... ... ... A BLESSING ... ... ...

When did all that exactly begin? When did she take that life-defining turn to lead her... to him? Was it back then when she decided to move, if not to say run away, from New-York seven years ago? Or was it months ago when she "mistook" elevator for a fridge? Or was it when settled in Chicago she met Trudy, all that time had her number but never called until... some disturbance caught her eye, and on a hunch among several names she quickly found the right one, dialed it and hid her phone volume down under the papers, even before the intruders revealed themselves, broke up the work of the operators, with that cutting off 911 service for good.

She didn't know if the call got through, but dared not once to audibly describe the situation and in all possible ways to keep advised whoever, God or the person on the line, what's going on, who, how many and where, as if straight talking to those takers of their office. She could only hope... and her pray was heard. Though she never imagined who among police would come to rescue them.

All happened the same fast and unexpected as the previous invasion. But this one saving and heaven sent... or rather Trudy sent... with the face of the man for weeks pursued in her rare dreams since their lovely chatting in the elevator melting down along with her.

And now swiftly neutralizing one of the bandits, he in flash emerged right in front of her to mutual cognizable marvel. That's when he matched her lovely face with the name of Trudy's smart and brave friend, yet, in trouble. His name, this time so tough and cool man opposite to the very first adorable image of him in the fusing closed space, she happened to catch by chance minutes later. And both nicely smitten with each other like the day they'd met, untimely and grudgingly, they had to part to be back to their duties. At least no frustration like last time for just letting a mirage disappear, but at this point they were left with expectancy - more substantial and with the name.

But the angel above, or better call that fierce woman a fairy godmother, didn't finish her magic. Trudy dialed her later that day, and after work they sat down at the cafe where they got acquainted and crossed roads sporadically. A crucial talk that happened there was a penult step to the place of destination.

The parlous accident in the office had nothing to do with her staggering thoughts. That discontentedness had been bothering her already for almost a year, and the very first man to share it with was actually not Trudy, but briefly that unknown, 'till now, sweating guy dropped into "her personal nook" on one boiling-hot afternoon.

Anyways, the problem was that her conscious need, as well as her heart determination to be useful and helpful, reached sort of an impass. To stay uninvolved doing her job and with ending a call to leave every story, solved that or not, behind without questions satisfied her no more. Time for a change... again.

In New-York she was content making the space beautiful, functional and comfortable for people. But once she burned bridges to that city, that her interior designing came to seem insignificant, just not enough. Not to mention her skills in computer programming as totally "dead" occupation. So, in search for her new self in Chicago, 911 operator looked perfectly what she wanted... in the beginning. But since that she healed, grew up and wised up. And a puzzle is still incomplete, neither hers, nor others.

That's what she hated recently - being unaware if she's doing right, if she did all she could, if she really helped. It disturbed her sleep, not 'cause of many floating emotions but 'cause of lack of finished logic. When logic always matters to her the most. And checking on everyone who called is evidently a crazy and unhealthy thing. So, inevitably she came to be torn between two choices: a long vacation or simply quitting. With a decision desperately needed to be made rather sooner...

Well, a chance to say "yes" to the unknown was provided by the same Trudy Platt in a week after that episode. Without giving away the idea, quietly and responsibly, that woman made all inquiries and arrangements, then invited a friend to dine... in the secluded home of Trudy and Mouch... to offer a new job.

Nobody had ever done anything like that for her. Since around eighteen she was on her own, if not to count a boyfriend during those young years 'till twenty four. Thus, independence is not a modern word for her. It'd been her reality for damn long. First, abruptly impelled by fate. Then soberly chosen by life.

Nonetheless, she willed to take care, get used to heed, control and minister... but be cared for... no, she didn't remember how it is... So, when Trudy laid all cards and exact employment contract ready to be signed on a table, the girl, unwittingly and embarrassed, broke into tears, with her strange reaction also startling the hosts.

But the deal was sealed.

Yet, what other precious unexpectedness with specific name and face affixed to the assignment and on the arm's length to behold everyday she learned only when came to the 21st District of the Chicago Police Department as a new member of the team. His temporal absence, though, didn't sadden her. On the contrary, it gave her time to fit in coolly so with less nerve she could anticipate his return...

"Hey..." she heard behind her back while looking at the board with their current case and turned around to mirror his lovely surprise pictured in a smile and greeting.

There was only one unseen difference - she knew he would turn up sooner or later, but he never hoped to find her... at least right here.

"I so don't want to sound rude..." after lasting delightful pause he finally spoke. "But are you allowed here?"

"Me? Yes. My table is there," she pointed still amused. "Working for the last two weeks already and planning to stay."

His pleased astonishment went beyond possible she almost giggled. "If it were for Christmas, Santa couldn't have made a better gift," something like this he might stupidly say aloud.

"Okay," though, was all he sweetly answered, still wondering in what fairy reality he got into.

Can the world change so fast? Meaning not the time while he was undercover but exactly the moment he saw her now afresh... He sort of felt lost as if he's a newcomer here not she.

"And mine desk remains there?" a silly question he regretted but instantly recovered. "What else have I missed?"

"Until everyone's back, I could show you around if you will," somewhat mysteriously she said, not understanding herself why.

And so, for about twenty minutes they fully brightened the aura of the space with those smiles not leaving their faces, it hurt because both not being used to do it that much and nonstop.

But he would never guess what else life prepared for them that night. He would have never thought to end up married again... even if it's faked up for a cover. To put a ring on her finger and hold her dearly for few hours, feeling her scent and enduring her fondling when careful with his own moves, yet, wishing this blessing to extend...