The Life and Times of Zac Claxon

Chapter 16 - Quick.

****JOE'S P.O.V. ****

We had all heard the crash, and expected it to be nothing major. Crashes happened all the time; there were 3000 kids injured everyday. Today was just another day in our books.

But Jake, as usual, was the one who always cared for others, so he ran around the side of Zac's house to check it out while the rest of us lounged around the pool, half in, half out.

It was when we heard the explosion that we started worrying.

Jake raced back here; and from the stance of his body and the urgency of his eyes, he was in charge. He was always in charge when it came to being responsible.

Something was seriously wrong.

I noticed burn marks across the front of his body, and his arms were shaking. The skin had peeled off; his hair was even singing.

"GUYS! Shut the fuck up and listen up! No speaking! Zac has just had an accident and is on his way to the hospital. Everyone except Joe, come with me to Hazel's house where we will go with her mum. From there we will go to the hospital. Jake," he turned to me, "You will go and inform Zac's mum that 'Something important has come up and we need you to come with us'. Tell her nothing more, nothing less. Take her through the back alley and we will pick you up on the street behind. No matter what happens, do NOT let her see the accident." His voice was stern. "Clear?"

"Clear." A chorus of hoarse voices muttered.

"Good. Now get going."

Jake was smart. He had made the right decision picking me; Jessica simply wasn't the right person to go in relation to Zac, and this was Christina's party so she shouldn't have to either.

Sighing, I made my way over and rapped twice on the sliding glass doors. A cheerful Ms. Claxon greeted me.

"Hi, what can I do for you?"

I kept my tone somber. "Good afternoon Ms. Claxon. I'm Joe, a friend of Zac's. I'm sorry to inform you but something has come up and we need you to come with us." I avoided her eyes, instead ogling the tiles.

"Sure honey, I'll just get the keys and we can get going." She swivelled around, and I grabbed her wrist before she could move any further.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, but you need to come with us. We have transport arranged and need to leave NOW." This time I left none of the urgency out of my tone and she started looking worried.

"Alrighty dear, let's go."

So we left, me leading her around the pool and onto the street behind where Hazel's mothers' Audi Q7 was standing. I opened the passenger door for Ms. Claxon, and she climbed in next to Hazel's mum. I was shocked to see Hazel tearing her eyes out in the very back row. Jake got out to let me in, and I plumped into the back seat next to Hazel while Jake slid his own seat back into place and sat down.

Glancing at Ms. Claxon, I made sure she was okay. I was impressed; despite seeing Hazel bawling she had kept the calm air she always extruded.

"Alright Ms. Cassidy, we need you to go to Streamwood Hospital now." Jake said solemnly.

Wordlessly, Ms. Cassidy stepped on the pedal and we sped off.

"Aren't you going to tell us what happened Jake?" Jessica asked, clearly worried.

Still silent, Jake somehow manages to reach forward and slap the radio knob in the front row.

"...the fire has refused to give in, still blocking the main entrance to Flynn Street. Authorities report it was caused by a fuel tanker running into a turning motorbike, which got pulled under tanker along with it's rider. Because of this, the fuel tank spilt out onto the road, and the motorbike's engine exploded at the same time, igniting the petrol and causing an explosion that could be seen from the Sears Tower in the city. Further reports say that the rider of the motorbike was a 16 year old boy who has now been rushed to hospital."

Jake reached forward and slammed it back off, breaking the tense silence that had built up. Throughout the news, Ms. Claxon had given little squeaks and sniffles, adding to Hazel's blatant sobbing.

"You want to know what happened? Look behind us." Jake said almost spitefully. He was still burnt.

Immediately, everyone turned around, Ms. Cassidy looking through the rear view mirror. Everyone except Hazel. I had a feeling she had already seen too much of it.

A gasp escaped Jessica, Christina and Ms. Claxon's mouth all at once, while I turned around and my jaw dropped.

"Shitt."

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Alright, sorry for the short chapter, haven't been able to do any more.

Pleaase pleaaasr vote comment and fan! It means alott to to me.

Only if you want to of course.

And really, thank you if you've gotten this far in the story without giving up on me. You're absolutely amazing.

Yes you.