"Evan, I…"
"We need to talk. I don't know how it's going to end. Let me discuss some things with Karen first, if that is okay?"
"Of course," Hen smiled and sat down. She was just happy that he would talk to her.
Once both women had sat down, a waiter came over and they ordered their drinks.
"So why did you want to talk to me?" Karen didn't know why.
"Well," Evan laughed. "I was chatting with my grandparents. They're the ones that raised me. They have their own business. I'm unsure of all the details as she didn't give me any, but they are expanding and need a consultant. When I asked what kind of consultant, they laughed and said a rocket scientist."
"Really?" Karen leant forward.
"Really? And I told them I knew a rocket scientist," He grinned. "I've always wanted to say that. I told them all about you. How trustworthy, clearly smart, honest, and caring. But you would always stand up if something seemed wrong. I just told my grandmother that your wife was a first responder, you were at home raising your son, and your time was limited. I also clarified that it had to be from home with minimal travel, but it had to be in advance if needed. Was that okay that I told her that?"
"Yes, of course, it was Evan. I appreciate you letting your grandparents know what is going on with me."
"Well, here you go." He slid an envelope across to her.
"What's this?" Karen asked as she took hold of it.
"It's information about the company, a rough draft of a contract, NDA's, and it has my grandmother's contact details. Her name is Victoria Abbott, and the company is Westland."
"Westland? That's your grandparents' company?" Karen stared at the envelope. "I'll, uh, look at it at home."
Hen laughed. "You are so desperate to look at it now."
"I am, but I will research it and contact Mrs Abbott as soon as I do. Thank you for thinking of me. Are you involved in the company?"
"No, I'm not. I mean, I could be. I know it very well. It was important to my grandparents to ensure I understood I knew what it was like to earn money. I started in the mailroom. I was a gopher in different departments."
"What are you doing now? If you don't mind me asking?" Hen didn't realise how little she knew about him. He seemed so open, but looking back, he didn't really get into his family situation.
"I've gone back to what I went to school for, and after the bombing, it seemed more important. I am a trained and licensed physiotherapist. I'm setting up my business. There are things I need to do first before it can finally open. I need to get a prosthetic that works for me. Some building work still needs to be done, and I have to hire some staff.
"I didn't know you were a trained physiotherapist? Bobby said you dropped out," Hen asked.
Evan sighed. "That was a joke I made after dropping out of the SEALS conversation we had. Before I could say it was a joke, he agreed and said it sounded like me. He clearly ignored my education section. Bobby then told everyone, and no matter what I said, no one believed me. Everyone thought I was lying and trying to look smarter. Even though you knew me longer, everyone believed Maddie. I mean, why wouldn't you? You let Chim get away with his jokes even when I told you I didn't find them funny. You would've said something if it had been anyone else but him. Then again, it could be that it was just aimed at me, which made it acceptable."
"No, Buck–.''
"Evan," Karen corrected her.
Hen took a deep breath. "You're right. I let Chin get away with a lot, too much. I'd heard what he'd been through. He was there for me when we had that bigot as a captain. Because we'd both been through so many things, l didn't want to think he'd be so cruel. I can't believe I let him treat you or anyone like he did. I trusted Bobby and followed his lead. He did treat you differently, and we never said anything. I have much to make up for, even if you want nothing to do with me." Hen shook her head. "I'll never make up for what I did. I'm sorry, Evan." She then cried and stared at the table. Hen looked up as a larger hand covered hers. She stared into Evan's bright blue eyes.
"I'd like to try and work through this. Athena told me that when Ana started more lies, you didn't believe it. You didn't believe I would do anything that you were told."
"I should've never believed the lawsuit on faith. I should've stood by Eddie when he tried to get everyone to shut up about how they were talking about you."
"As you said, you trusted Bobby. We were in a profession where you needed to rely on your co-workers with your life. It leads you to trust them on other things."
"But that meant I should've trusted you and at least talked to you," Hen turned her hand over and gripped Evan's. "Thank you for giving me a chance. I'll do everything I can to prove you can trust me again."
"I believe you," Evan smiled at her
"Okay, you needed to stand in so I can hug you," Karen ordered and wrapped her arms around him as soon as he stood. "Mostly, thank you for giving Hen a chance. She was devastated by the horrible mistakes she made with you, and I can't believe you thought of me with everything going on." She tapped the envelope. "It sounds like it could be perfect for me."
"Hey, me knowing a rocket scientist is not the norm for me. I love saying I know one. I think you're perfect for the job and will work well with my grandmother."
"I look forward to talking to her." They both sat down and started to chat, drink and laugh.
Hen was so glad that she'd been given a second chance. It was one that she wasn't going to waste. There had to be a change. She couldn't allow the whole thing with Chin to happen again. Being at the 118 wasn't the best place for her now.
"Could you ask Eddie to see as he knows any station that wants a paramedic?"
"So you're going to leave?"
"I know I betrayed you, but I can't stay there. Bobby and Chin still believe the stories. If they turned on you and they could do that to anyone. They know I believe you now. I can't see us working together anymore. I also think I need to start somewhere new. I know I'll need to earn their trust, whoever it is. It will be harder because of everything that happened. This will be good for me."
"I'll call Eddie."
XXXXX
"Cap," Eddie ran over to him.
"What is it, Eddie?"
"Evan's talked to Hen Wilson. They're working on their friendship. The 'new' rumours about him she never believed. She knows she has to turn to earn his trust. Hen wants to leave the 118. She knows it will be difficult and has to earn trust with whoever she works with."
"You think that she'll fit in here?" Alistair asked.
"I do. She trusted her best friend and her captain. It was never malicious. As soon as she realised, Hen tried to make it right and admitted her mistakes."
"Okay, get her to put through a transfer. Even if she doesn't fit here and earns our trust, we will ensure we'll help her."
"Thanks, Ali."
"You're going to make up your mind and stick to either cap or Ali," He walked away laughing.
Eddie pulled out his cell and started to type.
XXXXX
Evan looked at his cell and smiled. "Hen, Eddie said the 216 will have you. So get a transfer paper signed and given to Bobby. Take a photo and send it to Eddie. His captain will start the process on his side once he sees the image of the completed form."
"I'm going to give you a huge hug when we leave. I'm doing my best not to burst into tears. But as soon as I hug you, wait, can I hug you." She waits until he nods. "Well, after, I will be crying."
"Maybe we can set up some play dates with Christopher and Denny?" Buck offered.
"Denny would love that. We'll explain to him what went on," Karen knew they had to be honest with their son. So he knew that you owned up to it when you made a mistake.
XXXXX
Eddie turned over and rested his head on Buck's chest.
"You okay?" Buck asked.
"Yeah, Athena called me earlier to go over the kidnapping thing. I can't believe Ana and my parents would do this."
"The main thing is we know, and then they'll be arrested."
"I can't imagine what would've happened if you hadn't come back into my life. I…."
Buck held him tightly. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I love you and Christopher. We're a family."
"I love you too. I'm glad you forgave me," Eddie wiped his eyes. "I called Louise and told her to hold off on legal actions towards my parents because of the kidnapping plot. I didn't want them to receive legal documents and get spooked."
"Good idea. Once they are arrested for attempted planning a kidnapping, the restraining order would be easier."
"Oh, Adriana wants to come and visit. She loves the job idea, but she wants to ensure that the two of you will get on. After all, you will spend a lot of time together."
"That's smart; I look forward to meeting her. When is she coming?"
"Tomorrow."
"She can stay here. There's a spare bedroom."
"Are you–."
'Yes, I'm sure."
"Thank you."
"I have decisions to make, and it will be good for Adriana to see the kind of thing I want. I also want someone to make suggestions and not be afraid to stand up to me if it's needed."
"I have a feeling it will all work out."
"So do I."
The two men settled down to sleep.
XXXXX
Christopher curled up next to Buck as they watched a film. They both had woken up early.
"I'm glad you're back, Bucky. I love you."
"I love you too, Christopher. I was always going to come back and see you. I just had a lot going on."
Eddie just stood in the doorway and smiled. This is what his family felt like. It had taken a lot to get here, but it finally happened. He could never thank Evan enough for letting him back in his life.
XXXXXX
Hen had the transfer paperwork in her pocket. She was sad about leaving the 118, but there was no way she could stay here.
"I can't believe my brother is still here. No one wants him around. He's pathetic. The way he treated my parents and me. It's disgusting. He should pay."
Hen typed a message to Eddie and Buck saying Maddie was here and starting again. She was afraid to give her transfer paperwork alone. It made her realise even more how hard things had been for Evan. There was no doubt Maddie would turn on her. She got a reply saying they both would come to her as it was near the end of her shift.
"Hen, are you okay?" Bobby asked.
"I'm fine."
"You must be angry at how Buck treated Chim–" Maddie started to talk.
"Will you shut up? Are you that delusional that you think I believe you? Evan did nothing wrong. I know I made a mistake. You're cruel and nasty. Honestly, why would anyone like someone as selfish as you?"
"Hen, you don't–."
"Chim, you're biased because your sleeping with her."
"I don't think you should talk about her like that," Bobby interrupted them.
Hen turned to look at Bobby in disbelief. "You hypocrite, you let Chim make jokes about Evan that weren't funny. You'd let Maddie rip into him and say nothing. Now you step in to protect her. She's an abusive liar."
"Hen, if you want to work here –."
"I don't. Here are my transfer papers," Hen reached into her pocket and handed them to him. "Do you honestly think I could work here when you lied? Chim's thinking with the wrong head. I can't trust you."
"Looks like we arrived in time," Evan called out.
Hen turned, rushed over and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, I...thank you for being here." She cried into his shirt.
"I know you are."
Eddie moved beside him and joined the hug.
"How could I have listened to them? Everything they're saying is so cruel. I…."
"You apologised. Maybe you, Karen and Denny could come around for dinner?" Evan offered.
"What are you two doing here?" Bobby glared at them.
"Hen needed us, and we just wanted to make sure there weren't any problems after she handed in her transfer papers." Eddie smiled.
"We don't need her. The 118 is a family, and teamwork is important," Bobby shook his head in disappointment.
"You clearly don't understand what those terms mean. You're like a clique full of mean girls." Evan couldn't believe it. He felt a hand on his waist and smiled as Athena walked around him.
Chin stared at his best friend. She'd always been at his side. If Hen had just listened and trusted Maddie, none of this would've happened.
"Athena, why are you sticking up for him? You hated him. He's come back here and destroys everything he touches. Those who support Evan Buckley deserve what they get," Bobby crossed his arms over his chest. "You all need to make a choice."
"Evan," Eddie, Athena and Hen answered instantly.
"You whore, why are you ruining my life. You're making everyone look at me like I'm a liar," Maddie ran over and slapped him.
As Athena took a step forward, Maddie put her hands against his chest and pushed.
Evan was standing by the stairs. He lost his balance and started to fall backwards.
TBC