Chapter 5
“Don’t move her! Move out of the way!” Shane shouted as he jumped into the crowd pushing a few girls out of the way to help the girl lying on the floor. They moved back staring at him leaning down to the injured girl. He was hovering over her, hoping she was ok. Her face was on the ground and blood was pouring onto the street. That really scared Shane, he never saw so much blood pouring out of one person before.
There was too much noise going on. All the buzzing of the crowd, the shouts of people looking for their friends, he couldn’t think. Girls were hovering over Shane wondering what he was doing, he felt suffocated. He glanced up at them and frowned. “Will you back off! There’s an injured person here!” He stretched his arms apart gesturing to the girls what to do, hoping they’d back away. Surprisingly enough, they did. He focused on the young girl. He felt for a pulse, and sighed in relief when he found a weak one. She wasn’t breathing though, he observed and turned her slightly to begin CPR.
”Marie!” Came a piercing shriek from behind him. Suddenly by his side a girl was crouching. “Oh my poor Marie!” She said and touched her arm.
”Stay back. Don’t touch her.” Shane advised, continuing his attempts to get the girl to start breathing again.
”Would you two people back away!” A police officer bellowed. Danielle looked up at the officer, the tears running down her face, blinding her vision.
”My sister is hurt! Help her!” She cried. Shane stopped and glanced at them both, not understanding what they said. The policeman kneeled down beside Marie, looked at her and shook his head. Just then the paramedics arrived. One crouched down by Marie and the other pushed the onlookers’ aside, to make space. “Help my sister! Help Marie!” Danielle cried. Shane felt hopeless, he did his best and now could only let the experts take his place in reviving the girl. The paramedic continued the process of CPR and after a few more rounds Marie started breathing again. By that time the only people who were standing round Marie were the paramedics and Danielle who was held back by the police officer. Shane was taken away from the scene, since he had no connection to the injured girl.

Shane remembered the incident. He didn’t want to. It was the most horrible experience he ever had and he wished it never happened. “I guess I’m supposed to thank you, then. That’s what the teddy bear is for. A thank you gift.” Danielle said looking at Shane. He shook his head.
”For what? I didn’t do anything.”
”The doctors said if it weren’t for you, if you hadn’t begun the CPR she would have died before reaching the hospital.” Shane was confused, he knew Marie had died, as the reports said. ‘Three fans died in a human stampede, after a concert. These girls were no more than 15 years of age.’ Remembering that report sent shivers down Shane’s spine. He couldn’t utter the words he couldn’t add salt to the wound and tell her that her sister was dead, that he didn’t do a thing to save her.

Chapter 6
Shane’s mobile rang. “Hello?” He paused, listening to the voice on the line. “Oh, oops. Ok. I’ll be right there.” He said and glanced at his watch. It was getting late, and the band needed to head back to the hotel. “I have to go now.” He said. Danielle smiled and nodded, understanding.
”Of course you do. I didn’t mean to keep you hear all this time.” She said and stood up with him. “I’m glad I got the chance to tell you this and thank you in person.” Danielle smiled weakly. Shane still didn’t get it, but he didn’t have time to press the matter either. “Bye, then.” Danielle said bringing her hand forward to shake Shane’s hand. He came forward taking her hand in his and instead of shaking it he inched closer and hugged her.
”Take care of yourself-“ He suddenly stopped and pulled away. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude but what’s your name?”
”Oh,” She chuckled a bit. “Danielle.”
”A pleasure to meet you, Danielle.” He said liking the sound of her name.
”Same here, Shane.” She smiled and he grinned. “Goodbye.” They let go of one another’s hands and Shane turned around and walked away. He paused, turning around facing Danielle again.
”Er…Danielle?”
”Yes?” She said puzzled.
”Can I see you again?” He held his breath, not knowing what her answer would be. Danielle shook her head.
”I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She said. Shane sighed and nodded.
”Ok, I understand. But if you change your mind, I’ll be at the hotel.” He smiled and walked away wondering if he’ll ever see Danielle again.

”Where’ve you been?” Anto yelled at Shane as he came into view.
“We’ve been looking for you everywhere! Did you fall down a draining pipe or something?” Bryan asked giggling.
”Oh, very funny.” Shane said thumping Bryan playfully on the shoulder.
”Seriously now, where were you?” Kian butted in.
”Er, no where in particular. I was just having a conversation with a fan.” Shane answered. Everyone looked at him not buying that. “Aren’t we in a hurry?” He said. “I thought that’s what you phoned me for.” Shane saw the look on the lads’ faces, they didn’t believe him.
”Yes. Come on, let’s go.” Anto said, pushing Mark in the direction of the van glancing back to see if the rest would actually follow.
”Shane?” Nicky was walking by his side, his friend was looking at his feet as they walked.
”What?” Shane asked lifting his head to look at Nicky.
”Is everything ok, mate?”
”Yeah, why?”
”Com’n, you can tell me. What’s on your mind?” Shane sighed and smiled at Nicky, appreciating his friendship. They both got into the van and the door closed. The driver put the vehicle into gear and they were off, heading back to the hotel. Kian was talking on the mobile and Mark was snoring away, sleeping blissfully. Bryan was in a mischievous mood he took out a felt-tip pen and started drawing on Mark’s face, chuckling in the process. Shane sat next to Nicky and told him about meeting Danielle and about what she told him. “I don’t get it, man.” He said when he finished telling everything. “She’s thanking me for no reason. I didn’t do anything. She died!” Shane almost yelled in frustration.
”Yep, that is a little strange. Why didn’t you ask her then?” Nicky asked.
”I couldn’t do that. It would probably upset her. I can’t say, ‘hey! Your sister is dead, wake up!’ now can I?” Shane answered feeling depressed.
”Yeah, I guess not.”
“You know what? Just forget it. It’s not important. I’ll never see her again anyway, so I might as well just forget it. Right?” Nicky just nodded and smiled. Shane sighed again as the van came to a stop by the hotel.
”Ok, lads. The flight is at eight a.m. tomorrow so I hope to see you all ready by that time. Ok?” Anto said before any of them got out of the van, knowing they’ll never make it on time. They all nodded except for Mark who was still sleeping. “Come on, Marko.” Anto nudged him. “We’re here.” The four lads got out of the van and headed to their rooms on the ninth floor. Mark and Anto followed them, trailing behind. All six stood by the elevator waiting for it to come.
“Er…” Nicky hesitated. “Would someone walk up the stairs with me?” He didn’t fancy being in the lift that goes up to the ninth floor.
”Sure, mate. Let’s go. Good exercise.” Shane said and started up the stairs already.
”Aw, that’s no fun. Now there’s no point in jumping in the lift.” Kian pouted as Nicky followed Shane. Bryan chuckled at that remark and just then the lift opened its doors before them.

Shane entered his hotel room and shut the door behind him. He made his way to the bed and flopped down on it closing his eyes. Thank you… Those words were being repeated in his head over and over again, the same sweet voice uttering them, torturing him. Danielle. Shane opened his eyes and glanced at the bedside table. The teddy bear was sitting there and Shane took it in his hands and brought it close to his chest. He thought he might never understand why she did that, why she made him feel guilty about doing nothing, while in her eyes he was a hero. “Fuck!” He shouted, frustrated.