Distractions
By Kajakat
BOOM!The percussion of the explosion knocked everyone in Station 51’s A shift to the hard ground.
They were fighting a nighttime fire at a vacant warehouse. Marco was behind Chet and Johnny was supporting Roy. The explosion caught them all off guard and knocked the hoses out from each lead man’s grasp. The hose snapped viciously, like a snake going after it's prey.
Captain Stanley and Mike Stoker left their positions to catch the fallen hoses before anyone was seriously injured. After the hoses were secured, Captain Stanley walked over to his men.
"Are you guys okay?" Stanley asked them all.
Marco sat up and shook his head up and down indicating he was fine. He got up and took the hose from Mike. Chet also got back on his feet and into position with Marco.
"Johnny, are you okay?" Roy asked of his partner. Johnny sat up after the blast knocked him down on his back. He pushed his helmet back and rubbed his head with his gloved hand.
"Yeah, but did you get the number of the truck that hit me?" he said with a chuckle. He paused then looked at his partner, "Are you okay, Roy?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. Lemme help you up."
Roy, was already standing, reached over to help Johnny up. As Johnny got up, he saw stars and was a bit dizzy. He stumbled and would have fallen again if Roy hadn't caught him.
"I guess I'm not so okay."
"I can see that. Where do you hurt?"
Johnny was doubled over with his arms leaning on his upper thighs. Roy was holding Johnny's arm just in case. Johnny was breathing hard. He waited for the dizzy spell to pass. "I'm dizzy and outta breath. My back also hurts. I guess landing on my air tank didn't help."
"How are things here Roy? Is he okay?" Captain Stanley asked.
"Johnny's a bit winded from the blast. I'll check him out, but want to bring him to Rampart, just to be sure."
"Why are you talking like I'm not here?" asked Johnny.
"Because we know what's best for you, you twit! LA Squad 51 10-8 to Rampart," said the Captain.
"Squad 51," was Sam Lanier’s response.
"Okay Junior, let me check you out."
For once, Johnny didn't argue. He didn't have the energy to do so. His world was spinning around and darkness was at it's edge.
***
"You are not 21 years old any more John Gage! You have to give your body time to recover or you won't make it to 31. This is the second time I'm treating you, in what, two months?" Doctor Brackett didn't usually raise his voice, but this day he did. He was gruff, but he didn't usually yell at patients. And, once again John Gage was his patient.
Brackett continued, "I'm going to recommend to Captain Stanley that you take a vacation. Hell, you've probably got more vacation accrued than I do. I won't sign your return to duty until you come back from vacation with a souvenir for me!" With that, Doctor Brackett left the room.
John looked up at Roy with his puppy dog eyes. "Don't look at me that way, Junior. I agree with him. The last vacation you took was when????" asked Roy.
"Don't know," said Johnny sulking.
"Come on - get up. Let's go back to the station and break the news to the guys," said Roy. The two men walked back to the squad.
They rode back to Station 51 in silence. Roy wondered if Johnny would really take a well-deserved vacation away from Los Angeles. Johnny wondered what he would do with himself without his regular work routine.
Upon returning to the station, Captain Stanley went to his returning crew and said, "Doctor Brackett already told me. As of right now, Johnny, you're off duty. You have two weeks vacation. I don't want to see your butt for at least ten days." He walked away.
Johnny and Roy went to their lockers to change; Johnny to civilian clothes and Roy to another, cleaner uniform. "Where can I go?" asked Johnny.
"I'll tell ya where to go," said Chet. Johnny was sitting on the bench. He looked up and expected the worst, but Chet wouldn't kick his pigeon when he's down. "Why don't ya go to one of those all-inclusive places in Mexico? Lots of parties, lots of drinking and lots of dames."
For once Chet had said something that piqued Johnny's interest. "Oh yeah?" he said raising an eyebrow and smiling. "Maybe I'll stop by a travel agent on my way home and pick up some brochures." And just like that, Johnny's mood brightened.
True to his words, Johnny stopped by a travel agent and reviewed many brochures. He discovered that he could get away for 10 days if he departed on the upcoming weekend, so he booked his trip. "Why not be spontaneous?" he thought.
***
The night before he left, Roy and JoAnne invited him over to dinner. "Whatcha going to do on vacation, Uncle Johnny?" asked Chris.
JoAnne shot Johnny a dirty look that implied his answer better be "G" rated.
"Well, Chris, I plan to relax and do whatever comes naturally," Johnny said with a wide grin and a little laugh to go along with the statement. Roy cleared his throat and gave Johnny a kick under the table.
After dinner, the two men sat in the living room talking.
"What time does your plane take off"? Roy asked.
Johnny stifled a yawn as he replied, "7:00 a.m. and, with the time difference, I'll get to Cancun by 1:00PM. Boy, I'm beat. I guess I have been pushing it," said the dark-haired man.
"Well, I know you'll have a great time and for once, stay out of trouble." Johnny gave Roy a look, but they both laughed.
As he gestured with his right hand Johnny said, "Roy, I always stay out of trouble. Trouble just happens to follow me."
***
Johnny looked at the resort and immediately liked it. He stood on his terrace overlooking the beach and sighed. He never saw water that blue and calm. It was so captivating.
He loved all the activities the resort offered. If he didn't want to experience water skiing, sailing or wind surfing were available. Water skiing might aggravate his back, but he always had wanted to try it. He would just have to take it easy. The beach had endless miles of a warm, and inviting sea with no people on it. Snorkeling, para-sailing, scuba and tennis rounded out other athletic offerings and he considered them all!
On his third day of vacation, Johnny went to Happy Hour. He was nursing a beer, staring out into space when he noticed a woman sitting all by herself. She was of petite build, with blonde wavy hair. Her eyes were hazel, tinged with green. She wasn't aware that Johnny was taking inventory of her features. He'd met several interesting women during this trip, but there was something that set this woman apart from the others. Maybe it was because she was alone. He decided to walk over to her.
"Come here often?" The line was so bad that he smiled and laughed, but in doing so, the woman looked up at him and laughed too.
"Do you mind if I sit down?" She nodded and Johnny pulled out a chair.
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked.
She shook her head no and said, "If you say one more bad line, I'm going to throw something at you." She picked up her napkin, crumbled it into a ball and threatened to throw it at him. She laughed and in doing so made Johnny feel at ease.
"My name is Johnny Gage," and he extended his hand to her.
Reaching her right hand out, she replied, "Hello Johnny Gage, my name is Katherine Brookes, but please call me Kat."
Kat smiled and so did Johnny.
With the introductions out of the way, the two of them drifted into idle conversation. Then, the conversation became more serious. They didn't notice how quickly the time flew by.
Checking his watch Johnny said, "I can't believe it's so late. Let's do dinner." Without giving Kat a chance to answer, he continued, "meet you back here in one hour." He only needed twenty minutes to get ready but he anticipated her needs.
***
He was waiting at the bar, when Kat arrived. She was 5'5" with her blonde, wavy hair pinned back. She wore a light blue dress and white sandals and carried a small bag. Her outfit accentuated the color of her eyes. Johnny became breathless at the sight of her. He swallowed hard to keep his expression from changing.
"Hi Johnny."
"Hi Kat. The late dinner is this way." He motioned with his right hand.
The two walked to the seaside restaurant and sat out on the terrace. Johnny and Kat ate and exchanged stories about their lives. Kat told Johnny about her own business as a men’s clothing designer in New York and Johnny told her stories about his friends at Station 51 and Rampart Hospital, about Roy and mostly about life as a firefighter/paramedic.
After dinner, the two walked around the resort and continued to talk. They lost track of time again.
After another hour Kat said, "It's late Johnny. I'm going to head back to my room." Johnny, ever the gentlemen, escorted Kat to her room.
"Thanks for a wonderful evening." Kat reached over, got on her tiptoes and kissed Johnny on the cheek, opened her door and went into her room. Within two seconds, she was gone.
Johnny was left alone. He thought to himself, "Am I losing my touch?" He chuckled, shook his head and started to head back to his own room.
Johnny didn't walk directly back to his room. Instead, he went to the beach and sat on a chaise chair and listened to the sounds of the waves breaking on shore. He was replaying the day's activities in his mind, focusing mostly on Kat. He couldn't quite put his finger on what made her special to him. She was different from most of the nurses he met in LA. When he saw her during Happy Hour, she was sitting alone, lost in thought. Perhaps it was her vulnerability or just her looks that attracted him to her. Whatever it was that caught his attention didn't matter. He was glad they met and wanted to learn more about her. There were plenty of days and nights ahead and he knew he'd see Kat again.
Johnny didn't see Kat for quite some time. Although he didn't want to admit it, he looked forward to seeing her again. But he kept himself busy by doing all sorts of activities.
He met other women during his travels at the resort. These women would, if given a signal, be glad to spend their time with this handsome man. However, Johnny decided to keep a low profile.
When he finally saw Kat, she was walking along the beach, gathering seashells, lost in thought. She wore a one piece blue swimsuit with a white pareo around her waist. The ocean breeze blew the pareo behind her displaying her shape. He put his towel down and ran into the water just ahead of her. He turned around to see if she watched him and was pleased to see she did. He clowned around in the ocean and saw Kat smiling. He slowly got out of the water and rushed to her. He picked her up in his arms and ran back to the ocean carrying her.
"No Johnny don't drop me in..." she didn't have time to finish and Johnny let her go. When she didn't come up for air, Johnny became concerned. He looked for her and was surprised to see her further out in the ocean. She was a good swimmer. He swam out to her and the two played in the water. They became exhausted playing around and, without saying a word to each other, left the water. Kat walked onto the deserted beach and dropped down onto her wet pareo. Johnny lay down next to her, closing his eyes. Both were breathing hard due to their exertion.
Kat rolled onto her side and propped her head on her arm. She saw a scar on Johnny's abdomen. She delicately traced the scar with her finger. Johnny opened his eyes when he felt her touch.
"What battle is this scar from?" asked Kat.
On his back and looking up, Johnny spoke in a reflective tone, "This is when I had my spleen removed." Normally, Johnny didn't like to talk about his injuries and how mortal it made him feel. Surely he would talk about his injuries from a detached point of view, but he never talked about how his injuries scared him. But, speaking with Kat was different.
"We were out on a late call about some spaced-out woman. We were walking back to the squad when Roy asked me a question. I heard this terrible sound of a racing car and saw headlights bearing down on me. I couldn't move. It happened so fast. The car hit me and I was on top of it and then I landed hard on the pavement. I bounced once or twice. Someone screamed. I think it was me. The guys all came around me. Roy was talking to me in a voice I never want to hear again. I was in so much pain, my back, my head and my leg." Johnny stopped and took a moment to gather his thoughts. Remembering this night was difficult for him.
"All of the meds were destroyed by the impact, so Roy couldn't give me anything for the pain. All they could do was wrap and run - get me splinted and haul me to the hospital. I don't remember much about that part which I guess was good. When I was aware, I was in pain and worried."
Johnny shifted onto his side and looked at Kat. His detachment returned. "I had a broken leg and internal bleeding. I had to go for surgery. I was lucky that only my spleen had to be removed, or I'd be out of a job."
"No, the department wouldn't take that away from you, Johnny, would they?" asked Kat.
"I exaggerate, Kat. The department takes care of it’s own. I'd get a desk job. But my love is being in the field, being a paramedic," responded Johnny.
Kat looked into Johnny's eyes and saw the pain that her question caused him. She saw the danger in his job and how much his job means to him.
To break the melancholy tone Kat started, she got up and said, "Last one in buys dinner." She raced into the ocean. Johnny got up and followed her in for more ocean play.
When the two had enough they got out out of the sea. Johnny said, "Kat, let's go into town tonight." Much to his delight, Kat said yes.
***
John Gage showered and changed into casual clothes. He planned to meet Kat at the bar and then they would head into town.
He was drinking a beer when Kat appeared. He put his beer down and watched her. She wore a strapless green sundress and black sandals. She carried a sweater over her arm. Her long hair was off her face, tied back with a clip. Johnny thought she was stunning.
"The bartender told me of a great place to eat." said Johnny.
"Great! I'm hungry!" said Kat.
***
The taxi took them to La Palapa del Mar where Johnny and Kat sat outdoors.
They dined on Mexican fare. Kat drank margaritas and Johnny continued to drink beer. A traveling group of musicians started playing classical Mexican music to the couple. Kat was slightly embarrassed, but Johnny appeared to be enjoying the attention.
After dinner, Johnny and Kat walked arm and arm around town. Kat brought her camera and took pictures of different sites. There was a painted donkey that drew her attention.
"Here, Johnny stand here. I want to take your picture in front of the donkey."
"Okay, but don't ever let Chet see it. He'll look for a family resemblance."
Kat took his picture next to the burrow. She asked a local to take a picture of her and Johnny together. The local spoke some English and gestured that Johnny should put his arm around the senorita. Johnny complied.
They continued to walk leisurely around town. Johnny picked up some gifts to bring back to his friends. He bought a pinnata to give to Kelley Bracket so the Chief of Emergency Medicine would have something else to knock around. Kat picked up a silver ring. Johnny offered to pay for it, but Kat declined.
When Kat yawned Johnny thought that it was time to return to the hotel.
They were quiet during the cab ride back to the resort. Kat had her eyes closed and couldn't see how Johnny was glancing at her. He was watching her breathe and enjoying the moment, just being with her.
After the taxi dropped them back at the resort, he walked her back to her room. This time she let him come in. Johnny sat on a chair while Kat went into the bathroom.
When she came out of the bathroom, her feet were bare and she let her hair down so it was cascading over her shoulders. Johnny stood up to meet her. He took her into his arms and started to dance to some imaginary melody. At first Kat didn't respond, but Johnny's confidence eased Kat's awkwardness. He lifted her hair and started to kiss her neck. She trembled from his touch. She tried not to move.
"Johnny - stop," Kat said in a weak voice. Johnny had heard those words too many times in his adult life. Kat tried to move back from his embrace, but her knees were weak and he wasn't letting her go.
Johnny tilted Kat's head up so he could look into her eyes. He saw many emotions on her face - fear, desire, and anger to name a few. He wanted to kiss her. His hand went to the back of her dress and started to unzip it.
Once again Kat spoke, "Johnny stop!" When he didn't heed her request, Kat raised her voice and said, "Johnny stop now! I'm married."
When Johnny heard that, his arms dropped to his side. Released from his grip, Kat ran into the bathroom, with the unzipped dress falling off as she ran.
"What did she say? She's married?" Those thoughts ran through Johnny's mind. An ice-cold knife cut into his heart.
He heard water running in the bathroom. He started to think, "If she's married, than what the hell is she doing here at a single's resort? Why isn't she wearing a ring? And where is her husband?"
Several long moments later, Johnny heard the door open and Kat emerged wearing a bathrobe. Her eyes were puffy and reddened from crying. She walked over to where he was seated.
"Johnny" Kat paused, "I owe you an explanation. My husband and I are going through some tough times. I needed to get away and this place is special to me. We're trying a separation so we can both figure out what we want. He's so into his career. It means everything to him, to the detriment of our marriage. Men can be so single minded sometimes." She looked at Johnny when she said that and thought she saw him blush.
"I came here to figure out what I want from my life, from my marriage. When I met you the first night, you were so special. Those corny lines you used made me laugh and I hadn't laughed in a long time. I guess I used you to help my self-esteem. But as the evening progressed, I could see what was happening. I hid from you the following days because I didn't need you to be a distraction. But today, oh today - this was everything and so much more. Except, I can't break my marriage vows. No matter how much Robert hurt me, I do believe in the sanctity of marriage. I'm so sorry, Johnny."
With that said, Johnny got up. He paused and looked into Kat's eyes, and left, slamming the door on his way out.
"DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!" Johnny thought. "Why am I always in the wrong place at the wrong time?" Johnny walked over to the bar. The hell with women. There was one other woman who had broken his heart, and Johnny swore after that, he'd never put himself in that situation again. And, in this instance, he just did what he vowed he would never do.
So to survive the night, Johnny went to the bar and got drunk.
He woke up in the morning on a chaise lounge by the pool. His mouth felt like someone stuck cotton balls in it. His clothes smelled of stale beer and cigarette smoke. He looked at his watch and saw it was 7:00 a.m. One thing good about being a firefighter is getting used to waking up at the crack of dawn. Johnny got up slowly and was greeted with a pounding headache. He knew this hangover was going to be bad so he went to his room to sleep.
When he got up later in the afternoon, he decided to keep himself very busy so not to think of Kat. Hell, he had more days left to his vacation in Cancun and was not going to let anyone ruin it.
Johnny continued to do many of the sporting events and the days passed by. He even signed up for a one day excursion to Tulum to get him out of the resort.
***
One afternoon, as he walked back to his room, he saw Kat sitting with a man at the bar. The man was solidly built with a confident air about him. Johnny figured the man to be in his early 40s. He didn't want to make eye contact with Kat, but was too late. They acknowledged each other.
Another girl at the bar called to him and invited him over. "Two can play at this game, Kat," he said to himself. He walked over to her and ordered some beers.
When Johnny was about to leave the bar, Kat called him over. "John Gage, I'd like you to meet my husband, Robert Brookes." The two men shook hands.
"Nice to meet you John Gage," said Robert. "Have you had a good time playing with my wife here?" asked Robert.
In typical Gage style, he hemmed and hawed. Then Robert laughed. "Kat told me you've been her tennis doubles partner here." Johnny looked at Kat, who blushed and gently nodded her head.
"Aeh yes, Robert, Kat's a good tennis player," said Johnny.
"I know, I know. I wish I could play more tennis with her." Looking at Kat and grabbing her hand, Robert said, "I'll try, Katty, I'll try. Do you want a drink, John?"
"No, that's okay, I've got some plans for this evening, so I've got to get ready. Have a good night. Nice meeting you." With that said, Johnny looked once more at Kat and left. Robert caught the exchange of glances.
Johnny began to wish he could leave the next day. It would be hard to see Kat sitting with Robert and imagining what else they would do together. "Well, at least I won't see them tomorrow, since I'm going to Tulum," he thought.
***
Again in quintessential Gage style, he was late getting to the van that was going to take him to Tulum. It would be a two-hour ride each way, and he'd spend three hours exploring. He'd get back in time for Happy Hour.
Johnny got on the van and introduced himself to the Estradas, a couple sitting in the first bank of seats. When he looked back, he saw that Kat and Robert sat along the last row. "So John, I see we've got more common interests!" said Robert.
Johnny just nodded. "This is going to be a long day. I can't back out now."
The ride to Tulum was long and hot. The air conditioner couldn't keep pace with the heat and humidity. He listened to the conversations from both couples, although the Estradas were speaking mostly in Spanish.
At Tulum, Johnny toured at his own pace. He was glad to be away from Robert and Kat. He ate lunch by himself under a tree. How he wished he could be back in LA. It was hot and humid in the rain forest and, frankly, he wasn't used to this kind of tropical heat.
Johnny toured the ancient pyramids. He climbed up the stairs and laughed to himself as he saw people having difficulty walking down the narrow stairs. Hell, it was nothing for him. He walked on building beams, hundreds of feet in the air. But, the average person doesn't have that experience.
From his vantage point, he saw Kat and Robert touring around, holding hands. It took all of Johnny's self control to keep from getting angry.
***
The ride back to the resort allowed the five passengers to rest. The air conditioner still couldn't keep up with the heat. At one point, he thought that he felt Kat touch his arm, but it must have been his imagination.
With his eyes closed, and in deep thought, Johnny was awakened by the sound of squealing brakes. The van bounced around. The driver lost control and the van plunged down into a ravine and came to a stop upside down against a tree.
Birds screamed as the car came to rest at the ravine's bottom.
People were tossed about the van and the driver was thrown outside.
The van started hissing and smoking.
Johnny was knocked around and a bit confused. But when he shook his head, he was able to see the situation clearly. "Is everyone okay?"
No one answered. Mrs. Estrada was sobbing. Johnny looked behind him and saw that both Kat and Robert were out cold. He put his hand to both of their necks and determined that they both had pulses. He got himself out of the van, ignoring his own discomfort and, then, helped the Estradas extracate themselves. Getting Robert and Kat out would be more difficult, because they were in the last bench of the van.
Using his broken Spanish, ("Thank you Marco for practicing with me!"), Johnny determined that the Estradas were basically okay. Some cuts and bruises, but no broken bones. Johnny went over to the driver, but discovered that he didn't survive. He found a blanket in the van and used it to cover the driver out of respect.
When Johnny returned to the van, he noticed Kat was stirring.
"What happened, Johnny?" she asked.
Using his professional voice, Johnny replied, "The van went over the edge. I've got to get you and Robert out of here. I don't know how stable this van is." What he didn't want to say was that he feared the van would soon catch fire.
"Let me help you out." He reached for her and helped her move, but noticed Kat holding her side. "Are you hurt there?" Johnny pointed to her ribs.
"I'm okay - just a twinge. How's Robert?"
"Let's take care of you first and then we'll worry about Robert." Johnny helped Kat get out of the van. He checked for any broken bones and was glad there were none. She had a cut over her eye, but it wasn't bleeding too badly. He probed her ribs, but didn't find any of them cracked where he could tell from just a manual examination. He sat her down on a tree stump and ordered her to wait.
Johnny went back to the van. Robert was still unconscious. Johnny climbed in next to Robert and felt his limbs to see if there were any broken bones. There weren't any that he could determine. But still, Johnny had to consider the whole situation. He wasn't able to determine if there were any neck or back injuries. But, he had to get Robert out of the van, as it continued to smoke. Johnny looked around to see if there was something he could use as a neck brace, but he couldn't find anything. He made the decision to pull Robert out of the wreck as gingerly as possible.
After he got Robert out, he placed him on the ground next to Kat. He took Robert’s vital signs.
"How is he?" Kat asked.
"It's hard to tell. There aren't any broken bones. His pulse is good and so is his respiration. I wish I had some equipment. Dammit."
Robert started coming around. "What happened?"
"Shhh Bobby, it’s okay. We've been in an accident," said Kat softly.
"Are you okay, Katty?"
"Yes, I'm okay - just a couple of bumps. I told you Johnny's a paramedic in LA. He pulled you out from the van and checked you out and didn't find any broken bones."
"How ya feeling Robert?" asked Johnny.
"Well, I wish I could answer you, John. I can't feel my legs."
That answer panicked Kat and Johnny for different reasons. Kat's fears were for her husband's well being. Johnny's were concerns that, in his haste, he did something wrong by moving him.
"Are you sure?" asked Johnny. "Let me check." Johnny lifted Robert's legs gently. He removed Robert's sandals and tried different reflex tests. Robert was correct. There were no reactions.
"Well, sometimes, these things happen and they're only temporary. We'll get you to the hospital and let them check you out." Johnny said that to comfort Robert, Kat and himself. He ran his hand through his hair. "Did I miss something when I took him out of the van?" he asked himself. Johnny looked around. "I gotta get us some help. You should be okay here," Johnny said.
"I'm not going to let you go alone," said Kat.
"You're not going to come with me," said Johnny. "You have to stay here."
"Don't you give me that macho attitude, Mr. Fireman. You're not in the best shape to be wandering through the rain forest alone. In case you haven't noticed, Johnny, your head is bleeding. And, you've been limping."
Johnny touched his head and saw blood on his hand. Kat was right. Johnny didn't clear the accident unscathed. And his back was bothering him. Doctor Brackett would never believe him.
"Look, John, if Kat wants to go with you, she will go with you. I've never won an argument with her in five years," Robert said half jokingly. "I'll be okay, if that's what you're concerned with. I'm not going anywhere," and he laughed. "I’m sure the Estradas will look after me." The Estradas nodded their heads in agreement.
Johnny reluctantly agreed and decided to set up a camp so that Robert and the Estradas would be as comfortable as possible while they waited.
After Johnny was satisfied with the situation, he looked around to see which way the road was. When he plotted his direction, he started walking. Looking over his shoulder he said, "You comin?" With that, Kat followed after him.
No matter how fast she walked, she couldn't keep up with Johnny. It seemed his anger had manifested itself into his legs and propelled him forward.
"John Gage, will you slow down?" demanded Kat. Johnny didn't listen. He continued to walk his pace.
"Look, you wanted to come with me. I didn't ask for your help," he said over his shoulder.
"In case you haven't looked in the mirror lately, you have a nasty cut above your brow," was Kat's retort.
Kat continued, "For all I know, Johnny, you could have a concussion. You could pass out here in the woods and no one would find you."
"Fine!" And he continued walking.
After another ten minutes of silence, Kat had enough. She ran up to him and grabbed his arm and made him stop and face her. "Why are you so angry with me, Johnny? Is it my fault that I had a life before I met you?"
Johnny shook his head. "I'm not angry with you," he replied almost in a whisper. Even though deep down inside he knew it wasn't true, he thought to himself, "I'm angry with my actions and my behavior. Did I intentionally hurt Robert when I was taking him out? Did I want him out of the way so badly that I disregarded all of my training? How could I not consider paralysis?" Johnny thought all of this but couldn't tell anyone, especially Kat, what he thought.
"Then what is it?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing - oh now you're being just like Robert," Kat shouted. As soon as Kat said that, she regretted it. Johnny was so unlike Robert. But she was afraid.
When Johnny heard what she said, comparing him to Robert, he turned around and looked at her.
"I am so sorry, Johnny. I didn't mean it."
"Yes, you did, Kat. Now who's angry?" replied Johnny. "Let's take a break from fighting. I think I hear some water."
Johnny walked over to a small stream, knelt down and drank some water.
"Is it safe?" asked Kat.
With water dripping off his chin he said, "Don't know, but I'll worry about that later."
Kat walked over to the water and took a sip too. She ripped off a piece of her blouse and dipped it into the water. She ran the rag across her head, closing her eyes. She didn't know that Johnny was watching her. Kat bent down and dipped the rag again. She walked over to Johnny who was leaning on a rock resting. He thought she was going to give the wet rag to him. Instead, she used the rag to wipe the blood and dirt off his face. Johnny leaned on the rock, and, he was the same height as Kat. When she wiped his brow, their eyes connected. Johnny took her hand from his forehead and held it. Kat moved closer.
She reached for him and they embraced. That was followed by a long, deep kiss.
He put his arms around her back and held her. Then Kat started to cry. Johnny tried to comfort her by holding her tightly.
"Oh, Johnny what am I going to do? Even if I was going to leave him, how can I leave him now. WHY THE HELL DID YOU HAVE TO COMPLICATE MY LIFE!!" Kat continued to cry. Johnny held her tightly in his arms. He didn't want to let her go. He wanted her to feel his strength, to help her survive all of the anguish she was going through. By holding her tight, he wanted to remove all of her pain and put it on him.
After several minutes, Johnny felt Kat tense up and she pulled back from him. "I'm okay, Johnny - really I am." Kat walked away and went back to the stream. She dampened the cloth again.
"Let's go," said Kat.
The two weary travelers continued to make their way up the hill. They finally got to the top and walked on a dirt road. They walked two miles before reaching a small town where they found the local policeman and told him what happened. The policeman called for help and asked Johnny to take them back to the scene of the accident.
"Kat, you stay here and rest," said Johnny."I will not. I need to see how Robert's doing." And they all left together. Because they had cars, they were able to reach the accident site in fifteen minutes. Local volunteers helped the Estradas up the hill. Four men, including Johnny, helped carry Robert up the hill. Robert smiled when he saw Kat.
Another two men carried the body of the driver.
They returned to the town and were brought to the local doctor. The doctor evaluated what condition they were in and treated Robert first. Kat stayed with Robert the entire time. Johnny sat and also waited.
Kat came out and spoke with Johnny. "The doctor thinks Robert will be okay. He didn't find anything else wrong, but he won't say anything about the paralysis. I'm going to call home and see what else can be done." Kat walked away.
Johnny thought about staying with Kat but decided not to. He refused medical treatment and arranged to go back to the resort. He and the Estradas left together. They were so grateful to Johnny for saving their lives.
It was late when they arrived back at the resort. Johnny ran into some girls who he had met earlier.
"Hey Johnny, why don't you join us for a drink?" asked one of them.
Johnny shook his head no and went to his room. He was physically and mentally exhausted.
***
When Johnny woke the next day, he tried to find out how Robert and Kat were doing. He was not successful until late in the day. That's when he found out that Kat had arranged for a private jet to take her and her husband back to New York that day.
"She didn't even say goodbye to me," Johnny thought. But in truth, Kat did and Johnny knew it. Their embrace was the good bye.
***
Johnny returned from vacation and returned to Station 51 the following day.
"So Junior, how was your vacation? You look rested and tanned. Did you have a good time? asked Roy.
"Yeah, Roy, it was good to be away, but I'm glad to be home," Johnny looked at Roy and answered him.
Roy saw the cut above Johnny's eye but instinctively knew when a conversation was over before it even started with his partner. If Johnny didn't want to talk about it, nothing Roy could do, would get him to talk. When Johnny was ready, he'd talk.
"So Gage, did you get that cut from a woman telling you to leave her alone?" asked Chet.
"Oh grow up Chet," Johnny said and left the room.
"What did I say?" asked Chet. Roy just shrugged his shoulders.
***************
After one week, routine returned to Station 51 A shift. Johnny was glad to be back into his groove.
"Hey Roy?" said Captain Stanley. "I got this letter addressed to you. And give this one to Gage."
Roy took a look at the letter. He didn't recognize the return address. It was from New York City. He went into the dorm to read it. He opened the letter and read it.
"Dear Roy,
You don't know me, but I certainly know you. Johnny spoke about you so much that I feel I could pick you out in a crowd. You mean so much to him. Because of that, I need you to do this for me as he means that much to me.
Please tell Johnny that it's not his fault. He didn't know that Robert's injuries were severe when he pulled him out of the van. The doctors told us that no one would have known how bad the situation was with or without proper equipment. The doctors were impressed with how well Johnny took care of Robert's injuries. There was no way that Johnny could have known Robert was paralyzed. In fact, Johnny had no choice but to remove him from the van, fearing it would catch fire.
I think I know Johnny and he blames himself for Robert's outcome. Please convince him that he did his best. Robert doesn't blame Johnny for anything. And I don't either. In reality, I love him more for what he did. He saved us all.
He'll believe you Roy. You have to find a way to get into his heart so he stops beating himself up.
Please give him the enclosed picture.
Thanking you in advance,
Katherine Brookes"
Roy took a look at the picture. He saw a grinning Johnny standing in front of a painted burrow with his arms around a petite woman. She was beaming too.
So this is what's bothering my partner, Roy thought.
Roy took one more look at the picture and left the dorm. He walked into the bay area, as Johnny was taking inventory of the supplies. He handed Johnny the letter that the Captain asked him to deliver. It too had the same New York return address.
"If you want to talk about her, Johnny, I'm here for you." said Roy. With that, he gave Johnny the picture.
Johnny looked at the picture and sighed, then looked at Roy. Their eyes connected but no words were spoken. Roy walked away.Johnny opened his letter and read it.
(Author's note: This is my first fan fiction and found it fun to write it. I have to thank Kenda and Carol D for their suggestions and Marcia for her encouragement. Must thank ChickenTeeth and Barb B. too for their support. :-) The opening picture is of a local fire that destroyed many homes, including some of the volunteer firemen who responded to the incident.)