Chapter 3

I glanced at the time, only three minutes to go.

I kept heading down the mapped-out trail, took off my sun jacket, soaked it, and got myself ready.

When I was about 600 feet from the bottom, my phone rang.

After hesitating for a second, I picked up. "Hey, Queenie, looks like it's about to rain. Don't forget to bring an umbrella when you come up. We'll be waiting for you in the shelter on the summit."

Hearing how chill they sounded, I couldn't help but laugh to myself.

When I didn't respond, the person on the other end snapped, raising their voice. "Did you hear me? Are you trying to get yourself killed with that attitude today?"

I scoffed inwardly. Who was really the one who was doomed now?

I pretended to sound weak. "I-I tripped on my way down. I'm moving slowly and haven't reached the bottom yet. You guys might have to wait a bit."

A chorus of laughter burst out from the other end of the line.

"See? We totally called it. You can't even make it down the mountain without wiping out. Are you stupid or what?"

"Whatever, even if you're hobbling, we're not getting soaked for you. Just get the umbrella up here, fast. You can see a doctor after you get down."

Vaughn, as always, was all about being selfish, only caring if they'd get wet, never mind my limp.

Suddenly, the other end of the line went quiet.

My heart was in my throat as I glanced at the time; this was it.

Were they starting to realize the wildfire was breaking out?

But then, the other end exploded with shouting and curses. "Queenie, cat got your tongue again? Limping isn't a big deal. If we all catch a cold from the rain, are you gonna pay our medical bills?"

I frowned and glanced toward the mountainside; the fire that was supposed to be breaking out by now hadn't appeared.

I couldn't help but feel a tremor inside.

Did something go differently this time, now that I was living it over?

I didn't have time to think it through. I hung up amid their shouting and swearing.

My nerves were stretched tight as I stared at the mountainside, unable to tear my eyes away.

Suddenly, a blinding bolt of lightning split the sky, and a deafening crack of thunder exploded in my ears.

Right at 3:26 in the afternoon, plumes of smoke began to rise, curling upward from the mountainside.

Relief washed over me as I'd just grabbed onto a lifeline, and I couldn't hold back a laugh.

Still riding that wave of relief, I pressed the soaked jacket I'd prepared over my mouth and nose, and step by cautious step, I moved away from the danger.

Whew, lucky me, it was only seven minutes late.

Right then, Vaughn's call popped up again. "Queenie, who said you could hang up on us? You think this is funny? You seriously need a lesson. Just wait till we get down there, we'll—"

Suddenly, Vaughn stopped mid-sentence.

"Wait, what's that? Why do I smell something burning?"

"No way. Is there a fire or something?"

"Knock on wood. Don't jinx it. There's no way there's a fire."

"Wait, look. Is that smoke over there?"

"Should we head back? I'm starting to freak out."

Everyone on the other end started freaking out, voices overlapping in a chaotic mess.

Some were finally catching on to the danger, while others were still trying to play it cool.

I didn't hang up. No way was I gonna miss out on this drama.

"Queenie, did anything happen when you were coming down the mountainside?" A girl couldn't sit still anymore. She edged closer to Vaughn's phone, her voice shaky and trying to sound all nice.

"There was a thunderclap just now, and a lightning bolt hit the mountainside. Pretty sure it's on fire," I said, sounding totally calm as I dropped the worst news on them, though inside, I could barely hide my glee.

"Oh, the fire's almost here. Gotta go," I added.

I wasn't in any real danger, but honestly, these guys were way too loud and annoying. No way I was gonna waste any more time on them.

As long as I kept heading into the wind, the fire wouldn't be able to catch up to me.

But when the flames started raging and burst into view, my breath hitched. I couldn't help but squeeze the stick in my hand even tighter and hurried my steps.

I needed to get out of here, fast.

Finally, I made it to the bottom of the mountain.

Aside from a few bloody gashes from the branches, I got out without any real harm.

I made it out alive.

I'd turned the tables on my tragic fate from my previous life; no more dying in the flames for me.