WHAT A DAY! By SQ51 Storywriter Johnny and Roy pulled up in front of the grocery store. Johnny was writing with his green pen on a piece of paper. "What are you writing?" Roy asked. "A menu Roy. How does hamburgers and macaroni salad sound?" Johnny asked. "Sounds pretty good Johnny." Johnny shook the pen. "What's wrong?" Roy asked. "I don't know. I think it's running out of ink, and that's not good," Johnny said. "Why not?" Roy asked. "Well, last time this happened I had a bad day." Roy laughed and said, "Well, maybe you ran out of ink last time because you had a bad day, but really I don't think that you had a bad day because you ran out of ink." They got out of the squad and went into the store. Johnny took a cart and began pushing it down the aisle that contained the fruits and vegetables. He stopped and said, "Man Roy, will you look at these cantaloupes!" "Yeah, what about them Johnny?" Roy asked. "Well, do you think we should get some for supper tonight?" "Johnny, you're doing the cooking, it's up to you. I'd kind of like an apple pie," he said with a grin. "Johnny, I'm going to go get some hamburger buns and milk." Johnny mumbled, "An apple pie. I can't bake an apple pie. Who does he think I am anyway?" Roy turned toward Johnny when he heard him mumbling. "What's that you said?" "Oh, uh nothing, uh sure Roy, go ahead and get the buns and milk. Would you get some hamburger too, and a bag of macaroni for macaroni salad?" Johnny asked. "Guess I'd better get another cart for myself," Roy said. Johnny picked up some celery and a bag of carrots and then walked over to the apples. He picked one up and then another and about eight of them came rolling down off of the pile. He caught two. "WHAT THE…" Johnny said loudly, as he tried to catch them all. Six rolled onto the floor. He looked around to see if anyone was watching and picked them up off the floor. He wiped them off and put them into his cart. Then he walked over and picked up a cantaloupe. "Man, these smell good. I'm going to get a couple of them," he said softly. He picked up a cantaloupe and most of them came tumbling toward him. He did a quick juggling act and managed to get them back into the pile. He picked two out and put them quickly into his cart. He went over to the can good aisle to get two cans of baked beans. He took one from a display that was stacked and they all fell. Cans rolled everywhere. An older lady walked by and gave him a disgusting look. "Young man, just look what you have done. I think you should pick those cans up immediately before someone falls on them and hurts themselves," she said. "Yes ma'am, I'm uh… I'm going to do that right now," Johnny said. He quickly reached for two cans of the beans and placed them in his cart and pushed it out of the way next to another cart. He watched the lady go around the corner. He stooped down to pick up the rest of the cans. He was nearly finished picking them up when he noticed a foot beside a can. He looked up and saw a man standing there with his arms crossed. The man looked down at Johnny and said, "Do you need some help?" "Uh, no sir, I uh… think I have it," Johnny said, as he continued to pick the cans up from the floor. "Very well then. I'm the manager, and I've noticed that you seem to be having a bit of a problem today." "Uh, who me?" Johnny asked, as he turned and looked at the man. The man had a serious look on his face. "Yes you. I saw you at the apples and cantaloupes. Now it's the can goods," the manager said. "Uh, yes sir. Well, you see I'm getting some food for supper. I'm cooking tonight." "Well, that is if you aren't still here trying to destroy the store," the manager said, with a slight grin. "Uh, no sir, I mean I'll be through in a few minutes." Johnny hurriedly picked up the remaining can goods on the floor and grabbed the cart and hurried off to get some potatoes. He heard a lady scream, "MY BUGGY! SOMEONE STOLE MY BUGGY!" Johnny thought, "the nerve of some people stealing a buggy." He looked and saw that there was only one jar of mayonnaise left. He put it in the buggy. He turned the corner and picked up a small sack of potatoes and was about to put them into the cart. He then realized that he had grabbed the wrong buggy. "Oh man," he said to himself. He put the potatoes back on the shelf. He left the cart and started to look for the lady to apologize and explain what happened. He turned the corner and looked down the aisle. Suddenly he heard, "HERE IT IS! I FOUND IT!" He looked and saw the lady quickly hurry off with her cart. Johnny saw his own cart in the can goods aisle and looked in it to make sure that it was indeed his cart. He rolled it to the potatoes and grabbed a sack and put it into the cart. He saw Roy. "Hey Roy, we have to get out of here." "What's the problem Junior? I heard someone screaming. Is everything alright?" "Sure Roy, why wouldn't it be?" "Oh, I don't know. Suppose you tell me. The manager and I had a little conversation. He wanted to know how much longer 'Typhoon Fireman' was going to be in his store. I told him that I really couldn't say. I told him that I didn't know you," Roy said with a grin. "Very funny Roy." They finally got to the checkout lane. They unloaded the carts. Roy paid for the food. As the carryout was sacking the groceries, Johnny saw the lady who had retrieved her cart after he had accidentally taken it. He remembered the mayonnaise that he had put in her cart and he knew that he needed it for the macaroni salad. He walked over to her as she stood in line. "Ma'am I'm terribly sorry about your buggy. You see I'm the one who took it," Johnny said. "YOU TOOK MY BUGGY? WHY I OUGHT TO CALL THE POLICE! HOW DARE YOU TRY TO STEAL MY BUGGY!" she shouted. Then she hit Johnny in the chest with her purse. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY BUGGY YOUNG MAN, DO YOU HEAR ME!" Johnny rested his hand on her cart. "But ma'am, you don't understand, I didn't steal you buggy, honest, all I did was…" The woman hit his hand with her purse. She shouted, "I TOLD YOU TO GET AWAY FROM MY CART OR I'LL CALL THE POLICE!" Roy quickly went over to Johnny and pulled his arm. "Come on partner, time to go." "But Roy, I'm just trying to apologize." Then, he clenched his teeth and whispered, "and besides, I really need that jar of mayonnaise that I put into her cart. It's the only one left." "Well, we'd better go before you apologize yourself right into jail," Roy said. "Besides I think there is some mayonnaise in the refrigerator at the station." "Alright then, I'm coming, I'm coming," Johnny said. They went outside and got into the squad. Part 2 Roy backed the squad into the bay. They got out of the squad and went into the kitchen. "What's for supper pal?" Chet asked. "What do you think it is? Keep in mind now that Johnny's cooking," Marco said. "Oh yeah, that's right. Let's see now, I bet it is going to be hamburgers," Chet said, as he grinned. "I like Johnny's hamburgers," Mike said. "Well, anyone who has an objection can cook instead of Gage," Cap said. "No, that's alright Cap. I think it's great that we're having hamburgers again," Chet said. "I thought so," Cap said. "So really, what are we having tonight Johnny?" Mike asked with a grin. "Hamburgers, French fries, baked beans, and macaroni salad," Johnny said. "Hamburgers!" Marco said with a grin. Surprise me some more." "Well, I admit I am certainly looking forward to the macaroni salad," Chet said. "Yeah, me too," Marco said, "that really sounds good." Johnny and Roy put the groceries away and sat down at the table. Cap said, "I noticed the lawn was awful dry. Mind watering the grass pal?" Cap asked Johnny. "There is a sprinkler in the equipment room locker." "You want me to water it now?" Johnny asked. "Well, unless you can manage to water the grass and cook at the same time." "Why me, Cap?" "Why not you?" Cap asked. "You got me there I guess," Johnny said with a grin. "I could use some fresh air anyway." After he left, Roy said, "He didn't have a good morning at the grocery." Roy told the others what happened. Johnny went outside and began to water the grass. He put the sprinkler on the end of the hose and set it down. Chet came outside. "Watering the grass Johnny?" Chet asked. "No Chet, it just looks like it," Johnny said sarcastically. "Well, I think I'll take the sprinkler off and just use the hose and do it right since you seem to be having a bit of a problem doing things right today, Typhoon Fireman," Chet said with a grin. "Alright Chet, that's not funny. If you want to water the lawn, be my guest. It's all yours. Just remember to put the sprinkler back on the hose before you come into the station," Johnny said. Chet took the hose and took the sprinkler off and in the process sprayed Johnny with water. "CHET WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING!" Johnny shouted. Johnny started for the doorway. Chet said, "Wait Johnny, I didn't mean to…" He is interrupted when he heard Cap shout, "HEY EVERYONE COME IN HERE, WE'RE ON TV!" The guys all gathered around the TV set. Chet laid the hose down in the doorway of the bay. He ran and hurriedly turned off the water. Then he joined the others. Roy said, "It's that documentary that they were filming when we were at that wildfire last year." The guys watched the hour long documentary. "Gage, maybe you should turn the sprinkler off now and start supper," Cap said. "O.K. Cap," Johnny said. Johnny went into the bay and saw water everywhere. "HEY CHET! COME HERE!" Johnny shouted. Chet came into the bay. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW JOHNNY?" Chet shouted. "ME! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING CHET! YOU ARE THE ONE THAT HAD THE HOSE LAST. DIDN'T YOU TURN IT OFF?" Johnny asked loudly. "Of course I did. I know I did. I think I did anyway," Chet said. "Obviously you didn't turn it off all the way then," Johnny said. "Don't just stand there. Do something Chet." "Like what?" Chet asked. "Like get a mop," Johnny said. "A mop?" Chet asked. "We'd need a hundred of them pal." "WELL GET A HUNDRED THEN!" Johnny shouted. "JUST HURRY!" Johnny went outside and turned the water faucet off all the way. Cap heard the yelling and came into the bay to investigate. He saw Johnny coming back inside. "GAGE, WHERE DID ALL THE WATER COME FROM?" Cap asked loudly. "I guess from the hose." "Didn't you turn the water off before you laid the hose down pal?" "Actually Cap, it was Chet, and no he didn't." "That's it, go ahead and blame me Johnny," Chet said, as he handed Johnny a mop. "Alright, it doesn't matter who did it. Let's just get this mess cleaned up now," Cap said. "Kelly, you and Lopez grab a mop. Gage, you and De Soto go start supper. Stoker you can help in here." Johnny handed Chet the mop he was holding. Johnny turned around to go to the kitchen and Marco accidentally smacked him in the head while mopping. "Sorry Johnny, are you alright?" Marco asked. "Just fine!" Johnny said. "I'm just fine. I should have never got out of bed today, but I'm just fine." He and Roy went into the kitchen. Johnny said, "I'll start the hamburgers if you'll peel the potatoes for the French fries." "Yeah, I don't mind," Roy said. He went to the drawer and took out a peeler and got the bag of potatoes. Roy peeled the potatoes and Johnny started cutting them into the fries. He said, "Roy will you finish cutting the fries while I start making the macaroni salad?" "Sure Johnny, be glad to do that for you," Roy said. Johnny tried to open the bag of macaroni. "Man, this is one tough bag," Johnny said. He pulled on the ends of the bag and it finally ripped open and macaroni went flying everywhere. It landed on top of the stove, counter, and the floor. "MAN, I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!" Johnny shouted. Roy covered his mouth to hide his laugh. "Well, partner, accident's happen," Roy said. "But Roy they all are happening to me today." Cap came into the kitchen and said, "I came to see how things were…what happened in here?" "Just a little accident," Johnny said, as he went to get a broom. Cap grinned slightly and said, "Well, pal, this isn't your day today, is it?" "You can say that again Cap." Johnny and Roy finally managed to get the hamburgers, French fries, and baked beans fixed. They put the food onto the table. "Come and get it everybody," Johnny said. Chet, Mike, Cap, and Marco came in and sat down. "Hamburgers look good," Marco said. Chet reached for a hamburger and a bun. He got some baked beans and some French fries. He saw the celery and carrot sticks. "Celery and carrot sticks? Where's the macaroni salad at pal?" Chet asked as he looked at Johnny. "Well, there was a slight accident with the macaroni," Roy said. "But celery sticks?" Chet asked. "They are kind of plain aren't they?" Johnny got up and went to the cabinet and got a jar of peanut butter. He handed it to Chet. "Here stuff it Chet," Johnny said. He then sat down. "I sure was looking forward to the macaroni salad," Chet said. "Oh shut-up and eat Chet," Johnny said. "Well, what's for dessert?" Cap asked after everyone had finished eating supper. "Just wait until you see," Johnny said proudly. He went to the refrigerator and got out the sliced cantaloupe and passed it out to everyone. "Cantaloupe. You call this dessert?" Mike asked. "Yeah, is that all we get?" Marco asked. "Well, I thought it was a good idea," Johnny said. "Wait, there's more." "I would hope so," Mike said. Johnny went to the refrigerator and got the apples that he had washed. He placed one beside everyone's plate. "An apple?" Cap questioned. "Yeah, what's wrong with an apple Cap? They are good for you, aren't they?" Johnny asked. "Can't argue with that, can you Cap!" Marco stated with a grin. "I told him to make an apple pie," Roy said. "Well, next time it's your turn to cook you can make an apple pie if…" The claxon interrupted Johnny. "Station 51 a child trapped in a cave at Topanga Canyon. One half mile from the ranger station. Ranger will assist. Topanga Canyon one half mile from the ranger station. Time out 18:14." "10-4 KMG 365." Cap said. Johnny and Roy were donning their helmets as Cap gave the call letters. Cap handed Roy the paper and he passed it to Johnny. Johnny took his green pen from his pocket and started to write. Cap went in front of the squad to get into the passenger side of the fire engine. "It's out of ink Roy, can I borrow your pen?" Roy handed Johnny his pen. He wrote down the time and handed it back to Roy. Roy drove out of the station with the engine following behind them. The lights and sirens of the squad and engine alerted people to get out of the way. Part 3 They finally arrived at the ranger station. "Follow me," the ranger said. He had a small boy in his car. They got to the cave and a boy was standing there. "Tell these men what happened," the ranger said to the young boy. The older boy looked at the younger one. "Jerry, you tell them about my brother," the younger boy said as he started crying. "Gee Mister, we didn't think Timmy would tell the ranger and have the fire department show up or anything. Timmy, why did you tell the ranger?" Jerry asked. The ranger said, "The boy told me his brother went into the cave and couldn't get out. He said that some dirt caved in on him." "Is that true son?" Cap asked Jerry. The boy swallowed hard. "Uh, well, uh… he uh… he's really right here. Come on out Cory," he said. "What?" the ranger asked. "Well, you see, we were in the cave and well we heard the dirt falling and we got out o.k. Timmy was playing over by that log because he was too scared to go into the cave with us. So we thought it would be neat to scare him and tell him that Cory was trapped in the cave. Cory went and hid after we came out and I told Timmy that Cory was trapped and couldn't get out. I told him to go get a shovel and we'd dig him out. I didn't know that he'd tell anybody. We were just having some fun," Jerry said. "Cory, come out son," the ranger said. Cory finally came out from the bushes where he'd been hiding. "Timmy, you got us into trouble," Cory said. "Now, he did the right thing boys," the ranger said. "You boys shouldn't pull tricks like that." "We're sorry Mister," Cory said. "Are you boys sure that you are all right? There is no one is in that cave, is there?" Cap asked. "No sir, no one is the cave and we're fine," Jerry said. Johnny and Roy examined the boys. "They are all fine, Cap," Roy said. "I'm sorry for getting you out here like this. I guess I should have checked it out first before I called," the ranger said. "No sir, you did the right thing. If there had been a child in that cave, it would have been important to have called us right away like you did," Cap said. "I'll go clear us." Johnny and Roy got into the squad. "I should have known that something strange would happen," Johnny said. "How's that Johnny?" Roy asked. "Well, just look at how this day has gone." "Yeah, I guess I know what you mean," Roy said. He started the squad and returned to the station. "I think it's Chet's turn to do dishes," Johnny said. "Well, here he comes now," Roy said. "Chet, it's your turn to do the dishes," Johnny said. "Yeah, I think you are right Johnny, as long as Cap doesn't have anything for me to do." "Johnny did you or Chet pick up the sprinkler in the yard and put it away?" Cap asked. "No, it's still outside, isn't it Chet?" Johnny asked. "Yeah, I'll go get it," Chet said. "I'll go, you just stay here and start the dishes Chet. I mean if that's all right with you Cap," Johnny said. "Sure, I don't care which one of you does it, but do it before it gets so dark it can't be found." "Right away Cap," Johnny said. He went outside and picked the sprinkler up and brought it into the bay. He opened the equipment locker and felt a sting on his hand. "OW!" Johnny exclaimed. He looked down at his left hand and saw a small red area. It was hurting and itching and it began to swell a bit. Johnny decided to go get some ice. He walked into the kitchen and opened the freezer door. Chet was washing a plate and Marco was drying a fork. "Hungry again so soon, Johnny?" Chet asked. "No, I'm not hungry Chet," Johnny said, as he got some ice. He put the ice on his hand and walked away. Roy was out in his car looking at a map. Johnny saw him and walked outside to talk to him. "Hey Roy, going somewhere?" Johnny asked. "Jo Ann and the kids are wanting to go camping this weekend. I'm trying to decide where to go," Roy replied. "Oh, that's nice," Johnny said, as he held the ice on his hand. "What's wrong with your hand?" Roy asked. "Nothing," Johnny said. "Why do you have ice on it then?" Roy asked. "It's nothing, really," Johnny said. "A wasp or bee or something stung me is all." "Let me take a look," Roy said. "I looked Roy, and it's fine," Johnny said. "Well, don't mind if I take a look too, do you?" Roy asked. "I guess not," Johnny said. He removed the ice. Roy looked at it closely. "I don't see a stinger in it anywhere. You aren't allergic to stings are you?" Roy asked. "I don't think so, I've been stung before when I was a child a couple of times," Johnny said. "Well, we'll just keep an eye on you just in case," Roy said. "Yeah, I'd appreciate that Roy," Johnny said. "Are you feeling o.k. Johnny?" "Yeah, so far so good, other than the itching around the site and little pain." "Let's go back inside," Roy said. "Sounds good to me," Johnny said. They got back inside and saw Chet holding his arm. "What's wrong Chet?" Roy asked. "I'm not sure Roy. I was putting the mops away and I think something stung me," he said. "It was probably the same thing that stung Johnny. I'll get some ice." He left the bay area and went to the kitchen. "So that's why you got into the freezer," Chet said. "Yeah Chet, that's why. You aren't allergic to stings are you Chet?" Johnny asked. "I don't know. I don't think that I've ever been stung before." "Let me take a look at it," Johnny said. He looked at the sting just below Chet's elbow on the side of his arm. "Well, it's red and swollen. I don't see a stinger," Johnny said. "How do you feel?" "It's itching and it hurts," Chet said, "And you know something Johnny, it's strange but my eyes are starting to itch too." "Alright Chet. Come in here and lie down on your bunk," Johnny said. Roy saw Johnny and Chet heading toward the bunks. "Problem?" Roy asked. "Possibly, Chet's eyes are itching," Johnny said. "Here's the ice," Roy said, as he handed it to Johnny. "I'll get the equipment and call it in." Roy went to call in the still alarm and called for an ambulance. He returned and set the drug box, cardiac monitor, and the oxygen down beside Johnny. Johnny put a light tourniquet around Chet's arm above the sting just below his elbow. Cap came in and said, "What's wrong?" "Johnny and Chet got stung Cap. Johnny seems to be all right, but Chet isn't feeling too good." "O.K. Roy, we'll try to find whatever it is and kill it before someone else gets stung," Cap said. "If you find it Cap, put it into a container so that we can take it to Rampart with us," Roy said. "What's wrong Johnny?" Chet asked. He could see a slight look of concern on Johnny's face. "Hopefully nothing Chet, but you may be having an allergic reaction to the venom." "How are you feeling now Chet?" Johnny asked, as he took his wrist to get his pulse. "My head is beginning to hurt a little and it's a little hard to breathe," Chet said. "Well now you just relax Chet, you're going to be just fine," Johnny said. He placed his hand on Chet's chest to get his respiration rate. Then he took his blood pressure and checked his pupils. Roy said, "Chet, I'm going to put this oxygen on you and it'll help you to be able to breathe better." Chet nodded. "I'll get Rampart on the land line, Roy said" "Rampart, we have a 27 year old male apparently stung by an insect on the side of his right arm. We've applied ice to the sting and a light tourniquet above the sting site. We did not find a stinger. Vitals are as follows," Roy said, as he waited to repeat Johnny's findings. "Pulse is 120, respiration is 28 and shallow, blood pressure is 96/64, pupils equal and reactive. He is flushed, complaining of itching eyes, as well as a headache. Also, patient is having difficulty breathing. Oxygen has been administered," Roy said. "10-4 squad 51. Administer epinephrine and start fast IV with Ringer's Lactate. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs and transport as soon as possible," Kel Brackett said. "10-4, epi and fast IV with Ringer's. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vitals and transport," Roy repeated back to Kel. "Got that Johnny?" "Yeah, Roy, I heard," Johnny said. He started the IV and administered the epinephrine. Roy heard the ambulance pull up in the drive. "Ambulance just arrived on the scene Rampart," Roy said. "10-4 Squad 51. Bring him in," Kel said. Cap came in and said, "I've got it in this jar. It's a wasp. Marco killed it." "Good, we'll take it with us," Roy said. The ambulance attendants came in as Johnny finished applying the heart monitor on Chet. "How's he doing?" Cap asked. "He seems to be breathing better now Cap," Johnny said. They loaded Chet into the ambulance and Johnny rode in to Rampart with Chet. Roy drove the squad. Part 4 The ambulance attendants wheeled Chet into Treatment Three where Kel was waiting. Roy handed Kel the jar with the wasp in it and he and Johnny waited outside. "How's your hand?" Roy asked. Johnny looked down at it. "It appears to be doing just fine," he said. He showed it to Roy. "It looks o.k. to me too. Are you still feeling all right?" Roy asked. "Yeah, I feel fine Roy." Finally Kel came out of the room. "He's going to be just fine guys," Kel said. "We're going to keep him overnight for observation." "That's good Doc," Johnny said. "Yeah, I'm glad that he's going to be all right. Doc, Johnny got stung too," Roy said. "Let me take a look Johnny," Doctor Brackett said. "How are you feeling?" "Just fine Doc," Johnny replied as he showed Kel his hand. "Well, you'll be fine Johnny," Kel said. "Thanks Doc," Johnny said. We'd better be getting back to the station," Roy said. "Want me to drive?" Johnny asked. "With the kind of day you've been having, no thanks," Roy said with a grin. "Guess you're right," Johnny said. "What a day!" They got back to the station and watched TV and went to sleep. The next morning the guys got up and ate breakfast. Cap came in and said, "Just got off the phone with the hospital and Chet is doing a lot better." "That's great!" Johnny said. "Wonderful!" Marco said. "Glad to hear it," Roy said. "It was a good thing that he got stung here instead of somewhere else," Mike said. "Well, that it was," Cap said. "Well, it's time to go home," Johnny said, as he saw his relief coming. "It's about time," Roy said. "Yeah, here comes our relief," Marco said. "It's been a long day," Mike said. "Seemed that way," Cap said. Johnny went to his car and Roy asked, "Do you have plans for today?" "The first thing I'm going to do is get a refill for my green pen," Johnny said. "Yeah, good idea," Roy said. "Well, bye." "Bye Roy," Johnny said, as he attempted to start his Land Rover. It didn't start. He tried again and then again. Roy got out of his car. "Problem Johnny?" Roy asked. "Yeah, I guess so Roy. Mind giving me a ride?" "Not at all, get in partner," Roy said. "Where do you want to go?" "To get a refill for my pen Roy. I tried to explain to you yesterday that whenever I am out of ink in my green pen that I have a bad day. You saw me trying to start my vehicle. I'm not taking any chances today, I'm getting an ink refill as soon as possible," Johnny said. "When we come back after getting that ink refill put it into my pen, I just bet you that my Land Rover will start." "Sure partner, we'll get you one right away. Maybe we should get two. That way perhaps your day will be twice as good," Roy said, as he laughed. He pulled out of the station and headed toward the office supply store. The End! |