Chapter 13

### A Month Later ###

The past month, Roy and Joanne spent time processing through Jennifer's decision to go through the fire academy. However, Roy still struggled with his willingness to speak to Jennifer one on one. Roy thought that he had good excuses with working both John's and his shifts while the fire academy was in session. There just wasn't enough time in the day. He also couldn't see his daughter Monday-Friday, because she needed to study and attend training. At least, that was the excuse for not seeing her during the week. He also felt that Jennifer could call if she wanted to talk and the phone wasn't ringing off the hook. However, to Jenny, the only thing she could focus on was completing the academy and the graduation ceremony a week away. The finish line was in sight. All that stood in her way was live fire scenarios, first aid simulation, and extraction. And of course, the pinning ceremony.

Today though, neither one had too many excuses from staying away from each other. This time was Mike's time to host the monthly get together. Roy swore that he was going to stay home and catch up on relaxation, until Joanne reminded him that he had a week left of double shifts and then a week's vacation that he could catch up on his sleep. His excuses have run out and all he could do was manage a gruff "I'll go." Joanne rewarded his positive choice with a peck on the cheek and a back rub. In that moment, he would've said yes to anything.

Chris had stopped over at David's house to see if his sister was coming. Her excuse was "I've got studying to do."

That's when David hollered from the kitchen. "I think the second in class can spend a Saturday at the picnic instead of studying." Chris eyeballed Jennifer with his eyebrows raised. An amused smirk on his face.

"That's only cause he wants to retain the top spot." Jennifer stuck out her tongue to David.

"You have me all figured out, don't you. But really, it could give you an opportunity to talk to your dad."

She groaned with defeat. It was two against one and she knew the two were right. "Fine, I'll go."

"You want me to come for moral support," David asked in all seriousness.

"No, it's bad enough to talk to my dad about the fire academy, but to have the older man that I'm living with there, might be too much of a shock. One things at a time. Plus, I need to man up I guess and handle it on my own. I need to put on my big girl panties!"

As Jennifer lead Chris out to his car, Chris spoke about his observation. "David seems kind of chummy with you."

"And what's that supposed to mean? We're just friends" She took a defensive tone. Chris rolled his eyes, not believing a word of her nonsense.

"He likes you. You like him. I like him. I tolerate you. He tolerates you. It's a match made in heaven." She blushed and punched him in the shoulder and he instantly began rubbing it. "Man, lay off the push ups in PT!"

She refused to refute the accusation of anything but a friendship. She changed the topic with "I'll see you in a few hours."

Chris returned home to let mom know that his sister was coming to the picnic. Joanne was also able to confirm that Roy was going too. Even if she had to drag him if he changed his mind.

### The Picnic ###

Mike, the quiet but observant firefighter, manned the grill. Chet saddled up next to him providing unwanted and unneeded grilling tips and techniques. Mike took the time to look around and tune out Chet. He's had plenty of experience when they worked A shift together. At times he missed Chet since Chet was promoted to B shift Engineer; however, this was not one of those times. Mike needed to change the conversation. "Is everything okay with Roy and Jennifer? They seem...off."

Chet let out a loud chuckle and hit Mike on the back. The force nearly knocked a hamburger to the ground. "Man, have you missed a lot." Chet spent the next ten minutes discussing Jenny attending the academy and all the other details. A person would have thought Chet was a little old lady gossiping at the hairdresser. As Chet waited for a glorious and more gossipy response from Mike, all he got was "I hope they can work it out." Chet dropped his head and shook it as he let a sigh escape his lips. He should've known better than to think he'd have some gossip to talk about with Mike Stoker.

For the majority of the time, Jenny and Roy would steal glances. On occasion, one would move towards the other before finding an escape that included talking to friends, play horseshoes or bocce ball, and grabbing food. This dance didn't go unnoticed by Chris. He snuck up between Jennifer and grabbed her arm. "Alright, you both are too stubborn for your own good. It's time to talk." His arm helped drag her to the inevitable as she put up useless protests. With his other hand, he tapped his father on the shoulder. "I'm done. Mom's done! Will you two just talk, grow up, and make up!" As quickly as he entered, he left. He decided to watch the show from a distance.

Roy nervously cleared his thought. Both tried to start sentences at the same time. Roy thought back to his night with Joanne. He needed to make sure that his daughter knew something so important: that he loved her. "You know I love you, right?"

She looked away trying to stop the tears from flowing. "Yeah dad, I know. I never thought that you didn't love me," her voice cracked. "I know I should've been honest with you about the academy and everything. I just really wanted to do this, but I know that it would have hurt you."

"It hurts me knowing that I can't protect you and that you aren't my little girl anymore. I wish I could just put you in a plastic bubble for the rest of you life. This work is not easy and it can be dangerous. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"But you can't wrap me up in bubble wrap. Dad, I've always looked up to you for the work and good that you do for others. I want to be able to do that as well. This academy has been the second hardest thing I've ever done. The first was lying to you. I wish I could go back and be honest with you, but I can't. I just hope that you can forgive me. It was just that I didn't know if I could be strong to handle everything."

Roy let out a soft laugh "You are strong. You take after your mother."

"But I get my stubbornness from my father," she said with a smile. She made eye contact and began to bat her eyes. Those damn tears were starting to drip slowly down her cheek. "Dad, I'm really sorry about everything."

"Me too, honey, me too." He pulled her in for a hug and rested his chin on his daughter's head. He gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. No matter what, she would still be his baby girl. He held on tight and long because a month ago he was unsure if he was ever going to have this moment again. After a minute, he pushed back and placed his hands on shoulder.

"So, when are you moving back in?" He asked.

"Dad, we have a lot to catch up on." She didn't know how to break it to him, but she was going to finish out the academy at David's and then discuss the next steps. She enjoyed spending time with someone going through the same hardships and having unconditional support, that she was still unsure that she would have if she moved home. Sure, things were better, but she knew her father still did not want her to join the fire department.

"I'm living with a friend. His name is David and he's been fantastic. I really hope that you two can meet soon. He's a recruit with me and he's top of the class." She beamed with pride.

He bit his tongue. He wasn't about to let some of his conservative views get in the way of reconciling with his daughter. "Maybe the two of you can come over for dinner next week."

"I would like that. Hey dad, I would love for you to be there for the graduation ceremony on Saturday."

"I wish I could, but it's my last shift before my vacation." He also wasn't sure if he could stand seeing her in the uniform and his fears confirmed. He had to take baby steps in accepting her as a firefighter.

Her head nodded. She forced a smile that could not cover up the sadness in her eyes. "I understand. It's got to be hard covering you and Johnny's shift."

He nodded. He was thankful that she accepted that he could not be there for the ceremony.

They went on to have conversations about his upcoming vacation to the mountains with Joanne for a weekend getaway.

He took the news well. Even though they made their apologizes, there was still a lot of pain to heal from. Roy had a few more wounds to heal from yet.