The Gift Lindasqd51 "Once upon a time.." "Jenny not all stories have to start that way." "I know that Uncle Johnny but I like those the best."  Jenny's hands brushed the hair from his forehead.  Then as she pulled the blanket up close to his chin,  "Besides it's my story and you're suppose to be resting." "Jenny, I'm okay.  Why don't you let me sit up and then you can tell me the story." "Oh no you don't,"  Eight year old Jennifer DeSoto scolded her favorite uncle.  "Mommy said even though you look and sound better you still needed your rest. That's why Chris and I've been so quiet.  Daddy said if we got to ram--rambuckus  he'd have to take you home early."  Jenny put her little index finger on his nose and tapped as she spoke. "So, shh and listen to my story, just like Iisten to yours." Johnny fidgeted a bit then snuggled deeper into the pillow.  "I'm sorry." "You should be."  Jenny scolded.  "But Uncle Johnny try not to eat so much smoke okay.  Now --oh yeah--Once upon a time there was this handsome prince.. Prince " "John,"  Johnny  whispered. "No silly, Roderick--Prince Roderick.  He was brave, and kind, and gentle, and funny.  But he could slay any fire breathing dragons." "Sounds like someone I could like." "Stop it and just listen." "Okay, sorry." "Now Prince Roderick had a lot of friends who loved him and took care of him when he would get sick.  Which happened a lot." "Hey,  I don't mean to get sick." "Uncle Johnny if you don't stop interrupting me I'm gonna get Daddy." Johnny thought he heard a giggle or two coming from somewhere in the kitchen.  "Oh, we wouldn't want that.  I know how scary your Daddy can be."  Johnny snorted. "He can be if you're eight."  Jenny said nodding. "Okay, so Prince Roderick had wonderful people to look out for him but still he wanted to have a beautiful princess to make his bride.  So, one day he got into--onto his trusty horse named......"  Jenny's eyes got wide and she smiled.  "Dodgy-squad and rode off to look for his bride." "Dodgy-squad?"  Johnny tried not to laugh. "Yeah, Dodgy-squad.  What's wrong with that?" "Nothing.  Absolutely nothing." "Okay, so off he goes in search of his true love.  Along the way he met many young ladies.  But when he'd ask his magic ......shield...."  Johnny watched as Jenny sought a name for the shield.  " Uh...JoAnnella about the ladies she always found fault."  Johnny thought he heard a "really" from somewhere in the kitchen. "Yeah, that magic shield is certainly looking out for Prince Roderick." "Well, Uncle Johnny Prince Roderick doesn't have a good....track record." "Gee who could you have heard that from?"  Johnny heard Roy whistling from the kitchen. "So on a warm Christmas day....just like today...poor Prince Roderick was tired and lonely.  He felt like he'd never find his true love."  Johnny swallowed hard.  How an eight year old little girl knew the feelings of a twenty-eight  year old man he didn't know. But Jenny had made a direct hit on his real Christmas wish.  "Prince Roderick wanted someone to ride with and to have babies with and to live happily ever after with." Jenny looked past the couch were Uncle Johnny was laying to see her parents.  Roy stood behind JoAnne with his arms wrapped around JoAnne.  Roy winked and nodded to his daughter. ******** Roy brought Johnny a cup of coffee after he and JoAnne got the kids to bed. "Uh, sorry about Jenny's story thing." Johnny sat up on the couch and took the cup,  "It's okay."   Johnny just stared at the coffee.  "I did like the ending--you know living happily ever after." Roy smiled and nodded.  "It'll happen." Johnny didn't look up, he just shrugged his shoulders. Johnny stood up and put down the cup,  "I gotta go.  See you next shift."  Johnny spun on his heels and was out the door so fast that Roy had barely gotten out of his own seat. JoAnne came down the stairs.  "He's gone?" "Yeah,"  Roy said sadly.  "Jen's story really struck a nerve." "I know.  I thought at first it was funny, then the look in his eyes."  JoAnne took  a step closer to Roy and laid her head on his shoulder.  "He wants a family so bad." Roy wrapped his arms around his wife.  "I know, I know." "Maybe Santa will bring Prince Roderick his princess,"  JoAnne added as she hugged her husband. ******** "The line is too long Jennifer. It'll take forever to get to Santa."  Weighed down with packages JoAnne was regretting promising the take Jen to see Santa. "I got to see him,"  Jennifer pulled  on her mother's sleeve and whined.  "I need to make sure he knows what I really want for Christmas." "We'll right him a letter when we get home." Jennifer stomped her foot,  "NO, I gotta tell him.  There's not much time left please."   JoAnne thought that 'please' was the longest she'd ever heard. "Fine, fine, but when we get home you will clean and do whatever I tell you to do.  Got it." "Oh thank you."  Jennifer began dragging Jo to the Santa line. It wasn't thirty minutes or forty but an hour until Jennifer sat on Santa's lap. "So little girl what would you like Santa to bring you?" "I know you're not the real one. But can you give this message to Santa for me?" The "Santa" nodded.   "Okay, my Uncle Johnny needs to find a nice lady.  He really would like to be married.  I catch him watching Mommy and Daddy. He looks kinda sad. And he's great with kids.  It would make him so happy to find someone to love and who loves him." The Santa didn't know what to say.  This wasn't covered in his three hour training session.  "Honey, that's a wonderful wish.  I hope Santa can help.  You are special little girl." "Just make sure you tell him okay."  Jennifer jumped off Santa's lap and ran to her Mom. "So, can we go home now?" "Yeah, I think my work is done." JoAnne laughed at how much her daughter sounded like her. ******* Somewhere else. "Did you hear that child's wish?" "Yes, how wonderful to see such a caring child." "Do we grant this one?" "I believe it already has been granted." "Ah, it's already begun." ******** "OH Man, I'm so sorry."  Johnny looked over the woman as she giggled. "Must be a slow day if a paramedic is trying to make their victims."  She straightened out her skirt. "Honest the carriage just rolled on it's own.  I've never seen anything like it." "I'm okay.  The carriage didn't hit me that hard.  I wasn't paying attention that's why I stumbled." "Johnny we got a call,"  Roy grabbed hold of Johnny's arm and pulled. Johnny locked eyes with the young woman for a moment.  He felt a shock go right to his toes.  Then he was chasing after Roy. ******* Somewhere else. "Uh oh, that didn't work to well." "Just have to get them together another way." ******** The shift was fast and furious.  Run after run.  But anytime things settled down, even for a moment.  Johnny thought about his brief encounter at the grocery store. He hadn't noticed that Chet had put a plate down in front of him. After many attempts to get Johnny's attention Chet hit him in the arm.  "GAGE." "Man. Why'd you hit me Chet?" "Because you were further in orbit than any astronaut.  What 's got you so distracted you don't even notice food?" Johnny looked around and sure enough all the guys were staring at him.  His dinner was in front of him and he hadn't noticed.  "I got things on my mind.  Alright?"  Johnny dug into his food. "Okay Roy, who is she?"  Chet said to Roy sitting on the other side of Johnny. "Chet ask him not me."  Roy kept eating.  Roy knew it had to be a woman, but preferred to stay out of it. "Alright then.  So Gage who is she?"  Chet  put his face right next to Johnny's.  "Come on. You'll tell us sooner or later--most likely after she dumps you." "Just shut up,"  Johnny got up and left the table and the room. Chet looked at his crewmates,  "Hey I was just teasing." "Chet lay off that subject with Johnny okay?"  Roy asked.  Chet nodded. ****** "Hurry this way,"  The manager of the apartment building said leading Johnny and Roy to a stairwell.  "She fell and now she's saying she can't feel her foot." Inside the stairwell Johnny and Roy saw the woman crying and complaining about the pain in her foot. "Shh, it's okay, See the para------medics are here."  The dark haired woman stumbled over the word because this was the paramedic who got her with the grocery cart.   Regaining her composure she explained what happened, her eyes never leaving Johnny's face.  "We were walking down --and bam--down she went.  She says her toes are numb." Johnny listened to every word and loved the sound of her voice.  "We'll take it from here. Thank you," Johnny kept his cool professional demeanor but his heart was pounding in his chest. Johnny and Roy went about their business and soon had the woman ready for transport.  Johnny looked over at the other woman,  "Would you like to ride with her?" "No, Kat, you better get going or you'll miss your interview.  I'm okay." "Cheryl, I can't just leave you." "You finally have a shot at job you'll love--Go!" Kat looked over at Johnny,  "She'll be okay, right?"  Johnny nodded.  "Okay, but I'll get back as fast as possible."  Kat patted Cheryl's head and left. Johnny heart sank.  But at least now he had a name.  Johnny rode with Cheryl in the ambulance.  "A good friend you got there.   Kat I mean." "Yeah, she's great.  I hope my stupid fall doesn't cost her the job she was interviewing for." Johnny decided to ask a few questions,  "What kind of job?" "Nothing big.  She'd be working in a vet's office.  Kat loves animals.  It's been really hard for her out here.  Not easy for a small town kid to adapt to the big city." "Small town?" "Yeah, somewhere in Washington."  Cheryl hissed.  "God, every bump this thing hits shoots pain right up the leg." Johnny kicked back into paramedic mode and got an okay for a mild painkiller for Cheryl after checking her vitals again.  Soon, they were at Rampart and Cheryl's care was turned over to Dr. Brackett. When Johnny and Roy returned to the hospital a couple of hours later Johnny was determined to find Cheryl and get more information on Kat. "Oh, Johnny she was released after her ankle was casted." Dixie explained. Johnny shook his head,  "Thanks anyway." "I do still have her chart though." Johnny leaned over the counter,  "Can you give me her address?" Dixie stepped back, "Now Johnny that wouldn't be very professional of me."  Dixie placed a chart on the counter.  "I've got to help Kel in two."  Dixie tapped the chart, "Now don't touch this chart." As soon as Dix was out of sight he opened the chart. He quickly committed the phone number to memory. ********** Somewhere else. "Getting closer.  But not quite close enough." "What are you going to do?" "I think an accidental meeting is called for." "HE won't like it if they get hurt." "No, I'd never do that.  But they need time alone if our plan is going to work by Christmas." "So, what are you going to do.?" "Just watch." ********** "It's bad.  We've got a car stuck under the rig.  The woman is talking and seems calm.  But she's pinned.  We can't move the car till we secure the load.  It'll crush the car and the woman if it comes loose." Captain Stanley listen as the officer relayed the information about the accident.  "Johnny, see if you can get to her.  Chet, Marco get the reel line and watch for gas." The Captain called in for another company to help with securing the load. Roy watched as Johnny squeezed his slim frame  under and into the car that was two thirds under the big rig. Johnny managed to get himself into the backseat of the car. "Who's here?" "I'm a paramedic. My name is Johnny.  Take it easy, don't move till I can check you out."  "You sound familiar,"  the woman said. Johnny finally got himself into a position where he could see her face.  "Kat." "Yeah, it's  you."  Kat smiled.  "Seems like I'm always running into you." "Yeah, listen I'm going to get your vitals okay?" Kat was laying across the front seat but her legs were wedged under the steering wheel.  Johnny carefully pulled back on the passenger seat to get better access to Kat. "What hurts?"  Johnny asked taking her pulse. "Actually, nothing really." "Well, tell me about the 'nothing reallies'." "My legs are kinda numb.  But I think it's because of how I'm twisted." Johnny saw her to  try to move.  "No, Kat, stay still.  What else?" "I cut my head and that's it." Johnny brushed back her dark hair and saw some blood on her forehead.  The cut wasn't deep and had stopped bleeding. "Well, your vitals are good and that cut isn't too bad. I've got a collar here that I'm going to put around your neck as a precaution.  Okay?" Kat try to nod but Johnny stopped her.  "No, don't move your head." "I'm scared." "I'm here and won't leave you. I'm going to check your legs. Okay?" "Any other time I'd slap your face for a comment like that,"  Kat said sniffling. "I see your sense of humor is intact."  Johnny carefully felt her legs.  He could find no breaks. "Squad 51 to  HT 51-Whatcha got Johnny?"  Roy's voice came over the HT. "We have a 23 year old female pinned by the steering column.  Vitals are BP  118 over 78, pulse 90, respiration 20.  Pupils equal and reactive.  A slight contusion to her forehead.  She reports numbness in her legs.  Be advised she is laying sideways with her legs still under the steering wheel." "I'll tell Rampart." "Johnny am I going to be okay?" Johnny turned himself so he'd be facing her.  "I think so." At that moment the load shifted and came down another inch onto the car.  Johnny covered Kat's body partly with his. "Oh God, please no." "Easy Kat, it stopped." Johnny saw and heard  her crying.  "Does something hurt?" "No, but I'm scared.  You're gonna have to leave. I'll be alone." "Who said I'm leaving?" Johnny smiled at her. "It's not safe for you." "Hey, I'm not leaving till you do."  Johnny knew he needed to distract her. "So, you friend told me your from Washington? What's it like up there?" "It's okay," "I think I'd like more detail than that.  What did you do when you live there?" "I worked for a logging company.  Just a secretary.  But I hated it." "What? No good at typing." "Well, that and I hated watching all that beautiful forest being torn down." "HT51-Johnny-Rampart wants and IV with saline and put her on O2." "HT51- I'll come to the opening Roy-you hand me the supplies." "You're leaving?" "No, just reaching.  I told you I wasn't leaving you." True to his word.  Kat never lost sight of him while he got the supplies.  Johnny quickly got the IV started and put the nasal canula in place.  "How does that feel?"  Johnny asked checking her vitals again. "Fine, but I want out of here." "Understood."  Johnny picked up the HT.  "HT51 to squad 51." "I'm here Johnny what do you need?" "Our patient wants out of here.  Any idea how much longer?" "We're working on it." Johnny knew that meant they were having problems.  "HT 51-understood." "They can't get me out, can they?" The little gasp that followed tugged on Johnny's heart. "Hey, these guys are the best.  And they are just making sure that nothing happens to you.  So, it'll be a little longer." Kat  felt Johnny taking her hand and squeezing it.  "Just don't let go." Johnny's heart was racing. *BE COOL*, he thought to himself.  But the tingling feeling running through his body wasn't because of being in such a cramped space, it was because of her. "I'm not going anywhere.  Now, tell me did you get that job at the vet's office?" "How'd you--oh, wait-Cheryl-right?"   Johnny nodded and smiled.  "Yes, I got the job.  Nothing big, a vet assistant and receptionist when necessary." "You like animals?" "Yeah, even dated a few." Johnny saw her smile and smiled back laughing slightly.  "Got to have a lot of patience to deal with sick animals." "Oh, that's not a problem.  It's stupid people I don't have patience with." "I have the same problem-no patience for stupid people." "What other things did my friend tell you?"  *HOPEFULLY  NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH I'VE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE PARAMEDIC THAT GOT ME WITH THE SHOPPING CART* "Nothing too embarrassing.  Cheryl said you're from Washington?" "Yeah, the land of cloudy days.  Came here and had to wear sunglasses outdoors and in." *GOD SHE'S BEAUTIFUL AND FUNNY.*   "It took me forever to get use to the warm winter days."  Johnny saw the questioning look.  "I'm from Montana." "Oh," was all Kat said. "What's the matter?" "I'm not hearing them anymore.  Why have the other firemen stopped working?" Johnny looked up and around.  "Let me check."  Johnny took the HT  and Roy told him they were about ready to move the load.  Johnny told Roy he was staying with Kat.  Roy knew Johnny wouldn't leave her alone. "Okay Johnny, but cover up with the blanket and be ready to move fast." "Roy make sure you've got a backboard ready." "Already waiting with one.  Good luck in there." Johnny turned his attention back to Kat. "Well, looks like our time alone might be ending soon." "I hope not."  Kat bit her lip.  "I mean--well---I'd---you've been wonderful about all of this." Kat loved the blush that came to his cheeks.  *BE PROFESSIONAL* "Well, you made being stuck in a tight spot kinda nice too."  Johnny saw her blush. "Johnny when were out of here and in the real world again will you ..." <Squawk>  HT 51--moving the load on three>> Johnny covered himself and Kat with the blanket as they listened to Roy countdown to three. Johnny examined Kat's face now that her eyes were shut. He wished they could have more time alone. The loud groaning and the sound of metal tearing scared Kat.  She reached out with her hand and grabbed onto Johnny's shirt.  "Shh, it's going to be okay."  Johnny soothed. Suddenly things were a lot brighter. The car was being pulled out from under the truck. "Kat were out. Open your eyes.  Kat?"  Johnny quickly checked her pulse. He noticed how relaxed her facial features had become.  Johnny sighed, Kat had passed out. He touched her cheek gently. When the yellow blanket was pulled back Johnny quickly pulled his hand away from her face. "How's she doin'?"  Roy asked as he pulled back the blanket.  For a brief moment Roy thought he saw Johnny touching Kat's cheek. "Ah, she just passed out.  Pulse is fine though.  Let's get her on the backboard and out of her." Roy nodded and the two made quick work of extricating Kat from the remains of the car. "Hey, what? I'm out."  Kat sputtered out.  But  she couldn't see Johnny.  "JOHNNY?" Johnny had been checking her BP again when she started coming to. "Shh, I'm here.  Told you I wouldn't leave you." Kat's tear filled eyes locked onto Johnny's.  "Yeah, you did."  Kat smiled and Johnny winked at her. Roy was in the process of strapping Kat to the board. Hearing the exchange between Johnny and Kat he ventured a look in that direction. He looked at Johnny then at Kat.  He furrowed his brow. This was not Johnny's normal behavior when dealing with a patient. It wasn't unprofessional, but it could mean there would be a problem. "Johnny, I'll ride in with her." Johnny spun his head to look at Roy,  "No, I'm taking her in."  Johnny saw that Roy was done securing the belts.  "CHET, get the gurney over here." Chet nodded and returned quickly with the ambulance attendant and the gurney. Roy shook his head.  Kat was loaded onto the gurney and was loaded into the ambulance. Roy tried to separate Johnny from trouble one more time.  He grabbed Johnny's arm, "Let me take her in." "it's alright Roy. I'm taking her in." "Johnny where are you?" Kat  called from the ambulance. Johnny smiled and nodded to Roy then said,  "I gotta go, she needs me."  With that Johnny climbed into the ambulance. Roy hesitated only a moment before shutting the doors.  *I HOPE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.* *********** Somewhere else "Well, that got them together.  But you weren't suppose to hurt her." "I didn't.  They need some more time though." "What are you doing now?" "Something I saw in the SOUND OF MUSIC." "Huh?" "Watch." ********** Johnny sat on the bench next to Kat's gurney.  He could see how frightened she was.  "So, Kat.  What is Kat short for?" "Katrina." "Do you have a last name?" Kat rolled her eyes,  "Sasso,  Katrina Sasso." "Nice name.  How are you feeling now?" "Actually, the feeling is back in my legs.  You know, pins and needles. Everything else feels fine." Johnny finished checking her vitals again.  He made note that all were in the normal range.  "Everything checks out too." "Johnny my car is totaled." Johnny closed his eyes and nodded.  "Hey, but you're doing fine and that's what is important." "Yeah, but now I've got a whole new set of problems." "Hey, you can get another car?"  Then out of nowhere,   "I can even help you look for one."  Johnny was shocked by his own words. ********* Somewhere else "You scamp." "I know" ********* "Oh, Johnny that'll be a huge help.  My Dad got me that car. I don't have the vaguest idea  of how to look for a car." "Okay, as soon as you get a clean bill of health we go car hunting."  Johnny felt the ambulance turn and then back up.  "Where here?" "Are you still staying with me?" "As long as the Doc doesn't kick me out."  He squeezes her hand. "Then I don't want to see a doctor,"  Kat smiles. Johnny smiles and shacks a finger at her,  "Nope you will see doctor." Roy opens the doors to the ambulance and helps with the gurney.  "Let's get her moving Johnny?" Together they remove the gurney and wheel her into the ER.  Dix, the head nurse directs them into a treatment room.  "How she doing Johnny?" "All vitals are normal and she has feeling in her legs again." Once in the treatment room Roy and Johnny transferred Kat to the exam table.   Dr. Brackett entered the room and began checking the patient himself. "Well, who do we have here?" "This is Katrina Sasso.  She was pinned in her car and initialing had little feeling in her legs but now she has normal feeling.  Also, her vitals are normal,"  Johnny quickly related. Dixie noted Johnny never looked up from the young woman's face. She raised an eyebrow. Brackett didn't notice. "Okay, guys you can go." Johnny and Kat both looked at the doctor. Johnny patted Kat's arm, "It's okay. I'll check back later."  Johnny wanted to kiss her forehead but controlled himself. "Let's go Johnny,"  Roy knew he had to get Johnny out of there.  "Come on." Johnny followed but  walked slowly. When back in the squad Roy turned to him.  "Alright what happened?  Johnny your 'care' was a little--uh--it lacked--" "I know,"  Johnny stared straight ahead.  "I don't know.  But every since I first saw her  I can't stop myself." "You don't even know her." "Don't you think I know that,"  Johnny now turned to Roy.  His voice was loud and angry,  "Let me guess you're going to mention Valerie or some other girl I dated.  This is different....I can't...think ..sleep..she's gotten to me..."  Johnny paused a moment.  "She's gotten to me...the real me."  Johnny's voice got softer as he spoke. Roy took a deep breath.  "Easy, easy--this is serious?" "How could it be?  Like you said I don't even know her." Roy watch Johnny start running his hand through his hair. "I don't know.  Sometimes, yes, I think it can be serious ..."  Roy swallowed hard, "....but you've...." "Fine, I know what you're going to say."  Johnny grabbed the mic, "Squad 51 available." Roy knew that was the end of the conversation.  He turned the key and nothing happened. Johnny wasn't watching so when he didn't hear the engine start,  "Come on let's get out of here." "I'm trying but the squad won't start."  Roy turned the key again.  Nothing.  Roy and Johnny got out and raised the hood. "See anything?"  Roy asked. "Yeah....wires and cables and an engine." "I'll try starting it again."  Roy went to the cab and turned the key.  Nothing. Johnny checked the cables and wires.  "Nothing Roy." "I better call this this in......Squad 51 mechanical difficulties-respond tow truck to Rampart." "Guess we're stuck here for awhile." Roy watched Johnny looking back at the doors to the ER.  Roy knew Johnny was waiting for his okay to go check on Kat. ********* Somewhere else "Roy's opinion means a lot to him?" "I know. I need to give a little push." "I'd say shove--there's not much time till Christmas." ********** *DAMM, HE WANTS TO GO SEE HER. WHO AM I TO SAY ANYTHING. NOBODY BELIEVES JOANNE OR I WHEN WE SAY IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SITE---IN THE FOURTH GRADE-----LET HIM GO---I SHOULD LET HIM GO.* "Johnny go  check on Kat." "You sure?" "Yes, go.  Take the HT.  I'll let you know when...."  Roy didn't bother finishing the sentence since Johnny was already running to the door. Johnny nearly knocked Dix over rushing down the corridor towards Kat's treatment room. "Oh sorry Dix."  Johnny grabbed hold of the nurse to steady her.  "Is Kat still in the treatment room?" "Johnny I know this is an ER but we don't run in here."  Dixie straightened out her uniform.  "And yes she is  I'm waiting for x-ray to finish up."  Dixie watched Johnny's head moving side to side trying to get a better look at Kat's door.  "Johnny do you know this girl?" "Sorta, ran into her a couple of times.  Thought I'd check on her. Squad's out of service." "Really, why?"  Dix watched the frantic way Johnny eyed the treatment room door. "Uh it won't---Hey the x-ray guy is coming out.  Can I go in now?" If Dix didn't know better she'd swear she was dealing with a child.  "Johnny,  I don't think she should be ..." "Please Dix, I won't stay long.  And if she's tired or isn't up to it I'm leave.  Please." Dix put her hands on her hips.  "A couple of minutes that's it." Johnny jumped and then lifted Dix out of the way, kissed her cheek and took off to Kat's room. Dix stood stunned.  She touched her cheek where Johnny had  kissed her and blinked a few times.  A moment later she realized several student nurses were staring at her. Normally she'd ordered them away but she was still too stunned, so she turned and walked back to her desk---Smiling. ********* Somewhere else "That was close. I thought for sure she'd tell Johnny no." "She was going to, but the BOSS handled her." "Wow, the BOSS huh." "Yeah, she's too much for us." ********** Kat lay on the table still in the c-collar and strapped to the backboard.  Johnny walked over quietly.  "Hey, I bet you'll look wonderful on those x-rays." Johnny touched her arm. "You're back,"  Kat's eyes were wide and bright. "Seems the squad has decided not to work so neither do I until it's taken care of." "So, you'll stay with me some more?"  Kat watched his face break out into a huge grin. "Yep, I'm yours." *I CAN ONLY HOPE*  "That would be great.  I'm nervous about the x-rays. I've never been in a hospital in my life." Johnny pulled up a stool.  But quickly realized if he sat he couldn't look into her eyes so he stayed standing.  "Well, I have had the misfortune of ending up here a few times.  I can guarantee you'll get the best care.  I'll make sure you get the star treatment." "Oh, you've got pull around here huh?" "You betcha. Got them right under my thumb." Kat laughed and smiled.  Johnny laughed with her. "Don't make me laugh when I trussed up like this." "Okay, I'm be serious."  Johnny scowled. "Oh, that's worse,"  Kat giggled. Johnny laughed with her.  "How about we talk about.." "You?" "Me?" "Yes you Johnny.  How long have you been a paramedic? And why is a guy from big sky country doing in big smog city?" Johnny hesitated,  "It's a rough story." "I want to know." "I grew up on a reservation."  He waited for a reaction or comment.  When Kat just nodded he continued.  "My parents were good people.  We didn't have much but they made every moment.....really special."  Johnny took Kat's hand.   "When I was about 13 they were killed in a car crash. I was sent out here to live my Aunt." "Oh, John, I'm so sorry.  I lost my Mom when I was ten.  Cancer.  My Dad and I were lost without her.  My Dad is a big softy. He use to play Barbies with me.  He was my whole world." "Did you loose him too?" "No, but I don't get to see him much.  We talk a lot."  Kat sighed.. "Are you and you're Aunt close?" "Yeah, Aunt Tre is a strong lady.  Had to be to deal with me. I was messed up after I lost my parents." "It would mess up any kid, loosing a parent or both.  I kinda withdrew.  Dad had to drag me out of the house.  I don't think I talked to anyone other than my Dad for months." "I was so angry I ....did some stuff I'm not to proud of." "We were lucky.  At least we had people who cared for us and we came through it." Johnny nodded.  "This is so strange.  I normally don't talk to people about this.  I guess were kindred spirits huh?" "Yeah, it's nice." Roy stood by the slightly opened door and listened to Johnny tell this near stranger more about his past than he'd ever shared with Roy.  Roy let the door close and he felt a strange sense of happiness that this woman had been trapped in a car and Johnny got to spend time with her. When Brackett came by ten minutes later he only had good news. "Johnny you're still here?" "Yeah, squad broke down." Johnny pointed to the x-rays.  "So, how'd her pictures come out?" Brackett raised a questioning eyebrow at Johnny. Kat saw it.  "It's okay Doctor.  You can say talk in front of Johnny." Brackett waited a moment.  "You're x-rays came out negative. No damage at all.  So, that means we can get you off the backboard and out of the collar." "Is she staying overnight?" Johnny asked. "I think we will keep her tonight."  Brackett bent over. "You do have a slight concussion and I think we need to keep an eye on you." "Okay,"  Kat looked over at Johnny. "It's just a precaution Kat.  I've stayed plenty of times.  And you can see that I'm alright." Brackett coughed to cover his laugh.  "Well, that's debatable." At that time the HT went off and Roy told Johnny that Charlie had fixed the squad and they needed to get back into service. ********** Somewhere else "They are kindred spirits." "Yes" "Would they have met if not for the wish that Jennifer made." "The BOSS  is the only one that knows that." "Oh" ********** "Man I wish it took Charlie longer  to fix the squad,"  Johnny said fidgeting in his seat.  "I hope I get to see Kat the next time we have a run." "Charlie didn't fix the squad,"  Roy said quietly. "What?" "There was nothing wrong with the squad.  He turned the key and it started." "Oh, come on.  We did that and nothing happened." "I know that.  Charlie thinks I'm nuts now." "Well, that's a switch.  Normally, people think I'm the nutty one," Johnny said smiling.  "So, what do you think of Kat?  She wonderful isn't she. I'm going to help her with getting a new car.  If I'm lucky it could take weeks.  Do you think she'll like hiking?  I bet she would. Yeah, Kat mentioned how great the forests were in Washington. And Roy she's got a nice sense of humor too." Roy just listened.  But slowly a smile came to his face. "Okay, you got that weird smile on your face.  What?"  Johnny asked. "Nothing,  I'm just listening to you is all." "You think I'm rushing."  Johnny shook his head.  "I am.  But I've never--I know I've said it before--but this time it's different."  Johnny got quiet.  "I talked to her about stuff I normally don't mention to people."  Johnny waited then said,  "Even you." "Why?" "I don't know. Kat just got to me." "John, I hope ....well....that it works out." Johnny turned to Roy,  "What no comments about how little I know about her.  Or that we only just met.  Or I'm going to get dumped." "No, not this time." "Really,"  Johnny sat straighter. "Yeah, just.....be yourself." Johnny nodded.  Roy backed the squad into the station. "Roy don't say anything to the guys alright."  Roy nodded. Johnny spent any down time in the dorm talking on the phone to Kat.  He'd pick her up from the hospital tomorrow.  Johnny could hardly contain his excitement. When he was called to dinner Johnny was all smiles.  "Gentlemen, gentlemen, what's for dinner?"  Johnny called out as he sat down. "Stew and no complaints from you Gage,"  Chet said placing the pot on the table. "Aw, Chet I'd never insult your cooking." Chet stopped dishing out the stew and stared at Johnny. "Okay, Gage what are you up too?" Johnny dug into the stew that was in front of him.  "Nothing, just hungry." "Roy did he hit his head and you forgot to tell us." "Chet he's in a good mood.  Just  dish out the stew and sit down,"  Marco added since Chet was holding his bowl. Chet started dishing out the stew again, but kept glancing at Johnny.  When Chet sat down it hit him.  "That girl..from the car this morning."  Chet started laughing.  "You're hooked on a girl you spent what a few minutes with.  I'm taking bets on how long before she dumps you." Johnny face became taut, but he kept right on eating. Chet was waiting for Johnny to get angry and start ranting but it didn't happen. "So, Roy what do you think of the chick..." "SHE IS NOT A CHICK,"  Johnny stated staring intently at Chet.  "And you need to move on the another topic, NOW." Chet swallowed hard.  This was a Johnny that was rarely seen but when it was it was best to shut up.  So, Chet did. Johnny finished up and went to the dorm to call Kat again. Chet corned Roy by the squad.  "Uh, Roy, Gage got it bad for a ch..girl he just met." "Chet I can't explain it. But I suggest you leave this one alone for now." Chet nodded, put his hands in his pockets and walked off. ****** Later that evening. Roy was alone in the locker room cleaning and straightening out his locker when the door flew open. "Hey, easy." "Oh, sorry.  Guess what?"  Johnny was rubbing his hands together and pacing.  "She's gonna spend the day with me.  I think I'll take her to the beach.  Yeah, she can take it easy and we can talk.  Or maybe I should take her back to her apartment and wait on her hand and foot." Johnny just kept walking back and forth across the locker room.  Roy watched and waited til the ...... "So, what do you think?  Beach or apartment." "I think...." "She might get the wrong idea if I suggest stay in at her apartment.  Yeah, the beach is much better.  Thanks Pally."  With that Johnny left the locker room. Roy threw his small duffel bag into his locker.  "Sure Johnny no problem.  Glad I could be of help."  Roy shut his locker and went to the dorm to get ready for bed. Well after everyone was in bed Johnny stealthily came in and slid into bed. "Hey Roy, you awake?" "What?" "I called Kat, we're on for the beach. Man, this shift can't end fast enough." "If you would go to sleep you twit, it would get here quicker," Captain Stanley said in a reprimanding voice. Johnny cringed, "Sorry, night."  Johnny's eyes were wide open as his mind began to create the perfect day at the beach for himself and Kat. ******* Roy spent his first day off doing chores around the house.  As the day wore on he wondered how Johnny's day at the beach was going.  He figured he get to hear all about it when Johnny came over for dinner the following night.  That was if Johnny could wait that long to tell him. The next night JoAnne kept glancing out the window.  "Roy he's late. I can't hold dinner too much longer." "I tried calling but he's must not be home." JoAnne had her reservations about Johnny being so taken with this new girl but she wanted to meet her first before she'd say anything. "Why does he do this to himself? I swear Roy he....." "He's here with her." Roy had seen headlights and peaked out the living room window. Joanne wiped her hands on her apron, then straightened her hair. "Now, the Joannella,  gets to see the latest conquest." Joanne spent the night observing the latest victim of Gage charm, but this was different.  This girl wasn't swooning and giggling at Johnny's antics. Kat was a little more reserved.  Johnny's behavior was calmer.  Johnny wasn't nervous or acting  like Mr. Cool. Jennifer just watched her Uncle Johnny wide eyed.  She even surrendered her usually seat next to Johnny for Kat. The night was very pleasant.  Johnny finally brought someone over who JoAnne couldn't find fault with.  This was also the first girl Johnny brought by that was able to start and maintain intelligent conversation. After Johnny and Kat left Roy and JoAnne headed up to bed. As they began changing Roy asked,  "So what did you think of Kat?" "I really liked her.  I mean so far, there's nothing jumping out about her that I don't like." "Yeah, I know."  Roy turned down the bed and climbed in.  "But it's only been a couple of days.  Normally..." "Roy be nice."  JoAnne climbed into bed.  "But I know what you mean.  It's so hard to see him get his hopes up only to get hurt when it falls apart." "So, you don't see it lasting." JoAnne rolled over to face Roy.  "I don't know.  This seems different.  My womanly radar isn't going off over this one." ********** Somewhere else "Hey, you got to the wife." "No I didn't." "Ah, it was the BOSS then?" "No, JoAnne has excellent instincts about people.  We didn't have to do a thing." "Oh, so what happens..." "Do you want me to tell you...or would you rather watch?" "Watch." ******** "So, JoAnne likes her right?"  Johnny asked staying close to Roy as he was trying to change for their shift.  "I mean Jo seemed to like her. I know the kids loved her." "Johnny?" "What?" "I'd like to change my pants without you being this close." Johnny looked down and realized how close he was.  "Oh, sorry."  Johnny stepped back and sat on the bench. "And don't stare." "Yeah, sorry." Roy continued to change.  "Yes, Jo liked her." Johnny jumped up and hit his locker.  "I knew it. Yes."  Johnny turned and turned.  "This is great.  I'm gonna go call Kat." "Whoa, we got roll call in a couple and she's probably on her way to work." Johnny's eyes shot back and forth.  "You're right.  I'm call her around lunch. This is so great." "Johnny  calm down or you're going to run out of energy by lunch." "Nope, I'm riding high." "Gage what are you high on?"  Chet asked snidely. Johnny jumped the bench grabbed Chet's face with his hands.  "Love, Chester."  Johnny patted Chet's face.  Then whistling he left a stunned Chet behind. Roy watch Chet just stand there and rub his face.  "Uh, Roy, I have a feeling this is going to be a long shift." Roy nodded and tied his shoelaces.  "Yeah, but you don't ride with him." Chet turned to Roy,  "Is he going to get his hopes up again only to have some chick slam him down?" Roy heard the caring in Chet's tone.  "Chet she's really nice.  I hope not." Later as everyone was getting to eat lunch Johnny's laughter could be heard coming from Cap's office. "He talkin' to her?" Chet asked. "Yeah,"  Roy said setting the table. "What am I missing?"  Cap asked. "Johnny got a new girl,"  Chet explained.  "And he's heading for a fall again." "Chet that's not fair,"  Roy defended his friend. "Roy, he does seem to ....well loose interest or the girl does...a lot," Marco added tactfully. "Has he known her long?" Mike inquired. "A week or a little more,"  Roy said knowing it didn't sound good. "I swear his track nickname, galloping greyhound, could also describe his relationships." Roy nodded as his Captain's comments. Johnny came in a minute of so later. His exuberance was even beyond normal for him. "Kat and I are going hiking tomorrow.  She's got her own gear.  She even knows how to rappel." "How long til she repels you?"  Chet said under his breath. Johnny bit his lip.  "I know what you're all thinking but this is different." He heard a combined moan from the men gathered. "I ....you'll see....Kat's special."  Johnny took his plate and went to eat outside. "He didn't argue. Or jump down our throats,"  Marco noted after Johnny left. "That's what's different this time. Johnny's not being 'Johnny'. He's being better,"  Roy commented then continued eating. The others looked at each other then went back to their meal without saying anything. ************ Somewhere else. "It's only a week til Christmas." "Jennifer's wish has a life of it's own now." "But..?" "We step back." "This stinks." "The rest must be their choice." ************ "NO you don't get it,"  Kat stormed out Roy's front door. "Kat??"  Johnny ran after her. JoAnne and Roy closed their eyes.  Jennifer sat on the couch with her face in her hands. On the television the reporter explained how seriously injured  the firemen were  at  an early morning fire. "This may be their undoing,"  JoAnne said sadly as she wrapped her arms around Roy.  "This isn't easy for us to deal with no matter how much love there is." Roy wrapped his arms around Jo.  "I know and I'm lucky to have you."  Roy kissed Jo's head. "It's not fair.  Santa said he'd try. Now it's all falling apart and Christmas is going to be ruined." Roy and JoAnne looked at Jennifer.  "What?" "I asked Santa to give Uncle Johnny ....a wife.  He said ...oh it doesn't matter."  Jenny  got up and started for her room.  "it's stupid to believe in Santa." Roy caught up with his daughter and turned her around to face him.  "No Jen it's not.  And that was a wonderful thing you did for Uncle Johnny.  But this isn't something that's up to Santa." Jennifer sniffled.  "I just .."  the little girl ran up the stairs. Roy tried calling Johnny repeatedly that night but got no answer.  Roy and JoAnne tucked their children into bed and then went to theirs. Jennifer slipped out of bed after her parents left and knelt by the bed. "God,  Santa couldn't help so could you? My Uncle Johnny loves Kat. Could you please help them to be happy? Please, he's so wonderful to me and Chris and Daddy.  Sometimes I hear Mommy telling Grandma how Uncle Johnny keeps Daddy safe.  I think Uncle Johnny deserves a whole bunch of happy times.  So, God, if you could,  give Kat the strength that Mommy has ...needs to be the wife of a fireman. Amen."  Jennifer climbed back into her bed. Roy stood in front of his mirror in the bathroom. Closing his eyes he lowered his head.  Whispering he said,  "Uh, I don't do this often enough, so --uh, God, if you could let Kat and Johnny be together.  Amen."  Roy opened his eyes and smiled at his reflection. JoAnne had just finished a similar pray when Roy entered the room. "Maybe Johnny called the others.  Or went too.." "No, while you were helping Jennifer change I made some calls. No one has seen him." "Dammit,"  Jo said. "Yeah." ********* "Take care of John Gage will ya God. Lord knows that boy needs all your help,"  Captain Stanley thought after hanging up with Roy. ********* Marco crossed himself,  "He's such a nice guy, let him have some happiness oh lord." ********* "Take care of him God. Like he takes care of everyone else,"  Mike said looking skyward. ********* "I know I'm not always the nicest person to Gage and you're probably surprised to hear from me.  Hell, I can't believe.  Sorry about the hell thing.  But  You gave Gage that big heart now let him share it.  Oh and I've meant to apologize about the confessional thing I did when I was thirteen."  Chet crossed himself got up and exited from the last pew. ********** Somewhere else "The prayers for John Gage are coming through so loud  and clear." "That's what happens when they come from the heart without ulterior motives." "There are so many. Not just the men he works with." "Roy's call started others calling." "Does Johnny realize how many people care for him?" "No, he's too modest to think about things like that." "Oh....Where's that bright light coming from? It's blinding. "True love." "It's happening?" "Yes" *************** byAfter leaving Roy's Johnny sat silently driving Kat home.  Kat stared out the window crying. "Please tell me what's wrong?" Kat turned to him, "I can't. You'd ..." Johnny stopped for a light and Kat shoved open the door and ran off into  the rain. Checking his mirrors, Johnny quickly pulled the truck over and took off after Kat. When he caught up to her she had stopped running and was standing in the rain. "Kat what the hell is going on?" "I can't let us go on like this.  Don't you understand....." Johnny stood stone faced as Kat laid it all out. ******** "Leave, he took an emergency leave,"  Roy looked at his Captain in the office.  "When? Did he and Kat break up?  Is he alright?" "Roy I don't know.  I got a call from the Chief saying Johnny will be out for possibly a week." "Dam he's taking this worse than any other break up.  Can I try...." The Captain put up his hand,  "I already tried calling --no answer and his land lady hasn't seen him since the night he left your house." "Thanks Cap,"  Roy said sadly. ******* " But where is he Daddy?  Uncle Johnny didn't come tonight or even call.  Will he be here tomorrow? For Christmas?"  Jennifer asked as her Dad pulled up the covers. "Jenny I don't know." " I guess I shouldn't have believed I could wish for Uncle Johnny to be happy huh?" "No Jennifer that was a great wish I believe it will come true someday.  Good night."  Roy kissed the child's forehead and left the room. Roy tried calling Johnny's number again and got no answer.  He called again Christmas morning --again no answer. They unwrapped the presents and then got ready for Christmas mass.  Roy and Joanne noticed Jenny mumbling to herself but they couldn't make out what she was saying. Mass was quiet but without knowing about Johnny it seemed less comforting. On the way home Jenny kept mumbling.  Roy strained to make out the words.  Finally, he heard it. "I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe." Roy looked at Jo and saw tears in her eyes.  Jo could hear Jenny also. "DADDY STOP THE CAR--STOP DAD NOW!" Roy shocked by the yelling  child so he slammed on the brakes.  "What?" Jennifer was out of the car and racing towards a man and woman with their backs to them. "What is she doing?" "Don't have a clue......That's Johnny........and Kat."  Roy and Joanne with Chris trailing got out of the car and headed towards the couple. "UNCLE JOHNNY, UNCLE JOHNNY!" Johnny turned around and caught Jenny as she launched herself into his arms. "Hey, Jenny, Merry Christmas,"  Johnny smiled broadly. "Johnny?"  Roy called when he was close enough to shake hands.  "Dam it's glad to see you."  Roy then looked at the smiling face of Kat.  "What are you two doing walking around?" Kat answered,  "Well, we went by your place and no one was home so we thought we'd walk till you got back." Kat nodded to JoAnne.  "Do you have enough for two more at your dinner table?" "I've got enough food for an army,"  JoAnne smiled back. "Well, we Gages do tend to eat a lot."  Johnny waited for the reaction. "Gages?" JoAnne and Roy said together.  They saw the way Kat's eyes went wide and how she bit the corner of her lower lip. "We got married,"  Johnny said proudly. "YEAH," Jennifer screamed. "When? Where? How?" "Why don't we go back to the house and we'll give you all the details." ********** "So, your father was fine with you just showing up on his doorstep saying your were getting married.....just like that."  Joanne couldn't believe the story she was hearing. "I'd called Dad almost everyday since I met Johnny.  He knew I was very serious.  He also knew he could trust my instincts.. When he met Johnny he knew I was right." "That's why the leave --to fly to Washington to see her Dad?"  Roy asked. "Yeah, but we knew we'd get married too."  Johnny cheek twitched.  "I'm sorry I didn't call.  But we....were just...." "No need partner.  I'm happy for you." JoAnne sent Jenny on an errand then asked her question.  "Kat, that night you left....you seemed.....not quite ready to .." "What?" "That news about the injured firemen seemed to really spook you. What changed your mind?" "I didn't change my mind."  Kat watched the confused look on Jo's face.  "You thought that's why I left.  No."  Kat took Johnny's hand.  "I got upset because I wanted to marry him even more.  I wanted every moment we could possibly have.  I thought he wouldn't understand or would want to wait since we hadn't known each other long.  Everybody kept saying this was happening too fast." "When we talked, standing there in the rain, Kat explained her feelings about wanting to get married."  Johnny's voice was tender and serious. "I was shocked I was thinking the same thing."  Then Johnny stuttered out,  "I even had an engagement ring in my pocket. I was going to ask her that night anyway." "So there we are standing in the pouring rain.  He gets down on one knee and proposes.  We went to our apartments grabbed some clothes called the airport and flew out to see my Dad." "Her Dad gave me the once over let me tell you.  But he's a great guy.  We decided we'd get married right then and there. It was in a small chapel all lit by candles with tons of poinsettia plants.  The priest invited everyone who had come to mass that night to stay for the ceremony.  So many stayed it was unbelievable."  Johnny's eyes never left Kat. "But I wanted to see it," Jennifer said coming back into the room. Johnny waved her over to sit on his lap.  "Well, Kat and I are going to throw a big party on New Years Eve and invite everyone we know to celebrate with us. How does that sound?" Kat turned her head to face Kat.  "You made Uncle Johnny happy. I love you Aunt Kat."  Jennifer leaned over and hugged her new aunt. Somewhere in the house a bell rang. Johnny hugged Kat with Jennifer between them.  "It's a wonderful life,"  He said quietly. "It certainly is, partner."  Roy leaned over and kissed JoAnne. feedback for Lindasqd51 return to main menu .