When Fires Collide - Chapter 4
Once again Marshall was sitting outside the apartment watching the sun rise over the city. He heard soft paw steps behind him. Turning, he saw Smudge padding over and sit beside him.
"I try to be awake for the sunrise everyday," said Marshall absentmindedly, "Chase is usually the one with me. I'm really glad you're here Smudge."
"I would have walked through the fires of hell to get to her," said Smudge, "I want her to know that I will do whatever it takes. But most importantly, I came to support her."
"She sees it," said Marshall. "I think she will be at least willing to entertain the idea of trying. Thank you for your willingness to wait. I really get the feeling it will pay off in the long run."
"Like I said months ago when I was here," said Smudge, "She's worth waiting for. I just wish it had been under better circumstances that I returned. I assure you I have no intention of attempting to convince her of anything during this trip other than I will support her anyway I can."
"I appreciate that," said Marshall, "I can see that you care and she does as well."
"I must say I'm jealous of your relationship," said Smudge, "I can't begin to understand how your bond works or why."
"That's just it," said Marshall, "we can't either. We've always had it so I can't imagine not having it. There have been times in the past where we were apart for long enough that it faded and we couldn't feel it all the time."
"I heard about your reaction when her OSI occurred," said Smudge, "I can't imagine the pain you suddenly felt or the pain she endured to make you feel that all the way in Adventure Bay."
"All I know is that I suddenly knew deep in my heart that she was in anguish," explained Marshall, "At times Everest has begun feeling certain things. Who knows, stick around and maybe you will too."
"I'm also jealous of the bond she has with the guys at the station," said Smudge. "I don't know that I've ever seen the support that showed up for the funeral. Definitely not in my department, we support each other but we don't treat each other like family. You know as well as I do, they were there to support Cinder. The family as well but mainly Cinder."
"That was pretty impressive," agreed Marshall. "Ryder and the pups let me know they would have come if I needed them, but they knew I was here for her. It would be different if it was me that suffered an OSI."
"I don't doubt that for a moment," said Smudge, "Your team members show love for each other like family before they even think about being a team."
They both turned and continued watching as the sun rose over the horizon and began the new day.
"So you guys solving all the world's problems out here?" Cinder said softly as she walked up behind the two.
Both Marshall and Smudge whipped around to see that Cinder had walked out of her apartment to join them. Everest stood at the door watching.
"Cinder!" said Marshall, "Are you feeling better?"
"I'm coping," Cinder replied softly.
"It is good to see you up," said Smudge. "I was hoping you could find a way to ground yourself again."
"I must admit," said Cinder softly, "I wasn't sure I could come back this time. Both of you showed me support that I often forget to appreciate. Marshall, as always, when I'm in need you drop everything and run. Smudge, I don't know what to say other than thank you. I did need a friend. I'm not sure what it took to get here, but thank you."
"If you need me, you know I'll always come," said Marshall.
"Same for me," said Smudge. "If I am physically able, I will come anywhere at any time."
The four spent the day telling stories about work and the world. Smudge explained to Cinder that he just wasn't cut out for the training chief position. He could do it but really missed the operations side more. They discussed his idea of an operations chief pup position.
Smudge stayed an additional few days and once he was convinced Cinder would be ok he returned to London. Marshall stayed until the following weekend when Cinder returned to duty. The station welcomed their canine chief back with open paws.
Everyone had returned to their prospective areas. Marshall called every couple of days to check and make sure Cinder was doing ok.
"So how have you been doing?" asked Marshall.
"Honest Marshy," Cinder said softly, "I'm ok. Yes the first couple of calls involving kids made me pause but I'm doing ok. Cindy has come to see me at the station a few times now. But you and Smudge are smothering me."
"What do you mean?" asked Marshall.
"You call every couple of days," Cinder softly explained, "Smudge called every day for the first week and every couple since then. I really appreciate it but I have to get back to normal if I'm going to survive."
"So you don't want Smudge to call?" asked Marshall somewhat amused.
"No it's not that," said Cinder softly, "You both can call as much as you want. But call to talk to me because you want to, not because you're worried I'm not adjusting."
"Ok, ok," said Marshall, "Everest and I love you, we just want to be available if you need us."
"I know you do," said Cinder softly, "and I know Smudge cares as well. I promised both of you that if I needed you I'd call. You know I have Ashley here if I need someone immediately."
"Ok, I love you and I'll give you space," laughed Marshall.
"While I have you," Cinder said softly, "I'm thinking about surprising Smudge for his birthday in October."
"That sounds fun," said Marshall, "so are you just letting me know?"
"Well, I will definitely let you know before I go," Cinder said softly.
"Then what, you have your passport don't you?" asked Marshall, "you need help booking the flight?"
"Possibly that also," said Cinder softly.
"What then?" asked Marshall.
"Is it too bold?" asked Cinder softly. "I mean, to just show up?"
"I'll say it's unusual for you typically," laughed Marshall, "but no, I don't think it's too bold. I know he will be overjoyed to have you."
"I know you can't keep a secret," laughed Cinder softly.
"I promise I will" agreed Marshall, "I'll only tell Everest. Seriously, I think he will be ecstatic when he sees you."
"Speaking of Everest," Cinder said softly, "I kind of hoped to talk to her. I have an idea but I wanted her perspective."
"Sure," said Marshall, "let me get her."
Several months later and many conversations between Cinder, Everest, Marshall, and Smudge later, Smudge's birthday was in a week.
"So how are you doing?" Cinder asked softly.
"I'm doing pretty good," said Smudge. "How about you?"
"I'm doing good," Cinder softly explained, "We had a 3 alarm apartment complex fire the other day. No injuries but about 30 families were displaced. Took us almost three days to get all the hot spots out and then another week for the investigators to find the cause. Bathroom fan, I hate those things."
"It's the same here," said Smudge, "We see those things start fires all the time. We had a fire in the tube last week. Why can't the fires ever happen at a station? They always seem to be underground in the middle between stations."
"I can't imagine," laughed Cinder softly, "I'm thankful we don't have subways in Heartland. They do over in Adventure City and the guys there gripe about them continuously. So your birthday is coming up, are you going to do anything?"
"No, they will probably get me a cake at the station," said Smudge, "I just don't enjoy the whole going out thing. All my friends are at the station anyway."
"I got you a surprise," Cinder softly said, "I'll have it to you by then."
"You didn't have to do that," said Smudge, "Knowing you're thinking about me is more than a great present. But I look forward to receiving it."
"I gotta go," said Cinder softly.
"So soon," said Smudge.
"It's been an hour and a half," laughed Cinder softly, "I need to go to sleep. Talk to you again soon."
"Wow! Time flies when you're talking to someone you, um, like," said Smudge. "Well, good night, talk to you soon."
Smudge hung up. 'I almost said love,' Smudge thought, 'I hope she didn't pick up on that."
'I think he almost said he loved me,' thought Cinder, 'I really hope this plan works. I really want to see him more. Oh, I just wish it wasn't so far."
Cinder dialed the next number and waited.
"Hey Cinder," said Everest, "Are you ready?"
"I'm nervous," Cinder softly said, "I can't wait to see his face though."
"I'm telling you," laughed Everest, "He's going to love the surprise and if you follow the plan like we discussed, who knows what might happen."
"This is the boldest thing I've ever done," Cinder laughed softly, "I just hope you and Marshall aren't wrong. I still don't think I'm ready to talk to him about it."
"I think it's exciting," said Everest. "I know Marshall fully believes he will take it well when you decide you're ready. Take your time, if you don't feel ready to tell him yet, then wait. The right moment will present itself. Enjoy the trip, make sure you let us know when you land."
"I will," Cinder said softly. "Skipper said he'd drop me off."
The morning of her flight came and Skipper was driving her to the airport.
"So you're really only going for the week?" asked Skipper.
"Yes, I'll see how it goes," said Cinder softly. "I've never flown this far before. I'll see how I do and maybe next time I'll stay longer."
"Just come back," laughed Skipper.
"I promise, I'll be back next weekend," Cinder softly laughed.
"Seriously," said Skipper, "I've not seen you this excited in a long time. I really hope it works out. I would hate to lose you, but if he's the one, you know I support you. Go, have fun. I'll see you in a week."
They pulled to the curb.
"I hope the flight is smooth," said Cinder softly, as she stepped out and grabbed her bag. "See you next weekend."
Cinder walked in and made it through security without any issues. Of course knowing all the security forces helped greatly. She even got a chance to talk to Jan before her flight. She boarded the giant airplane and settled down for the long flight. She was on her way. She smiled as she thought about the plan she and Everest had come up with.