The Unwanted Runaway

The Fire

Annas POV

The weight of unwanted attention presses down on me like a suffocating blanket. I thought finding love with Denton would bring me peace, but the Miller family is in a frenzy because of me. They're hiding things, trying to protect me, and I can feel the gravity of their secrets weighing heavily upon my shoulders. The USB drive they're so desperate to keep hidden must hold something serious. As I finish cleaning up after dinner, I happily lend a hand to Miss Rose, knowing she appreciates my help. I also enjoy assisting Nikki with her newborn, Izzy, and playing with the other kids, Zek and Lily Ej.

But as I drift off into my own thoughts, Miss Rose's gentle tap on my shoulder snaps me back to reality. She asks if I'm alright, and I quickly reassure her that I am, just finishing up the dishes before checking on the horses one last time. The news warned of powerful winds in the coming days, so I want to make sure everything is secure. Miss Rose double checks with me and I hand her the towel before heading out to the porch and down to the stables.

On the way, I pass Denton's office and see an old guitar sitting there. I can't resist the urge to pick it up and start strumming and singing a peaceful tune. But suddenly, a sharp pain stabs into my neck and I feel my vision blur. Two shadowy figures loom over me, a man and a woman, but I can't make sense of what they're saying. My eyelids grow heavy and I collapse to the floor.

When I come to, the smell of smoke and the sound of frantic horses fill my senses. I look around and see that the bar is on fire. Panic sets in as I realize I need to get the horses out of the burning stable. But the keys are in Denton's office, and the fire is rapidly spreading. I push through the flames, my hand burning as I grab the keys. I drop them in pain, but quickly wrap my shirt around my hand and grab the keys again. I unlock all the stalls and lead the horses to safety. But as I try to escape, I pass out once more.

When I come to again, I'm in Denton's arms as he carries me to safety. He shouts about making sure the horses are okay, and that's the last thing I remember before blacking out for the second time.

I slowly open my eyes, gradually becoming aware of the voices around me. My chest heaves with each cough, my lungs feeling like they're on fire. Josh and Nikki enter the room, their concerned faces looming over me. "Are you okay?" Nikki asks, her voice laced with worry. "Do you remember what happened?"

Confused, I look at them and shake my head. "What do you mean? All I remember is going to the horse barn to make sure everything was secure because of the incoming windstorm."

Nikki's face falls as she breaks the news to me. "Anna, you burnt down the horse barn. The fire spread quickly to the stalls, and we lost two horses." The words hit me like a ton of bricks, confusion and disbelief washing over me.

"I don't understand," I stammer. "All I did was go to Denton's office to grab his old guitar. I wanted to sing to Peanut Butter."

Nikki sighs, her voice calm but concerned. "Well, that explains why the guitar was next to you, broken."

Suddenly, a realization hits me. "Wait, where is Denton?" I ask, my heart racing with panic.

Nikki's expression turns grave. "He doesn't want to see you right now, Anna. You burnt down the most important part of this ranch."

My mind races, trying to make sense of what they're saying. "But I only used a flashlight, I didn't have a lantern or anything," I protest.

"Anna, you had a pack of cigarettes with you. You fell asleep with a lit cigarette, which caused the fire to spread to the straw and hay in the barn," Nikki explains, her voice heavy with sadness. "We lost two horses, and the damage to the ranch is extensive."

Shocked and confused, I deny her accusation. "No, I don't smoke cigarettes. I mean, I had a pack in my bag, but I never actually smoked one until the first time I tried it on my way here. I was stressed and scared, just doing something stupid."

Nikki's eyes soften, and she places a hand on my shoulder. "I believe you, Anna. But the fact remains that the burnt cigarette pack was found near the fire. It doesn't matter if it was accidental, your recklessness caused this."

Tears well up in my eyes as Brooke enters the room. She informs me that she's arranged for me to stay at her cousin's house for a while, and my bags are already packed in her jeep. I can see the sadness in her eyes as she looks at me, her heart breaking.

Feeling unwanted and unloved, I get out of bed without saying a word and make my way to Brooke's jeep. As I walk past Denton, I can see him assessing the damage, his face filled with disappointment. I walk over to him, my heart heavy with guilt. "Can I talk to you, please?"

He looks me over, making sure I'm okay before giving me a small smile. Taking a deep breath, he speaks. "I care about you, Anna. But this is too much. I need some time to let my emotions settle before I can talk to you about this."

Tears stream down my face as I realize the consequences of my actions. "I understand," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. "I'll go stay with Ellie and Travis for a while."

Without saying anything else, I make my way to Brooke's jeep and buckle up, feeling the weight of my mistakes heavy on my shoulders.