Jumping Hose
by RosalindB
July 2011
Chapter 6
Last time: Chet opened up about his dysfunctional family.
With a week to go before "the invasion" as CJ called it, the couple decided to treat themselves to their monthly facial and barber shave at Picard's Natural Palace. They agreed to meet after Chet's shift so they could have the rest of the day to just be.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. The last run of the shift turned out to be Chet's unlucky one. Station 51 and two others were called to a fire at a restaurant. Chet and Marco manned a line at the front, Marco in front. They were just inside the door, fanning the water out to create a spread with the other engine.
The blast sent both men back out the doorway.
Marco landed on top of his friend, his air bottle hit Chet in the ribs.
"Chet! Oh damn! Chet! You okay? Dios Mio!"
Hank Stanley dashed over to his men. Chet tried to sit up, but couldn't. Marco held his own wrist.
"Can't-catch-my-breath-Cap."
"You'll be okay pal, just stay still," Stanley ordered. He looked at Marco's guilty face.
"Hey, relax Lopez. You're both getting checked out. Can you move your hand?"
Marco moved his fingers, but winced doing so. Stanley nodded. The Battalion chief called for a third alarm. Johnny and Roy handed off their line, grabbed equipment and was at their comrades' sides before Hank could say anything.
"Cynthia Jenkins Photography."
"Hey twin."
CJ knew something was wrong. There was no joke in Johnny's voice.
"What hospital, and how bad?," she replied.
"Rampart. Come to the ER base station, Dr. Brackett will fill you in if we're not here." Joanne Desoto had Johnny well trained in the art of calling a fireman's wife.
"Got it."
Fifteen minutes later, CJ parked her car, took three deep breaths, then made her way inside the hospital. She turned and saw that not only Johnny and Roy, but the entire crew waited in the lobby. Then she realized Marco wasn't with them either. She stopped in her tracks, shaking. Hank approached her.
"First thing first-he's going to be okay. So breathe." He put a fatherly arm around her.
CJ released the breath.
"Okay, next, Dr. Brackett is almost finished, so let's wait in the cafeteria." He guided CJ and the remaining crew down the hall. Johnny stayed back, however. Roy turned and asked, "You comin' Junior?"
"No. I'm going to stick around until the Doc is finished. Chet did that for me, so time to return the favor."
A while later, Dr. Brackett stepped out of the treatment room. He saw Johnny waiting.
"Did Cynthia arrive yet? Chet's going to be okay. Lucky the ribs aren't broken, just got the wind knocked out of him. He does have a good bump on the head though, and seemed out of it, so we're keeping him overnight."
Johnny nodded, "Good to hear Doc. CJ's in the cafeteria so I'll go find her. How's Marco?"
"Sprained wrist, grade two so he's off the next shift at least."
Just then, Marco walked out of the other treatment room, holding his turnout coat. A guilty expression covered his features.
"How's Chet? I'm so sorry. I couldn't hold my balance-"
"Relax Marco. He's gonna be fine," Johnny held up a hand to stop Marco's train of thought. He put a hand on his friend's shoulder and they headed to the cafeteria to meet the others.
CJ took Chet to his apartment to recuperate. She would have preferred her studio, but Chet wanted to be in his own space. The accident, plus the coming invasion unsettled him more than usual. With only days to go, Chet needed to clear his head. CJ picked up some groceries and a container of chicken stew from the McConnikes. Using her set of keys, she crept in.
The bedroom door was closed.
Oh good, he's resting. CJ made her way to the kitchen and began to put away the items.
She then heard a strange noise.
That's a chime, she thought. She stopped and tip toed to the bedroom. Easing the door open just a bit, CJ discovered why there was a chime. Chet sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed, breathing slowly.
That's why he wanted to be in his own space.
CJ eased the door closed, then returned to the kitchen. A few moments later, as she put the stew on to warm up, CJ felt two hands slide around her waist.
"You coulda joined me. More than one person can meditate at a time," he whispered in her ear.
She shook her head.
"No, you needed this for yourself. I'm not the cross-leg, chant type of girl anyway."
"Yep, that's why you stress easily," he teased. "But I must say, with all the shit that's about to hit the proverbial fan, you've been really calm."
CJ thought about that statement.
"Yeah, I don't know why. Maybe because at the end of the day-it's just us. And it feels good." She stirred the pot. Chet moved his hand and turned off the stove.
"Don't want lunch to burn while I-" he claimed her mouth with his.