Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1)

by Karen Tjebben

  A loud buzz pierced the night. Mr. Parker’s voice crackled through a megaphone. “Students, at this time everyone can safely move into the auditorium. From there you can sign out and leave if you have a ride home. If you need to stay and call your parents, or wait for a ride home, you may. Please walk carefully into the auditorium. Once again, everyone must sign out so we can account for everyone. Thank you.”

  “Finally, a warm building,” I said gratefully.

  “No kidding,” Rylee agreed through chattering teeth. “When I get home I am taking the longest, hottest shower on record.”

  “Do either of you have your car keys with you?” I asked, looking at Nick and Reese. “I doubt they’ll let anyone back into the student center tonight.”

  “She’s right. There’s no way they’ll let people back in there tonight,” Reese said. “My keys are in my coat in the student center.”

  “Don’t worry,” Nick said. “I have my keys. I’ll take you guys home.”

  “That’s fortunate that you kept your keys with you,” Reese said.

  “It’s a habit I developed from living in California,” Nick replied. “I’ve been in some bad earthquakes and learned to keep the essentials close by. You never know when you have to change course.”

  We entered the vestibule and left the frigid night for the heated warmth inside the building. We turned left towards the auditorium. The residual smell of smoke that wafted through the hallway almost made me gag. I coughed, trying to expel the nonexistent smoke from my lungs, a reflex brought on by a night of mental turmoil.

  As we entered the hallway that led to the auditorium, the over-powering smell of smoke was left behind and fresh air flooded our lungs. Happy sounds of laughter and shouts of joy filled the hallway. Cell phones made the rounds as teens called their parents to share the good news of their safety and to make arrangements to get home. Maggie signaled to me that she and Meghan were going home with her parents. Nick continued to look around suspiciously as we walked through the hallway. I never spotted the man in the hooded sweatshirt again.

  We sat in the auditorium and waited for the next set of directions. I tucked the blanket underneath my legs and cocooned myself in its warmth. Police officers stood at the doors. Their eyes scrutinized the large mass of students. Did they think that there were arsonists in the room? Were they looking for criminals, or were they providing protection?

  Finally, Mr. Parker walked to the stage carrying the megaphone. “There are three stations in front of the stage. Before you leave, please sign out at one of those stations. The stations are divided alphabetically by last name: A-I, J-Q, and R-Z. Students, please write your name so we can read it,” he added, “or you will be asked to write it again.”

  I looked at Nick and rolled my eyes. “Always the teacher.” I smiled.

  “He can’t help it. It’s who he is.” Nick squeezed my hand. “You are who you are.”

  “Well I am getting out of here.” I stood up, anxious to sign out. Lines began to form behind the stations, and the chaperones helped to speed the process along. Two papers were at each station so that the double lines were processed quickly.

  “Let’s meet back at the seats,” Nick said as we went to our respective lines.

  Mrs. Edgerton monitored the front of our line. “See Kate, I told you Reese would be fine.” Her usually perfectly coiffed hair was now wet and stuck flat against her head, but her smile radiated through her soot covered face. “Everything worked out.”

  “Yes, I guess we were very fortunate tonight.” I signed my name and held up the pen.

  “God watched over us.” She took the pen and handed it to Reese. “He kept us safe.”

  “You were very brave,” I said and wrapped my arms around Mrs. Edgerton’s wet shoulders. As she hugged me back, tears welled up in my eyes. It almost felt like I was in my mother’s arms.

  “Well honey, you better get home,” she said, patting my back. “I know your mother’s gotta be worried about you. I bet she can’t wait to see ya.”

  “Good night, Mrs. Edgerton.”

  “Good night, Kate.” She turned her attention to the next person in line and offered them comfort and help.

  Nick was on the stage talking to Mr. Parker. “I’m going to join Nick,” I said to Reese. “We’ll meet you back at the seats.” I hopped onto the stage and walked towards Nick.

  “No, we don’t have any information yet,” Mr. Parker explained in a hushed voice. “The arson detectives won’t be out until the morning. It could have been anyone at the party.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I figured. It’s too early to tell anything useful.” Nick smiled at me as I approached.

  “The police will question everyone at the party.” Mr. Parker moved the megaphone from one hand to the other and rested it on his thigh. “People may have seen something helpful without realizing it.”

  I thought about my attacker. His presence here tonight couldn’t be a coincidence. How much should I admit?

  “You two were very brave tonight,” Mr. Parker said. He ran his hand through his receding hair in order to tame his comb-over.

  “I’m just glad everyone got out,” I said as I tried to control the sick feeling in my stomach. Images of the man in the sweatshirt filled my head.

  “Yes, it’s a good thing the sprinkler system kept the fire from spreading too quickly, or we’d have a different story here tonight.” Mr. Parker looked out at the mass of students that milled about the auditorium.

  “We’re fortunate they didn’t take the sprinkler system into account,” Nick added.

  “Do you think they would have disabled it?” My stomach knotted as I realized how differently tonight could have ended.

  Nick and Mr. Parker exchanged looks. Then Mr. Parker took a deep breath and said, “Well, we won’t know their true intent until we catch them and talk to them. Then we’ll know a little bit more about their motives and intentions.”

  Nick squeezed my hand. “We have to be on our guard, but not afraid. They probably thrive on fear. Mr. Parker, we’ll see you at school.” Nick smiled and his white teeth gleamed brightly against his soot stained face. “Kate, let’s get you home.”

  “Sounds good,” I said. We walked away from Mr. Parker, and I looked forward to home — to my mother and father.

  “Look,” Nick said discreetly. He pulled me to a stop and looked into my eyes. “I’m sorry I got so upset with you earlier. It really scared me when I couldn’t find you. My mind played through a hundred different scenarios of what could be happening to you. I guess I freaked out.”

  “That’s all right. This has been a nightmare.” I tucked my wet hair behind my ear and took his hands in mine. “Our nerves are shot. We’re on edge, and this night just needs to end so we can start fresh tomorrow. I appreciate the apology, but you were already forgiven.” Nick hugged me, and his lips brushed against my cheek. His presence filled me with peace and calmed my frazzled nerves

  We joined up with Reese and Rylee at the seats, and then we left the auditorium wrapped in our borrowed blankets. The frigid air swirled our hair and flapped the ends of our blankets against our wet clothes. Nick clung to me, trying to keep me warm, but he was no match for the frigid walk to the car.

  We quickly piled into his Lexus RX. He started the car and turned on the heat. I pressed the seat warmer button and soon felt my bottom thaw.

  Nick drove Rylee home first. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, her parents ran outside to greet her. A tearful reunion followed, and the Gardners thanked Nick for bringing Rylee home.

  As Nick backed out of Rylee’s driveway, he said, “Let’s get you home. I’m sure your parents are just as anxious to see you.”

  “I can’t wait to see them.” I gripped his hand and felt peace flow into me.

  We drove through the neighborhood and soon came to my house. The lights on our wrap-around brick porch shone brightly in the dark of night. Nick pulled into the driveway. Mom and Dad were out the front door and
down the brick sidewalk before he applied the parking brake. I opened the car door and was instantly in Mom’s arms.

  “Katie Bug, Reese, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Mom cried. Tears streamed down her face. “Nick, how are you?” She glanced over at him.

  Dad and Reese exchanged hugs while Nick walked around the front of the car. “Reese, you’re covered in soot,” Dad said. He wiped soot from Reese’s face with his thumb. “Did the paramedics look at you?”

  “Yes, Dad,” Reese sighed. “They said I should see a doctor tomorrow.”

  “Well, that goes without saying,” Mom said. She moved over to hug Reese while wiping away her tears. “Of course we’re taking our kids to the doctor after they’ve been in a fire.” She looked at Dad. “Do you think we should take them to the emergency room now?”

  “I think we can wait until tomorrow, especially since the paramedics looked them over.” Dad turned to look at us. “If you have trouble breathing, you need to wake us up and let us know. That’s a sign you need immediate treatment.”

  Nick looked at me. I wasn’t seen by a paramedic, but I also hadn’t been exposed like Reese. If Reese didn’t need immediate treatment, then I didn’t either; therefore, I didn’t correct Dad’s assumption about being seen by a paramedic.

  Dad walked over to Nick and extended his hand. “Thanks for taking care of Katie Bug tonight. I heard you were a hero.”

  “Kate was the real hero.” Nick smiled at me. “She refused to leave the building before she knew Reese was safe. You should be proud of her.”

  “I am. I’m proud of both of my kids. I expect to have a detailed report of tonight’s activities from both of them.” Dad looked at Reese and me; a fragile smile played on his lips.

  “Yes, I’m sure you do,” Nick said with a slight chuckle. “I better get home. I’m sure my dad is expecting his own detailed report.” Nick turned to me. “Call me tomorrow when you get a chance.”

  “Sure.” I watched him walk around the front of the car, and then the four of us headed into the house as Nick pulled out of the driveway.

  The warmth of the house was comforting, but then I heard the television. We walked into the kitchen and saw the television in the adjacent family room. The local news channel was covering the fire at church. Images of our horrific night repeatedly flashed on the screen: flames shot from the rooftop, smoke billowed from the windows, ambulances and fire engines surrounded the student center, and still shots of teens huddled in blankets sensationalized the event.

  “I see you had entertainment while we were gone,” Reese said and pointed to the television. “I’m glad you weren’t bored.”

  “I’d rather have been bored.” Mom exhaled loudly and shook her head. “This was the worst night of my life.” She picked up scattered tissues from the coffee table. “I can’t believe my babies almost died tonight.”

  “I’m going to take a shower,” I said. I grabbed a drink from the fridge.

  “That’s a good idea,” Mom said, her eyes red and puffy. “Reese, you should shower before you get soot everywhere. Just put those clothes right in the washing machine. I’ll take care of them tomorrow.”

  “After your shower, we’ll talk.” Dad leaned back in the recliner. “We’ll be waiting down here.”

  I peeled off my smoke infused clothes and stepped into the warm refreshing water. The cleansing stream poured over my head and face and washed away the soot and grime of the wretched evening. Hot water seeped into my pores, thawed my frozen bones, and refreshed my exhausted spirit. I lathered up my hair and body and allowed the fragrant scent to replace the pungent odor of the soot and smoke. I put on my favorite flannel pajamas and walked down the stairs. The three of them were talking in the family room.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if Nick had something to do with it,” Reese growled. “I’ve never trusted that guy. Then he comes in to save everyone at the last minute. Talk about a ‘hero complex’.”

  “What!” I shouted and stormed into the room. “I can’t believe you’re even saying that. Nick was with me the whole night.”

  “Really? Did he ever leave your side?” Reese screeched in my face. “Was there ever a time when you didn’t see him?”

  “You’re allowing your jealousy of him to cloud your judgment. Nick didn’t do this.”

  “I’m not jealous. And Dad doesn’t like him either.”

  “What!” I looked at Dad.

  Dad stared at Reese, and then looked at me. “Katie Bug, I don’t dislike Nick. I just don’t know him.”

  “Wow,” Reese guffawed. “That’s a ringing endorsement.”

  What did Dad know about Nick? He was never around to know what a great guy he was. He was getting all his information from Reese.

  “I saw him by the DJ table, which is where the fire started. Maybe he planted some sort of device and triggered it later using his cell phone — which he just happened to have.”

  “OMG! A teenager has his cell phone on him. Call the police!” Anger filled my core and my hands were in fists at my side. “You’re being absurd!”

  “Stop this, you two,” Mom ordered and stepped between us. “Kate, no one really thinks Nick did this.”

  “I do,” Reese shot back.

  “Kate, where were you when the fire started?” Dad asked.

  “What? You’re taking his side!” I shrieked and pointed at Reese as a heat filled my cheeks.

  “See, even Dad thinks he did it,” Reese said.

  “No. I’m just trying to figure out the chain of events,” Dad replied in a calm voice. He leaned forward in the recliner with his elbows resting on his knees.

  I sat down on the sofa and tried to calm down. I instantly began to gnaw away at my thumb nail. “Nick and I were in the library, playing hide-and-seek.”

  “Was there ever a time when you couldn’t see him?” Dad asked.

  “Yeah, I hid in a rolling storage cart. He hid in the room.”

  “How long were you in there?”

  “Just a few minutes.” I found a new nail to chew. “Not long enough for him to run back and set the chapel and game room on fire.” I glared at Reese and felt my eye twitch.

  “Then you weren’t anywhere near the fire when it started,” Dad said, as if mapping the events in his mind.

  “He could have used a cell phone to trigger an explosion,” Reese said.

  Dad shook his head. “Reese, I don’t think Nick did this.”

  “When the alarms went off, I looked through the library window and saw flames shooting through the rooftop at the student center. That’s when Nick and I went over to look for Reese and our friends.”

  Dad leaned back in the chair, studying me. “Nick said you refused to leave. What did he mean by that?”

  I stared at Dad. It felt like I was being interrogated. “Well, Nick wanted to leave and go outside to wait for help, but I wouldn’t go. I headed towards the student center to find Reese. Nick wouldn’t leave me, so he followed me.”

  “See, Nick didn’t want to help us,” Reese scoffed, his eyes narrow. “I told you he was guilty.”

  I glared at Reese, furious at his ridiculous conclusion.

  “That doesn’t make him guilty of anything,” Dad corrected Reese, and then looked at me. “However, it appears Nick had more sense than you did. He made the wiser choice, but you, on the other hand, put you both in jeopardy.”

  “What?” I cried. “We helped everyone!”

  “No, you foolishly removed yourselves from a safe situation and put yourselves in danger. Now the firemen didn’t have X amount of people to save. They potentially had X + 2.”

  Tears welled up in my eyes. “Unbelievable,” I squeaked out. “We did the right thing, and you’re mad at me.”

  Dad leaned forward in the recliner. “No, you didn’t do the right thing. The right thing would have been to wait for the firemen. You are seventeen without any training in fire rescue. It was foolish to run into a burning building, especially when help was on the way.�
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  “But Dad…” I began.

  “Please, let me finish,” he said calmly. “You must have heard the sirens. Reese passed firemen coming into the building as he was running out. Kate, you didn’t belong in that building.”

  I stared at him, betrayed by his logic. “If Reese had rescued everyone, you’d be proud of him, but since I did it, you’re mad.”

  “That isn’t true. I’d be mad at Reese, too. I don’t want either of my children to endanger their lives or the lives of first responders.” Dad leaned back and rubbed his forehead with his hand.

  “I still think Nick’s involved,” Reese said.

  “Nick had nothing to do with this. He risked his life to save you, you idiot! Besides, whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

  “I’ve watched Nick. Trust me. He’s guilty of plenty,” Reese crowed. “We just haven’t figured it out yet.”

  I glowered at Reese. “Fine, next time I’ll let you suffer whatever fate throws at you: hellfire, brimstone, plagues, demons let loose to torment you. You can bear it all without our help.”

  I stomped up to bed and slid between the sheets, irate. I looked up at the mural and wished I had an angel to protect and guide me. Where was the peace and comfort that should come with faith? Right now, all I felt was anger and frustration.

  Reclaim

  For the following week, the aftermath of the fire consumed our lives. The police conducted interviews with everyone present at the New Year’s Eve Party. During my interview I mentioned that the man in the hooded sweatshirt looked suspicious because he seemed out of place. This information piqued the police officer’s curiosity, so a sketch artist sat with me and drew his likeness. The sketch was passed around, but unfortunately, no one remembered seeing him there.

  The mayor, town council, and church boards from all over the area met to discuss how to prevent future attacks at other soft targets. The police had virtually no leads, even with the sketch airing on local television news programs. The entire community was in an uproar that something so horrific could happen.

  School counselors met with students in one-on-one or in small group therapy sessions. Everyone at school continued to talk about the fire and endlessly questioned those of us who were present. They were obsessed with every gory detail. It was like they wanted to relive a real-life horror story. They didn’t want to miss anything and tried to absorb every terrifying detail. I couldn’t wait for the weekend. I needed a break from all of this suffocating attention. On Friday, the hands on the clock slowly ticked and seemed to grip my chest and restrict my breathing. I stared at those hands as they mocked me with each painfully slow rotation. When the last bell finally rang, I shot out of my chair and the hands released their suffocating grip.