Chapter 2: Derek

Editor’s Note: This is the second chapter of Gwen Catalano’s creative writing story “Me.” If you missed chapter one, check the A&E section of The Johnny Green.

  We turn and look at each other at the same time. I have my American Eagle sweatshirt, ripped skinny jeans, and boots on. I’m using my sweatshirt to cover my mouth. The boy has blue eyes the color of ice. Black hair as dark as space itself. I’ve never seen anyone with hair, or eyes that color naturally. We stand there silent for a minute; both of us are obviously in shock from what just happened. When the boy finally says something.

   “Who are you and where are we?!” I reply, “My name is Courtney, and how would I know? Who are you?” He answers back, “My name is Derek. Let’s find a way to get out of here then introduce ourselves. I really don’t feel like being burnt to a crisp today and I’m sure you don’t either.” I nod. I look around, and find a single opening to the outside, what looks to be a large open field. The opening is thin, only enough for one person to get through and it’s closing quickly. I tap on Derek and point to the opening. He yells at me to go first and I run with all my might.

  Just as I jump through, the opening closes up and Derek is trapped in there getting swallowed by the flames. I don’t know why I want to risk my life for a person I just met, and have no idea who he is, but if he was selfish, and didn’t tell me to go first, that would be me in there. I run back into the fire as Derek is fainting from the heat. I grab him and drag him out.

  I spot a pond about 10 feet away and drag both of us over to it, because now, I too, am on fire. I jump into the water bringing Derek with me. We’re extinguished immediately and I pull Derek, and I up on the grass. I lay my head down on his chest and fall asleep out of the exhaustion of saving someone’s life.