Chapter 17
13 years ago
“Come on, Mae! It’s almost time for the fireworks to start!” Daniel smiles, his eyes widening as he watches me strut in my new Western boots towards our favorite spot next to our barn.
The embroidery on the shaft is an intricate design of little white may flowers and vines, ‘Mays for my Mae’ is what he said when he proudly dropped them on my lap before giving me a kiss that made my heart flutter.
“Hell yeah, it is, Danny boy!” I shout, looking up in time to see the first round of Crossette stream effortlessly into the darkened skies. Settling down on the dry grass, I lean my back against the rough wood, wishing I had worn a T-shirt instead of a strappy sundress.
The blue, yellow, and red hues illuminate my best friend’s face. Daniel is beautiful in every way imaginable, from his unkempt, ash-blond hair to his devilishly handsome, jade eyes. I knew I was in love with him when we were only eight. Some folks claim that’s merely puppy love, but I know he’s the one for me. The other half of my soul, like Da says about Ma.
Daniel Fremont is my best friend and partner in crime. We’ve known each other since before we were born. At least, that’s how Mama says it. We’re two peas in a pod, birds of a feather, or as Miss Neal says; cellmates.
Miss Neal might be right about that.
I’m pretty sure there’s a running bet in town on when the pair of us will end up in jail. Danny and I had fun explosively.
We’re known in town for causing a stir. Always hiding cherry poppers under toilet seats, tossing sparkler sticks into mail slots, and possibly causing a fire in the chemistry lab last year. Our best moments together are when I have a new experiment to test in the old barn.
Danny is my designer; he draws the basic outline, and I fulfill it to the best of my abilities. We have boxes filled to the brim with notebooks that hold every potential project we’ve managed to conjure up. Danny likes to think of it as us being entrepreneurs. One day, we could make something big and move to N’awlins.
“Happy birthday, America!” I scream, my voice muted from the deafening boom as multiple Spirals headed for the stars explode. The neon greens and purples remind me of Mardi Gras.
Danny barks out a laugh at my commentary, “And happy birthday to the best girl in the world!” he yells, his deep voice carrying over the next wave of fireworks.
I can’t help but laugh with him over the continuous barrage of sparkling lights and earth-shaking sounds. The summer air is thick with the stench of sulfur, but there’s no place I’d rather be than in this field with him.
The grand finale starts with Crackles, Spiders, and Mines, ending with an epic explosion of gold sparks raining down like thousands of falling stars. I’m entranced; no one could pull me away even if they tried.
“Oh shit, I’ve got one more present for you. I’ll be right back!” he blurts, rushing towards our old barn.
I barely acknowledge him as several loud whistles echo in the field before Willows, Waterfalls, and Timerain enter the atmosphere at record speeds. My heart races with adrenaline knowing the best part of the finale is about to start.
“Danny! Come quick, the Commets are about to go off–”
A wave of heat scalds my back, burning the exposed flesh as thick black smoke blankets the sky, choking me as I scramble away. My mouth opens in a soundless scream, unable to comprehend how much pain I’m in.
“Mae! Help me, Mae!” he yells, the remaining fireworks muffling his voice. “Mae! Someone? Anyone!” he cries.
“Daniel! Daniel, get out of the fucking barn!” I scream, struggling to pull fresh air back into my body as I stumble to the barn doors. Heat radiates from the old wood while colorful flames tear through the cracks.
“Danny?” I croak. “Baby, answer me, God, dammit!”
Why isn’t Danny crying anymore?
Dark spots cloud my vision as my body lungs fight for air. My legs give out from under me, sending me sprawling across the dirt as I hear our parents yelling. I blow out a slow breath of relief, Da will make it better. I’ll see my Danny boy when I wake up, and this will all just be a terrible dream.
The last thing I see before the dark shadows claim me is Daniel’s mom falling to her knees.
Her screams lull me to sleep.
My baby! You took my baby!
You killed Danny.