “absolutely.” she kissed him and I clapped, “yay!” then I coughed as I rubbed my throat, “Well I gotta go so congrats on finally getting together you two.” I hugged them both and started the walk home to prepare for my “date” with Zack.