When Fires Collide - Chapter 6
The next morning Cinder decided to sleep in a little. She expected Smudge had gotten up and performed his morning exercise routine and would want to shower. She got up and was considering calling when there was a knock at the door. She opened the door to find Smudge standing there.
"Good Morning Smudge," said Cinder softly.
"Good Morning," said Smudge, "I can't tell you how great it is to have you here."
"Well I can tell you how happy I am to be here," replied Cinder softly.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Smudge.
"I slept as well as I could," Cinder said softly. "I don't sleep well away from home or the station."
"Or from Adventure Bay," laughed Smudge.
"Well, yes, I get my best sleep in Adventure Bay," laughed Cinder softly.
"How about I take you to breakfast," said Smudge, "Then we can head over to mom and dad's."
'How about you coming into my room and kissing me all morning,' thought Cinder wistfully. She immediately snapped back to reality, shaking her head. "That sounds great," Cinder said softly.
They both walked down to a nearby cafe and sat down as they brought menus.
"So I wanted to give you a chance to back out," said Smudge.
"Back out?" said Cinder softly as she cocked her head to the side.
A shiver ran through Smudge as he stared at her, she was just so adorable. "Yes, my parents are, uh, let's say, Um, a little stuck up."
"I understand that," laughed Cinder softly, "wait until you meet my parents."
"I can't wait," said Smudge, smiling at the fact that she implied she wanted him to meet her parents.
They both decided on a simple breakfast and finished quickly. They both hopped on a local bus and rode to the neighborhood where Smudge's parents and sister lived.
The closer they got the more nervous Cinder became. What if they didn't like her simply because she was American.
They pulled up to the driveway and stepped out. Smudge was immediately tackled by a white and black spotted flash. Giggling they rolled on the ground, play fighting.
"Amethyst!" barked an older Male Dalmatian. "That is no way for a lady to behave."
"Oh come on Dad!" said Amethyst, "I only tackle Smudge."
A very beautiful yet older female Dalmatian stepped beside the male.
"Mom, Dad, and Amethyst of course," said Smudge, "I'd like you to meet Cinder. She is the Training Chief I trained under in Heartland. She flew in to help celebrate my birthday."
"Hello," said Cinder softly.
"Well it's nice to see you in person finally," said the female. "Smudge has told us a lot about you and your department."
"More like non-stop talked, about you," giggled Amethyst with a wink at her brother.
Cinder turned to Smudge who was now a perfect shade of red from nose to tail. 'He is no better at hiding it than Marshall' Cinder thought with a smile.
"Anyway, I am Dalstrom, Smudge's father," Said Dalstrom, "and this is my mate, Lilly, and of course you've met or at least experienced his sister Amethyst."
Amethyst stuck her tongue out at her father and then giggled.
"Hello sweetheart," said Lilly, "It's so nice of you to join us for this joyous occasion of our son deciding to visit his poor aging parents."
"Oh mom," said Smudge rolling his eyes, "I was here two weeks ago. I come all the time."
"And Cinder, how often do you visit your parents?" asked Lilly.
"I speak to them a couple times a week," said Cinder softly, "But I'll admit, I rarely get to see them in the last few years."
"Well, let's step inside out of this heat," said Dalstrom
'It's 65 degrees,' thought Cinder, 'he'd never survive our summers.'
They all turned and walked in.
"I had a cake made," said Lilly, "I know your favorite is strawberry. So naturally I got that."
"Thanks mom," said Smudge, kissing her cheek.
They sat down in the dining area, a few moments later a doberman walked in carrying a tray of cake slices and milk for everyone.
"Cinder this is our um, butler, Justice," said Lilly, "he's been with the family for many years."
Cinder wasn't sure how to react so she simply said softly, "Nice to meet you."
Smudge smiled at her.
"So can you get me an autograph from your brother?" asked Amethyst.
"I'm sure I can," Cinder replied softly. "I take it you've heard of him and the Paw Patrol."
"Who hasn't heard about Marshall and Chase and Skye and the other pups," said Amethyst.
"She's always had a little fan crush on him," laughed Smudge. "She may have even had a minor meltdown when she found out about Marshall and Everest."
"Smudge!" Amethyst whined, turning red herself.
"He is easy to like," laughed Cinder softly. "I'll get him to send you a picture."
They each ate their cake and spoke small talk. Smudge had walked into the kitchen with his mother. Cinder overheard them speaking and Smudge saying something that included, "I am blessed that she would consider dating me. And don't start the 'I could have been so much better' mess again please."
"I'm just saying," said Lilly. Cinder walked away and was looking at the pictures on the wall.
"So, you like my brother?" Amethyst said as she walked up next to Cinder.
Cinder turned and replied softly, "I do like your brother. Does that bother you?"
"No, I think you're incredible," said Amethyst. "You've done so much and become so important. You are proving that a female can be so much more than eye candy."
"Eye candy?" laughed Cinder softly.
'We're show dogs," laughed Amethyst. "What would you call it? We get put on display for others to judge and oggle."
"Young lady, that's quite enough," said Dalstrom, walking up to the two. "Go see if your mom needs anything."
"Yes, dad," said Amethyst, turning to walk into the kitchen.
"You'll have to forgive her," said Dalstrom, "she is often jealous of her brother for choosing to do something other than the show life. We've been in the pedigree competition for many generations."
"That is great," said Cinder, "My family has been in the fire service for many years. Both of my parents retired several years ago, but Marshall and myself have kept it going."
"Don't get me wrong," said Dalstrom, "His mother and I are very proud of what Smudge has accomplished."
"He just could have followed in his father's paw prints and been a champion," said Lilly joining the conversation. "You're quite lovely yourself. You could probably still make a go of the competition."
"Mom, I'm proud of the job I've done," said Smudge, "and Cinder has accomplished more and saved more lives than I could in a hundred years. She has paved the way for all pups male and female to serve in officer capacity for future generations."
"I'm sorry dear," said Lilly, "I know you're a fire chief like Smudge. But teaching other dogs to ride trucks is a long way from a noble line compared to Pedigree status."
"Mom!" barked Smudge, obviously ashamed of his mother's words and casual dismissal.
"It's ok Smudge," said Cinder, although she felt her anger building, she composed herself. This was a training opportunity is what she told herself and then she began in her commanding but not harsh voice.
"First and foremost," Cinder softly began, "I do not teach dogs to ride trucks. I am currently the training chief for the entire Heartland Fire Department, pups and humans. Dogs have not been simple truck riders in many years. Our history, at least in America, dates back to well into the early 1870's where New York Fire Department began using Dalmatians as fire dogs. It actually goes back much further. Dalmatians began as coach dogs because there was no better breed that worked with and comforted the horse teams. We didn't just watch the horses, we maintained the horses. As far as pedigree, My great, great and so on paternal grandfather Mike was a fire dog with FDNY. In 1910 the Westminster Dog Show created a special class for Fire House Dalmatians, Mike was the first Dalmatian to win that classification. The class continued for 30 years when the Dalmatian breed was grouped with the Non-Sporting Class. Our breed still continues to win the category. My family chose to continue not the show side, but the fire side for over 100 years. My family can be attributed with hundreds of lives saved. I am exceptionally proud of my accomplishments. I am equally proud of my brother becoming the first Paramedic certified dog in the world. I was the first dog to achieve Fire Captain for the busiest multi-function station in Heartland. I am also the first Dog to achieve Chief rank in the world. I have written and continue to teach the program to create Captain and Chief ranks for dogs. As I said, I am the training chief for Heartland Fire Department, I am the one that decides if someone, dog or human is fit to be a fire Captain or Chief. I supervise, or in cases such as Smudge, train the individual myself. I hope you can see that our breed has more to be proud of than dozens of other breeds. So no, I don't wear bows on my ears and parade for others, but how many show dogs can say they have commanded 5 alarm disasters and actually saved lives. I apologize if I allowed myself to get worked up about my passion for my chosen profession, but when I go to bed at night, I know I've helped pups like Smudge achieve a superior level of training that they can continue providing long after I have been laid to rest. As such I know I left a legacy that my parents can be proud of."
Smudge stood there with his mouth hanging open.
"I'm sorry Smudge," said Cinder softly, hanging her head.
"Young lady," said Dalstrom, "I pride myself on being a bit of a historian. You have taught me a few things today that even I did not know. I am very proud of the profession our son has chosen. I admit, I have felt the same regarding his choice from time to time. But you have opened at least my eyes to the fact that he as well as yourself have worked hard to gain the respect you deserve."
Lilly walked over to Cinder looking her in the eye. Cinder wasn't sure if she was about to blow up or what. Suddenly Lilly reached out and pulled Cinder into a tight hug.
"You have a backbone and I respect that," said Lilly. "Today you've put an old dog in her place. I apologize, I never intended to belittle your or Smudge's accomplishments. I admit I had a different vision in mind for my son. When he chose the fire service, I was disappointed. I had no idea that Dalmatians had evolved so much. When I see American Dalmatians, all I see is those dogs riding beer wagons. I guess I never gave enough credit to those like yourself that were actually making a difference."
"I'm sorry," said Cinder softly, "I should not have spoken like I did. I allowed myself to get worked up."
"No, never back down from that spirit," said Lilly, "You need to be firm in your convictions. You have obviously established yourself in a mostly male world. I'm sure you've overcome hurdles and those that felt a dog, let alone a female dog, should not be leading humans."
"I've met a few," laughed Cinder softly. "Thank you, I was looking at some of your show pictures and trophies. Your family has accomplished a lot and should be very proud."
"We have many things to be proud of in this family," said Dalstrom, "We obviously need to be more aware of how much Smudge has accomplished. I suppose we should have listened better as to what his job entailed."
"Well, I believe Smudge is working to be named the first Canine Operations Chief in Europe," said Cinder softly.
Both Dalstrom and Lilly turned to their son, "Is this true son?" asked Dalstrom.
"Ye-yes sir," said Smudge, "I enjoy teaching but I enjoy the operations side so much more. I've been working with Cinder to write a program for Canine Operations Officers. I will have to prove myself and the other future pups capable of leading pups and humans in fire suppression operations. Cinder already does on a regular basis, but I don't think Skipper, or any department chief with a functioning brain, will let her out of the training position though, she is just too good at it. This new program would create more opportunities for pups to lead in a purely operational capacity, without having to worry about keeping wet behind the ears trainee pups like me from accidentally lighting ourselves on fire."
Smudge turned to Cinder who was now blushing.
"I am beyond proud of all that she has accomplished," said Smudge.
"Dinner is ready," said Justice, as he had awaited a break in the conversation.
"Perfect, I've worked up an appetite with this heated discussion," said Dalstrom. "Let's sit and enjoy a great meal."
They turned to walk into the dining room. Amethyst pulled Cinder aside.
"Wow, way to tell mom the way it is," laughed Amethyst quietly. "I wish I had your backbone."
"I was wrong to speak to your mother like I did," Cinder said softly.
"Are you kidding," laughed Amethyst, "that is exactly how you have to speak to mom. She won't listen if you don't stand your ground. You have nothing to be upset about, you proved your place. I guarantee she likes you now more than before. Besides, if you're going to marry Smudge, you'll need to be strong willed, boys need a firm hand."
At that Amethyst bounded away before Cinder could reply. Cinder stood there, the thought racing through her head, 'Marry, I, uh well that's interesting, and quick.'
"Um, well I guess you understand why my family makes me crazy," laughed Smudge, "I love them, but that's why I live in town."
"Uh huh" said Cinder softly, although she was still wondering about Smudge's sister's comments as she followed Smudge into the dining room.
Dinner was wonderful. Afterwards, Smudge and Cinder rode back to Cinder's inn. Once again, they kissed goodnight in the doorway.
"I have a surprise for you tomorrow," said Smudge.
"For me?" said Cinder softly, "it's your birthday. I should be surprising you."
"You couldn't get me anything better than being here," said Smudge smugly, "Good night, I'll see you in the morning."