Chapter Thirty Seven
The trip to Rampart was short and uneventful…at least for Kirk.
Johnny on the other hand could have driven on for a very long time. He loved the feel of the rescue truck. His inner kid delighted at the way the other vehicles parted and moved to the roadside for the emergency vehicles to pass, but more than that he felt the energy within the truck, the life saving equipment, the extra bottles of oxygen lined along the bed between the storage compartments and the K-12 waiting to be hoisted up and out of its case as well as the jaws of life and many other forcible entry tools housed in her many storage compartments. Johnny Gage was at the helm of a veritable miracle machine.
The squad followed the ambulance into the entrance at Rampart and beneath the pass through to the Emergency parking area. Johnny tapped the steering wheel with his index finger as he watched nurses, doctors and pedestrians pause only long enough for the ambulance to pull forward and reverse as if it were a normal occurrence before continuing on their trek to or from the automatic doors that led inside. He waited until the ambulance cleared his path, and then he duplicated their actions backing into the space beside the ambulance like Tony and Joe always did. He carefully put the vehicle in park…checking it twice to be sure and pushed the emergency brake into place.
He breathed in deeply, closed his eyes and relished in the moment. Then he checked the brake one last time. Once absolutely sure the squad was parked securely, he turned to Kirk who had fallen asleep. "Hey, we're here." He gently nudged the other lineman. Kirk opened one eye and looked at Johnny then closed it again. "Okay…uh…I'll just come around and help you out." Johnny reached over with his uninjured arm and opened the door, slid out and rounded the back of the truck. He couldn't help running his finger along the side of the compartments as he made his way around. The smooth metal felt cool beneath his touch. When he reached the other side he leaned toward the window to check on his passenger, carefully opened the passenger side door and pulled Kirk's arm over his shoulder.
"Can't a guy get a decent nap? I've been fighting fires all day long. I'm tired." Kirk grumbled, but he slid out and allowed Johnny to assist him to the automatic doors.
Dixie McCall had just sent Tim into an exam room with his patient and Charlie to another room when she looked up and saw Johnny and Kirk stumbling into the hall. Kirk looked like he was about to collapse even with Johnny supporting him. Johnny on the other hand looked like the cat that killed the canary. She wondered how a man could look so happy covered in soot with sweat soaked bangs clinging to his forehead and a co-worker's arm slung over his shoulders.
"Hey Dixie!" If it was possible Johnny's boyish grin grew wider and more crooked. "My partner here got a little banged up."
"I can see that." She said in her most seriously concerned professional voice. "Why don't we take him here to treatment room two, and then we can see about you." She didn't yet know how serious they were, but with her trained eye she thought she saw him limping and one of his wrists was definitely swollen.
Johnny's smile faded. "Me?" He stumbled a bit as he helped Kirk through the treatment room door. Dixie supported his back and together they moved into the asylum of the treatment room. "I…I'm not…I'm okay."
Dixie helped Kirk slip from his turnout coat and shirt as Johnny began back peddling to the door.
"I'll…uh…" He turned and reached for the door with his injured arm pulling back just after the twinge of pain assaulted his wrist when he tried to open it. He flashed a look over to Dixie to see if she had seen him flinch. Thinking he was safe he quickly changed hands and tried again. His brief hesitation gave Dixie enough time to aim and shoot both barrels at the young man.
"John Gage, I hope you never get the idea that you can pull one over on me. I've been in this business long enough to see the signs of injury, and you, young man will sit down on that stool until I can get the truth out of you and have you seen by a doctor. Do I make myself clear?"
Johnny turned around wide eyed and red faced. "Y…yes…uh…yes ma'am." He dropped his chin to his chest and slumped down onto the stool to wait. Dixie continued with her assessment of Kirk's injuries taking his pulse, blood pressure and respirations to prepare for the doctor to arrive.
The door opened and Dr. Kelly Brackett came into the room. He glanced over at Johnny and pressed his lips together in a hard line before speaking. "Dixie, what have we got?"
"There was a roof collapse at a toy factory warehouse. These gentlemen and two others as well as the man they were bringing out were caught in it." She proceeded to present Kirk's vitals to the doctor. "If you can handle this I'd like to get Johnny to another room."
"What's his story?" Brackett said under his breath to the nurse hoping to get some idea of what had happened to the hose jockey, this time.
Dixie spoke softly back to him. "He says he's fine, but I suspect an injury to his wrist, and he was limping."
Kirk whispered to the two medical professionals. "He lost his helmet too and looked kind of dazed after the collapse. He carried out the other fireman, Charlie; then he passed out. Said he took a nap." Kirk chuckled softly.
"Possible concussion." Brackett said. "Thanks for the information." He looked to Dixie. "I've got this. See if Joe is available. He seems to have a soft spot for our young hose jockey."
Dixie smiled and winked, "He's not the only one." She moved over beside Johnny, "Come on sweetheart. There's a room waiting for you across the hall."
Johnny got up slowly. Sitting on the stool had left him stiff and had allowed the tiredness to seep back in. He shuffled across the hall, slipped from his coat and shirt of his own accord and slid onto the exam table.
"So…do you want to tell me what happened?" Dixie began wiping the soot from his face with the damp cloth she had prepared as he undressed.
Johnny looked up into her kind blue eyes and inhaled her sweet perfume which brought his smile back. "I got to drive the squad."
Dixie smiled brightly, "You did? How was it?"
Johnny closed his eyes and thought for a moment before speaking his feelings. He was not one to share, but Dixie seemed to bring it out of him. "It was amazing." He sat up and started rattling off his feelings to his friend. "I mean really, really great. I…Dixie, I think…I mean, I know." He jumped off the table and started limping around the room before Dixie could stop him. "Driving the squad made me realize it. You know what I mean." She thought she did, but she wasn't completely sure and didn't want to interrupt his thoughts. Johnny stopped and turned to her. "I'm gonna do it! Dixie, I'm gonna do it!" He walked up to the nurse and almost hugged her before he realized he was filthy.
Dixie laughed at him and pulled him into a hug. "I'm glad. You'll do great."
Johnny backed up and almost stumbled. "You really think I'll be okay. I mean I've helped a little and done some rappelling and crawling into tight spaces and all, but do you think I can do it?"
Dixie hesitated before answering. She wanted to be sure she said the right thing. The momentary hesitation gave room for Johnny's insecurities to kick in and he sat back down on the table like a lost little boy. "I…it was just an idea."
"Johnny," Dixie moved back to his side. "I think you will be perfect for it."
Johnny looked up at her and spoke softly, "I knew as soon as I cranked up the squad that I wanted it. I'm gonna talk to Scotty and see what he thinks, but I think I might go down to headquarters when I get off shift and sign up for the next class. I mean…if you and Scotty think I can do it. I really think I could be good at it."
"We are talking about Rescue right?" Dixie finally asked smiling at Johnny as she brushed the bangs from his forehead. "Merry Christmas Johnny, that's one of the best gifts I've gotten this year. I think you will be an excellent Rescue Man; one of the best. But right now I think you need to tell me what hurts."
Johnny's grin spread across his face again. "Merry Christmas."
Before Johnny had a chance to tell Dixie what ailed him Joe Early came into the room with a smile for his friend. "Well if it isn't Johnny Gage. Merry Christmas Johnny."
"Merry Christmas Doctor Early."
"Johnny was just about to tell me what brings him back to us." Dixie lifted the uninjured wrist to get a pulse. "And he has some news."
While Joe examined Johnny he shared his idea of going out for Rescue. It was determined after careful examination and x-rays that he did in fact have a sprained wrist as well as a twisted ankle neither of which were terribly bad, but he also had a mild concussion. "Well Johnny, I think you'll make a fine addition to our Rescue teams. If there is anything I can help you with in your training feel free to ask." Joe patted him on his knee. He pointed to the ace bandage on Johnny's wrist and then his ankle as he spoke. "You need to ice these and keep them elevated as much as possible. I would like to keep you overnight."
Johnny started to protest.
Joe held up his hands in defense. "But since it's Christmas, I'll let you go home if you promise to have someone check on you from time to time tonight."
Johnny turned his face away.
Joe understood the movement and continued. "Or you could bunk down at the station until your crew gets off shift."
Johnny turned back and a small crooked grin spread. "I could do that."
Joe patted his knee again. "Well you get dressed while I check on your friends. I'm pretty sure Kirk and Charlie are going to be our guests, but Tim has been drinking coffee in the lounge waiting to hear about you. "Dixie can you get him some crutches. I don't want any weight on that ankle for at least two days."
"Aw man." Johnny groused.
"Or you can room upstairs with one of your crew mates." Joe teased.
Johnny sat up quickly which caused his head to swim a bit, but he smiled anyway. "No…that's okay. Crutches for at least two days. Thanks Doctor Early."
Joe smiled and waved as he disappeared through the door.
"You just stay right there. I'll be right back." Dixie followed Joe leaving Johnny in the room alone. He reclined back on the exam table and closed his eyes. The more time since the collapse the more tired and achy he seemed to get. He was dozing lightly when Dixie returned. "Okay, here you go." She smiled when she realized he had drifted to sleep. She lightly shook his shoulder. "Johnny?"
One eye cracked open and closed again. A soft groan escaped and a very tired fireman sat up. "I fell asleep."
"I noticed." She reached out and brushed the bangs from his face. "Are you ready to get out of here?"
Johnny perked up a bit. "Yes ma'am." Dixie helped him up and steadied him on his crutches before grabbing his boot. Johnny realized that crutches for a sore ankle were difficult with a sore wrist, but he managed to hobble from the room into the hall where he met Tim. Dixie passed off the extra boot and watched the two firemen as they left her ER.
The squad backed into the station and Tim turned off the engine and looked over at his passenger. Johnny blinked blearily and sat forward. "We're back?"
"Do you need any help with your crutches?" Tim asked.
"No I think I can manage." Johnny yawned and reached for the door. He slowly climbed from the squad and made an awkward attempt at walking with the crutches. His wrist throbbed with every step. Tim followed him into the day room where several men were chatting around the table.
"Hey Boot, what did you do to yourself now?" Scotty stood and looked over his friend.
"Scotty! What are you doing here?"
"A little Dixie bird called and said you might need a ride home." And a friend, Scotty remembered how Dixie had said Johnny had wanted to talk to him about something. That he needed some advice.
Johnny's gaze fell to the floor. "Doc said I can't go home by myself." He said softly.
"Who said you were going to your apartment?" Scotty smiled. "You're coming home with me."
Johnny's head shot up. "Huh? I can't do that."
"Why not? I've already been to my Mom's for Christmas dinner. I've got nothing to do but watch
TV and eat leftovers. You might as well come over and taste my Mom's dressing."
"Really?"
"Come on kid, let's get out of here." Scotty took the spare boot from Tim.
"I need to get my gear."
"Well…move your skinny butt."
The trip to Rampart was short and uneventful…at least for Kirk.
Johnny on the other hand could have driven on for a very long time. He loved the feel of the rescue truck. His inner kid delighted at the way the other vehicles parted and moved to the roadside for the emergency vehicles to pass, but more than that he felt the energy within the truck, the life saving equipment, the extra bottles of oxygen lined along the bed between the storage compartments and the K-12 waiting to be hoisted up and out of its case as well as the jaws of life and many other forcible entry tools housed in her many storage compartments. Johnny Gage was at the helm of a veritable miracle machine.
The squad followed the ambulance into the entrance at Rampart and beneath the pass through to the Emergency parking area. Johnny tapped the steering wheel with his index finger as he watched nurses, doctors and pedestrians pause only long enough for the ambulance to pull forward and reverse as if it were a normal occurrence before continuing on their trek to or from the automatic doors that led inside. He waited until the ambulance cleared his path, and then he duplicated their actions backing into the space beside the ambulance like Tony and Joe always did. He carefully put the vehicle in park…checking it twice to be sure and pushed the emergency brake into place.
He breathed in deeply, closed his eyes and relished in the moment. Then he checked the brake one last time. Once absolutely sure the squad was parked securely, he turned to Kirk who had fallen asleep. "Hey, we're here." He gently nudged the other lineman. Kirk opened one eye and looked at Johnny then closed it again. "Okay…uh…I'll just come around and help you out." Johnny reached over with his uninjured arm and opened the door, slid out and rounded the back of the truck. He couldn't help running his finger along the side of the compartments as he made his way around. The smooth metal felt cool beneath his touch. When he reached the other side he leaned toward the window to check on his passenger, carefully opened the passenger side door and pulled Kirk's arm over his shoulder.
"Can't a guy get a decent nap? I've been fighting fires all day long. I'm tired." Kirk grumbled, but he slid out and allowed Johnny to assist him to the automatic doors.
Dixie McCall had just sent Tim into an exam room with his patient and Charlie to another room when she looked up and saw Johnny and Kirk stumbling into the hall. Kirk looked like he was about to collapse even with Johnny supporting him. Johnny on the other hand looked like the cat that killed the canary. She wondered how a man could look so happy covered in soot with sweat soaked bangs clinging to his forehead and a co-worker's arm slung over his shoulders.
"Hey Dixie!" If it was possible Johnny's boyish grin grew wider and more crooked. "My partner here got a little banged up."
"I can see that." She said in her most seriously concerned professional voice. "Why don't we take him here to treatment room two, and then we can see about you." She didn't yet know how serious they were, but with her trained eye she thought she saw him limping and one of his wrists was definitely swollen.
Johnny's smile faded. "Me?" He stumbled a bit as he helped Kirk through the treatment room door. Dixie supported his back and together they moved into the asylum of the treatment room. "I…I'm not…I'm okay."
Dixie helped Kirk slip from his turnout coat and shirt as Johnny began back peddling to the door.
"I'll…uh…" He turned and reached for the door with his injured arm pulling back just after the twinge of pain assaulted his wrist when he tried to open it. He flashed a look over to Dixie to see if she had seen him flinch. Thinking he was safe he quickly changed hands and tried again. His brief hesitation gave Dixie enough time to aim and shoot both barrels at the young man.
"John Gage, I hope you never get the idea that you can pull one over on me. I've been in this business long enough to see the signs of injury, and you, young man will sit down on that stool until I can get the truth out of you and have you seen by a doctor. Do I make myself clear?"
Johnny turned around wide eyed and red faced. "Y…yes…uh…yes ma'am." He dropped his chin to his chest and slumped down onto the stool to wait. Dixie continued with her assessment of Kirk's injuries taking his pulse, blood pressure and respirations to prepare for the doctor to arrive.
The door opened and Dr. Kelly Brackett came into the room. He glanced over at Johnny and pressed his lips together in a hard line before speaking. "Dixie, what have we got?"
"There was a roof collapse at a toy factory warehouse. These gentlemen and two others as well as the man they were bringing out were caught in it." She proceeded to present Kirk's vitals to the doctor. "If you can handle this I'd like to get Johnny to another room."
"What's his story?" Brackett said under his breath to the nurse hoping to get some idea of what had happened to the hose jockey, this time.
Dixie spoke softly back to him. "He says he's fine, but I suspect an injury to his wrist, and he was limping."
Kirk whispered to the two medical professionals. "He lost his helmet too and looked kind of dazed after the collapse. He carried out the other fireman, Charlie; then he passed out. Said he took a nap." Kirk chuckled softly.
"Possible concussion." Brackett said. "Thanks for the information." He looked to Dixie. "I've got this. See if Joe is available. He seems to have a soft spot for our young hose jockey."
Dixie smiled and winked, "He's not the only one." She moved over beside Johnny, "Come on sweetheart. There's a room waiting for you across the hall."
Johnny got up slowly. Sitting on the stool had left him stiff and had allowed the tiredness to seep back in. He shuffled across the hall, slipped from his coat and shirt of his own accord and slid onto the exam table.
"So…do you want to tell me what happened?" Dixie began wiping the soot from his face with the damp cloth she had prepared as he undressed.
Johnny looked up into her kind blue eyes and inhaled her sweet perfume which brought his smile back. "I got to drive the squad."
Dixie smiled brightly, "You did? How was it?"
Johnny closed his eyes and thought for a moment before speaking his feelings. He was not one to share, but Dixie seemed to bring it out of him. "It was amazing." He sat up and started rattling off his feelings to his friend. "I mean really, really great. I…Dixie, I think…I mean, I know." He jumped off the table and started limping around the room before Dixie could stop him. "Driving the squad made me realize it. You know what I mean." She thought she did, but she wasn't completely sure and didn't want to interrupt his thoughts. Johnny stopped and turned to her. "I'm gonna do it! Dixie, I'm gonna do it!" He walked up to the nurse and almost hugged her before he realized he was filthy.
Dixie laughed at him and pulled him into a hug. "I'm glad. You'll do great."
Johnny backed up and almost stumbled. "You really think I'll be okay. I mean I've helped a little and done some rappelling and crawling into tight spaces and all, but do you think I can do it?"
Dixie hesitated before answering. She wanted to be sure she said the right thing. The momentary hesitation gave room for Johnny's insecurities to kick in and he sat back down on the table like a lost little boy. "I…it was just an idea."
"Johnny," Dixie moved back to his side. "I think you will be perfect for it."
Johnny looked up at her and spoke softly, "I knew as soon as I cranked up the squad that I wanted it. I'm gonna talk to Scotty and see what he thinks, but I think I might go down to headquarters when I get off shift and sign up for the next class. I mean…if you and Scotty think I can do it. I really think I could be good at it."
"We are talking about Rescue right?" Dixie finally asked smiling at Johnny as she brushed the bangs from his forehead. "Merry Christmas Johnny, that's one of the best gifts I've gotten this year. I think you will be an excellent Rescue Man; one of the best. But right now I think you need to tell me what hurts."
Johnny's grin spread across his face again. "Merry Christmas."
Before Johnny had a chance to tell Dixie what ailed him Joe Early came into the room with a smile for his friend. "Well if it isn't Johnny Gage. Merry Christmas Johnny."
"Merry Christmas Doctor Early."
"Johnny was just about to tell me what brings him back to us." Dixie lifted the uninjured wrist to get a pulse. "And he has some news."
While Joe examined Johnny he shared his idea of going out for Rescue. It was determined after careful examination and x-rays that he did in fact have a sprained wrist as well as a twisted ankle neither of which were terribly bad, but he also had a mild concussion. "Well Johnny, I think you'll make a fine addition to our Rescue teams. If there is anything I can help you with in your training feel free to ask." Joe patted him on his knee. He pointed to the ace bandage on Johnny's wrist and then his ankle as he spoke. "You need to ice these and keep them elevated as much as possible. I would like to keep you overnight."
Johnny started to protest.
Joe held up his hands in defense. "But since it's Christmas, I'll let you go home if you promise to have someone check on you from time to time tonight."
Johnny turned his face away.
Joe understood the movement and continued. "Or you could bunk down at the station until your crew gets off shift."
Johnny turned back and a small crooked grin spread. "I could do that."
Joe patted his knee again. "Well you get dressed while I check on your friends. I'm pretty sure Kirk and Charlie are going to be our guests, but Tim has been drinking coffee in the lounge waiting to hear about you. "Dixie can you get him some crutches. I don't want any weight on that ankle for at least two days."
"Aw man." Johnny groused.
"Or you can room upstairs with one of your crew mates." Joe teased.
Johnny sat up quickly which caused his head to swim a bit, but he smiled anyway. "No…that's okay. Crutches for at least two days. Thanks Doctor Early."
Joe smiled and waved as he disappeared through the door.
"You just stay right there. I'll be right back." Dixie followed Joe leaving Johnny in the room alone. He reclined back on the exam table and closed his eyes. The more time since the collapse the more tired and achy he seemed to get. He was dozing lightly when Dixie returned. "Okay, here you go." She smiled when she realized he had drifted to sleep. She lightly shook his shoulder. "Johnny?"
One eye cracked open and closed again. A soft groan escaped and a very tired fireman sat up. "I fell asleep."
"I noticed." She reached out and brushed the bangs from his face. "Are you ready to get out of here?"
Johnny perked up a bit. "Yes ma'am." Dixie helped him up and steadied him on his crutches before grabbing his boot. Johnny realized that crutches for a sore ankle were difficult with a sore wrist, but he managed to hobble from the room into the hall where he met Tim. Dixie passed off the extra boot and watched the two firemen as they left her ER.
The squad backed into the station and Tim turned off the engine and looked over at his passenger. Johnny blinked blearily and sat forward. "We're back?"
"Do you need any help with your crutches?" Tim asked.
"No I think I can manage." Johnny yawned and reached for the door. He slowly climbed from the squad and made an awkward attempt at walking with the crutches. His wrist throbbed with every step. Tim followed him into the day room where several men were chatting around the table.
"Hey Boot, what did you do to yourself now?" Scotty stood and looked over his friend.
"Scotty! What are you doing here?"
"A little Dixie bird called and said you might need a ride home." And a friend, Scotty remembered how Dixie had said Johnny had wanted to talk to him about something. That he needed some advice.
Johnny's gaze fell to the floor. "Doc said I can't go home by myself." He said softly.
"Who said you were going to your apartment?" Scotty smiled. "You're coming home with me."
Johnny's head shot up. "Huh? I can't do that."
"Why not? I've already been to my Mom's for Christmas dinner. I've got nothing to do but watch
TV and eat leftovers. You might as well come over and taste my Mom's dressing."
"Really?"
"Come on kid, let's get out of here." Scotty took the spare boot from Tim.
"I need to get my gear."
"Well…move your skinny butt."
Chapter Thirty Eight
By time Johnny got to Scotty's truck his sprained wrist ached terribly, and his energy was waning. Tim Duntley helped him into the cab of the truck and pushed the door closed. He put the crutches into the bed as Scotty put Johnny's duffle in. The two men exchanged understanding looks. They both had enough experience with ceiling collapses to know the aches and pains that plagued a firefighter after the adrenaline rush that kept them going while on shift faded.
Tim leaned in the open window to wish Johnny well. "I hope you put some serious thought into the things we talked about in the squad on the way back here. I think you would be perfect for it." Tim purposely spoke in generalities. Johnny's thoughts about joining Rescue were not his to share.
Johnny looked at Tim with an unsure smile. "Yeah, I will."
Tim patted Johnny on the arm, "Well…Merry Christmas, Johnny."
"Merry Christmas," Johnny said with a deep yawn.
"Let's go Boot." Scotty shifted the truck into drive. "My mom's dressing is getting cold." He patted the wrapped dishes in the center of the truck seat.
Tim stepped back and watched the truck depart. Then he smiled. 'I think you already know what you want to do. You just need someone's approval first, and I'll bet Scotty is just the friend to give it.'He went back into the station whistling Jingle Bells and moving with a renewed bounce in his step.
When Scotty pulled his truck into the drive and put it in park he smiled over at his sleeping friend. Johnny had fallen asleep as soon as they pulled out of the station parking lot. "Well Boot, you wait here while I get the door open; then I'll help you with those crutches." He chuckled as he grabbed the covered dishes and slid quietly from behind the wheel softly closing the truck door.
Johnny awoke alone in the cab of Scotty's truck. He sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes wondering how long he'd been sitting out there asleep. He unbuckled the seatbelt and pushed the door open. 'Tim put the crutches in the back.' He turned in the seat and looked through the back window to see where the crutches were. "Well…here goes nothin'" He carefully stepped out of the truck on one foot while trying not to put any weight on his wrist. It was not an easy task.
He had almost made it when Scotty came around the front of the truck. "Ah hem, what exactly are you trying to do?"
Johnny's head shot up and his mouth hung open. "I..uh…what? What do you mean? I was just…" He waved his arm at the bed of the truck.
"Just what?" Scotty crossed his arms over his chest. "Trying to fall? To further injure your ankle? To break that sprained wrist. Now that would be great. How would I explain that to Cap?"
"I…I didn't…I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Johnny looked up at his friend with sad eyes. He would never want to do anything to cause his friend any trouble with Captain Jones.
Scotty had only been teasing Johnny, but the kid had taken it so seriously. "No problem. Let me just get the crutches for you." He moved around Johnny who was now supporting himself against the truck. "We'll get you inside and settled on the sofa, and then you're gonna taste some of the best dressing you'll ever put in your mouth."
Once settled with his foot propped up on the coffee table complete with an ice pack and his arm resting on a pillow, Johnny was treated to a plate full of Scotty's mother's Christmas dinner which he tore into like he hadn't eaten in days.
"I see there's nothing wrong with your appetite."
"This is really good." Johnny said with his mouth full. "You were right about the dressing."
"I told you."
"Yeah…yeah you did." Johnny smiled and took another big bite. After he cleaned his plate, placed it on the coffee table and reclined on the sofa, Johnny turned to Scotty, "Why did Dixie call you?"
"Because she said the doctor wouldn't let you go home alone."
"But I was going to bunk down at the station. He said that would be okay."
"Johnny, it's Christmas. She didn't want you to have to stay at the station. What if they got called out? Then you would have been there alone, and that wasn't the plan…was it?"
"Well…no, but why did she call you?" Johnny wouldn't let it drop.
"Because I asked her to call me the last time you were sick and didn't have a ride. Cap told her the same thing. Actually, he gets called anytime one of us is hurt on duty anyway…department rules. Headquarters informs him of any of his crew that might miss a shift due to an on the job injury. He got called from headquarters about the same time Dixie called me." Scotty knew Johnny would hate all the attention his minor injuries had brought on, but that's just how things in the department worked. "Cap called me at my Mom's after he talked to headquarters."
"He called you at your Mom's?" Johnny looked with a surprised look on his face. "It's just a couple of sprains."
"It's no big deal Johnny. Dixie called me at Mom's too. I gave them the number a long time ago as a second number for me. Besides Mom's my emergency contact. You know next of kin. We all have to have one on record at headquarters." Scotty picked up the empty plates and started toward the kitchen. "Just don't worry about it. I asked them to call me if you needed anyone. It's not that big of a deal. I've done the same for lots of guys."
"It is a big deal!" Johnny dropped his foot to the floor and scooted to the edge of the cushion. He looked around for the crutches.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm gonna go home."
Scotty moved back across the room and sat the dishes back on the coffee table. "No you're not. Now just relax kid. They called me, because you're my friend." He put his hands on Johnny's shoulders to prevent him from trying to get up. "I wanted them too."
Johnny up at Scotty; he could see the sincerity in his eyes. "O…okay." He relaxed back against the cushions. "I'll stay." Truthfully he was exhausted and terribly stiff and achy. "But, you can take me home in a little while."
Scotty didn't even comment about Johnny's last statement. Johnny had agreed to stay, and for now that was enough. He knew if he said anything else he might have another fight on his hands. He also knew that he didn't plan on taking Johnny back to his place until he was on his way back to the station for his next shift. He again picked up the dirty dishes and took them to the kitchen. When he returned to his recliner he noticed a very serious look on Johnny's face. "You still mad at me?"
"I'm not mad at you." Johnny said quietly.
"Then what's got you looking so serious?"
"I was thinkin'…" Johnny started and then stopped again. Scotty sat down and waited for him to continue. "You know I got to drive the squad today." Johnny said with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Well don't get any ideas about my engine." Scotty teased and they share a good laugh.
"It felt right."
Scotty sat up straighter. This was important. He and Cap had both hoped Johnny would decide to go for rescue and fill Joe's spot. "Yeah?"
Johnny looked up and smiled again. "Yeah…it did. I was thinking about talking to Cap about going out for rescue…but…"
"But what Johnny this is great news."
"Do you really think so?"
"Do I really think so? You're kidding right? I mean Cap and I have already talked about it. You remember that right?"
"Yes."
"Then why would you think otherwise. When are you going to tell him? We can call him right now." Scotty moved to get up.
"No!" Johnny said a little too loudly. "I mean…" He squirmed on the couch. "It's Christmas and all. I'll just talk to him at the station."
"Are you kidding me?" Scotty said through a huge smile. "This would be the best Christmas present ever! You should call him."
Johnny looked like he might be sick. "What if he's changed his mind? What if it isn't good news?"
"Johnny, you have got to stop doubting yourself. Do you remember the things we talked about the day I told you about the conversation Cap and I had about filling Joe's seat in the squad?"
"Some of it."
"Let me remind you. You're really good at being a fireman, Johnny. You've only been doing it for a short time, but there isn't a man on our shift that doesn't trust your instinct when it comes to reading a fire. You're a natural. When we all watched you running back into that house and out again carrying a boy that no one else could find it proved that you were in this because of your desire to help people. We've seen you squeeze into spaces no one else could even think about getting in, and watched you hang off a bridge holding on to that truck driver while his truck exploded above your head. Like I said the other day…you will be good at Rescue, and I assure you Cap agrees with me."
Johnny couldn't help the blush that moved up his neck and into his cheeks. "Thanks Scotty."
"So are you ready to call Cap?"
"Yeah…I'll call him."
"Well…" Scotty pointed to the table beside the couch. "…there's the phone."
Johnny laughed at his friend and reached for the phone pulling it into his lap. He sat there holding it for a few minutes. Even though Scotty said Cap would be pleased, Johnny still felt unsure.
Sensing Johnny's return to his insecure thoughts, Scotty prodded him again. "You do know the number don't you?"
"I know the number." He picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hello, Jones residence." A female voice answered.
"Um…excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you on Christmas day, but could I please speak with Captain Jones."
"Why sure you can. Hold on please."
Johnny could hear the phone being put down on a hard surface; then the female voice speaking in the distance. "Honey, there's a very young sounding man on the phone for you."
"Does he sound okay?" Ben asked his wife as he passed her on the way to the phone. A very young sounding man had to be Johnny calling to let him know what had happened earlier today. "Hello this is Captain Jones."
"Hey Cap…Merry Christmas…uh sorry to call you on Christmas…"
"That you John?"
"Yes sir."
"You all right? Headquarters said you were in a collapse."
"I'm okay. I sprained my wrist and ankle."
"So you'll be off next shift?"
Johnny sat up and Scotty could see alarm cross his features. He leaned closer trying to find out what had upset him so much. "What's wrong?"
Johnny glanced at him and shook his head. "No sir…I mean I don't know. Doc said stay on the crutches for a couple of days."
"That sounds about right. What about the concussion? You aren't at your place alone are you? You shouldn't be alone with a concussion."
"No sir, I'm at Scotty's."
"Good, good. He said he was going down to the station and try to get you to come home with him. I'm glad you agreed."
"Uh…Cap, I made a decision." Johnny paused. He only heard silence on the other end of the phone line. He held his breath and paled. Scotty moved beside him and gripped his shoulder in support. "I…uh…if you still think it's a good idea I'd like to try for rescue."
Captain Ben Jones struggled to maintain his professional composure, but failed considerably. "WooHoo! That 's the best news I've heard in a long time." His wife smiled and giggled at her normally in control husband. "I'll call headquarters first thing tomorrow morning and let them know I have a man for the job."
"No sir…please don't." Johnny spoke up quickly. "I mean…I would like to go down and apply first…I don't want any special treatment. I have to make it on my own. If I can't then I shouldn't be in that position."
"I can respect that. But once you're enrolled I will do what I can to expedite the training process. I need you in the squad as soon as possible. Fair enough?"
"Fair enough." Johnny smiled at Scotty. "So I'll go down tomorrow and sign up."
"Maybe you should wait until you can walk without the crutches. I mean you don't want them to get the wrong picture." Cap said.
"Oh…I didn't think of that. Okay, then I'll go down later this week." Johnny rubbed his head and pinched the bridge of his nose like he did when he had a headache. "Thanks Cap."
"No thank you Johnny. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." Johnny said and moved to hang up the phone. He stopped, raised it back to his ear and smiled. He could hear Cap telling his wife the good news before the line went dead. He looked over at Scotty and laughed. "I think he was happy."
"I'm sure he was. Now let's get you some Tylenol for that headache and see if there's a game on TV."
Johnny put the phone back on the table and reclined on the sofa. His head did ache, but he felt good. He had some really great new friends who were taking care of him. He knew what he wanted to do with his career, and that was a really nice feeling. Now all he had to do was go down to headquarters and sign up for Rescue training.
He had finished his probationary period with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He wasn't a Boot any longer. He was a full-fledged fireman, and soon if all went as he hoped it did, he would be a Rescue Man.
"Here ya go Boot. Take these." Scotty handed him some Tylenol and a glass of milk.
"I'm not a Boot anymore." Johnny said as he sat up and downed the Tylenol and the milk.
"You'll always be a Boot to me." Scotty smiled and ruffled Johnny's hair.
The End
2/11/10 - 1/3/12
By time Johnny got to Scotty's truck his sprained wrist ached terribly, and his energy was waning. Tim Duntley helped him into the cab of the truck and pushed the door closed. He put the crutches into the bed as Scotty put Johnny's duffle in. The two men exchanged understanding looks. They both had enough experience with ceiling collapses to know the aches and pains that plagued a firefighter after the adrenaline rush that kept them going while on shift faded.
Tim leaned in the open window to wish Johnny well. "I hope you put some serious thought into the things we talked about in the squad on the way back here. I think you would be perfect for it." Tim purposely spoke in generalities. Johnny's thoughts about joining Rescue were not his to share.
Johnny looked at Tim with an unsure smile. "Yeah, I will."
Tim patted Johnny on the arm, "Well…Merry Christmas, Johnny."
"Merry Christmas," Johnny said with a deep yawn.
"Let's go Boot." Scotty shifted the truck into drive. "My mom's dressing is getting cold." He patted the wrapped dishes in the center of the truck seat.
Tim stepped back and watched the truck depart. Then he smiled. 'I think you already know what you want to do. You just need someone's approval first, and I'll bet Scotty is just the friend to give it.'He went back into the station whistling Jingle Bells and moving with a renewed bounce in his step.
When Scotty pulled his truck into the drive and put it in park he smiled over at his sleeping friend. Johnny had fallen asleep as soon as they pulled out of the station parking lot. "Well Boot, you wait here while I get the door open; then I'll help you with those crutches." He chuckled as he grabbed the covered dishes and slid quietly from behind the wheel softly closing the truck door.
Johnny awoke alone in the cab of Scotty's truck. He sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes wondering how long he'd been sitting out there asleep. He unbuckled the seatbelt and pushed the door open. 'Tim put the crutches in the back.' He turned in the seat and looked through the back window to see where the crutches were. "Well…here goes nothin'" He carefully stepped out of the truck on one foot while trying not to put any weight on his wrist. It was not an easy task.
He had almost made it when Scotty came around the front of the truck. "Ah hem, what exactly are you trying to do?"
Johnny's head shot up and his mouth hung open. "I..uh…what? What do you mean? I was just…" He waved his arm at the bed of the truck.
"Just what?" Scotty crossed his arms over his chest. "Trying to fall? To further injure your ankle? To break that sprained wrist. Now that would be great. How would I explain that to Cap?"
"I…I didn't…I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Johnny looked up at his friend with sad eyes. He would never want to do anything to cause his friend any trouble with Captain Jones.
Scotty had only been teasing Johnny, but the kid had taken it so seriously. "No problem. Let me just get the crutches for you." He moved around Johnny who was now supporting himself against the truck. "We'll get you inside and settled on the sofa, and then you're gonna taste some of the best dressing you'll ever put in your mouth."
Once settled with his foot propped up on the coffee table complete with an ice pack and his arm resting on a pillow, Johnny was treated to a plate full of Scotty's mother's Christmas dinner which he tore into like he hadn't eaten in days.
"I see there's nothing wrong with your appetite."
"This is really good." Johnny said with his mouth full. "You were right about the dressing."
"I told you."
"Yeah…yeah you did." Johnny smiled and took another big bite. After he cleaned his plate, placed it on the coffee table and reclined on the sofa, Johnny turned to Scotty, "Why did Dixie call you?"
"Because she said the doctor wouldn't let you go home alone."
"But I was going to bunk down at the station. He said that would be okay."
"Johnny, it's Christmas. She didn't want you to have to stay at the station. What if they got called out? Then you would have been there alone, and that wasn't the plan…was it?"
"Well…no, but why did she call you?" Johnny wouldn't let it drop.
"Because I asked her to call me the last time you were sick and didn't have a ride. Cap told her the same thing. Actually, he gets called anytime one of us is hurt on duty anyway…department rules. Headquarters informs him of any of his crew that might miss a shift due to an on the job injury. He got called from headquarters about the same time Dixie called me." Scotty knew Johnny would hate all the attention his minor injuries had brought on, but that's just how things in the department worked. "Cap called me at my Mom's after he talked to headquarters."
"He called you at your Mom's?" Johnny looked with a surprised look on his face. "It's just a couple of sprains."
"It's no big deal Johnny. Dixie called me at Mom's too. I gave them the number a long time ago as a second number for me. Besides Mom's my emergency contact. You know next of kin. We all have to have one on record at headquarters." Scotty picked up the empty plates and started toward the kitchen. "Just don't worry about it. I asked them to call me if you needed anyone. It's not that big of a deal. I've done the same for lots of guys."
"It is a big deal!" Johnny dropped his foot to the floor and scooted to the edge of the cushion. He looked around for the crutches.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm gonna go home."
Scotty moved back across the room and sat the dishes back on the coffee table. "No you're not. Now just relax kid. They called me, because you're my friend." He put his hands on Johnny's shoulders to prevent him from trying to get up. "I wanted them too."
Johnny up at Scotty; he could see the sincerity in his eyes. "O…okay." He relaxed back against the cushions. "I'll stay." Truthfully he was exhausted and terribly stiff and achy. "But, you can take me home in a little while."
Scotty didn't even comment about Johnny's last statement. Johnny had agreed to stay, and for now that was enough. He knew if he said anything else he might have another fight on his hands. He also knew that he didn't plan on taking Johnny back to his place until he was on his way back to the station for his next shift. He again picked up the dirty dishes and took them to the kitchen. When he returned to his recliner he noticed a very serious look on Johnny's face. "You still mad at me?"
"I'm not mad at you." Johnny said quietly.
"Then what's got you looking so serious?"
"I was thinkin'…" Johnny started and then stopped again. Scotty sat down and waited for him to continue. "You know I got to drive the squad today." Johnny said with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Well don't get any ideas about my engine." Scotty teased and they share a good laugh.
"It felt right."
Scotty sat up straighter. This was important. He and Cap had both hoped Johnny would decide to go for rescue and fill Joe's spot. "Yeah?"
Johnny looked up and smiled again. "Yeah…it did. I was thinking about talking to Cap about going out for rescue…but…"
"But what Johnny this is great news."
"Do you really think so?"
"Do I really think so? You're kidding right? I mean Cap and I have already talked about it. You remember that right?"
"Yes."
"Then why would you think otherwise. When are you going to tell him? We can call him right now." Scotty moved to get up.
"No!" Johnny said a little too loudly. "I mean…" He squirmed on the couch. "It's Christmas and all. I'll just talk to him at the station."
"Are you kidding me?" Scotty said through a huge smile. "This would be the best Christmas present ever! You should call him."
Johnny looked like he might be sick. "What if he's changed his mind? What if it isn't good news?"
"Johnny, you have got to stop doubting yourself. Do you remember the things we talked about the day I told you about the conversation Cap and I had about filling Joe's seat in the squad?"
"Some of it."
"Let me remind you. You're really good at being a fireman, Johnny. You've only been doing it for a short time, but there isn't a man on our shift that doesn't trust your instinct when it comes to reading a fire. You're a natural. When we all watched you running back into that house and out again carrying a boy that no one else could find it proved that you were in this because of your desire to help people. We've seen you squeeze into spaces no one else could even think about getting in, and watched you hang off a bridge holding on to that truck driver while his truck exploded above your head. Like I said the other day…you will be good at Rescue, and I assure you Cap agrees with me."
Johnny couldn't help the blush that moved up his neck and into his cheeks. "Thanks Scotty."
"So are you ready to call Cap?"
"Yeah…I'll call him."
"Well…" Scotty pointed to the table beside the couch. "…there's the phone."
Johnny laughed at his friend and reached for the phone pulling it into his lap. He sat there holding it for a few minutes. Even though Scotty said Cap would be pleased, Johnny still felt unsure.
Sensing Johnny's return to his insecure thoughts, Scotty prodded him again. "You do know the number don't you?"
"I know the number." He picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hello, Jones residence." A female voice answered.
"Um…excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you on Christmas day, but could I please speak with Captain Jones."
"Why sure you can. Hold on please."
Johnny could hear the phone being put down on a hard surface; then the female voice speaking in the distance. "Honey, there's a very young sounding man on the phone for you."
"Does he sound okay?" Ben asked his wife as he passed her on the way to the phone. A very young sounding man had to be Johnny calling to let him know what had happened earlier today. "Hello this is Captain Jones."
"Hey Cap…Merry Christmas…uh sorry to call you on Christmas…"
"That you John?"
"Yes sir."
"You all right? Headquarters said you were in a collapse."
"I'm okay. I sprained my wrist and ankle."
"So you'll be off next shift?"
Johnny sat up and Scotty could see alarm cross his features. He leaned closer trying to find out what had upset him so much. "What's wrong?"
Johnny glanced at him and shook his head. "No sir…I mean I don't know. Doc said stay on the crutches for a couple of days."
"That sounds about right. What about the concussion? You aren't at your place alone are you? You shouldn't be alone with a concussion."
"No sir, I'm at Scotty's."
"Good, good. He said he was going down to the station and try to get you to come home with him. I'm glad you agreed."
"Uh…Cap, I made a decision." Johnny paused. He only heard silence on the other end of the phone line. He held his breath and paled. Scotty moved beside him and gripped his shoulder in support. "I…uh…if you still think it's a good idea I'd like to try for rescue."
Captain Ben Jones struggled to maintain his professional composure, but failed considerably. "WooHoo! That 's the best news I've heard in a long time." His wife smiled and giggled at her normally in control husband. "I'll call headquarters first thing tomorrow morning and let them know I have a man for the job."
"No sir…please don't." Johnny spoke up quickly. "I mean…I would like to go down and apply first…I don't want any special treatment. I have to make it on my own. If I can't then I shouldn't be in that position."
"I can respect that. But once you're enrolled I will do what I can to expedite the training process. I need you in the squad as soon as possible. Fair enough?"
"Fair enough." Johnny smiled at Scotty. "So I'll go down tomorrow and sign up."
"Maybe you should wait until you can walk without the crutches. I mean you don't want them to get the wrong picture." Cap said.
"Oh…I didn't think of that. Okay, then I'll go down later this week." Johnny rubbed his head and pinched the bridge of his nose like he did when he had a headache. "Thanks Cap."
"No thank you Johnny. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." Johnny said and moved to hang up the phone. He stopped, raised it back to his ear and smiled. He could hear Cap telling his wife the good news before the line went dead. He looked over at Scotty and laughed. "I think he was happy."
"I'm sure he was. Now let's get you some Tylenol for that headache and see if there's a game on TV."
Johnny put the phone back on the table and reclined on the sofa. His head did ache, but he felt good. He had some really great new friends who were taking care of him. He knew what he wanted to do with his career, and that was a really nice feeling. Now all he had to do was go down to headquarters and sign up for Rescue training.
He had finished his probationary period with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He wasn't a Boot any longer. He was a full-fledged fireman, and soon if all went as he hoped it did, he would be a Rescue Man.
"Here ya go Boot. Take these." Scotty handed him some Tylenol and a glass of milk.
"I'm not a Boot anymore." Johnny said as he sat up and downed the Tylenol and the milk.
"You'll always be a Boot to me." Scotty smiled and ruffled Johnny's hair.
The End
2/11/10 - 1/3/12