Chapter 6-Surprising Jenny
Summary: Mike gets to surprise Jenny just before Christmas
Monday, December 3rd, started like any other day for the citizens of Los Angeles County. The day became more exciting for the staff of Central High School when Principal Jaylon Paton received a compelling phone call. As soon as Jaylon got off the phone, he knew he had to call a particular club advisor.
Jaylon walked out of his office. "Ms. Cooper, do you know where Ms. Rod is right now?"
The older school secretary smiled as she looked at the staff roster. "She is in her room right now, Sir."
"Thank you. I am going to talk to her for a few minutes. If you need me, please page me."
"Yes, Sir."
Jaylon walked out of the main office and headed for the classroom in question. It only took a few minutes as the current classes were about to finish for the period. He knocked on the door of Ms. Rod's room just before the bell rang.
Kate Rod smiled at her students, "I will be right back, students."
Kate walked over to the door and was surprised to see Jaylon. "Mr. Payton, is everything okay?"
Jaylon smiled, "Yes, ma'am. I want to talk to you between periods."
"Yes, Sir. Please come in." Kate opened the door, and Jaylon walked inside.
"Good morning, Mr. Payton," the students greeted their Principal.
Jaylon smiled, "Good morning all. Ms. Rod, please don't let me interrupt the end of your class."
Kate smiled, "Students, does everyone have your homework assignments?"
"Yes, ma'am," the students responded as one.
"Does anyone have questions?"
Nobody said anything as the bell rang. "Go on; I'll see you tomorrow."
Jaylon stepped closer to the blackboard to stay out of the students' way as they left the room.
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Kate waited until the room was clear before she asked, "Okay, Mr. Payton, may I ask what's going on?"
Jaylon smiled, "First, Ms. Rod, take a breath. This is all good news."
Kate let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding before she smiled. "What is the good news?"
Jaylon smiled, "Do you remember entering a photo taken by Jennifer Desoto into the Tell A Story with a truck photography contest?"
Kate smiled broadly. "Yes, Sir."
"She won not only the local contest but the state event as well."
Kate yipped in excitement, "That is amazing news, Sir."
"The head of the contest called me just before I came down here."
"She is going to be so excited, Sir. How would you like to tell her?"
"I was thinking at our winter awards ceremony the Friday before winter break."
"Sir, that's an amazing idea, but before we settle on the date, do you mind if I check a schedule she gave me."
"What schedule is that?"
"The shift schedule for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Jennifer gave it to me if I ever need to get a hold of her father, a Captain with the department. The subject of the photo is also a Captain with the department working on the same shift as Jennifer's father."
Jaylon smiled, "Yes, ma'am, please do. I want to do the presentation on a day when both can attend. I would also like to speak with the man in the photo. I am curious to know the back story behind it since she won the contest, and I quote because the picture won due to the raw emotion seen in it."
Kate smiled as she looked at the schedule. "Trust me, Sir, that raw emotion was the reason I asked her to submit that photo because it met all of the criteria for the contest. Good news, the men are off on the fourteenth."
"Perfect," the now excited man said. "Do you know if they are on duty today?"
Kate looked again, "As a matter of fact, they are, Sir. Their shift started at eight this morning and ends at eight tomorrow morning."
"Would you happen to know where the subject is stationed?"
"Let me call Jen's dad, and I can find out."
"Please do. Are you on your prep time?"
"Yes, Sir."
"I apologize for taking up your time."
"It's okay, Sir; I don't mind at all." Kate quickly looked up the number to station 95 and walked over to the phone on the wall. It only took a few minutes for her to dial the number.
After three rings, Chet answered. "Good morning, Station 95. This is Engineer Kelly."
"Good morning Sir, I was wondering, is Captain Roy Desoto available?"
"Yes, ma'am, hang on one moment."
Seconds later, Roy was on the phone. "Good morning, this is Captain Desoto. May I help you."
Kate smiled, "Good morning, Captain; this is Jen's photography advisor Ms. Rod. How are you?"
Roy was shocked and concerned, "Good ma'am. Is everything okay?"
"Oh yes. Do you remember Jen entering a contest at the end of September?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I am pleased to inform you she has won not only the local contest but also won the state contest."
Roy was stunned. "That is amazing."
"I was wondering if you know where the man in the picture is stationed. I would like him to help us present her award to her."
"His name is Captain Mike Stoker. He is on duty right now at station 10." Roy gave Kate the address.
"Thank you, Sir. Please keep Friday, December 14th free, okay?"
"I will ma'am. We are on duty the day before, so I cannot guarantee what time we can arrive."
"Hang on one second." Kate put the phone on her shoulder and looked over at Jaylon. "Mister Payton, do you have an idea for the time of the assembly."
"I was thinking about two in the afternoon."
Kate took the phone off her shoulder. "Captain Desoto?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"The assembly would be about two in the afternoon."
Roy's smile could be heard over the phone. "That I can make sure we are at, thank you, ma'am."
"You're welcome."
Any further conversation was cut off when the tones sounded at station 95. "I have to go," Roy said before he hung up.
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Kate bowed her head and murmured a quick prayer before picking up her head and looking over at Mr. Payton. "The time is good for him. He had to go because of a call, but I did get the man in the photo's name and new station."
"New station?"
"Yes, Sir, when I first met the subject, he was the Engineer at Station 51. He gave my son a tour of his engine. Now he is the Captain at Station 10. He is on duty today."
"Would you like to go see him with me this afternoon?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Sounds good. I'll let you know when I am done, and we can head over."
"Okay. Have a good day."
"You too."
With that, Jaylon turned and left the classroom. The news of Jen's win kept a smile on Kate's face all day. She was glad that it was an off day for the photography club as she did not want to give the win away. The day was long but all-around suitable for the excited staff and students. Everyone was looking forward to the upcoming winter awards ceremony and winter break.
It was just after 1530 when Kate and Jaylon were ready to leave the school. The duo followed each other to station 10.
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Kate and Jaylon parked next to each other in the expansive parking lot at 10s. Jaylon followed Kate to the door. Kate knocked on the backdoor and waited.
Inside the station, the truck crew was reloading the hose after a long commercial fight. They had just cleaned up. Kyle and Taylor were not back yet as they had taken two different patients into Rampart. Hank had also just backed into the station as Kate knocked.
Mike looked over at his crew. "Boys, I'll get it."
"Thank you," the crew echoed as Mike walked to the back door and opened it.
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"Good afternoon, folks; welcome to station 10. My name is Captain Mike Stoker." Mike was surprised to see the visitors. He smiled when he saw Kate.
Kate smiled, "Good afternoon, Captain. Do you remember me?"
Mike smiled, "Yes, Ms. Rod, how are you, ma'am?"
"Doing very well. I want to introduce you to my principal, Jaylon Payton."
Mike stuck out his hand. "It's good to meet you, Mr. Payton."
"You too, Captain. May we come in? We would like to talk to you for a few minutes."
"Of course, Sir." Mike's voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, Sir, we are in good shape. I just wanted to talk to you for a few minutes."
"Of course, please come in." Mike held the door open as Kate and Jaylon walked inside. Mike led the duo into the dayroom.
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Mike called out, "Boys, we have a couple of visitors among us. Please welcome Ms. Kate Rod and Mr. Jaylon Payton."
"Welcome," the engine crew called out at the same time.
Mike turned to the guests. "Would you like coffee?"
"Please," Kate and Jaylon responded at the same time. Dom quickly got up and poured two cups out of the fresh pot.
Dom asked, "Does anyone want anything in it?"
"I'll have some milk in mine," Kate responded.
Jaylon smiled, "I'll take mine black."
The coffee was delivered as Mike asked. "What brings you to our station, folks?"
Kate smiled, "Mike, do you remember when Jennifer Desoto entered a photography contest. She had to enter a photo that told a story and include a truck?"
Mike smiled, "Yes, ma'am. I have a copy of the photo that she entered on my desk."
"She won the contest at both the local and state levels."
Mike's jaw dropped as the crew got excited. "Really?"
"Yes, Captain," Jaylon smiled as he responded. "They called me from the contest this morning."
"That's amazing. Does she know yet?"
"No, we want to surprise her with the award at our winter awards ceremony the day the children leave for winter break. That is where you come in."
"Oh?" Mike was curious.
"We would like you to help us present her with the award. The head judge of the contest will also be there."
Mike smiled, "I would be honored."
Jaylon smiled, "Thank you so much. Now I have a question for you if you have a few minutes."
"Yes?"
"You said you have a copy of the picture here?"
"It's on my desk."
"May I see it? I did not see it before Ms. Rod entered the photo in the contest, and considering the judge told me it put them all in tears; I am really curious to see it."
Mike swallowed, "Yes, Sir. I'll be right back, okay?"
"Yes."
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Mike stood and walked out of the dayroom. He received an excited slap on the back from Hank, who had heard most of the conversation. The captain smiled as he walked into his office and retrieved the frame from his desk before walking back into the dayroom.
Mike smiled as he walked back over to the table. "Mr. Payton, the frame holds three photos. The one that Jen entered in the contest is the one on the left."
"Okay." Mike handed over the frame. Jaylon was immediately drawn to the moving picture. "I can see why this picture brought out many emotions in the judges. I've just met you and can feel the power in the picture."
Mike smiled warmly, "Thank you, Sir. I can honestly say I didn't realize she had taken it until about three weeks later when she handed me this frame."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Sir, she took it from across the street using a telephoto lens from my old station on the final morning as the engineer at station 51."
"She has an amazing eye."
"She certainly does, Sir."
"May I ask why you are saluting the engine?"
Mike swallowed hard. A cup of coffee found his hand from Dom. Mike looked up, "Thanks, Dom."
"You're welcome, Cap." Dom looked over at the engine and immediately knew the coming story. However, he stayed quiet so Mike could tell the story.
Jaylon cringed, "I apologize. I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory."
Mike answered quickly. "Oh, trust me, Sir, it isn't a bad memory. The picture stirs up the raw emotions I felt in that moment every time I look at it." Mike took a drink before he continued. "As the engineer of the shift, the engine and its crew was my responsibility. Just before this picture was taken, I had walked my engine for the very last time. After a few quiet moments with her, I stepped back and gave her one final salute of thanks."
"Your engine?" Jaylon was confused. "I thought it belonged to the county."
Dom and Mike smiled the same knowing smile. "It does, Sir. However, when you are the engineer, you feel as if it is yours for the time that you are on duty. She is our girl, our office. We are the ones who wax her, take care of her, and thank her after we all come home after a rough call. The particular engine in the picture was truly mine. I was the one who housed her, meaning I was the first one who brought her into the station as she was put into service."
Mike took another long drink as Dom nodded understandingly at the pride and emotion in the explanation. Jaylon and Kate were surprised.
Kate smiled, "I didn't know all of that."
Mike smiled, "That's okay. The connection between an engineer and his engine or truck is hard to put into words."
"You can say that again, Cap," Dom commented with a smile.
"Is there a limit to the number of people who can attend the awards ceremony?"
Jaylon smiled, "No."
"What time is it?"
"Two in the afternoon on Friday the fourteenth. It will be in the auditorium of the high school."
"Okay. We'll be there."
Kate smiled, "Thank you."
The tones suddenly went off for the squad. Taylor's tired voice acknowledged the call as Kate and Jaylon jumped to their feet.
Kate looked at the time. "We'll let you guys go for now and see you soon."
Mike smiled, "Looking forward to it. I'll walk you out."
Mike got up and walked Kate and Jaylon to the door as Hank was called out. Mike smiled and stayed in the doorway until Kate and Jaylon disappeared.
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Dom walked over as Mike turned and closed the door.
Dom put a hand on his shoulder. "Cap, are you going to be okay explaining the picture during the awards ceremony?"
Mike swallowed before he answered honestly. "I hope so, Dom. I really hope so."
"I understand. By all means, take as much time as you need the night before the presentation if you need it."
Mike smiled, "Thanks Dom, I'm sure I will."
"You're welcome, Cap."
The duo turned and headed back to the dayroom to await the rest of whatever the county had in store for them.
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Ten days after Jen won the contest, A shift was once again back on duty. The county kept the men busy for much of the shift, which was okay with Mike. The ordinarily quiet man was getting nervous over the presentation the next day. Finally, just after ten, the county calmed down and let the weary fire crews rest.
After returning from their umpteenth call of the shift, Mike called out. "Lights out, boys."
"Okay, Cap." five tired voices answered as one. None of the men were going to argue with going to bed after such a busy shift. While their minds were ready for bed, Mike was not quite so lucky.
Dom could see the look of tension in his friend's eyes. He walked over and spoke in a comforting tone. "Cap?"
"Yeah, Dom?"
"Spend some time with our girl. I know she's not the same one as you had in the picture. I also know she can calm your mind tonight."
Mike laid a hand on Dom's shoulder. "Thank you. I am going to take you up on that offer. Go get some rest; I'll be in in a bit."
"Yes, Sir."
Dom walked away from the engine after giving it one final tap. He hoped that he didn't have to climb inside again for the rest of the night.
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Mike waited for Dom to leave the bay before he started quietly walking the engine. His hands traced every inch. While the truck was technically Dom's, Mike took pride in understanding every inch of it. A tired Hank watched the first lap quietly. He walked closer as Mike began a second lap to calm his mind even more.
After the second lap, Hank spoke in a whisper. "Feel better, my friend?"
Mike jumped slightly. He had been so involved in clearing his mind; he didn't realize Hank was watching. He blushed as he answered. "C…Chief, I'm sorry, did I wake you?"
Hank smiled, "No, Mike. I'm sorry I surprised you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I turn in."
"I am good now. You know I am not all that comfortable with public speaking, but I couldn't say no to presenting Jen with such a special award."
"Remember, all of the guys are going to be there to surprise her. If you need to take a second, find us, and then go for it. She's going to be with you as well."
Mike smiled, "Thank you, I needed that."
Hank yawned, "You're welcome. Good night my friend. I'll see you in the morning."
"Sounds like a plan. I am heading that way myself."
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Mike and Hank parted ways. Twenty minutes after sending his crew to bed, Mike slid into the dorms. He quietly took off his blue shirt and set up his boots before sliding into bed. The county took pity on the entire department as there were only a couple of minor calls at some of the more rural stations during the night. The crews around Carson could rest and reenergize their tired muscles until the wake-up tones went off.
Just short of an hour after the tones went off, shift change occurred, and the men were able to head home. Mike's crew and his former crewmates were going to meet up at Central at 1350. Nobody wanted to arrive too soon so they could keep the award a secret.
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Exactly ten minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. The excited men, along with Lauren and Joanne, arrived at the school. The group quickly exchanged greetings.
Roy smiled proudly as he saw Mike wearing his Class A uniform. "Thank you, Mike."
Mike smiled, "My pleasure, Roy. I figured this was the most fitting outfit for presenting the award."
Hank smiled as he spoke. "Looking sharp, Captain."
"Thank you, Chief."
Hank turned to Roy. "Roy, Joanne, will you guys please lead us to the office?"
Joanne smiled, "Sure, Hank."
Just before he stepped inside, Mike took his hat off and tucked it under his arm. Johnny had his camera in one hand, Lauren on his other arm as the crowd headed inside. Since the students were in their final classes before the ceremony, they could avoid being seen by either Chris or Jen. They knew Chris wouldn't say anything but didn't want to take any chances.
Ms. Cooper looked up and was surprised to see the group as they walked into the office. "May I help you?"
Roy smiled as he spoke. "Good afternoon Ms. Cooper. Is Principal Payton in?"
Jaylon heard Roy ask for him and walked out of his inner office. He smiled at the sight of the new arrivals. "Good afternoon Captain Desoto. I see you brought some friends with you this afternoon."
Roy smiled, "Yes, Sir. I wasn't quite sure where you would like us to wait."
"Come on; you can wait in my office until I know the students are in the auditorium. Does Jennifer have any idea?"
Joanne smiled, "Not that we know of, Sir. I'll be honest; it has not been an easy secret to keep from her, though."
"I can imagine. I promise the wait is almost over."
Jaylon led the excited group into his office, where he shook hands with each person. The group made small talk for a few minutes before the bell rang.
Jaylon smiled as he poked his head out the door of his office. "Ms. Cooper, please let us know when the hallways are clear."
Ms. Cooper smiled, "Yes, Sir." It took about five minutes, but eventually, the crew was given the all-clear.
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Jaylon led the crew out of the office and over to the auditorium. He nodded as he showed them where they could wait. Then he walked up to the stage and greeted the excited students. While most of them knew they weren't up for an award, they were all excited that their break would officially start as the ceremony ended. The academic awards were given out by grade. Each recipient was given a warm round of applause. Following the academic honors, the students of the month were recognized.
Jaylon smiled warmly. "Our male student of the month for the Junior class is Chris Desoto."
Chris was surprised as Jenny, Joanne, Roy, and Johnny cheered. The others wanted to but stayed quiet to keep the surprise intact. After Chris's award, Jaylon returned to the microphone.
"Our final award of today's ceremony is for a very talented student. This particular student's talents were recognized in local and statewide competitions where her work was judged against students from around California."
In the crowd, Jen started getting anxious. Jaylon continued, "Tigers, please help me congratulate one of your own in winning a statewide photography competition. To help me present the following awards to freshman Jennifer Desoto are two important people. The head judge of the contest Mr. Mays and one of the subjects of her winning photo, Captain Mike Stoker of the Los Angeles County Fire Department."
Jen's jaw dropped as Mr. Mays walked from the back of the room to the stage. Mike was not far behind as he stepped out of the shadows of the auditorium. On the way, he stopped by where Jen was trying to get out of her seat. The young lady was so surprised; she tripped over the last chair leg.
Mike reached over and caught his friend with ease and a warm smile. "Breathe, Jenny, we're all here."
"Everybody?" Jenny was stunned as she got back to her feet.
"Everybody," Mike replied with a smile. He turned the teenager toward the back of the room and called out, "Guys, step forward so she can see you."
At Mike's request, the rest of the group stepped out of the shadows and cheered for Jenny. Johnny snapped a couple of pictures before Mike and Jenny headed for the stage. They were greeted there by Jaylon.
Jaylon's voice was full of concern. "Are you okay, Ms. Desoto?"
Jenny blushed. "Yes, Mr. Payton, I tripped over one of the chair legs."
Jaylon relaxed, "It's okay." Jaylon turned and introduced Jenny and Mike to Mr. Mays.
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Jaylon smiled as he walked up to the podium. "Mr. Mays, the stage is yours."
Jaylon stepped back toward a covered easel. Mr. Mays smiled as he stepped forward. "Thank you, Mr. Payton. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I know you are excited about your coming break; I will keep this short."
Mr. Mays turned toward Jenny and Mike, who was standing close to Jaylon. "Ms. Desoto, Captain Stoker, will you please help mister Payton remove the cover. I want everyone to see this amazingly emotional picture."
Mike stepped up and helped Jaylon remove the cover. A shocked gasp echoed through the room. Jenny and Mike smiled proudly.
Mr. Mays smiled. "Ms. Desoto, please come join me."
Jenny stepped forward next to Mr. Mays.
"Before I present your awards, may I ask you a question?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Where did you take the photo?"
Mr. Mays handed Jenny the phone so that everybody could hear the answer. Jenny smiled. "I was in the parking lot across the street from station 51. This was the last photo I took after capturing many of the last moments the original A shift crew had at station 51 before they reported for their new assignments. I used my new telephoto lens to take the photo."
"I can tell you I have been judging this contest for several years. This was the first time we had an almost immediate agreement between all of the judges that you were the winner at both levels."
Jenny smiled proudly. "Thank you, Sir."
Mr. Mays turned to Mike. "Captain Stoker, will you join us, please?" Mike stepped up next to the duo. Mr. Mays asked, "Will you please give us the short version of why you were saluting the engine in the photo?"
Mike smiled. As Hank had suggested, he quickly found the others before he began to speak. "I was saluting the engine that I had driven every shift the last five years. I was the first one who drove her. The salute was my way to say thank you to Big Red. That was our nickname for her. She had brought my crew and me home after some scary events. She had also been instrumental in saving several lives, including the life of my fellow crewmate after a rattlesnake bit him on a call."
Johnny cringed but smiled at the mention of the snake. Mr. Mays smiled, "Thank you. We could see there was a story behind the photo, but we weren't exactly sure of all of the details."
"You're welcome, Sir."
Johnny stepped forward as Mr. Mays handed Jenny her awards. After the awards were handed out, Jenny took a picture with Jaylon, Mike, and Mr. Mays. She was surprised when her schoolmates gave her a standing ovation. The image on the easel would be displayed next to the school's awards case.
After the pictures were taken, Jenny rejoined her class. Mike and Mr. Mays headed back to their spots and let Jaylon wrap up the ceremony. Once the students were released, Chris and Jenny ran back to their parents and group. Both were happy to take a ride home rather than the bus.