Chapter 9-March, A Month of Work and Love
Summary A loving beginning and a working ending
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The first Friday of March couldn't come fast enough for Lauren and the rest of her senior class. While she was excited that the classroom would soon be turned into full-time work at Rampart, Lauren was looking forward to some time off. As luck and scheduling would have it, A shift had one of their few three-day breaks off to finish her Spring Break.
The much-needed time off started with Lauren spending time with Kim and baby Jessica. The role of Aunt fit the college senior well, and she cherished each moment with her niece. While Johnny was at work in the early part of the week, his mind was also overdrive. Since their schedules finally matched up, Johnny knew it was time.
The man who once thought he would be a lifelong bachelor was finally ready to ask Lauren for her hand forever. Hank had given him his blessing in November. He had bought the ring with some guidance from Kim in early December. It had been burning a preverbal hole in his pocket since then. However, he had patiently waited until now when it was the right time.
Days before the engagement was to take place; he had made the final plans. Thanks to a well-timed parent/teacher conference, Jenny was available. She would be the invisible photographer, capturing the moment without being seen. He had the location and time picked out. There was one last detail to finish before the big day.
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It was Wednesday, March 5th and A shift was on duty. As the men started to wind down after a steady, although not crazy, shift, Johnny looked over at Bryan. "Hey Bryan, is your uncle ready for tomorrow?"
"He is Johnny. He's extremely excited to help you with your engagement. He even has the speaker system for you to use."
"I owe him dearly for all of his help."
"Not at all. He says a thank you, and keeping me sane and safe is all the payment he'll accept."
Johnny smiled, "Okay."
Marco looked at his captain and friend. "I think the bigger question is, are you ready for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow, yes. Next Friday can't get here fast enough, though. I am ready for everything."
"Just remember to breathe and let it come from the heart tomorrow and next week. After everything you have been through, there is no doubt she is the one meant for you."
"Thank you, my friend, that really means a lot."
"You're welcome, Johnny, and I mean it."
"Let's head to bed, boys."
Johnny and his crew headed for the dorms. They were up three different times for calls during the night. Although the last one was late enough, they didn't bother heading back to bed. Thankfully, it was nothing too serious.
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Once Johnny made the shift hand-off, he headed straight for Bryan's uncle's recording studio. While he worked on the last part of the engagement, Lauren was working on her mid-term. Three hours after he arrived at the studio, Johnny's engagement surprise was ready to go. He had everything he needed for the event.
The early days of Lauren's break proved challenging as Johnny desperately wanted to let out his secret. Lauren nearly made him spill the beans without realizing it Wednesday night when she mentioned she would love to go horseback riding during her spring break.
Johnny grinned, "That sounds like fun, honey. I can call Slim if you want."
"Please. It's been too long since we've been out to see him."
"I know. Honey, can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Is there a special type of ride you'd like to do since we have time toward the end of break where neither of us has to adult?"
Lauren giggled at the description. She knew it fit both of them perfectly. "You know I have never gone riding on the beach."
Johnny swallowed hard to hide, biting his tongue. "I'll ask Slim if he knows anywhere we can ride."
"Thank you, sweetie. Let him know that as long as I am with you, I don't mind traveling if we have to."
"I will, sweetie."
The couple spent the next few hours together before Lauren fell asleep. She had been staying up late to study. Johnny took the time to quietly call Slim and make sure everything was set up for Friday. After confirming everything was ready, he went and laid down with Lauren, wearing an ear-to-ear grin.
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Friday, the fourteenth, saw many moving parts in motion well before the sun rose at 0604. While Johnny was on duty, Joanne and Jenny picked up Kim before heading to Santa Barabra to ensure they were in position well before Johnny and Lauren arrived around ten. Roy would join his wife as soon as he could. They were both planning to hide their vehicles on a nearby trail road, where Slim would meet them.
Slim was up and moving by four. He had to tend to all of the horses before he prepared Johnny and Lauren's rides. It was just before eight by the time he hit the road. Thankfully because of his location, his ride was not as long as the couple. He was going to work with Roy to set up the sound system for Johnny's surprise.
As for Johnny, the captain found himself pacing, even after he talked to Roy. He even watched Marco raise the flags to calm his mind. Finally, at just a few minutes after eight, Johnny headed home. Thanks to summer traffic and a few well-placed shortcuts, he was home and changed by 0830.
Johnny picked up his brand new cowboy hat and smiled at Lauren. She was also wearing her favorite riding gear and had her hat in her hand. "My lady, may I have this day?"
Lauren smiled at the slight drawl Johnny put in his voice. "Yes, my cowboy, you may."
Johnny grinned and kissed her before they walked out of the house hand-in-hand. Lauren waited for him to lock up the house before they headed out.
As they got in the Rover, Lauren smiled. "Baby, you haven't told me. What are we doing today?"
Johnny looked over and gave her the infamous Gage grin. "Do you remember mentioning horseback riding on the beach the other day?"
Lauren was surprised. "Yes."
"I talked to Slim. We are going to meet him for a late morning ride in Santa Barbara this morning. He is going to meet us with Smoke and Shadow."
Lauren purred, "Awwww baby, you set that up for us?"
"Yes, honey, you deserve a special weekend to finish your break."
The couple kissed as Johnny thought, 'if you only knew what else I have planned.' After they broke their kiss, Johnny put the truck in gear and headed out. There was a quick stop at a nearby gas station, and both the vehicle and its occupants were ready for their journey. As she always did, Lauren lovingly held Johnny's right hand during the drive.
On this special day, the simple gesture served to keep Johnny calm during the trip. The traffic and radio played nice for the couple during the scenic drive. As Johnny hoped, it was 0955 when he pulled into the trail parking lot where they would meet up with Slim.
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Johnny and Lauren shared another kiss before they climbed from the truck. As they did, Slim climbed from his truck with a bright smile on his face. "Good morning Johnny, Lauren."
Lauren smiled as she hugged the man with salt and pepper hair. "Good morning Slim."
Johnny shook hands with the man and asked, "How were things on the ranch this morning?"
"Good. The weather is perfect, so the horses were thrilled to be outside."
"Good to hear."
Slim looked over at Lauren. "I understand you have never ridden on the beach until today, that is."
Lauren smiled warmly as she put her hat on. "That's right."
"I have Shadow ready for you. I am going to ride with you guys so I can keep the horses if you want to dismount and walk for a few."
"That sounds amazing."
Johnny and Lauren walked over to their mounts for the day. Both spent a few minutes brushing them before they put their riding gear on. As the couple climbed aboard their horses, Slim joined him on his horse Ace.
Johnny smiled at Slim, "After you, Slim."
The older man nodded, and the trio set off. The trial was not long between the parking lot and the beach. It was a bit rugged, but nothing stressful at all.
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As the couple and Slim emerged onto the beach, Lauren's jaw dropped open. Her eyes shone with unshed tears at the beauty of the beach. The sun provided a perfect light for the sand and the water. It also highlighted a lot of the natural features of the area.
While Lauren took in the sight, Jenny was capturing the shock on her face from her perch. Thanks to some creative sewing, the teenager blended right into the natural elements above the sand. Roy and Joanne were not far away. Much like their daughter, they were in outfits that helped them blend right into their environment. Kim was also well integrated into the background not far from the Desotos. Jenny's camera was in a stealth-type setting with all sound off. She did not want to alert humans or horses to her presence, although she knew the horses could smell her.
After a few minutes of taking in the scenery, Lauren looked over at Slim. "Can we ride in the water?"
Slim smiled, "Of course. Both horses enjoy the feeling of the surf."
Slim stayed back while Johnny and Lauren rode into the edge of the water. The love between the couple was evident. They took time to have their rides stand while they shared a kiss in the water. They rode along the coastline to where Roy was in charge of the hidden speakers.
Johnny rode over to the specific spot he had chosen for THE MOMENT. He smiled as he looked over at Slim. "My friend, will you hold the horses for a few minutes? I wanna get my toes in the sand, that is if this young cowgirl will indulge me?"
Lauren smiled, "That sounds amazing."
Slim rode over and took the reigns of Johnny's horse. He dismounted with a smile as he tipped his hat to Slim. It was a nod of thanks and the signal to Roy. Johnny turned and helped Lauren dismount. He lowered her to the ground after the couple shared a passionate kiss.
They walked hand-in-hand just in front of the horses before Johnny stopped. Slim kept the mounts in their spot but managed to kneel between them so he would not be the focus of the background of Jenny's ideal shot.
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As Johnny stopped, Jenny began taking rapid-fire pictures.
When Johnny stopped, Lauren looked over at him, confused. "Sweetie, is everything okay?"
Johnny smiled warmly as he took her hands in his. His voice was thick with love and emotion. "Baby, I have to admit, beyond fulfilling your dream for a beach ride, there is another special reason for us to come up here today."
"Oh?" Lauren was still a bit confused.
"Yes, baby." Johnny took a breath as he took his hat off and laid it next to him. Lauren watched as confusion melted into curiosity.
Johnny turned back around and finally knelt in the sand. Lauren began to cry as she realized what was happening. Johnny reached up and gently brushed her tears as he spoke. "My girl. My Lauren Nicole. You are my rock, my love. You are the reason I am who I've become in the last eighteen months. I know now the reason I've survived all of my serious injuries is because you were waiting for me. I love you now, and I'll love you forever. Lauren Nicole Gunner, will you do me the honor of sharing the rest of this crazy life with me forever and ever as my wife?"
As he finished his tearful proposal, Johnny opened the ring box he had pulled from his pocket. The shine of the stone caught the horses' eyes. Slim kept them quiet and calm as Jenny continued rapidly shooting the scene. Kim, Roy, and Joanne held their breath while they waited for the all-important answer.
Lauren didn't make anyone wait long as she tearfully said, "Yes, baby. I cannot wait to become Mrs. Lauren Gage."
Johnny and Lauren kissed passionately as both of them shed a few happy tears. Roy, Joanne, and Kim grinned at each other. Johnny nodded slightly, and Roy hit the button to activate the hidden speaker system.
Johnny grinned at Lauren. "Baby, I have one more surprise for you for today."
Lauren couldn't speak as Johnny's voice cut through the air in a rich, loving tone. The captain sung along with the song he had written for her when he decided she was the one. "You may think that I'm talkin' foolish You've heard that I'm wild and I'm free You may wonder how I can promise you now This love that I feel for you always will be But you're not just time that I'm killin' I'm no longer one of those guys As sure as I live, this love that I give Is gonna be yours until the day that I die Oh, baby, I'm gonna love you forever Forever and ever amen."
Johnny was overcome with emotion as he let the taped version take over. The couple held each other until the song finished.
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It was only then that Slim stepped up to help them back onto their horses. He greeted Lauren with a congratulatory kiss. Johnny got a prideful handshake as they mounted their horses again. The trio rode along the beach for a little bit longer. Jenny captured the rest of the ride.
After another hour on the beach, Slim led the crew back up the trail. By the time they reached the trailer, Roy and the company were waiting for them. The arrival of their closest friends made Lauren tear up in surprise and love.
Johnny helped Slim bring the horses to the trailer. Then the cowboy, wearing his hat again, dismounted his horse. He gently helped Lauren from her horse. The couple shared one more kiss before they broke apart to meet their friends.
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Lauren's voice was full of shock. "When did you guys get here?"
Jenny grinned, "About an hour before you did."
"So…so you saw everything?"
The trio grinned. Kim blushed. "We did, sis. We were camouflaged and close enough to hear every word."
"So, who was our DJ?"
Roy blushed and grinned. "That would be me."
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
Lauren and Johnny exchanged kisses and handshakes with their closest friends.
Jenny grinned as she kissed her aunt and uncle. "Yes, I got the whole morning on film."
Johnny grinned. "I can't wait to see the pictures Jenny bear."
Lauren smiled at Johnny. "Honey, what do you say we take care of the first part of wedding planning?"
Johnny smiled warmly. "That sounds like a plan."
Johnny turned to Roy. His voice was thick with emotion. "Roy…Pally…" Roy reached over and put a calming hand on the neck of the younger man. Johnny took a breath and continued, "You were the first to show me what a family was. You are my brother, my rock, Pally. Now I ask will you stand next to me as my best man when this pretty lady makes her way towards me?"
"It will be my honor, Johnny. Junior, I will be right there next to you." Jenny caught the reaction as Roy pulled Johnny into a brotherly hug.
The crowd cheered. Once the guys broke apart and wiped their eyes, it was Lauren's turn.
The emotional bride-to-be turned to Kim. Like Johnny, her voice was thick with emotion. "Sissy, will you be my matron of honor?"
Kim grinned as she hugged Lauren. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Laur. It's my honor to be your matron of honor."
The crowd cheered again as Jenny took a picture of the ladies.
Following the engagement, the friends spent the day in Santa Barbra. They enjoyed an excellent meal. Jenny was able to get some more pictures as well. Once they finally got home, the phone calls began. Each was greeted with the same loving reaction as they called Johnny's crew, Hank, Mike, Chet, Marco, and Pam.
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As Johnny planned and pulled off his surprise engagement, Chris's career in the fire service began. He started his Explorer academy on the first. He was excited to attend each academy session and quickly began to stand out among his class. The instructors were surprised by his knowledge and his conditioning.
While he worked out on the weekends, Chris made sure to add more time to study every day of the week. He even sat in on a few drills taught by Roy.
Just after his fourth round at the academy, Chris got a surprise during his science class.
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As Chris walked into science on Monday, March 24th, he could sense something was different. The feeling was mutual throughout the class. Unlike the typical day where the first few minutes were filled with banter, all the kids quickly came in and took their seats.
Mr. Lane smiled as he sensed the excitement from the class. "Alright folks, I was going to try and surprise you, but I can tell everybody is in a 'what's going on mood?'
The kid next to Chris, Bart, smirked as he piped up. "Well, now that you mention it."
The rest of the class giggled for a minute before they calmed down.
Mr. Lane smiled. "It has taken a few weeks and a few phone calls, but our class will be held outside on Friday. We will be joined by members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department for a lesson in fire science and suppression."
The class cheered. Chris grinned. "Is it Friday yet?"
The class chuckled.
Bart commented. "We could only wish."
The class chuckled again as they nodded in agreement.
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The week seemed to drag on for Chris and his classmates. It felt like forever since Mr. Lane made the announcement on Monday. Finally, Friday arrived. Fully aware of what was going on that day, Chris decided to wear one of his Explorer t-shirts. He made sure he had a clean one for both Saturday and Sunday. When the staff and students arrived, they noticed a section of the parking lot was roped off for the demonstration.
Chris felt his excitement rising as he worked his way through his first classes. He made sure to stay hydrated and also grabbed a few snacks between classes. He wasn't sure who would be putting on the demo or if he would get involved. However, he wanted to stay ready just in case.
Mr. Lane and his met in their classroom for roll call. He smiled at Chris's shirt. "Well, Mr. Desoto, since you are appropriately dressed, I think you should lead us outside."
"It'll be my pleasure, Sir," Chris responded with a smile.
The class grabbed their notebooks and followed the junior outside. By the time they reached the parking lot, the crew of foam 127 was waiting for them. Chris grinned proudly as he picked up the pace to a light jog and headed for a smiling Johnny.
Marco looked over at Johnny. "Now that's an Explorer, always running, never walking."
Johnny grinned. "You know it, my friend. Are you guys ready to go to work?"
"Yes, Cap," the crew responded as one.
It wasn't long after the class stepped outside that they arrived at the spot where Johnny and his crew were.
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Chris grinned proudly. "Mr. Lane, I'd like you to meet my uncle Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain John Gage. Captain Gage, I'd like you to meet my science teacher, Mr. Lane."
The duo shook hands before Johnny introduced the rest of his crew.
Mr. Lane smiled. "Thank you for agreeing to do this, gentlemen."
"It's our pleasure, Sir," Johnny responded on behalf of his crew.
Marco helped the class get into a safe and unobstructed spot to watch the demonstration. It began soon after as the kids were excited to learn. Chris was surprised and proud that his classmates asked so many questions during the program.
As the main part of the program wrapped up, Johnny asked Chris to step forward and help with the hose rolls. He knew it would be good practice for the young man facing some necessary technique tests the next two days.
After the last hose roll was put back on the truck, Victor smiled at him. "Desoto, I'll be honest, I've seen a lot of Boots that don't roll hose as good as you."
Chris smiled. "Thank you, Victor. That means a lot."
"You're welcome."
The crew was just about to start their final goodbye before the class ended when a blood-curdling scream worked out.
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Chris's voice changed to one that sounded much older than himself. "That's coming from the track."
Johnny nodded and spoke quickly. "Mr. Lane, please let Principal Payton know what's going on."
"Yes, Sir." The teacher spoke quickly before he took off for the school with some of the class. The rest of the class struggled to keep up with Chris, who had turned and taken off in a full sprint toward the track. Johnny and his crew quickly boarded the truck and followed the kids across the parking lot.
As Marco drove, Johnny grabbed the radio. "LA, foam 127."
"Go ahead 127."
"LA, respond a squad and an ambulance to our location. We have a man down, unknown injuries on the track."
"10-4. LA clear KME 465."
Johnny dropped the mic. He reached into the glove box and grabbed his stethoscope. Behind him, Victor had the small onboard first aid kit in his hands. It only took a minute for the truck to reach its destination. Marco stopped just before the pavement that led to the track. He didn't want to block the incoming ambulance or squad.
As soon as the truck lurched to a stop, the crew climbed out and quickly headed for the track. Chris and company had already opened the larger gate leading to the track.
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Chris didn't even realize some of his classmates were with him as he bolted toward the track. The Explorer Cadet was in full weekend mode. He knew it was time to stay focused, calm, and time to assess the situation for Johnny and the crew. As the teenager rounded the gate toward the track, he paused for a moment. With a couple of quick movements, he had the gate unlocked. A couple of his classmates opened it fully.
Chris nodded and waved his thanks while he took off for the home side of the track. Four worried teenagers were circling the source of yet another scream. He never broke his stride as he headed for the group.
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Chris spoke gently as he approached the teenagers. "Guys, I need you to back up, please."
One of the shaken students spoke with a noticeable shake in his voice. "He's hurt, though. He's hurt bad, and it's my fault."
Chris recognized the young man who was speaking. "Darnell, there is help coming. I need you to do me a favor, though."
"W..what's that?"
"Can you go step back onto the field with the rest of your class? I promise I will be there in just a couple of minutes."
"O…okay."
"Thank you."
As the class cleared, Chris knelt next to the downed teacher. Even though the nervous young man did not want to leave his teacher's side, he listened to Chris. As he did, Johnny and the crew were reaching the gate on the far side of the field.
Chris spoke calmly. "Mr. Wright, can you hear me?"
"My…my leg…" the injured man answered Chris. "Chris, get help."
Chris reached down and laid his hand on the injured man's chest. It was a double move to calm him and get a rough estimation of his respirations. "Help is on the way, Sir. There are four firefighters just yards from us. They've already called for a paramedic unit and an ambulance."
"It hurts. Oh my, it hurts so bad."
"What happened?" Chris asked as he took the man's wrist to get his pulse.
"Da…Darnell….challenged me to a fifty-meter dash. I got about ten meters in and felt my hamstring pop. I crumpled here as soon as it did."
Mr. Wright finished his explanation just as Johnny and crew arrived.
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Chris looked up. The voice that came out of him sounded much older and more mature than a seventeen-year-old. "Guys, meet Mr. Wright, one of our physical education teachers. He accepted a challenge to race one of his students in the 50-meter dash, and his hamstring didn't take kindly to the idea."
"Thank you, Chris." Johnny smiled tightly at the description given. It was clear Chris had learned a lot about delivering information during his academy.
"You're welcome."
Johnny turned to Mr. Wright. "Hi Mr. Wright, my name is Captain John Gage. I am with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. You can call me Johnny. I have already called the paramedics and an ambulance for you."
"Thank you." Mr. Wright gritted through his teeth as a wave of pain hit him.
Chris took his hand. "Easy, Sir, breathe. Help is on the way."
"Wh…who is going to watch my class?"
"Mr. Lane went to get Principal Payton, Sir. We'll make sure they are taken care of."
Johnny asked, "Mr. Wright, do you mind if I take a look at your leg?"
"No, go ahead." The older man was trying not to cry.
Chris spoke in the same tone Roy had used for years with injured people. "Easy, Sir, we're gonna get you taken care of."
Johnny almost did a double-take at the voice as he looked over the injured man. Trained, skilled hands went right to the impacted area. The former runner inwardly cringed at the amount of damage he could feel from the simple exam. The road to recovery was going to be a long one for the injured teacher. Johnny finished the exam by getting some baseline vitals for the squad.
Just as he was about to ask Marco to entertain the group of worried teenagers, the piercing sound of sirens ripped through the air as Mr. Payton arrived at the scene.
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Johnny looked at Chris. "Chris, will you please catch Mr. Payton up?"
"Yes."
"Thank you." Johnny turned to Marco. "Marco, tell the squad we are going to need the stokes and a longboard for transport."
"You got it." The engineer turned and sprinted toward the newly arriving units.
While Marco was with the squad, Chris turned to his principal and brought him up to speed on the situation. The older man was stunned at how calmly the teenager relayed the information.
Once he was done with Chris, Mr. Payton turned to Darnell and his classmates. "Students, let's give Mr. Wright our best and then head inside so that he can go get the care that he needs to heal."
One by one, the students all went over to shake their teachers' hand. Darnell, who was extra shaken since he had been the one to challenge his teacher, did not take this move well. The young man started swaying as he fought back a sudden burst of emotions.
Chris was next to the teen in a stride. "Darnell, can you walk?"
"I…I don't know." The teen managed to get out between the knots in his throat. "I…my…legs…are…shaking….they won't…stop."
Chris looked up. He knew Johnny could help with the stricken teacher. "Victor, help me with Darnell, please."
Johnny nodded him okay to the requested lineman. The man in his late 20s jogged over to Chris, who was now supporting nearly all of Darnell's weight. "What's up, Chris?"
"Victor, meet Darnell. He is the one who challenged Mr. Wright to the race. His legs are shaking too hard for him to walk inside. I was hoping you would help me get him in."
"My pleasure, Chris. Hi Darnell," Victor smiled at the teenager as he slowly wrapped his arm around him. "My name is Victor. I am going to help you inside, okay?"
Darnell's voice was thick. "If you leave, though, how is my teacher going to get help?"
"My captain is going to help him. He's a very special captain because he used to help people who were hurt all the time before he became my boss."
As Victor talked, he helped Chris get the shaken teenager away from the scene.
"He…he…did?" Darnell's question was full of surprise.
Chris responded with pride in my voice. "He sure did. He worked with my dad for almost eight years, helping people who were hurt or sick all the time."
"Wow. He is a special person."
"He certainly is." Chris made the last statement as the trio reached Mr. Payton, who was waiting for them by the school.
Chris smiled. "Darnell, how are your legs feeling now?"
"Better, thank you, Chris and Mr. Victor."
"You're welcome," the duo answered at the same time.
Mr. Payton smiled. "Come on, Darnell, I will walk you to your next class."
"I'm not in trouble, am I?" The teen asked as Chris and Victor turned and ran back toward the track.
"No, my friend. I am just going to be your walking hall pass, so nobody gets mad at you."
"Thank you, Sir."
The duo headed inside.
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As they headed inside, Victor and Chris reached the track where the action had picked up. Thanks to the squad, the injured man was already loaded in the stokes. They had him on oxygen to support him through the move. An IV full of pain meds was tucked under his shoulder.
Victor spoke, "Cap, do you need some help getting our friend off the track?"
"Yes," Johnny responded.
"Victor, please take his feet," said station 36 Paramedic Angel Hernandez.
"You got it, Angel."
Chris wanted to step in but knew he couldn't just yet. Johnny looked over at his nephew, "Chris, please meet us by the truck."
"Yes, Sir," Chris responded. He jogged over to the truck as the others carefully picked up and carried the injured man off the track. He was carefully placed on a waiting stretcher and strapped down.
"Johnny." Mr. Wright spoke with a sense of relief in his voice as the pain meds began to work.
"Yes, Sir?" Johnny smiled at the relief in the man's voice. He was glad to know the meds were working.
"Is Chris in trouble?"
"Not by any means," Johnny answered quickly. "I just want to talk to him for a few minutes before we leave, and he heads to lunch and study hall."
"He did an amazing job staying calm. I know he was checking my pulse and respiration earlier but never made it obvious."
Johnny smiled. "Sir, I am glad he helped keep you calm. You get to feeling better soon, and I'm sure Chris will keep me updated on your progress."
"I'll make sure he does. Thank you for everything."
Johnny smiled, "Thank you."
With that, he helped load the stretcher into the ambulance and then slapped it twice. The rig took off with Rampart as its next destination. After a quick goodbye, the squad was on the road not far behind the ambulance.
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Johnny turned and looked at his crew. "Boys, I just want a couple of minutes with him, and then we'll get back to it."
Marco smiled. "Take your time, Cap. Our favorite explorer deserves all the time he needs. I just wish he didn't have to eat school food as his reward."
Johnny wrinkled his nose. "Me too, that's like saying thanks now go eat Chet Kelly's cooking."
Marco laughed at the look and the comment. "Yeah, no thanks."
"Exactly."
It only took a few strides for the crew to reach Chris.
The teen quickly stood up from the running board next to the driver's door where he had been sitting.
Marco spoke with a smile. "Easy, mi amigo, sit if you want."
"Don't you guys have to get going?"
"We do, but not until we check on our favorite explorer."
"I'm okay, guys. I need a couple of minutes to calm down before lunch." Chris blushed lightly.
Johnny smiled warmly as he knelt in front of his nephew, who had retaken his seat. "Chris, it's okay to take a few minutes. I mean, you just handled your first scene, and you still have a few weeks of explorer training left."
Chris let out a slow breath. "Can I tell you something?"
"Of course."
"I always thought my first scene I would be a nervous wreck. Yet, it felt natural to me. I mean, yeah, I couldn't help nearly as much as I wanted to, but…."
Johnny smiled at his nephew. He gazed up at Marco and said, "Marco, can we get a bottle of water?"
Marco smiled, "Of course."
Johnny turned back to Chris as Marco went over and retrieved the requested water. "Chris, you were so natural out there I had to remind myself it was you and not your dad. Your voice, your mannerisms….everything."
Chris bowed his head. "Then why do I have a knot in my stomach like I should have done more?"
Johnny rubbed his neck, and Marco reappeared with the water. "You knew when to step back, but your head is screaming; you should have helped move him. Yet, what you did in helping with Darnell did a lot more for us than adding another pair of hands to the stokes would have."
Chris looked up, "Well, when he about fell into my arms. I couldn't let him hit the ground."
"I know, and you did exactly what you needed to do."
Marco handed Chris the water bottle. "Here, Chris, take a drink and catch your breath."
"Thanks, Marco. I wish I could stay with you guys today."
Johnny smiled. "If we had our choice, you would, but not quite yet. We just feel bad you have to eat school food after everything you did for us."
Chris chuckled. "Oh no, I never eat this stuff on mystery meat day. Mom made me a couple of sandwiches this morning. I don't want to spend the day in the nurses' office."
The guys chuckled as Chris finished his water. "I knew your mom was a smart lady," Johnny said with a chuckle as he tossed the teen's hair.
Chris stood with a slight pout. "Alright, guys, I'll let you go. Thank you for everything today."
Johnny smiled, "Our pleasure Chris. Come on, and I'll walk you inside. Boys, mount up, and I'll be right back."
Chris said goodbye to the rest of the crew before Johnny, and he walked back into the school. After a quick conversation with Principal Payton, Johnny and the crew was called back into service.
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Special Note: The song that Johnny wrote for Lauren as he proposed is actually "Forever and Ever Amen," Randy Travis released that in March 1987.