First One In Last One Out

by Laura Marie Henion

  He could not help the feelings. There was just no use in denying them.

  He wondered if she would ever not feel guilty and finally reveal their relationship to the kids.

  The phone on his desk began to ring, instantly bringing him back to reality.

  "Hello."

  "William. It's me."

  William felt as if his heart leaped. Lea's voice always did that to him.

  "Hi, what's going on?"

  "We need to talk."

  William did not like the sound of that. The last time Lea stated that they needed to talk, she wanted to break things off. She was afraid that the boys had discovered their relationship.

  "Is everything okay, Lea?"

  "Everything is wonderful. Can I meet you at your place later tonight?"

  "I won't get there until late. I'm on duty until midnight. How about tomorrow morning? I don't have to be at the station house until noon?” He could not help the uneasy feeling in his gut. This was going to kill his patience for the remainder of the day. Lea sighed and was hesitant before answering. Something was definitely wrong.

  "I'll see you then.” Lea stated then hung up the phone.

  William sighed as he placed the receiver back into its cradle on the desk. What in the world could this be about? Was she going to attempt to break things off with him? Damn it, this woman was making him crazy inside. He loved her just so damn much and enough was enough.

  No matter what she said tomorrow, he was going to make her see how good they were together. He wasn't going to let her talk him out of continuing their relationship. He could be just as stubborn as Lea McKeller and in the morning, he would prove it.

  The pep talk gave him confidence and simultaneously the bell sounded. There was a fire they had to respond to and he hurried out of the office.

  Burn Unit

  Ryan walked down the hallway and around the corner to the burn unit. He was so nervous his palms were sweating and his heart raced. He glanced down at the small bouquet of Daisies he held in one hand. If he squeezed them any harder, they would be broken before he even made it to see Shelly. That was if she wanted to see him. He was not going to chicken out now. Not after the big pep talk and self-realization that he screwed up. He needed to let Katie see the real him but first he needed to make things right with Shelly. Katie was right. He was scared and selfish and Shelly deserved better. Katie was so angry with him last night at The Pit, she wanted nothing to do with him and that killed him inside.

  Ryan slowly opened the door to the game room area. He had not been in there in a long time but he knew the value of the place and that it was never empty. There were all sorts of board games and books, craft tables and other activities for the patients staying in the burn unit. The ping-pong table seemed to get the most use and today there was a small crowd gathered by it, cheering for a young boy playing against a male hospital worker.

  "You can do it, Kevin!” a young blonde woman yelled as Ryan approached the crowd and the game. As he got closer, he realized the boy was the kid that Brad had saved from the fire.

  Everyone was cheering on Kevin and finally he hit the small round, white ball with the wooden paddle. The ball landed just a hair shy of the corner of the table and the hospital worker was not fast enough to make contact with the ball.

  "Yeah!” The crowd cheered and Kevin smiled and laughed then held his stomach.

  Immediately the blonde woman was near his side helping him back into the wheelchair.

  Ryan saw the girl's face for the first time and he froze where he was.

  Shelly was gorgeous.

  Ryan watched as other patients and hospital workers tapped Kevin on the back or shook his hand before he headed out of the game room.

  Shelly looked right at Ryan then stopped walking.

  Ryan walked towards her feeling awkward and more nervous then he could have imagined.

  "Shelly?"

  Shelly nodded her head at him but she did not seem to recognize him.

  There was still time to run.

  No way! I'm doing this and that's final.

  Ryan cleared his throat, looked down at his boots for a second then back into the eyes of the young woman he hadn't gotten to fast enough. Memories of the fire entered then exited his mind. He clenched the bouquet tighter.

  "I don't know if you remember me...."

  Ryan nearly lost his breath, Shelly jumped into his arms and embraced him.

  They sat on a bench outside of the game room in a quiet area of the burn unit.

  "I thought you hated me. I thought I would never see you again,” Shelly cried.

  Ryan caressed her hair then felt the tears stinging his own eyes.

  "Not a chance. I'm so sorry it took me this long to see you,” Ryan whispered as Shelly slowly pulled away.

  "It doesn't matter, you're here now."

  "I wanted to see you so badly but....

  Shelly looked down at her hands. “But my injuries were too terrible. You couldn't look at me."

  Ryan grabbed her hand. “No. That wasn't it at all, Shelly. Oh, God. Is that what you thought?"

  Shelly looked up into Ryan's eyes. They filled with tears and as she nodded her head ‘yes’ a tear drop escaped and traveled down her cheek.

  "I'm so sorry that you thought that, Shelly. My staying away had nothing to do with what you looked like after the fire. It was my fault you had your injuries. If I had only gotten to you sooner."

  "Oh no Ryan, you shouldn't have blamed yourself. You saved my life that night, you were my hero and you still are my hero. Without your bravery, I would have died in that fire."

  Ryan smiled at Shelly.

  "I've wasted so much time. Can you forgive me?” Ryan asked.

  Shelly smiled then looked towards the seat next to Ryan where a bunch of Daisy's that looked desperately in need of some water, sat scattered along the seat.

  "Only if those flowers are for me."

  Ryan glanced at the bunch of Daisy's he nearly squeezed to death and gathered them up then handed them to Shelly.

  "Sorry about the stems. I was a bit nervous."

  Shelly laughed then held the flowers close to her.

  "So, what made you come around and finally see me?” Shelly asked.

  "Not what, but who.” Ryan found himself telling Shelly all about Katie, the most wonderful woman he had ever met.

  Two hours later Ryan headed home and when he got there, Billy was waiting for him.

  Katie headed to work, she was not sure what to expect when she arrived at the hospital. She had spoken to Donny and he informed her that everyone knew about the fire and were so impressed with her. They could not wait to talk to her and seemingly neither could the reporter.

  Katie worried about her co-workers bombarding her with questions and she did not want to tell the story repeatedly.

  She prayed she could handle it.

  Just as she pulled into the parking lot, her cell phone rang.

  "Hello."

  "Hey Angel."

  Katie put the car in park and sat back. She could not believe that Ryan was on the phone. He called her three times and left messages since the other night, at The Pit, but she did not have the nerve to call him back.

  "Ryan, I'm just getting ready to walk into work."

  "I know. I saw Billy. We need to talk."

  "I don't think there's anything to talk about, Ryan. I have to go."

  "Please Katie. Hear me out. Meet me tomorrow on the beach. I need to see you."

  "I'll see how I feel. I have to go.” Katie hung up the phone.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 11

  Katie headed towards the nursing station, Dr. Carle Broderick, paged her. When she got there a tall, handsome, young, man was standing beside Dr. Broderick with a photographer. Katie's heart felt as if it dropped from her chest. Carle had mentioned this reporter when she first arrived at work. Carle had told her to hear the reporter out because he was a friend of his.

/>   "Angel, this is Jack Remming. He is a journalist for the magazine I told you about called Your Community, Your World. It is a national magazine and the publishing house is here in Warrens Cove but is delivered all over the country. It is all about the communities people live in and what they think about society and every day life events. Anyway Jack can explain better,” Carle stated as Katie shook Jack's hand.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you Katie. You're even more stunning than Kevin and Carle had described.” The reporter winked at her, he was flirting, but she was onto his tactics.

  "Well what can I do for you, Jack? I'm on duty,” Katie replied.

  "Oh don't worry about it Katie, Lucy can cover for you and Diane is at the nurses’ station. We'll pull someone from upstairs.” Carle had all the answers and Katie had no way of getting out of having a conversation with Jack.

  "Go into the lounge area, you will have some privacy in there,” Carle ordered, placing his hands on Katie's shoulders giving them a squeeze.

  Katie walked towards the lounge.

  They closed the door and sat down at the table with the photographer.

  "What's your name?” Katie asked reaching out her hand to shake the photographer's hand.

  "Jim. It's a pleasure to meet you ... Angel,” he called her, as they shook hands.

  "Well, Angel—

  "It's Katie."

  "Well, Katie, how does it feel to earn a nickname like Angel?” he asked, as he opened up his notebook and clicked his ballpoint pen, preparing to write down her answers.

  "Listen Jack, I'm not into this. What is it that you want?"

  "I want your story. I want to hear about how you survived a fire and how you got the nickname Angel? People want to know and you've made an impression around here, never mind back in Bolton Bay."

  Katie sat forward in her chair.

  "How do you know about my life in Bolton Bay?"

  "I'm a reporter, Katie. It's my job. Your story is compelling and our readers want to learn more about you."

  "Well, what about the victims of fires? Are you contributing any of the sales of this magazine issue to our burn unit?” Katie egged him on and Jack got her message.

  "I'm sure I can talk to the editor at the magazine and the president about contributing something."

  "Good. Let your readers know, they can help right in their own communities. What do you want to know?” Katie asked and Jack asked away.

  Before long Katie was giving her story, being sure to give credit to the Bolton Bay fire departments that responded and to Bradley for saving her life.

  Afterwards, Jim took some pictures of Katie in the hospital then by the nursing station.

  When they finally left, Katie was talking to the rest of the staff at the hospital, then busy in the ER, until an hour after her shift ended. She was dragging as she headed home to sleep.

  * * * *

  William held Lea in his arms as they lay in his bed. Their lovemaking was better than any fantasy he ever created in his mind and right now he was beaming with joy. Lea must have told him a hundred times just how much she loved him, too, and more importantly, she showed him.

  "What are you thinking about?” Lea asked as she opened her eyes and caught William's gaze upon her.

  William smiled then caressed her chin with his thumb.

  "I was just thinking about your surprise visit and how you attacked me."

  Lea felt the heat hit her cheeks and William pulled her body closer against his own.

  "I loved it, woman. It was like a scene in some movie. Except the firefighters in the movies do not do a thirty hour shift like I just did and still perform well in bed. I was so exhausted, I'm surprised I even heard you pounding on the door."

  Lea caressed William's cheek. “You did ... okay ... for a firefighter who hasn't slept in 30 hours,” Lea teased.

  William pulled Lea's hips against his stomach. “Only okay?” he asked, squinting.

  Lea giggled.

  "You were fantastic."

  William kissed Lea than they embraced.

  They held one another close, their bodies entwined as they embraced their emotions.

  "So what happened to bring this on?” William asked.

  Lea pulled away from William and leaned on her elbow.

  "Katie and I had a talk. She knew about us and she helped me to see how foolish I was being."

  "I'm gonna give that girl a big hug when I see her,” William teased then smiled.

  William noticed Lea's eyes take on a more serious look. He immediately was concerned as he caressed her hair.

  "What is it, Lea?"

  Lea was hesitant before she answered. Soon enough everyone would know what Katie had gone through. Maybe not in such detail, but still, they would find out.

  "Katie finally told us what really happened out in Bolton Bay."

  "Really? What did she say?"

  Lea explained the story as best she could. With each painful detail, Lea cried.

  "I nearly lost my baby girl, Willie. She could have died in that fire. None of us had any idea."

  "Did she tell you why she didn't want you to know?"

  "She said we had all gone through enough when Mack died. She didn't want us to have to go through the pain again. Can you believe that?"

  William embraced Lea then she continued to fill him in on the other details.

  "You guys didn't know about her boyfriend, Bradley?” William asked.

  "Not a clue. He saved Katie's life and I couldn't even imagine the guilt and loss she has been feeling,” Lea admitted.

  "I believe Ryan Masters has a thing for Katie. She's probably feeling pretty guilty and unsure about getting involved with another man. The fact that Ryan is a firefighter as well must be tough on Katie."

  Lea caressed William's cheek again. “I'm sorry for the way I acted, Willie. I kept pushing you away. I was afraid for similar reasons that Katie is now. Not everyone gets a second chance at love."

  William smiled then kissed Lea.

  "I forgive you Lea and I'm willing to wait until you're ready to tell the boys."

  Lea smiled.

  "So what about Ryan Masters? Is he good enough for our Katie?” Lea asked.

  "I think those two kids belong together. They can help each other heal in so many ways. I'm sure they'll work things out."

  Lea opened her arms so that William could lay his back against her. She began to rub his hair and the side of his temples in an attempt to help him relax.

  "You just lay here and rest. Close your eyes. When you wake up, I promise to have another surprise for you,” Lea whispered.

  "Yes Ma'am.” William closed his eyes and smiled.

  * * * *

  Katie rolled over in bed and looked at the clock. It was nearly2:00 p.m. She pulled herself out of bed and headed to the shower. The warm water caressed her skin and rejuvenated her. Katie's stomach growled as she turned off the faucet and dried herself off.

  Visions of cold cuts or scrambled eggs filled her head. She dressed quickly, tossing on a snug fitting black sleeveless t-shirt dress. It was comfortable and showed off her figure. She tied her white lace sneakers and headed downstairs.

  From the staircase, Katie could hear a few male voices. She froze in the kitchen doorway and at the sight of Ryan sitting there.

  "There she is,” Billy stated with a huge smile on his face and a large pile of coins in front of his cards. It was obvious by a glance at Michael and Ryan's winnings that Billy was very ahead.

  Katie swallowed hard at the sight of Ryan sitting in her mom's kitchen. He was so large and tall, even as he sat at the round wooden table. She wondered why he was there and why her brothers hadn't intervened.

  "What's going on?” Katie asked, placing some strands of wet hair behind her ears. She wished she had dried it before she came downstairs. She had no idea Ryan would be there.

  "We're playing a little poker, want to join in?” Billy asked.

  Michael gave Billy a look then watc
hed his sister.

  "I don't think so. None of you are on the box today?” Katie asked hoping they would have to leave for work soon. She thought she would have the day and the house to herself.

  "No, tomorrow we're on,” Michael added then sat down his cards and folded.

  "I'm out. Anyone need a drink?” Michael asked, rising from his chair to retrieve a soda from the refrigerator.

  "I could use one,” Ryan stated but kept his eyes on Katie.

  Katie met Michael by the refrigerator door. They exchanged glances, he shrugged his shoulders then smiled.

  "What is he doing here?” Katie whispered and Michael glanced at Ryan who was talking to Billy.

  "He showed up looking for you. He insisted that he had to talk to you, explain and—

  "And what about him being a jerk and not seeing things through?” Katie asked with her teeth clenched and still trying to whisper.

  "He asked our permission—

  "So you forget everything. Damn it, Michael! I do not need this right now. I'm leaving."

  Katie headed towards the doorway.

  "Katie, wait!” Ryan called after her then looked towards Billy and Michael.

  "What happened?” he asked.

  "You're on your own now, Bull, we did our part,” Michael stated with a smirk then sat down. Ryan huffed then headed after Katie.

  Katie grabbed her purse and the keys to her jeep and headed out the door.

  Ryan caught up to her by the driver's side just as she opened the door.

  He touched her hand, she froze, then looked up into his eyes. She cursed the flat pair of sneakers she wore, they did nothing for her height.

  The top of Katie's head barely reached Ryan's shoulders.

  "Please, Angel, I want to talk to you. We need to talk."

  Ryan took the hand Katie was holding the car keys in. He pulled it against his chest with both hands and gave her the saddest face.

  "Please let me explain. I know I acted like a jerk, you have to give me a second chance."

  "Why is that Ryan?” Katie asked, trying to hold her ground but Ryan's green eyes penetrated to her soul and made her belly flutter. She tried lying to herself but it was no use. She missed his embrace, his kisses and his touch.