Chapter 12

The Big Storm

During all that Jeanette was sitting on a couch at the Craig's house as their ten-year-old daughter, Melissa, was working on a composition for school.

Ellen walked over and handed her a drink.

"Jeanette, trust me I wouldn't have invited you to stay with us while Chet is in the hospital if I wasn't serious. Besides Dixie speaks highly of you."

"I know, Mrs. Craig, but it's just you barely know me," Jeanette pointed out.

"It's not like I really need to. I can tell you are a great person Jeanette. Besides Mark and I have a big house and only Melissa to share it with. When are Kel and Dixie arriving as it is?"

"They get in Tomorrow Morning about 10am."

"If you can try and get some sleep since you don't want to be too tired when you reach the airport tomorrow."

That night, though a huge blizzard slammed into Boston and when Mark went to go into work the next morning, both cars were buried.

"This could prove a real problem Ellen. How will you and Jeanette collect Kel and Dixie from the Airport?"

"We'll manage somehow, Mark.

" Besides there is no guarantee they will even get in. I heard on the radio that Logan International is closed because of the blizzard. Boston Airport is not real big being used for piper cubs and other small planes. Not a big jet like Logan."

"What about that special unit that operates out of Logan that Air Force Outfit couldn't they help?"

"Mark, we don't even know anyone connected with it. I can't ask a complete stranger to pick up some important friends for us."

"How will they get in then."?

Schools were also canceled but Ellen had Melissa help her clean off the family van so they could get to the airport.

Luckily Logan opened about 9:45 and Kel, Marco, and Dixie came through on a noon flight.

"Jeanette, you managing ok?" Dixie wondered.

"Yeah I was more worried about you all getting through."

"Come on Jeanette if necessary I would have requested help from every Fire Department between LA and Boston. There was no way I was going to let you handle things alone," Marco said.

"We firefighters are almost like a brotherhood. When one needs help we try and provide it."

"Who is handling things at 51 which you and Chet here?"

"Joe Barnum when Chet was injured initially the first time he was a Probie out at 34s and my buddy Jose Martinez. How is Chet doing?"

"He needs us a lot Marco."

During all this Kel, Dixie, and Ellen were getting reacquainted.

Eventually Ellen walked over to Jeanette and Marco.

"Who is your friend Jeanette?"

"This is Marco Lopez he is a firefighter with The Los Angeles County Fire Department."

"My husband is treating a fire fighter from Los Angeles."

"I know Chet Kelly we work together at 51s A Shift."

"Jeanette, Dr. Brackett, and Dixie are staying with my husband and I but well we don't have a ton of room."

"I'll find somewhere to sleep Thanks," Marco said.

"In case you are wondering I'm Ellen Craig."

"Thanks Ma'am. When might I be able to visit with Chet."?

"I'll ask my husband when we get home. You might be able to visit him this afternoon."

Right then Ming walked up.

"Ming, what brings you in here?" Marco inquired recognizing the paramedic.

"Marco, Julie was called back to Central City for something. I'm surprised to see you in Boston What's the occasion?"

"Chet, Dr. Brackett is consulting with Dr. Craig here and Dixie came along for moral support. I'm here because Chet is my friend."

"Believe me Marco he was in bad shape after he got burned."

"When did you see him?"

"At the scene. It was my crew that handled his treatment. Pat, John, and I were just leaving a disappointing Celtics game against the Pacers when dispatch sent a four-company alarm out. Since injuries were reported we simply responded."

"Probably a good thing. As it is he spent a good portion of the year in a hospital not too long ago."

"Ouch," Ming said. "You can tell me about it tonight at Plough & Stars."

"What's that Ming?"

"It's a bar near my house. Where are you all staying?"

"Well Jeanette, Dr. Brackett and Dixie are staying with the Craigs but right now I don't have anywhere to sleep."

"Actually you do Marco, Julie took the kids with her to Central City along with one of the nurses in Neonatal who also helps out around the house. For the time being it's just me and you."

"I couldn't impose on you Ming. You have things to do I'm sure."

"Marco, I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't serious. I'm not like Chet after all."

"I know you aren't."

"Marco, I'm not about to take no for an answer."

"OK you convinced me Ming."