*****
“Are you OK?” Gary asked, handing Laura a tissue.
“No,” Laura said. “I'm not OK. I think that it was easier for me to handle his death thinking that he was a cheater. It's harder knowing that I lost a faithful and loving man.”
“I know that you loved him too,” Gary smiled. “He always talked about the little things you did for him. And the big ones.”
“I wish that he would've expressed how much he loved me when he was alive.”
“So what are you doing out here? I didn't take you for a country girl,” Gary said.
“I never was a country girl. I'm really liking it out here, though. The air smells cleaner. The people are nicer. In the suburbs, the neighbors wave but talk behind your back. Here people are actually nice.”
“This lake is quite pretty,” Gary said. “They definitely don't have places like this in the suburbs.”
“I know. Tell me about it.”
“Why don't you let me hang out for a couple of days? I can help you get situated, and this way you will have someone to explore the town with,” Gary said.
Laura couldn't deny that it was a tempting offer. She was lonely, and Gary could be a welcome distraction. She didn't know him, but there was something in his eyes and his face that made Laura trust him.
“Don't you need to work? They already lost one fireman,” Laura asked.
“We have plenty of men on the force back home. I was thinking of helping out here for awhile. I can't imagine the fire station is too busy, but I thought I'd check and see if they need help.”
“You would do that for me? I guess I could use the company.”
“I'm doing it for Tom. The fact that you're beautiful and nice to talk to is only a bonus,” Gary smiled. “Now, let's get out of here. I will check into the same hotel.”
“I am thinking about going to apply at the high school in the next town tomorrow,” Laura told him.
“Good. I”ll talk to the boys at the fire station when you do that.”
Laura felt at peace for the first time in a long time. The town was so cozy, and she could live a comfortable and happy life here. It gave her a sense of relief to know that she could feel free to grieve since her husband wasn't a cheater. She lost her husband, but she didn't need to lose her happiness, too.
“This might work out well,” Laura smiled. It was the first time that she realized exactly how cute Gary was. He had shaggy light brown hair and green eyes. He had large arms, and they were tattooed. He was a strong man, and Laura pictured him at the fire station lifting weights in his spare time.
Gary put his arm around Laura, and they looked out at the lake together in silence for awhile. The sound of the water made Laura relax, and she felt extremely safe in Gary's strong arms. Maybe this change of scenery was exactly what she needed. She didn't have the pitiful looks from everyone, and she wasn't constantly reminded of her old life. This place was full of new and exciting opportunities. Gary being there made it even better. He was respectful and warm. He was also the only person since Tom's death to make her feel better.
*****
When they were done talking at the lake, Laura and Gary went to the hotel to get Gary his own room. Laura was unsure of why Gary would be so generous to her, but she didn't care. She was just happy to have the help. She didn't want to admit that she was lonely and lost, but she was. Gary was also turning into quite a compatible friend. They enjoyed talking to each other, and she always respected firemen. She also thought that he could be quite funny at times.
They spent the rest of the night together. They found an Italian restaurant, and they worked out at the hotel afterward. They parted ways to their separate rooms afterward, and Laura almost invited him back into her room with her just for the company.
The next day, Laura went to the high school while Gary went to the fire station. The school was extremely receptive to Laura's resume. She had a good degree and plenty of experience. The principal said that she had not gotten anyone else nearly as qualified. The job was pretty much offered to her right there pending no problems with her references and criminal background. She walked out of the school realizing that she was starting a brand new life.
“Where are you?” Laura's mom asked.
“A small town in Kentucky. I'll send you pictures. It's absolutely beautiful.”
“Well, I'm glad you went on vacation to clear your head. You have to get back into the swing of things now.”
“Actually, mom. I'm thinking about staying here. I just talked to the principal of a local high school. I think I”m going to do that.”
“Are you sure you want to stay in Kentucky for the rest of your life? You know there aren't any museums or theater there. I'm sure there are no nice restaurants. And you know how horrible teachers are treated, right?”
“Mom, like it here.”
“But you're all alone.”
“Actually, one of Gary's friends is here with me.”
“Why would he come all the way out there?”
“He was here to make sure that I was OK after what happened.”
“Well, that's nice.” Laura could tell that her mother thought the situation was as odd as it was.
“Talk to you soon, mom. I gotta go.”
Laura got back to the hotel and went immediately to Gary's room. He opened the door with a bottle of champagne in his hand.
“I don't know about you, but I will be starting at the fire station in two days!” he screamed.
“I start at the high school in a week!”
They embraced. Gary even picked Laura up a little bit. He opened the bottle of champagne, and they both jumped and cheered at the sounds of the cork popping.
“We have to celebrate. To a new life for you. To me honoring my commitments to my friend.”
“Cheers!” Laura said, clinking glasses with Gary.
“Let's go out to the hot tub. It looks like fun,” he said.
“Absolutely. I will go get my bathing suit on.”
They were the only ones in the hot tub. It was still light out, and they stepped into the hot tub with the champagne.
“You know I'm really happy that you decided to come out. I was getting lonely,” Laura told Gary.
“Fantastic. I'm glad that I'm making this easier for you. I can't imagine how it must feel to lose a spouse.”
“It was one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. As angry as I was at him, he was the love of my life. It's hard to imagine that someone could be so kind and supportive. He always wanted me to be happy in whatever I did, and he was a great provider.”
“I know he was a great guy. That's why I was so insistent on coming out here to see you. It's hard to lose a brother. It's even worse to practically watch it happen.”
“Let's talk about anything else,” Laura said after a moment of silence.
“How about us?”
“Us?”
“Yes. Us,” Gary prodded.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” Laura said nervously.
“I know that you feel it too,” Gary said. “We have a natural attraction to each other.”
Laura couldn't deny it. Gary was attractive and kind. She was starting to feel attracted to him. She started feeling it when they were sitting by the lake. He was so understanding, and she could actually talk to him. It was hard for her to admit her real feelings. However, Laura wanted to make sure that she wasn't just attracted to Gary because she was lonely and vulnerable after the death.
“I think that we should take it slowly,” Laura said quietly. “I'm so far away from home. I also think that I'm going to stay here and take the job as a teacher.”
“I will stay here too.”
“Don't you have any reasons to stay back home? Family? Friends?”
“I have a bigger reason to stay here,” Gary looked at Laura longingly. “You're so strong, and you're so beautiful. I want to be here for you. Who else would you have?”
“I
appreciate your kindness, but I can do this on my own,” Laura said. “I lost a husband, but I'm still relatively young. I also knew that this was part of the deal by marrying a fireman.”
“That doesn't mean that you have to do it alone,” Gary said.
“And what if you get hurt in a fire too? I don't think that I can go through that again.”
“Look, it was my fault for bringing it up. I came here to tell you how much Tom loved you, and I've done that. Here, I'm starting to look like a prune. Let's get out of here.”
“Yeah. I can actually stand to relax for the rest of the night. It was nice to have someone to celebrate with, though,” Laura told Gary.
“We have plenty to celebrate. I'll still be here for a couple of weeks. I want to make sure that you adjust OK. You know what room I'm in.”
With that, Laura got out of the hot tub and went to relax in her hotel room for the rest of the night.
*****
Laura and Gary stopped talking as much. They would get coffee in the hotel lounge in the morning and talk casually. They would also take Daisy out for walks together sometimes. Gary started at the fire station, and he loved it. The men were easy to get along with, and the fire station really needed him. His days were filled with rogue cigarettes igniting curtains. Laura was happy that Gary was able to help at the fire station while he was here. It was also nice to have a friend. The only other friend Laura had was Jenny at the diner.
The diner was one of the places that Laura started to feel comfortable in town. She walked in and Jenny immediately smiled and brought her a cup of coffee. Laura always went there when Gary was at the fire station in the morning. One particular morning Laura walked into the diner. Jenny was there as always.
“Hi!” Jenny waved. “I”ll go ahead and get you your coffee.”
“Thank you!” Laura said cheerily, making her way to a small booth she liked to sit at.
“Are you gonna have breakfast this morning?” Jenny asked, putting down the coffee.
“Sure. I'm going to have a 2x2x2. Scrambled eggs and sausage,” Laura said.
“Getting sick of the muffins and bagels at the hotel?” Jenny asked.
“Yes! It's fine, but eating here is so much better,” Laura told her.
Suddenly, one of the guests at the diner got up in a hurry and ran to Jenny.
“I gotta go,” he said. “There's a huge fire down the road, and they need all the help they can get. I need you to give me my tab now.”
“Just go,” Jenny said. “I will take care of this one for you.”
“Thank you,” the man said, and he ran out the diner and into his truck.
“My friend is at the fire station right now. I hope the fire isn't too bad,” Laura said worriedly.
“Let me put on the news,” Jenny said.
Laura followed Jenny to be as close to the television as possible and saw the huge fire on the news. A small house was completely engulfed in flames. The fire was the top story on every local news channel. Laura sat in fear watching the scene. Her mind filled with memories of Tom's death. She was filled with fear for Gary. She silently prayed for his safety and continued to watch for any new news.
The news went on to say that there was still one person left in the house. It made Laura sick, and she didn't want to watch anymore, but she had to make sure that Gary was alright. The story went on to say that there was still a person that they were trying to remove from the burning building. The following update advised the watchers that the person stuck in the building was a fireman.
Laura ran out of the diner without saying anything, and she drove to the site of the fire. She ran from the car, but she had to wait behind the caution tape and watch the action from a safe distance. She tried not to cry while looking for Gary. She didn't see him.
Finally, she saw Gary walking from the now smokey building with a small dog in his hands. He stayed in the building to bring the puppy to safety. Seeing him emerge from the building was the happiest that Laura had ever been. It was like she was watching Tom come back to life.
Laura ran past the caution tape despite the consequences and hugged Gary. He was in his fire suit, and he smelled like intense smoke. She didn't care what he smelled like. She was just happy that he was alive. She took off his helmet and kissed him. Happy tears fell down her cheek, and she hugged him again.
“I thought that I was going to lose you, too,” Laura said into his large chest.
“I wasn't going to let that happen,” Gary said. “I promised Tom that I was going to take care of you.”
“You don't have to do that,” Laura said.
“I know. I want to.”
“What are you saying?”
“I'm saying that I have already told the fire station that I am planning on taking a permanent position. We can start a life out here together.”
“Isn't it a bit too soon?”
“We'll go slow if you want. We can get separate places at first,” Gary said. “Whatever you think is the best. I'm willing to go at your pace.”
“Let's go. We can spend the rest of the day talking about our future together,” Laura said.
“I can't,” Gary laughed. “I have to complete the rest of my shift. I'll come see you as soon as I'm done with work. Now go on before you get us both in trouble. You're not supposed to cross the tape.”
Laura kissed him one more time and went back to the diner.
“Where did you go?” Jenny asked.
“I had to go to the fire and make sure my friend Gary was OK.”
“I knew that you were too invested in the fire,” Jenny said. “I was going to find you at the hotel to give you your bill.”
“I wasn't going to do that to you, Jenny. And you better get used to me. I think I'm going to be here for a long time.”
Laura was one of the most popular teachers in the entire high school, and Gary became a quick captain at the fire house. The wedding was around the same time at a beautiful farm in the area.They moved into into a small three bedroom house and their first son was born about a year later.
BONUS STORY:
The train screeched to a halt and Elaine Sheldon had to brace herself for the onslaught of people trying to squeeze past out. Holding tightly around the handrail, she winced when a rushing man bumped his laptop bag against her hips, and she took a few steps back with the impact.
The man did not stop to apologize and Elaine only heaved a sigh and fixed her stance as the train resumed moving.
It was supposed to be a five-minute walk from the station to her apartment, but tonight, it did not feel like it. Her steps were slow and her shoulders were drooped. The streetlights refused to turn on properly and it flickered repeatedly as she passed by. Elaine sighed at the dreary atmosphere.
Just a week ago, these walks home passed by with a spring in her step, looking forward to the person who was waiting for her to be back, the person she had been going home to for the past six months, the man who welcomed her with a warm hug and a big smile after a tiring day at work -- until the other day.
Her eyes felt heavy and the long wait for the elevator was not helping with her mood. She watched as the red arrow went down as minutes passed by until it reached the ground floor. Her ride back up was spent alone. She smiled bitterly. The world must really hate her.
All doors were closed when she alighted at the twelfth floor except for one. For a second, she almost panicked thinking that the opened door was hers, only to realize that it was the empty unit beside hers. Boxes are stacked in front of the door and the sound of a man’s groans can be heard as she came closer.
She battled with herself if she should help or not. As the next-door neighbor, she knew she should, as a sign of welcome for the new occupant, but she also knew that the feeling in her chest is heavier than those boxes. She scoffed at her dramatics but looked down at herself. Her arms were already crying in protest with her handbag and laptop bag and those boxes looked nowhere near light so she forgot being thoughtful
for once and unlocked her door. She was about to go inside when a man’s voice startled her.
“Hi. Do you live next door?” The man beamed at her but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Elaine smiled back, a closed-lip one. “And you must be my new neighbor,” she offered her hand which the man accepted. “Elaine.”
“Ivan. It’s nice to meet you,” he let go of her hand and gestured at the boxes. “I’ll be done in a minute. You don’t have to worry about the noises.” He smiled again but Elaine can only see a grimace.
“Don’t worry, take your time. I would have helped you but--”
Ivan waved his hand no. “No need. You must be tired from work,” he observed, noticing the formal attire and the laptop bag hanging on her shoulders. “Go on ahead. Have a good night.”
“You too,” she returned in a clip tone and sent a brief smile again before going inside. The bang of the door echoed throughout the dark empty unit, reminding Elaine that she had no company anymore, that she had to spend the night alone in her empty apartment.
A tear escaped down her cheeks, which ended with bouts of sobbing for the third consecutive night.
---
There are things in life that once you get a taste of, you’d never want to let go. And for Elaine, that was her relationship with Christian.
They started dating a little over a year ago, when they met at a mutual friend’s party, though neither are close enough to the celebrant and her friends so they ended up chatting the night away. A week later, they found themselves agreeing to date exclusively.
Elaine did not have high hopes with her relationship at the start. Christian seemed to be the happy-go-lucky type of guy who always acted on a whim instead of having plans. She wasn’t in too deep yet, so she didn’t mind it at all.
Time On Fire Page 2
