The police showed up fast, and the bodyguards didn't hesitate—they dove right into the river to help. Claire had already managed to pull Oakley out of the car, even though she was hurt herself. Both of them were injured, but it was obvious Claire was faring way better. Oakley was completely out cold, and dragging him felt like hauling around a lifeless weight. As soon as the bodyguards spotted them, they rushed over to help get Oakley to safety. With Oakley in their care, Claire swam to the riverbank on her own.
Right then, Karla came dashing over, not even caring about her seven or eight- centimeter heels. She must have twisted her ankle at some point, but in that moment, she didn't feel a thing. She barely paused before smacking Claire on the back. "You reckless girl, do you have any idea how I'd explain it to your grandfather if something happened to you?"
God, Claire could be so impulsive sometimes.
"Relax, see? I'm standing here, aren't I?" Claire grinned, trying to play it off. She really only had a few scrapes and some bruises from when the car went under. Compared to Oakley, she had definitely lucked out.
Oakley was the one with the real injuries. The ambulance hadn't arrived yet, but the set's medic was hurrying over.
"I want to check on him," Claire said, glancing at Oakley as the bodyguards carried him onto the grass. Honestly, some of his injuries were her fault-she'd practically yanked him out with brute force, nothing like the careful way a professional would have done it.
"Would you please worry about yourself first?" Karla shot back, not hiding her frustration. She cared about everyone, but Claire was in a league of her own.
"I'm serious, I'm fine," Claire said, her voice teasing as she tried to diffuse the tension.
Karla pulled off her jacket and wrapped it around Claire's shoulders. “Put this on. Go change your clothes in the trailer and then it's straight to the hospital. If you get sick, how are you planning to keep up at school?" She hadn't forgotten Claire was in her final year.
Right about now, Karla was filled with regret. She never should have dragged Claire along just for fun.
"I hardly ever get sick. Seriously, he needs help more than I do,” Claire insisted, making it clear she was going to do what she wanted. She hurried over to Oakley and started pressing down on his chest, just in the right spots to force out the water Most,
Most people would have had to use mouth-to-mouth, but Claire knew what she was doing. After pressing the right pressure points, Oakley started coughing up water almost immediately.
His forehead was bleeding, and Claire hadn't brought any medical supplies, so there was nothing she could do about the bleeding for now. At least once he'd gotten the water out of his lungs, Oakley woke up. The moment he realized she'd saved his life, he looked at her with pure gratitude and a little awe.
"Don't bother trying to talk. Save your strength. You've lost a ton of blood," Claire warned him before he could say anything else. He tried to speak, but she was already on her feet and moving on. Claire was helpful, sure, but she wasn't going to stand there and play the selfless hero all day.
With the police on the scene, Claire
took Karla's advice and headed back
to the trailer to change. Karla
wouldn't even let her borrow
someone elses.
Inel
glötties forever "
clothes
when Elena, the lead actress offered
her own. Karla just shook her head
and had her assistant rush out to
buy something new. Thanks to Karla's good taste, the clothes fit great.
While the assistant helped blow-dry Claire's hair, Karla went with Oakley to the hospital. They weren't the only ones busy-everyone from the crew had to stay for questioning. The simple stunt had turned into an explosion, and nothing could go unexamined.
What Claire didn't see coming was Elena-the lead really seemed to have it out for her. Claire had no idea what Elena told the police, but suddenly she who was just visiting the set, found herself treated as a suspect. When the officers came in for her statement, Claire's assistant was beside herself with worry.
What were they supposed to do now? Would Karla blame her for not looking out for
Claire?