Get What You Give Read Free Page B

Hush up. Right now is no time to babble.”

2
    GRATITUDE
    A fter taking three deep breaths, I handed the mask to the paramedic and said, “I gotta make sure everyone else is okay. Please trust me, I’m fine.”
    My eyes were watering as I looked at the paramedic. My best friend was laid out on a cot with EMTs working overtime to make sure she was okay. The guy who’d saved me was not even out of the building. How could I concentrate on me? I had to be there for them.
    The paramedic glared back at me. I think he saw I was seriously concerned for the others. He eased up a bit and said, “Okay, okay. Take a few more intakes of oxygen. Let me check your vitals, and then I can release you. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but you can’t do anyone any good if you’re ill.”
    Looking at his badge, I saw his last name was Grayson. Mr. Grayson, who seemed like he never smiled, had a point. Though I hated taking care of myself, after I breathed more into the mask, I felt ten times better.
    When he gave me the all-clear, he proved me wrong and grinned just a tad. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
    I thanked him and then rushed over to Teddi’s side. I couldn’t get that close because they were putting her in the ambulance. I hugged my uncle tight.
    He gave me a semi-positive update. “They did get her stable. They’re just making sure she’s completely out of the woods. You need to go sit and rest. Your mom should be here any minute.”
    When I saw Teddi sitting up, I exhaled. Then I was distracted by the commotion coming from near the building. I had been too busy talking to my uncle and getting oxygen to see what had happened. But the building was completely down on one side. People were beside themselves. Uncle Wade started walking toward the bigger group, and I followed. He could not keep me away.
    â€œThat Covin guy saved my life,” I argued when my uncle gave me the mean look to sit down. “I’ve got to make certain he’s okay.”
    My uncle stopped walking, and with an impressed stare said, “Covin Randall made sure you were out?” I nodded. “He’s a super guy. Was on the SGA the last two years. Just another reason I know he’s got the character to make a great class president.”
    Before I could tell my uncle I agreed and that I would probably be letting my best friend down with my new revelation of who’d get my vote, Cassidy dashed up to us. She was out of breath, and I held mine. Would Covin even be around to run for the election?
    â€œThe guy is okay,” Cassidy said, hugging me. “The firefighter got him out just in time.”
    I hugged her back so tightly. I was overjoyed that this guy I didn’t know, but felt connected to, was okay. I quickly went through the crowd to see Covin myself. I had to thank him. I had to hug him. I had to see for myself that he was okay.
    Covin was coughing excessively. So much so, it was scary. The paramedics called for everyone to back up. He fell onto the gurney. When others moved back, I kept walking toward him.
    When I finally got to his ear, I uttered, “Thank you so much. You saved me. You saved my friend. You were so courageous. Thanks for being our hero.”
    Mr. Grayson, my EMS worker friend, came over and said, “Ma’am, we have to make sure you all are okay and get you away from this building. You will have time later to thank him. Let us make sure y’all are safe by getting back. Plus, we need to check your friend out.”
    I looked down at Covin, and he really was out of it. Probably hadn’t heard anything I’d said. He was covered in smut and soot. He yelled out in pain when they touched his leg. The EMS guys said he was probably burned. I knew I had to get back and let them do their work.
    â€œOh, my gosh! Hailey! You’re okay!” my mom screamed as she rocked me back and forth, getting my mind off feeling