The sunlight poured from behind me casting my tall thin shadow across the cement drive leading up to the large building. Firehouse 51 was just as beautiful as I remember driving past all those times as a little girl, everyone told me I wouldn't make it, but yet here I was. My papá used to tell me I could do anything I set my mind to and be anything I wanted to be, as a little girl I believed his words, I held onto them, but as I grew older I began to see that "anything" in my father's eyes was only what was appropriate for a woman to become.
"Firefighter?" He scoffed "Mija, that is a mans job, men are strong, they're tough and brave. You are not a man, you will not be a firefighter."
Despite his words I knew my calling, I felt it in my bones, and against his wishes I joined the academy determined to prove him wrong. So here I stand now in front of Firehouse 51, nothing but a set of doors standing between me and my dreams, except now I can walk through those doors, I've earned it.
"Here goes nothing." I whispered to myself as I approached the entrance, I breathed in deep as I pushed open the doors, feeling the start to the first day of the rest of my life.
Three men all gathered around one of the trucks turned at the sound of the opening door, all eyes were suddenly on me.
"Hello!" One of the men greeted, standing up and walking towards me with an extended hand. He was tall with short blonde hair, and had eyes that seemed to look right into me. "My name's Lieutenant Casey, how can I help you today young lady?" He asked as the others watched.
"I'm here to see Chief Boden, is he around?" I stammered nervously.
"Yes he's in his office, but I'm sorry he isn't taking any visitors right now, he is expecting a meeting with our new candidate today." Casey stated firmly, I shook my head,
"Then that's even more reason for me to speak with him..." I began, the men all looking at me quizzically, "I-I'm the new candidate.. my name's Billy." I said staring down at my feet, "It's nice to meet all of you." The men all looked to me with disbelief as the blonde shook his head. The younger one from behind broke the silence chuckling
"Well shit.. Billy's a-" he paused briefly looking in my direction before finishing his sentence "-girl."
