I leaned against the glass door, not bothering to read the red writing on it. Nothing was more important than being on time at the moment.
"Number six!" someone called. "James Number Six."
I walked over to the counter.
"Here's your order," the cashier said. "Aren't you a little young to be all by yourself?"
"No," I said. I wasn't I was nearly fifteen and in high school but everyone mistook me for a nine year old. I hadn't changed much since I was that age in appearance but my personality was way different. "I'm fifteen." I let my brown hair fall over my blue eyes then took the pizza and paid. I walked out of the small restraint and looked around for my best friend, Grace.
"Austin, you look tired," Grace said. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Sorry, Grace," I said. "I'm distant I know."
"Don't apologize, Austin. I understand it. Ready for school tomorrow?"
"Not particularly," I told her.
"Come on; let's get back to the house."
Another thing that had changed since my mom died, Grace never called my house home anymore. It was just a house she was forced to stay in, no longer her musical sanctuary.
The two of us walked back to the house and Janet, my stepsister, was standing in the doorway.
"Austin you're late! And Grace we told you to clean the living room! Get to it now!"
"Yes, Janet," Grace and I said and the same time. Grace walked into the living room and I set the pizza on the dining room table. When we finished our chores, Janet shooed us up to our room. We stayed in the attic together; we just used a divider for privacy.
"Austin, are you sure you're okay?" Grace asked me. "You seem even more distant recently."
"Yeah. I just feel like things should be able to turn around but the world seems to have other ideas."
"Hey, that reminds me, I wrote a new song the other day."
"Can I see it?" I asked.
"Austin, you know you can. I trust you, and you know everything about me. Here," Grace said handing me her songbook, a small brown book that she'd had since she was three.
I looked at the lyrics:
"Don't you get that this isn't any change?
Going through the motions
Sick of it sick of hiding.
Done with all of the pain
Ready to change."
"Grace, this is great. It's a little short though," I told her. Grace laughed.
"I know, I'm still working on it," she answered. "I'm tired, Austin. I'll talk to you in the morning."
I nodded and close the divider and got ready for bed. It was cold in the attic but I wouldn't trade my conversations with Grace for anything.
The next morning I woke up and Grace was already sitting on her bed dressed, writing.
"Grace?" I questioned.
"Hey, Austin, I was just finishing some homework."
I nodded. "Ready for school?"
"Yeah, let's get downstairs and see if we need to do any chores first."
Grace walked out of the room and I changed into regular clothes, a blue t-shirt and jeans. Grace had on a t-shirt and sweater over her sweat pants. She never cared what she looked like.
The second we got downstairs Janet started yelling at us.
"By the way, Austin, dad said he needed to talk to you later."
I nodded then walked out the door with Grace tagging behind me.
"Wait up, Austin!" she shouted at me.
"Okay, little sis!" I joked back then started running faster. She stopped and I noticed what I'd said. I'd called her my little sister. She wasn't really but she came close. When she was little we were friends and her parents died in a house fire. My parents tried to adopt her but couldn't because her aunt was listed as her guardian and wouldn't allow her to be raised by strangers. Her aunt couldn't stand her though and never took care of her. When my parents found out they took matters into their own hands but before they could actually adopt her my dad died. My mom married my stepfather, Thomas, and he wouldn't hear of adopting Grace. A few years later my mom died and Thomas had no choice but to put up with me and I wouldn't do anything he said until he agreed to let Grace live with us. So, it was my fault that Grace had to live with such monsters of people again.
"Grace, I don't care what anyone says," I told her. "You are my sister. At least in my mind you are."
"Okay, Austin. But, I'm older than you."
"We were born on the same day!" I objected.
"I was born two minutes before you."
"Okay, so I guess I'm younger but just by two minutes."
Grace laughed and we ran the rest of the way to school. We were laughing when we got to the entrance. Our other friend, Ryan, was waiting for us and he just looked shocked.
"Are you two laughing?" Ryan asked. Grace tied her black hair back to get it out of her brown eyes.
"Yes," Grace said. "I didn't know you'd be so shocked."
"Grace, think about it, you two go through everything and then you just laugh about it are you sure you guys are alright?"
"We're fine, Ryan," I said. "Like you said we go through a lot we need to laugh sometimes."
"If only you two could be like this around everyone then you might be able to stand up to people."
"Ryan, I've tried. I just can't do it," Grace said. "The only reason I trusted you guys is because I've known you my whole life."
"I won't push it," Ryan said. "But, I will ask you this. Any plans for your birthday?"
"No," we said together.
"Good because you're getting a party."
"No, Ryan," Grace protested. "You don't have to do that."
"When was the last time you actually celebrated your birthday, Grace?" Ryan asked.
"When I was five, so?"
"Exactly, Grace. Just you need to loosen up a little and let yourself be a kid again. You never really had the chance."
"No, Ryan. It's a little on the late side. You could've done this when we were kids, let's just go to class."
"Grace, please!" Ryan begged.
"No!" Grace shouted then ran off to our first class, History.
"Austin, am I right?" Ryan asked me.
"Ryan, just let Grace do her own thing. You know she doesn't like parties. It reminds her too much of her parents and I think she's afraid something might catch on fire with the candles."
"Then I won't use candles but she deserves to take a break and you do too."
"Thanks, Ryan. But no thanks."
"Fine, but I hope you're aware I'm going to keep asking about it."
I nodded and the two of us walked into History class. I sat next to Grace and Ryan sat I front of me.
"Grace, if it's because you don't want any candles, I won't put any candles in the room and I'll take any fire starting equipment out of the house."
"Ryan, please stop. I don't want to talk about it," Grace begged and I saw tears running down her cheek. She was only five during the house fire so she could only remeber her parents a little but I knew that she remembered the house fire vividly.
A girl with auburn hair and green eyes walked into the door.
"I'm looking for the History teacher, Mr. Terse," she said. "Do you know where I can find him?"
"Yes, I'm Mr. Terse," Mr. Terse said.
"Thanks, this is my first class, where can I sit?"
"Anywhere you like, Jess."
"Okay."
The girl, Jess, walked back and sat next to Ryan. That sort of ended our conversation.
"Hi, I'm Jess," she said. "What're your names?"
"I'm Ryan and those two are Grace and Austin."
"Hey. Are you crying?"
Grace shook her head and wiped her face. "Nothing," she mumbled.
"Grace, I'm sorry," Ryan said. "But whether you like it or not you two are getting a birthday party."
"No, Ryan," I told him. "Just no. We'll both be busy. Besides, I don't think we can stop our ten year tradition. Besides our birthday is the tenth anniversary. Don't make her celebrate on a day like that. We were planning on going to the memorial."
"Of what?" Jess asked.
"People," I told her.
Grace got up and ran out.
"Grace!" Ryan called after her. "Okay, bad timing, Austin."
"I know. That was bad timing but her birthday is not a good day for fire of any kind. You know she won't be able to handle that."
Grace walked back in blowing her nose.
"Grace, are you okay?" I asked. Grace nodded and I knew she'd tell Ryan and me later. Our History teacher noticed the interaction and unluckily, some bullies did to.
"Grace are you gonna go call your parents and invite them to the fireside."
Grace looked like she wanted to say something but she couldn't.
"Oh right, you can't and you're too afraid to go to the firseside."
Another bully turned to me.
"Going to say anything, lover boy?"
That was sickening to me beacuase was pretty much my sister.
"No? Well, we'll see you at the firehouse!"
Grace walked away and sat down in the corner. Jess stood up.
"Hey! Stop picking on them. They're nice kids and you don't know what might have caused her fear. So just shut up and go sit down and let the teacher teach," She yelled at the bullies.
"New girl, you don't get how things work around here do you? It's like a food chain. We're the sharks and they're the minos, Got it? You can either be a shark with us or we'll make your life miserable."
"No way! I'm not scared of you and I already don't like you."
The bullies walked away.
"Woah," Ryan said. "No one has ever done that and it's been like this since the first grade."
"Well, most people are just to blind to notice that Grace and Austin have obviously been through quite a bit."
"How? What? I have no idea what you're talking about," I said.
"Really?" Jess said. "Look at yourself, you didn't do anything when you clearly wanted to. Grace got upset at the mention of fire and they kept saying stuff about parents. It doesn't take rocket scince to put two and two together."
"Well, thanks," I told her and Grace nodded her agreement.
"You don't have to thank me. Someone should have done that for you a long time ago. I guess no one wanted to be on those guys' bad sides."
"Mark and Jake you have detention for the next week," Mr. Terse said. "Jess, Grace, Ryan, and Austin, I need to see you four after class."
"Are we in trouble?" Ryan asked.
"No," he said. "We just need to talk. And our lesson plan won't go until the end of the week. Grace, I'd come to school late if I were you."
"Are we going to_" Ryan asked.
"Yes, Ryan. It's part of the town's history."
"You can't expect us to sit through this it was bad enough the first time!" Ryan shouted.
"Which is why I encourage the three of you to miss that class."
"Sleepover at my house?" Ryan asked.
Grace and I nodded.
"But, I can't hide forever," Grace whispered.
"If you want to come we'll come," Ryan told her. "If you don't we won't. Either way it's your decision."
The bell rang and the four of us stayed in the classroom.
"Jess, that was remarkably brave of you," Mr. Terse said. "And Grace I'm surprised you didn't just run out and hide."
"I can't hide from my life," she whispered.
"You did a good job of it for quite a while."
Grace nodded.
"Grace, if you don't want to come on Friday, I understand but maybe you could just try. I know you don't need to learn it for the test but it is a big part of the town's history. And you're a part of it. As for your birthday. If you do have a party may I suggest battery operated lights for the cake?"
"That's a great idea!" Ryan shouted.
"Ryan!" I yelled at him. "We're not having party on that day. Period."
"Do it a few days after then," Mr. Terse suggested. "Your friend is right, Grace, you need to let yourself be a kid every once in a while. But, I can see why you don't want to celebrate that day but it has been nearly ten years. Maybe it's time to let it go."
Grace glared at Mr. Terse then ran out of the classroom.
"Maybe time doesn't heal all wounds," Ryan told him. "There has to be a way to get her to let go."
"Give up, Ryan," I told him.
"I hate to interrupt but I'm new to this school and I don't have any idea what we're talking about," Jess said.
"You'll learn on Friday," Ryan told her.
"What's your next class?" Jess asked.
"I have drama, but Austin and Grace have band. You?" Ryan said.
"Band."
I walked into the bandroom and saw Grace glaring at a kid, clearly picking on her.
"Little Gracie afraid of the Graceful Fire. Maybe we can watch a historical movie without you crying."
"Hey!" Jess shouted. "I thought I told you to leave her and her friends alone!"
"New girl, I don't know who you think you are but you're fierce enough to be a Shark. Are you going to join us or are you going to waste your time protecting the Scaredy Cat Minoes?" Mark said.
"Just leave her be," Jess told him. "She didn't do anything to you."
He walked away.
"Grace, you alright? Sorry I didn't follow you," I told her.
"Fine. Ryan still determined?"
"Yeah. But, we could have a party a few days after or a few days before. We don't have to have one though. I know what you think of parties."
Grace nodded.
"Okay," Jess said. "This has been killing me all day."
I face palmed at her choice of words.
"How about we not mention death," I told her.
"Okay," Jess said. "but, are you two twins?"
"No, we were born on the same exact day in rooms adjacent to each other and we've been best friends ever since," I told her.
"So you've literally grown up together?"
"Yeah."
Ryan walked into the classroom.
"Ryan?" I asked. "What's with you?"
"I swear this year is out to get the three of us."
"What play?" I asked him.
"The one play that is historical enough and recent at the same time," Ryan said. "Sorry, Grace. Looks like we're not going to the play afterall."
"What play?" Grace asked.
"I don't want to say it," Ryan said.
"Can I just say it for you then?" I asked. "Grace, sorry but it sounds like the drama group is performing House Fire Case."
"My life stinks," Grace muttered.
"I hear you, little sis."
"Older than you," she muttered.
"Wait, I thought you guys said you weren't twins," Jess said. "How are you in the same grade."
"We just aren't really related doesn't mean we can't act like siblings," I said.
"Oh, when did that joke start back up? I haven't heard for three years," Ryan said.
"We gave up trying three years ago remember?" I told him.
"You didn't give up, you still look at each other as if you were siblings and I think that is something no one could just pretend."
"True, and this morning," I said. "Grace, do you want to come Friday?"
"Yes. I'm not hiding."
"Okay, if you're sure."
Grace nodded.
The music teacher, Mrs. Rein walked in.
"Ryan, don't you have drama right now?"
"We're watching an uncomfortable movie and I'd rather be in class with Grace and Austin.
"I swear whatever controls luck absolutely hates you three," she said. "You can stay in my class until it's over."
"Thanks, and don't we know it," Ryan said.
"Your luck can't be that bad," Jess said.
"No it can be worse."
"Hi, I'm Mrs. Rein, what's your name?"
"Jess Sanders," Jess said.
"Alright sit wherever you like today we're just going to have a free day. Ryan, Austin can I speak to you out in the hall?"
We nodded and Grace automatically got up to follow.
"Grace, I need to talk to them just this once without you following okay?"
"She's not a little kid anymore," Ryan said. "She'll be able to listen to us."
"No, though you can choose to tell her when we're done."
I walked out and Grace sat down.
"Guys, you know I was thinking of helping Grace let go of everything and I need your help."
"We've tried," Ryan said. "It's like trying to redo the past it won't work."
"Ryan, Ms. Reins just let it go. Ryan, you know Grace just as well as I do. She'd hate you for making her feel like she can't grieve."
"She's been grieving for ten years she needs to let it go. There's fire everywhere she can't hide from it forever."
"She can if she has us to help her through the tough parts. Just come on. We can discuss this after school."
We walked back into the class and Grace was glaring at Jess.
"What'd you say?" Ryan asked.
"I just asked her about a book I'm reading about local history."
"Which article?" he asked.
"Something called the Graceful Fire and the Case Around It."
"Mrs. Reins, we're gonna need a lot more ideas!" Ryan called. "And we always need to get the library to check where it displays signs of local history."
The rest of the day was mostly uneventful except for the Sharks constantly mocking Grace about fire. One even went as far as to get a poster of the movie out and hold it in Grace's face. Jess kept defending us and she didn't even know why it bothered us so much.
Friday was when things really started to prove unlucky.
Grace woke up and looked like she hadn't really slept at all.
"Did you get any sleep last night?" I asked.
"Not much, I had a nightmare."
"I'm sorry," I told her. "Let's head downstairs. Are you sure you want to go, Grace? I mean you still get spooked by candles are you sure you can handle it?"
"Austin, I think I can and if I can't, well at least I know I tried. I hate being so afraid."
"It's not your fault Grace, you've been through enough without blaming yourself, let's head to school."
The second we got downstairs, Janet started yelling that her clothes hadn't been ironed and the candles hadn't been lighted.
"Janet, candles shouldn't be on at night in the first place," I told her. "Grace, let's go."
Grace raced me to school and won.
"You guys are going to sit through this?" Mr. Terse asked. "I'm surprised."
"I'm going to try," Grace said.
The two of us took our seats. Ryan walked in a few minutes later.
"Grace you look exhausted what happened?"
"I couldn't sleep."
"Sorry to hear that."
Jess walked in.
"Do I get to learn about why you three are so mysterious?" Jess asked.
"Yeah, and I have a feeling this day isn't going to end well," Ryan said.
"I can do this," Grace said. "It's just a movie. It's not really happening again. Let it go. Guys, I don't think I can do this!"
"Grace, you can just believe in yourself. And I don't think anyone would dare bother you today. By the way you two, happy birthday, errr…. Bad timing."
"Okay who has heard of the Graceful Fire Case?" Mr. Terse asked. And immediately everyone's hand except for Jess's went up.
"Well, we're going to watch a video that talks about it. Are you three sure you'll be fine with this?" he asked.
"I think Grace might be attempting to shield herself from it," Ryan said noticeing Grace curled up on the ground.
"Grace, you said it yourself hiding won't do you any good just listen to what the movie has to say," I told her.
Grace got up and looked at the screen.
"Ready?" Mr. terse asked and Grace nodded. Mr. Terse turned the movie on. "This is the movie from last year."
"Nine years ago, a small town was hit with tragedy. The Graceful House Fire cause nearly twenty deaths and there were only four survivors. The names are well-known amongst the community but out of respect of privacy they will not be named directly. It started when a young five year old was having a birthday party,"
A picture of Grace, Ryan, and I eating birthday cake flshed across the screen. We could be heard shouting at each other.
"Gracilyn Rose Hamilton I dare you to jump into the pool!" a five year old me.
"No way Austin, the water's cold!"
"You two are bieng childish," a five year old Ryan. " Just jump!"
"You're on!"
Grace actually laughed at that.
"Those kids are kind of silly," Ryan said. Covering up that it was us.
"Her and her two best friends were running around and acting as if disaster would never strike them. The birthday girl jumped in the pool and her friends followed suit. The birthday candles lay forgotten. Once they fell over there was no stopping them. They gathered more and more oxygen and eventually caused the largest fire ever seen in this town. The girl's parents came out to check on them unaware of the fire and passed away of severe burns.
The girl went to live with a family member, he dad's sister. Who didn't approve of her brother's wife and made the girl's life miserable. Once her friend found out he had his mom take matters into her own hands. Before they could leaglize it his mom died of an unknown cause. The girl continues to live with her friend, anyway.
The fire is known as the Graceful Fire for many reasons the most prominent being the young girl's nickname was Grace and the other is to symbolize that even the most caring people can meet their end in unexpected ways. Such, as a birthday party."
The rest of the video was pictures and videos of the three of us leadng up to the fire.
"You three are the survivors of that aren't you?" Jess asked. We nodded. "I'm sorry. Today's the day that happened isn't it?"
"Yeah," Grace said.
"So today's your birthday?"
"Yeah."
"You guys have bad luck then."
"Gracilyn!" Mark shouted. "For once the little coward didn'r run out away frm the big bad and scary fire."
"Hey, leave the kid alone," Jess said. "Can't you tell when to back off?"
Grace grabbed her backpack and ran out. "Will she be okay?"
"Yeah," Ryan said. "She'll come back once she decides she can handle it."
"Where'd she go?" Jess asked.
"Probaly just outside the door, we need to talk to her," Ryan said. I stood up and walked out into the hall and sue enough Grace was sitting and wiping tears on her sleeves.
"Grace," I said. "You okay?"
She nodded and I sat down next to her.
"It's okay to cry," I whispered.
"I know," she whispered back. "I just don't see why everyone has to mock me about it."
"Not everyone," someone said I looked up and saw Jess. "Grace, you three are incredible. Maybe we can meet up after school and get some ice cream? If you feel like it, I mean."
Grace nodded an affirmative cautiously.
"Okay, I don't know where anything is so I might need directions," Jess said.
"We can just head there from school," Ryan told her. "I have nothing to do afterwards."
"What about your homework?" Grace asked quietly.
"Well, that can wait. You're sort of a little more important than school."
I agreed with that but Grace had an entirely different way of thinking so I didn't dare comment.
She shrugged and wiped her eyes on her sleeve, standing up and letting out a small sniffle.