Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, But I sure enjoy inviting them out to play but I promise to send them home in time for supper unless they get a call that is.
I've been thinking long and hard about which of the stories I have in my head to write next and haven't been able to decide so I'm going to submit the first chapter of four of them and set the goal to write two chapters a week. I'm sure the reviews will let me know which story the readers want me to focus on but I promise I will finish each one eventually. So let me know which story you want me to finish first.
The Burden of Confidentiality
Young Jenny Desoto knelt next to her brother Chris who was expertly decorated with realistic looking cosmetic wounds as she demonstrated how to hold pressure to stop bleeding for the benefit of the camera crew just a few feet away. Standing behind her leaning on the squad were her father and his partner, Roy Desoto and Uncle Johnny Gage, both were so puffed up with pride with the two children they were about to burst the buttons on their perfectly pressed uniforms.
"And as soon as the Paramedics get there they can take over," Jenny gave the big boys their cue.
Roy and John then walked forward and squatted down next to the children, "Trained professionals will respond as quickly as possible when ever we're called but there are things you can do while you're waiting that can make a big difference."
"The Los Angeles County Fire Department is sponsoring first responder classes to help you to know what to do and what not to do until we or others like us arrive. Just call the number on your screen to learn about the next available class in your area," John repeated his speech.
"And remember if someone as small as me can do it so can you." Jenny added with a grin as she stood next to her favorite Paramedics in the world with her hands covered with fake blood.
"Cut! That's a wrap," a Voice behind the camera shouted and Chris sat up and pulled his fake wound off of his upper arm.
"Do I get to take a shower in the fire station?" he asked with excitement, it was clear that he thought taking a shower in the fire station was just reward for his part in the public announcement commercial he had willingly participated in.
Captain Hank Stanley and the rest of the men at station 51 along with the children's mother, giggled from their position out of camera range position. "Be our guest," Hank called out, "You're dad can show you how to work things."
"And Kid, Make sure you leave some hot water for the rest of us poor working slobs." Chet added to get Chris to grin even larger while Marko placed his hand on the jokers shoulder and pushed him off balance.
As a response to all the press young Jennifer was getting with her first aid exploits the news stations and the fire department came together to sponsor some first aid classes that focused on what to do until the professionals arrived at the scene. Once they had everything ready to go donations of TV time and film crews came in from everywhere to make 12 commercials to advertise the classes and get the program off the ground. Both Chris and Jenny Desoto were younger than the recommended age to take the classes but since they were the spokes children they were also the first ones certified. The Certification card which Jenny proudly carried with her at all times in her first aid bag filled with triangular bandages made from old sheets in all colors and prints.
Of the twelve commercials Jenny had been the lead focus in five, while Chris had been the focus in four, mostly wearing his scout uniform. Dr. Brackett and Dixie teamed up together for one and the rest used various other adults and professionals through out the county. Using still shots from the commercials several different posters were to be printed up and would be spread through out the valley being placed in every public building and School and anywhere else they could get them up.
Roy helped his son to his feet and guided him toward the shower while the rest of the crew made short work of cleaning up the staged accident scene in front of the Squad. Johnny helped Jenny wash her hands off in the kitchen sink with her mother looking on.
When things were cleaned up Mike stuck his head in the bathroom to see Roy standing with his hand on the shower door and a towel over his shoulder. They both shared a silent smile at the shadow behind the door that was much shorter than they were used to.
"Cap wants to know if you're ready to go back in service?" Mike fulfilled his assigned mission.
Roy still grinning just nod his head and Mike returned to relay the message to his Captain.
Captain Stanley had assigned the two actors their own lockers for the day at the station to make their time that much more special for them and when Chris was done in the shower his dad helped him wrap a towel around his chest and guided him toward the locker were his street, er school clothes were hung.
Roy sat on the bench in front of the lockers watching his son get dressed but his mind was miles and over a year away.
As proud as he was of his children and what they've been able to do with the basic first aid that they know he was still afraid of them taking on more than they could handle and all the commercials they were making were going to make them someone to go to in an emergency. Why just over a year ago some pedophile came to the school looking for Jenny and saying he needed some first aid. Every part of Roy's insides were in conflict with each other. He did however have to agree that the program his children were helping to promote was a good one and worthy of their time and efforts.
Roy watched as his son tucked his shirt in his pants and placed his foot on the bench to tie his shoes then Roy took a comb from his pocket and tidied up his son's hair for him, before helping him to load his duffel bag and empty his locker before grabbing Jenny's jacket out of the locker that was assigned to her for their stay.
Once the children were all cleaned up JoAnne loaded them into the family station wagon and hauled them in to school late. They would be late today but it was approved by the school and JoAnne was committed to make sure they got their missed school work completed once school was out.
As she watched her children in the rear view mirror she was glad this was the last of the commercials they were to do. Although she was so proud of them, all the media attention was going to their heads and she wanted to keep them well grounded. She was also thrilled that in the nine commercials her children had done this was only the third time they had missed any school. The film companies had been willing to do several of them on Saturdays and once the kids had a couple under their belts and could do them in fewer takes they did a couple after school.
Roy and Johnny had juggled their work schedules around so that they could have the day off to take part in them. The one they had just finished was the only one filmed while they were on shift.
The three Desotos walked in to the school office just as the recess bell rang so the children were encouraged out side while JoAnne signed them in and talked to their teachers to get their missed home work.
JoAnne was just leaving the school building with an arm load of school work when she heard sirens and looked up to see a squad and an engine pulling up and parking near the play ground. Scanning the play ground she could see a group of students standing in a circle near the swing sets and with out asking she knew her two were in the middle of the circle. Feeling confident that they were providing aid not then injured JoAnne calmly walked toward the playground as the teachers worked to disperse the group and get them back into their classrooms.