The Jenkins Girl
by RosalindB
Chapter 8 - Thinking of You
Cynthia lay in the hospital bed. The headache was almost gone, but still felt sore everywhere. The McConnikes came by with a change of clothes for her discharged and stayed with her until dinner. She was grateful for them, but also glad for the quiet after they left. Her mind raced making it difficult to focus. Her main worry was the now cancelled date with the man with the piercing blue eyes. He wouldn't think she bailed would he? She almost asked her Aunt Mary to contact him, but since CJ didn't mention the date, it seemed awkward to ask. Also, CJ knew her Uncle Mickey wasn't keen on her dating a firefighter. He wanted her to find a nice accountant, or businessman. Someone with a desk job she wouldn't have to worry about them coming home. He'd seen too many widows in his time, he told her once.
CJ knew he meant well. But there was something about Chet. Like her Uncle Mickey, CJ had some sources in the department through her news photography work, and one of the other "Patterson Fire Kids" worked in public relations. She made a few discreet inquiries about Chester B. Kelly. No skeletons in the closet, resident trickster at Station 51, solid lineman. Family all in Boston, two sisters, two brothers, Chet was the middle child. Which would explain the "resident joker" she thought. Middle children sometimes have to fight to get attention. Two paramedics, then two other firemen and the captain. How to stand out while still be part of the team? Humor.
Does he want more out of life? Does he have hobbies? What are his fears? Hopes and dreams?
The questions floated in CJ's head, until she finally gave in and drifted to sleep.
...
Chet lay in the cot at the station. He knew Cynthia would be okay, but worry stuck by him. The Chief and his wife would be there for her, but who else did she have? A friend of a friend worked in public relations. The person also lost a father at the Patterson Fire, so they knew of Cynthia. Another friend knew of her work at the local newspaper. Chet made a couple phone calls after getting the news from Cap.
Her foster family was no family. Rumor had it one of the foster mother's boyfriends assaulted CJ shortly after she was placed. Put some scars on her back and worse. The McConnikes wanted to adopt her, but the Renault woman wouldn't agree. The other rumor was the aunt's husband was big time in business world and didn't want some half-n-half kid in the family tree. Then again they were rumors.
How does an only child manage knowing they're not wanted? Was she afraid? How much fun in life did she miss out on? What are her hopes and dreams?
"Go to sleep Kelly," Mike whispered. He noticed Chet as he walked back to his bunk from the latrine. "She's going to be fine."
"You're right," Chet whispered back. He forced his eyes closed, thought about the woman with the big brown eyes and curly hair and drifted to sleep.