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Chapter 14: Graduating

Roy spent the majority of his Thursday doing yard work. He knew that working Friday and Saturday, he'd be busy through the night. People tend to drink and get behind the wheel to let loose over the weekend, which meant going from call to call to handle the devastation that these poor decisions left behind. It also meant that Sunday was his day to sleep and recover. Then Joanne and him would be relaxing in a cabin in the mountains for the entire week for some much needed rest and relaxation.

His wife joined him outside while he was pruning the shrubs. "So, Saturday, are you sure you have to work? Can you find someone to cover your shift?" She put her arms around his waist and her rested her cheek on his shoulder blade.

He sighed. He was glad that his daughter didn't question his absence from the ceremony, but having his wife do it annoyed him. "It's short notice and a weekend. I'm not going to find anyone to take the shift. Plus my guys need me."

She rolled her eyes, let go, and took a step back. Roy turned to face her. "Your guys are going to survive a week without you. I think they can handle another day. You've helped cover so many shift for others over the years. Maybe it's time for them to help you out. Help us out."

There was no use arguing with her. He knew that she was right. Without a word, he dropped the shears and started to make phone calls to guys who might cover for him. He decided that he would try some of his A shift members to help on the B shift. Roy got lucky on the first call to Mike. Stocker stated he could and added some gentle ribbing about having Chet driving the truck instead of him. Roy thanked Mike before hanging up.

He went back outside to find his wife picking up the limbs. "Mike's covering. He's a little worried about Chet's driving."

She dropped the limbs back to the ground and kissed him on the lips. "I think Mike will survive." She kissed him again and longer. "Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too. But I have one more thing I need to do. I'll be back later." He went to his car and started down the driveway. He had one more person he needed to speak to.

###Johnny's House###

Johnny was sitting in his recliner enjoying reruns of Adam-12. It was still a classic to him. The doorbell interrupted Malloy arresting the bad guy. Johnny slowly made his way to the door and looked out the peephole. Johnny breathed in sharply at Roy's appearance at the door. He wasn't sure what Roy wanted. For all he knew, he wanted round two. When Johnny opened up the door, Roy could feel Johnny's trepidation of his arrival. Roy threw up it his hands and stated "I come in peace." Johnny exhaled. He didn't realize that he had held his breath.

"I just want to see if I can present Jenny with her badge at the ceremony. I have Mike covering for me, so I'll be there." It was a tradition that if a recruit had a member of their family in the fire department, if possible that person presented the graduating firefighter with their badge. There were two other recruits who were going to presented their badges by their father.

"Yeah, no problem Roy. I'm glad that you're coming to it. Uh, do you want to come in?" Johnny moved aside and waited for Roy to make the next play.

"Yeah, I'll stay for just a few minutes. And I want to surprise her by being there." The two men sat down at the couch, neither one knowing where to start.

"The ceremony is at 10:00. We have a few things to set up in the auditorium. I can pick you up at 8:30. Wecan hide you in the back and bring you on stage when Jenny is called." Roy nodded. Johnny cleared his throat. "Roy, again, I'm sorry I lied buddy. You've been like a brother to me all these years and then I lied."

"Johnny, I've always trusted you. You've had my back for so many years. I hope that one day we can get back to that point. I forgive you, but I don't know what to do next."

"Me either," said Johnny. The two sat in silence for several minutes.

Roy pushed himself up with his hands on his thighs. "I've got to go, Junior."

Johnny's crooked grin shone through. Junior was a step in the right direction. "I'll see you Saturday...Pally." Johnny saw Roy to the door.