We shared another laugh just as Darren returned with three bowls of chili balanced effortlessly in his hands.
“Now that you’re back son, I wanted to let you both know that we’re planning a little shindig here at the station next weekend with all the families. Kind of a celebration that you’re healing and a reunion,” he said to me. ”It would make everyone really happy if you’d come.”
I didn’t even have to think about it. It would be wonderful to be around all the people my dad had once called family again. I’d realized after everything that happened with the fire and reuniting with the guys, that I needed to be with them. I’d spent so many years withdrawn and living my life on my own; a change of pace was needed.
“Of course! I’d love to see everyone,” I replied to him, feeling the excitement warm my heart.
Duvie grinned broadly. “Great! I’ll let them know.”
Darren bumped his shoulder with mine and shot me a wickedly beautiful smile at my agreement to go. I swear my panties almost melted right off me seeing it.
I cleared my throat and fell back into casual conversation with Duvie, filling him in on my life at the hospital and learning all about the guys and their antics during those years I’d missed. It was a perfect day, which I’d hoped would last.
But when the fire alarm began to go off and a voice made an announcement, I felt my world shake beneath my feet and my blood freeze within my veins.
“Harrison County, Station Eight, Engines 32 and 30 respond. Structural fire located at 32 West Avenue. Ambulance requested for possible injury. Harrison County repeat…”
The bowl I’d just finished eating out of fell from my hands and cracked as it hit the floor. I swayed in my seat, feeling lightheaded suddenly
“Oh my God…no…” I turned my horror filled eyes to Darren, who seemed confused about what was going on with me.
“Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe.”
I shook my head at him and shot to my feet, gasping for breath. “No. No. No.” Fumbling in my pocket for my phone, I pulled it out with shaking hands.
Duvie and Darren kept talking to me, but I heard nothing. I’d found the name I was looking for and tapped on it, waiting with bated breath for an answer. But it just went to voicemail.
“Sophia! Baby, what’s wrong?” Darren’s voice finally cut through my panic.
With a quivering voice, I said, “Alice. That’s her address.”
Darren’s eyes widened in shock. “Shit!” He dragged me to him tightly, hugging me hard and quick, then turned me and pushed me toward Duvie. “Watch her. I’m going on this call.” He pivoted to leave and Duvie went to grab me, but I moved out of his reach and snagged the back of Darren’s shirt, stopping him.
“Don’t let her die. Please,” I whispered my plea, my eyes welling with tears and voice shaking.
“I’ll do everything I can to make sure she’s safe,” he assured me seriously. I knew if anyone could do it, it’d be him. I let him go and fell into Duvie’s waiting arms, allowing myself cry.
“Don’t worry, Bug. She could’ve made it out. Or maybe she isn’t even there,” Duvie tried to console me. But until I saw for myself, my heart would prepare me for the worst.
Her phone had gone to voicemail. It never did that because she was anal about keeping it charged. But Duvie was right. I had to hold onto hope.
I pulled away and wiped my tears from my face. An idea struck me. “Can I listen in on everything? I need to know what’s going on.”
Duvie sighed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Please,” I cut him off from whatever else he was about to say. “I need to hear it.”
Finally, he nodded. Picking up my crutches and handing them to me, he led me back toward his office and sat me down at his desk, then switched on the receiver for the radios.
With my stomach in my chest, I sat and listened.
Please be alive,I prayed.Don’t let her be taken from me too.
Porter
Alden and I’d just finished putting out a small convenience store fire when the call for assistance at a structural fire came in. We rushed to their aid, wondering how bad the fire was if a third engine was being called to the scene.
We were surprised to see Darren was on scene, knowing he was off duty today and was supposed to be with Sophia. He must’ve been working on the fire for some time as his face was coated in a thick layer of ash. We parked and our crew went to work helping the others put out the two story home that was completely consumed by flames.
