Head Over Heels
By
A beautiful Saturday in mid-May, Roy had bribed Johnny into helping him with yet another project. This time it was helping to refurbish the deck, and the reward was one of Joanne's fabulous homecooked meals. Now 12:30 , the two of them were taking a well-deserved break after working since 8AM .
While they were sitting on a small bench off to the side of the deck, enjoying some cold water, Roy smiled and let out a small chuckle. Johnny looked at him curiously. “What's so funny, Roy ?”
Roy shook his head. “You are, Junior. You are so easy. All I have to do is tell you that Joanne's cooking and I have you wrapped around my finger. You'll help me with anything.”
Johnny smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “What can I say? I'm a sucker for your wife's cooking. Too bad, I can't come up with something to wrap Chet around MY finger.”
Meanwhile, Chris was in his room working on an end of the school year project. Joanne was in the kitchen making sandwiches for everyone. And eight year old Jennifer was busy wearing a path in the living room carpet.
“Jenny, what are you doing?”, asked an exasperated Joanne.
“I'm pacing, mom.”
“I can see that. May I ask why? Is something bothering you?”
“Kind of.” Jenny stood looking at her mother, biting her lip.
“Can you tell me? Maybe I can help you.”
Jenny looked thoughtfully at her mother. “I don't want to hurt daddy's feelings.”
“Jenny, you would never hurt daddy's feelings. I know you love your daddy very much.” Jennifer looked like she was about to cry. “Did something happen, Jenny?”
With tears threatening to start coming down her cheeks, she let her mother in on what was bothering her. “Miss Valentine said that we can each bring in a special guest to school. We're all going to take turns.”
Joanne was confused. She looked at her daughter questioningly. “What's the problem? That sounds like fun.”
“I want to ask Uncle Johnny to come to school with me. But, I'm afraid daddy will be upset with me that I didn't ask him.”
Joanne understood Jennifer's predicament. “Daddy was Chris's special guest when he was in third grade. I don't think he'd mind if you asked Uncle Johnny.”
“Really?” Jenny looked at her mother with hopeful eyes. After a minute, Jenny's near tears turned to all smiles. “I'm going to ask him now.”
Joanne smiled at her daughter. She certainly loved her Uncle Johnny. Jenny runs outside to where her dad and Johnny are working. “Uncle Johnny….Uncle Johnny,” she called with such glee.
“What is it Jelly Belly?”
Standing in front of Johnny with a big smile and her eyes dancing, she asks him the
“big” question. “Uncle Johnny, will you be my special guest at school? We all get to pick someone to bring to school for the day. I picked you. Will you come?”
Johnny was dumbstruck. His partner's daughter wanted him to go to school with her instead of her father. Johnny shot Roy a glance. Roy was sitting there quite amused with a smile on his face. “Jen, what day did you have in mind?”
“Daddy's off on Thursday. I saw it on our calendar. Can you come on Thursday?” She looked at Johnny with her big green eyes.
Smiling, Johnny responded. “Thursday sounds good. Do I have to do anything special?”
“You have to tell everyone what you do and tell some stories. You can also bring in a snack for us. That way everyone will think you're really cool.”
Smiling, Roy whispered to his partner. “I'm not the only one who has you wrapped around their finger, Junior.”
Joanne brings out the sandwiches. They all have a picnic sitting on a blanket in the middle of the back yard. “The deck's coming along nicely, guys. You think you'll be finished before supper?”
Roy looks at his watch. “Well, if we start up again in five minutes, we should be ready to eat by 6PM . What are we having for dinner tonight, Jo?”
“Well, I gave it a lot of thought. There was one special dish that I know you both enjoy….Stoker's spaghetti.”
Hearing that, Johnny almost choked on the last of his sandwich. “Joanne…”
“It's alright, Johnny. I told Roy that I really liked Mike's recipe.” With that, she gathered up the plates and got up, her laughter trailing behind her.
“Roy, your wife is wicked.”
Six O'clock came and the fellas were done with the deck. Standing up, they both stretched and admired their handywork. Johnny smiled his crooked grin. “So, when are we breaking her in, Pally?”
“In a few weeks. Joanne wants to invite all the gang over for a barbecue.”
“Chris, get your dad and Uncle Johnny. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
Chris goes out to the deck. “Mom says dinner's ready.”
“We're coming, Chris. Get your sister and the two of you wash up for dinner.”
Joanne looks outside at the deck. She smiles as she sees two of the most important people in her life, her husband and his best friend. She stood there for a minute thinking what her life would be like if something were to happen to either one of them. After a little shudder, she comes back to reality.
Everyone was now at the kitchen table, enjoying Mike Stoker's spaghetti recipe. Jennifer was sitting on one side of Johnny, Chris on the other. Jenny was talking non-stop about how her Uncle Johnny was going to be her special guest at school next week.
After a wonderful meal and a dessert of chocolate cake, everyone went out to the back yard. The kids were playing catch, the adults were sitting on the deck talking.
“Johnny, aren't you dating anymore? I never hear about your latest girlfriends?”
Johnny looked at Joanne for a few seconds, sat back in his chair and sighed. “I don't know , Jo. I guess I'm taking a break. I'm 28 now. Chasing after nurses doesn't seem to be as much fun for me, anymore.”
“John Gage, I'm surprised at you. You sound like you're giving up.” Joanne was looking right at Johnny.
Johnny took a minute to gather his thoughts. He took a breath and exhaled before responding. “I'm not giving up. It's….I guess I figure if I take a break for awhile, maybe the right girl will just…..”
“Magically appear?”
“I don't know, Roy . Something like that, I guess.”
Roy had known that Johnny hadn't gone out on a date in a couple months. It always pained him when Chet would start in with Johnny about being in a dating slump. But, he knew that was Johnny's choice.
Realizing that she inadvertently struck a nerve, Joanne felt bad. She adored Johnny and only wanted the same for him that she and Roy had.
After a couple minutes of awkward silence, Johnny got up. “I should get going. I have some stuff to do.”
“Johnny, I'm sorry. I…I didn't mean to pry.” Joanne looked at Johnny with a mixture of concern and affection.
“It's okay, Jo. I'm just getting tired. Your husband is a tough task master and we are coming off a busy shift.” Johnny smiles and adds,”Thanks for dinner, Stoker's spaghetti was great.”
“Uncle Johnny, are you leaving?”
“Yes, Chris. I'll see you in a couple weeks.”
“Okay.”
Meanwhile Jennifer had to come over to give her Uncle Johnny a proper good-bye. “Uncle Johnny, don't forget Thursday. I'll call you to let you know what time. Okay?”
“Good deal Jelly Belly. I'll be waiting by my phone.”
With green eyes dancing and her hands on her hips, Jennifer responds with a giggle. “Uncle Johnny.” She gives Johnny a big hug. Johnny in turn gives Joanne a kiss on the cheek. “See you soon, Johnny.”
“You will. Thanks again for dinner, Jo. It was delicious.”
“I'll walk you out, Junior.”
The two friends walk to Johnny's Rover. “Johnny, you okay? You seem a little down. It's not what Joanne said, is it?”
Turning, Johnny looks at his partner. Sighing, he answers softly. “No, it isn't. I mean, not really. I'm okay, Roy . I'll see you on Monday morning.”
“Thanks for helping me with the deck, Johnny.”
“No problem. After all, what are partners for? Hey, tell Jo I'm okay.”
“I will. Get home safe.”
The next shift found Johnny in better spirits. Wednesday morning arrived. Roy and John were in the locker room changing to go home.
Johnny was sitting in his locker buttoning his shirt. “Do you believe I'm actually nervous about going to Jenny's school tomorrow?”
“Why?” Roy asked curiously.
“I don't know. I guess it's because I hated school when I was growing up. I got into a lot of fights and ended up in the principal's office, a lot.”
“You never told me that you got into fights, growing up.”
Johnny responds to his partner in a sarcastic tone. “You mean, if I had kept my mouth shut I could have had you keep thinking I was perfect?” Johnny pauses and continues. “ Roy , that was a long time ago. I was a kid.” Johnny jumps down from his locker and picks up his duffle bag. “Tell Jennifer, I'll be waiting for her phone call.”
10 AM the next morning finds Johnny nervously walking to the front office of Bradenton Elementary School , carrying a tray of cupcakes. Opting to wear a pair of beige slacks and a dress shirt instead of his uniform, he walks into the front office. Giving the secretary one of his patented smiles, he introduces himself. “I'm John Gage. I'm a guest of one of Miss Valentine's students. Would you mind giving me directions to her classroom?”
“Sure. Go down this hallway here, make a left turn and go down eight doors. Room 310. Miss Valentine's name will be on the door. Before you go, would you mind signing the visitor's log?”
“Of course.” Johnny signs in the log and smiles at the woman before walking away. As he goes down the hallway, admiring the colorful artwork on the walls, he is struck by two thoughts. The first one is about how the pictures on the walls remind him of the dozens of pictures that Jenny had made for him over the years. The second and most ironic thought is that Miss Valentine's room number is 310. That's the same number of the hospital room at Rampart that he seems to always end up in.
Arriving at his destination, Johnny looks in the window of the classroom door. He sees about 18 children sitting at their desks, including a very sweet-looking little girl named Jennifer DeSoto. He also notices a very attractive woman standing at the front of the classroom. She was slender, average height, and had long brown hair. She also had a very warm smile. She was wearing a blue skirt and a white blouse.
Summoning his courage, he knocks on the door. The attractive woman he saw inside comes over to the door. Miss Valentine was smiling warmly. “You must be Mr. Gage.”
Johnny smiles his best crooked smile. “Guilty. Please, it's John.” He holds out his hand to shake hers.
“I'm…I'm Miss Valentine…Emily.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Emily.” Their eyes meet for a moment.
Miss Valentine leads Johnny into the classroom. She takes the tray he was holding and sets them on a table. “Jennifer, you want to come up and introduce your guest?”
“Yes, Miss Valentine.” Jenny goes over to Johnny and holds his hand. Before she starts her introduction, she looks up into his brown eyes and smiles at him.
“This is my Uncle Johnny. He's a paramedic and firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. My Uncle Johnny is my daddy's partner. I call him Uncle Johnny because he's my daddy's best friend and because I've known him since I was really little. He's fun to be with. And, when he comes over for dinner he makes us all laugh. When he and my daddy are around I feel really safe, because if something bad were to happen, I know they would take good care of me and my family. And, because I love my Uncle Johnny and he's so important to my family, I wanted to bring him to school today as MY special guest. So, here's my Uncle Johnny.” Jenny was beaming with pride.
Johnny was very touched by the heartfelt words of Jenny's introduction. “Thank you for that wonderful introduction, Jenny.” He turns and looks at her and gives her a big smile. “I am a paramedic. How many of you know what that is?”
Some of the kids raise their hands. Johnny spots a cute little red-headed girl and points to her. “What's your name, sweetheart?”
“April. Paramedics help people when they are hurt or sick and take them to the hospital.”
Johnny was impressed. “That's right. I work with Jenny's dad. Sometimes we have to go to a dangerous place to help someone. Places like a cliff on a mountain, or high up on a bridge. That's when we have to be very careful and make sure that we keep each other safe. I am also a firefighter. If there's a building on fire, we go in and help put out the fire. If someone is hurt, we get them out and take care of them.”
A little boy asks Johnny if he ever gets scared. “Sometimes. It does get scary. But all of us are very well-trained and know our jobs very well. The people I work with are the best at what they do and I trust them all very much.”
The kids continue to ask Johnny all kinds of questions. Johnny also tell them about some of his adventures while on the job.
It's now lunch time. The kids are sitting at their desks eating lunch. Johnny and Miss Valentine are at her desk having a conversation.
“It's wonderful to finally meet you, John. Jenny talks an awful lot about you.”
Johnny laughs. “Jenny tends to exaggerate. I guess that's where she's more like me than her father.”
“Maybe so, but not in this case. I gather, her parents know what kind of affect you have on her.”
“Yeah. Her father and I have been partners for over six years. She's a sweet girl. I've known her since she was about 1 ½ years old. From the beginning the two of us had this connection.”
“Well, she absolutely idolizes you. I bet you have that affect on all the ladies.”
Johnny smiles. “Well, maybe on the eight year olds and eighty year olds. It's the ones in between that I have to work on.”
“Well, if I ‘m not being too forward, here's my home phone number. Please call me.” She warmly smiles at him and touches his arm. Then, she hands him a card with her number on it. Johnny puts it into his shirt pocket.
After finishing his conversation with Miss Valentine, Johnny goes over to sit by Jennifer.
“Uncle Johnny, mom packed an extra sandwich for you. She said you'd be hungry. Are you hungry?”
He looks at Jenny with a twinkle in his eyes and a sly grin. “What do you think?”
“Here's your sandwich. It's peanutbutter and jelly.”
While enjoying their sandwiches, Jenny asks Johnny what kind of snack he brought in.
“Cupcakes…..chocolate icing.”
Jenny's eyes got real big. “You made cupcakes? Daddy says that the only thing that you really know how to make are hot dogs.”
“One of my neighbors made them for me. But, if your parents ask….I made them, okay?”
“Okay, Uncle Johnny.”
After the kids were all done eating, Johnny passed out the cupcakes. The afternoon went quickly. A geography lesson and a spelling lesson later, Johnny was ready to go. The kids all thanked him for the cupcakes and for spending the day with them. Jenny gave him a hug.
Miss Valentine walked Johnny to the door. “John, please call me.” She gave him a big smile and turned to go back in the room. Johnny signed out in the visitor's log and walked to his Rover. He clutched the card with Emily's number on it and smiled all the way home.
The next shift found Johnny in an exceptionally good mood. Roy and John were in the locker rook getting ready for the start of their shift. “I hear you were a big hit with the kids, Junior. When Jenny came home, she talked non-stop about you and the cupcakes.”
“I had a lot of fun, Roy . They were really good kids.”
The door opened, and Captain Stanley's voice could be heard. ‘Roll call in five minutes.”
Fifteen minutes later, Roy and John were checking their supplies.
Lurking behind them was Chet. “So Gage, still no dates, huh?”
Turning slowly Johnny thoughtfully answers. “Chet, maybe my standards are just higher than yours. Did you ever wonder why some of the girls you dated, end up going out with me?”
Pretending to think, Chet tapped his head with his finger. “Maybe it's because, they lowered their expectations.” Johnny glared a t Chet, while Roy stood and shook his head.
Thankfully, the klaxons sounded and they were called away on the first run of the day.
A few day's after being a guest in Jenny's class, Johnny decided to call her teacher, Miss Valentine. They made plans to go out on Saturday night.
Johnny arrives at her beach house at 5:30 PM . He was carrying a bouquet of 12 yellow roses. He nervously walks up to Emily's front door. He rings the bell and waits for her to answer it, his heart beating quickly.
Emily answers the door wearing a pretty peach-colored sleeveless dress. She smiles warmly at the handsome man standing before her. “Hi there.”
Johnny smiles back. “Wow, you look amazing.”
“You look pretty amazing, yourself. Come in.”
Entering her front door, he hands her the yellow roses. “These are for you.”
Pleased with the thoughtful gesture, she takes them from him. “They are absolutely beautiful. I'm going to put them in a vase. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Johnny sits down on her couch. “I've gotta admit something to you.”
What's that, John?” She looks at him curiously.
“I'm really nervous.”
Emily laughs. “You run into burning buildings and rescue people from places 50 stories up, for a living…and you're nervous to go on a date?”
Johnny grins sheepishly. “I guess the secret's out.”
“Don't you date much?”
Wanting to choose his words carefully before responding, Johnny thinks for a moment. “Not a lot, lately. It's my choice entirely. I just…got tired of it.”
“You just haven't met the right girl yet,John.”
Curious, Johnny asks Emily the same question. “How about you? You date much?”
“Actually, no. The men I was dating were more interested in a good time, but now….”
Johnny finishes her sentence….”you're looking for something more.”
Emily was surprised that Johnny read her that well. ‘How did you know what I was going to say?”
Johnny smiles and shrugs. “Easy…I feel the same way.”
Emily laughs. “What's wrong with us? We're two relatively normal people. Intelligent, have good jobs, and yet we can't find anyone.”
Johnny starts to chuckle. “My partner would argue the first two points. The ones about me being normal and intelligent.”
“I don't think you have anything to worry about, John.” She pauses and continues. “Well, I don't know about you Mr. Gage, but I am starving.”
“I hope you're not one of those girls who picks at her food.”
Emily smiles a big smile. “Me? I'm afraid you have the wrong girl for that. There's nothing wrong with MY appetite.”
Emily grabs her shawl and locks her front door. Johnny leads her to his Rover and helps her in. “Sorry if you were expecting a fancy car. This Rover takes me where I want to go.”
“It's fine, John. I don't care if you had a bicycle. I was never impressed by fancy cars, any way.”
Johnny turns onto one of the coast highways. “Where are we going, Johnny,?” Emily asks curiously.
“It's a great little place up the coast.” After a half hour of nice conversation, the couple arrive at their destination. After entering the restaurant, they are greeted by a very fatherly looking man.
“Johnny, welcome.” The man hugs Johnny warmly.
Johnny smiles brightly. Hi, Clancy. Good to see you.”
Admiring the very attractive woman that was standing next to Johnny, he asks him who the lovely lady is.
“Clancy, this lovely lady is Emily. Emily, this is Clancy.” Emily holds out her hand. Clancy gently takes it and kisses it. “Pleasure meeting you.”
“Thank you. It's nice to meet you, too.”
Clancy sits them at a cozy corner table overlooking the ocean.
“I hope you two are hungry.”
Emily answers before Johnny can say anything. “Starving.” She looks at Johnny and lightly laughs.
“I will take care of dinner. Relax and enjoy each other.”
“Thank you, Clancy.”
They drink some wine. “I have a toast. This is to Jennifer DeSoto for bringing her Uncle Johnny to school.” They clink their glasses and gaze into each other's eyes.
“I have one, too.” He smiles and continues. “Here's to the beginning of what could be a beautiful friendship.” With a gleam in her eyes, Emily adds, “….or more.”
“So, if we end up getting married, does that mean Jenny will be your maid of honor?” They share a giggle over that one.
“So, how did you find this place? It's wonderful.”
“Well…Clancy was at the same supermarket that I was. He was standing in front of me at the check out line. He went down with an apparent heart attack. I helped him until the paramedics go there. He was so grateful to me for helping to save his life that he found out what station I worked at. He invited me for dinner at his restaurant….the rest is history.”
After a couple hours of great food and conversation, the new couple was ready to leave. They thanked Clancy for a wonderful meal and drove back to Emily's beach house.
Since it was such a beautiful night, they decided to go for a walk on the beach. Without thinking, they held hands.
“I can get used to this. The men I've gone out with…no sense of romance.”
“I guess, I'm old school, huh?”
Emily nods her head. “It's quite refreshing.”
“Emily, I don't want to give you the impression that I do this with every girl I go out with.”
“I don't think that, at all.”
They sit down in the sand. Johnny sitting behind Emily with his arms around her waist.
“I feel so safe in your arms. I don't know if it's the wine, the sea air, or the moonlight…..”
Johnny once again finishes her thought. “…I think I'm falling in love.”
She turns around and kisses him.
“You know, I am a paramedic. It's dangerous work and I love my job.”
“I know. I wouldn't have it any other way. You could be a plumber and get hit by a bus. I don't care. I accept it.”
Johnny looks into Emily's green eyes. “If things are heading to where I think they are…”
“My turn to finish your thought. You wanted to make sure that I understood the nature of your job and where you stood on it. No doubt, you've gone out with some girls who were unable to accept that fact.”
Smiling, Johnny was impressed at how well Emily grasped the sense of who he was and what his job meant to him. “Yeah.”
After talking some more, Emily decides to make a leap of faith.
“I hope I'm not being too forward if I asked you to stay the night.”
Johnny looked at her incredulously. “Are you sure? I don't want you to think that that's the kind of guy I am, or that that's the reason why I'm here and what I'm looking for.”
Emily looked at Johnny with affection. “I don't think that at all. You know what I think? I think you are a kind, big-hearted, strong, compassionate, romantic, and incredibly sexy man….and I want to make love to you in the worst way.”
“My, you sure are direct.” He smiles and helps her up. “Lead the way, beautiful.”
They go back to her house and have a night full of passion and romance.
The next morning, Johnny wakes up to see Emily lying on her side, next to him. Her beautiful green eyes were open. He smiles at the sight. “You've been watching me, haven't you?”
She sheepishly smiles. “Guilty. I've been waiting my whole life for you. Where the hell have you been?”
“Apparently, waiting for a certain eight year old little girl to drag me into your classroom. Not that I didn't go willingly.” Johnny lets out a little chuckle. “Gee, I'm really sorry that Roy 's son didn't have you as a teacher, or we may have gotten together sooner.” They kiss; a sweet, gentle, passionate kiss.
“Do you keep a well-stocked kitchen?”
“Of course. I told you there was nothing wrong with my appetite.”
Johnny smiled proudly. “Well, among many other talents, I do know how to make a mean batch of eggs and pancakes. How about if I cook us some breakfast?”
“I'm all for it.”
They get dressed and after and hour, they are eating breakfast.
“This is delicious, John.”
“Thanks. Why do you look so surprised? It is in the job description of a firefighter to be able to cook, at least a little bit.” They both laugh.
“So, how many more days of school are left?”
“Ten.”
“Tell me Miss Valentine, how does a lovely lady like you spend her summers?”
Emily's look turns thoughtful. “In the past, I taught summer school. I would also tutor and work odd jobs here and there. I've been saving my pennies, so I don't have to work this summer.”
Johnny was hopeful as he asked his next question. “Do you like camping and the mountains?”
Emily smiled and laughed. “Growing up with four older brothers, we would go camping a lot. Why do you ask?”
“Away from work, it's my favorite past time. When I'm out there, it gives me such a feeling of serenity. Sometimes, I'll just drive up to the mountains to get away for awhile. When I come back, I have a renewed sense of calm. Maybe I could put in for a vacation some time this summer and we could go.”
Emily was very receptive to the idea. “I'd love that. Speaking of camping with brothers, is that something you did with your family?”
“No…it was something to I learned to appreciate when I was older.”
Emily sensed that she had stumbled onto a topic that Johnny didn't care to talk about too much. “Look, I'm sorry if I hit a nerve. I didn't mean to pry.”
Johnny looked at Emily for a moment and decided that if things were indeed headed to where they both thought they were, he needed to be honest with her. He started to bare his soul about his childhood. “My father was an abusive alcoholic. One night when I was 12 years old, he got behind the wheel of a car after he had been on a drinking binge. My mother was in the car with him. He smashed the car into the side of a brick wall. My parents both died. My brother Gavin hung himself a few months later. We were living on a reservation in Montana . After the accident and my brother's suicide, I went to live with an aunt in Los Angeles . Here I am.”
Emily was speechless. “It must be hard to not have any family.”
Johnny looked at her wistfully. “ It's been so long, I don't look at it that way. As far as I'm concerned, I do have family. Roy, Joanne, their kids, and the guys at the station…they're my family. I consider myself a lucky guy.”
“Tell me about you and Roy. The two of you are obviously a very integral part of one another's lives.”
“That statement says it all. There's no one I trust more, than Roy > I'd give my life for him.” Emily looks at Johnny with soulful eyes. “Emily, remember what I said last night about being a firefighter?”
She answers softly. “Yes.”
“Well, there's something else. It's sort of a promise that I made to myself. I'd rather put myself in harm's way than for Roy to do it. It's kind of my way of making sure that he gets home to his family at the end of every shift. Present company excluded, I don't have anybody in my life to worry about. So, I guess that's my way of justifying it.”
Realizing she now had a stake in this. “What happens if you do marry and have kids?”
Johnny shrugs his shoulders. “I don't know. Truthfully, I never really thought marriage and kids were ever going to be a part of my life.”
“And now?,” she asks curiously.
“A definite possibility.” He smiles and kisses her.
They clean up in the kitchen and sit out on her deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean . They talk some more.
Johnny looks at his watch. “ Three O'Clock already. I don't know where the time went.”
“Me, either.”
“I don't want to go, but I have to take care of a few things before I go back on shift tomorrow.”
“I understand.”
“You don't have to worry, I promise to stay in touch. I'll be calling you real soon.”
They kiss one of their slow passionate kisses. Emily looks right into his brown eyes. “I accept you for who you are and what you do. But, please be careful>”
Johnny smiles at her. “I'll do my best.'
Johnny drives back to his apartment with a big smile on his face, unable to stop thinking about the last glorious day and a half. He was a new man.
When he arrives back at his apartment he starts to listen to his answering machine. While it's playing, he goes to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of orange juice.
He smiles as he hears Roy 's voice on the machine. “Hey, partner it's Saturday about 7 PM . I'm just calling to see what's up. Joanne wants to know if you want to come over for dinner on Sunday. If I don't hear from you, I'll assume you've found better company. Anyway, take care Junior. See ya in the A.M. on Monday.”
Rocky Ramirez left the second message. Rocky is a fellow paramedic out of station 46. He and John are good friends. “Buenas dias, amigo. This is Rocky. It's Sunday around 1PM . I've got Dodger tickets for Thursday night. If my calculations are correct, you're off. Call me if you want to go. I'll even spring for dinner. Adios!”
After listening to his messages, he undressed and got ready to take a nice relaxing shower. While in the shower, he can't seem to get Emily off his mind. After showering, he gets dressed and prepares to do some laundry.
While he's in the laundry room, he meets up with one of his neighbors. Calvin is the 18 year old son of Tom and Nancy McClain.
“Hi, Johnny.” The boy's voice had no life to it and he looked like he just lost his best friend.
“Hey, buddy. How ya doing?”
“I'm okay.”
“Really? You sound kind of down. What's up?” He never liked to see kids upset, so he thought maybe he could do some digging and find out what was going on with Calvin.
Calvin lets out a sigh before responding in one word. “Life.”
Johnny was a bit confused. “I don't follow.”
“My friends are all going to college in the fall. I'm going to a county school.
“That's right, your graduation is coming up. You should be really excited. That's a big accomplishment.”
Calvin looks glumly at Johnny. “Excited? I feel like a failure. I have no idea what I want to do. And I have no girlfriend and….”
Johnny starts to get the picture of why his young friend is down in the dumps. “Hey, take it easy. You're only 18, Calvin. You have your whole life ahead of you. You'll find something you're passionate about and eventually you'll find yourself a nice girl. As for county college, study and work hard and in two years you can always transfer to a four year school.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah Calvin, I do. You ever hear the expression ‘good things come to those who wait?”
“I guess.” Calvin didn't sound convinced.
“Well, believe me, it's true. I know.”
“That's easy for you to say, Johnny. Your life is perfect. You have a great job, you have lots of friends. You probably can have any girl you want. You're a god.”
Johnny looks thoughtfully at Calvin and smiles. “Calvin, your picture of me is quite distorted. I do have a great job, but it's hard work and dangerous. The friends I have are through work, but they are great friends. You're 18, let me tell you about women….they're a tough racket. I'm 28 and I am still trying to figure them out. All I'm saying Calvin, is enjoy each day as it comes and work hard. One day all the pieces will fall into place for you. I hope this little chat helped you, at least a little bit.”
Johnny finally gets a smile from Calvin. “It did. Thanks, Johnny.”
“Hey, any time you want to talk, come over.”
Calvin looks at Johnny incredulously. “You mean it?”
“Of course I do.”
Calvin gives Johnny another smile. You know, you're the coolest guy I know. I don't have any brothers and my dad's always working…”
“Any time, Calvin.” They high-five and Calvin goes home.
Roy is already changing when Johnny strolls into the locker room.
“Good-morning, partner.” Johnny practically sings his greeting.
“Good-morning.” Roy studies Johnny's face for signs on why his best friend is suddenly in an almost euphoric state of mind. “I guess you had other plans for dinner yesterday, huh?”
A hint of mischief on his face, Johnny can't help but smile. “Yeah, I guess you can say that.”
“What was her name?”
“If you must know, her name is Emily. But, she isn't the reason I couldn't make it. I was doing laundry.”
They go to roll call. Once they're all sitting around the kitchen table, they all look at Johnny and the big grin on his face.
“What are you all looking at me for?”
Mike eyes Johnny suspiciously. “We know that look.”
Marco smiles at Johnny. “It's a girl, and boy are you in trouble.”
“You guys think you know me that well?”
In unison they all answer, “yes.”
“I'm happy for you, pal. But, can we get on with the proceedings?”
Johnny pretends to be hurt. “I was just sitting here minding my own business, Cap.”
Roy and John are checking the supplies in the squad. Roy carefully studies Johnny's face. “She must really be something, Junior. This is the first time in a long time that I've seen that gleam in your eyes.”
Johnny softly responds. “I think she may be the one, Roy.”
Roy 's curiosity was definitely peaked. If Johnny, who just a week ago swore of dating, was now thinking commitment…..well she had to be special. “Tell me about her, Johnny.”
“I'd rather keep it private, just for a little while.”
“Just answer one question. Is she a nurse?”
“No, she's not a nurse.”
The klaxons sound. Squad 51, woman in distress, 4224 Hampton Avenue .
Roy grabs the mike. “Squad 51 responding, KMG-365.”
When they arrive on scene, they are greeted by a young woman at the front door.
“Thank goodness you're here. It's my grandmother. She's having trouble breathing.”
Roy asks the young woman how old her grandmother is.
“She's 92. Her name is Sara.”
They are led up to the grandmother's bedroom. “Hi, Sara. I'm Johnny and this is my partner Roy. We're going to take good care of you.” The elderly woman nods in acknowledgement. They take her vitals and put her on O2. Roy contacts Rampart to relay the vitals and information on their elderly victim. They carry out the treatment orders and get Sara ready for transport to the hospital.
Johnny smiles at the woman's granddaughter. “Wendy, you can ride up front.”
“Thank you.”
Johnny goes into the ambulance with Sara. “Meet you at Rampart.”
After Johnny helps get Sara settled in the treatment room, he speaks to her in a soothing voice. “Sara, you relax. Everyone's going to take good care of you.” She nods her head. He smiles at her and pats her hand.
After leaving the room, he bumps into Wendy. “How is she?”
“She's stable. I'm sure the doctors will want to run some tests on her, but I don't think it's anything too serious. Someone will be out to talk with you, shortly.”
“Thank you so much….you and your partner.”
Johnny smiles at her. “That's what we're here for. Try to relax. It'll be okay.”
Johnny heads to the nurse's desk. There he sees Dr. Stanton. Dr. Stanton was one of the doctors, who along with Brackett, helped instruct during the paramedic training classes.
“John Gage.”
Johnny smiles. “Dr. Stanton.” They shake hands.
How've you been, John?”
“Fine. How about you?”
“Holding my own. Where's that partner of yours?”
Johnny looks around. “ Roy should be here any minute. What brings you to the E.R.?”
“Dr. Morton is out with the flu. Hit him real hard over the weekend.”
“Is he okay?”
“Stable, but he does have a 102 degree fever. Room 211 if you want to visit.”
“Maybe another time. I have a propensity to pick up stuff like that.”
Roy arrives smiling. “Dr. Stanton, it was you on the phone. I thought I was imagining things.” They shake hands.
“No, it's me. How've you been, Roy ?”
“Terrific. And you?”
“As I told Johnny, “holding my own.” Dr. Morton is out with the flu, so I'm covering for him.” Dr. Stanton looks at the two paramedics and smiles. “Seeing you two, sure brings back a lot of memories. Brackett and I must have done something right for you two to be considered the best team in the business.”
Johnny grins. “How do you know that it wasn't our natural talent?” The three of them share a laugh.”Hey, I want to make a quick phone call. I'll be right back.”
Johnny goes to a pay phone to call a local florist shop. He arranges to have twelve red roses sent to Emily at school. The card to read,”To the start of a beautiful romance. Love, John”
While Johnny was making his phone call Roy and Dr. Stanton were talking. “So, how's Johnny doing?”
“He's doing great. Like you said, he's one of the best.”
“He looks very happy.”
Roy smiles and whispers. “Between you and me, I think he's ready to take the plunge.”
“Marriage?”
“Yeah. Apparently he's head over heels for some lovely lady that he recently met. He won't elaborate on it, but I'll tell you…he hasn't stopped smiling and he has a very mysterious gleam in his eyes.”
Johnny returns after making his phone call. “Ready to go, Junior?”
“Ready. I guess we'll be seeing you around, doc.”
“Yes. Take it easy fellas.”
Sitting in the squad, Johnny makes them available. Roy was about to start the ignition when it hits him. “Emily…..Emily Valentine? Jenny's teacher?”
Knowing he was found out Johnny smiles shamelessly. “Okay, if you must know, yes, it's Emily Valentine, Jenny's teacher. Well, last week when I was in school with the kids..we hit it off. She asked me out and we went out on Saturday night.”
“And……”
“And what, Roy ? You know I don't talk about my personal life. Don't you remember what happened the last time?”
“Yeah…yeah….yeah.”
“It nearly ended our friendship.”
“But that was different. Karen was my cousin. Besides, I apologized and I told you I was wrong.”
“Yeah. But, I'm going to stick to my guns on this one, partner. I promise, before too long, I'll have something to tell you. Just do me a favor in the mean time. Don't tell anyone about it, especially Joanne and the kids.”
“Cross my heart.” As he says this, he does the motion with his hands.
They drive back to the station. When they arrive, they find that the engine is out. They get to work on their chores, when the phone rings. “Station 51, Firefighter Gage speaking.”
“Johnny, it's Rocky. I'm sorry to bother you, but you never got back to me about the tickets. Are you game or not?”
“I'm game.”
“Great. I'll pick you up at 4 PM .”
“It's a date. Thanks. I'll see you around.” Johnny gets off the phone.
“Emily?”
“Emily? She's at school, Roy. No, it was Rocky Ramirez. We're going to the Dodger game on Thursday night.”
The klaxons sound. Squad 51, respond with engines 46 and 54. Construction accident, 1811 Wainwright Road .
Roy answers the mike. “Squad 51 responding. KMG-365.
When they arrive on scene, they notice a collapsed scaffolding. They get their orders from Captain Ralston and prepare to carry them out. Two workers were trapped under lots of debris. Because of Johnny's lighter size, he was the one elected to check out their victims. “Be careful, Junior. This whole thing can come down any time.”
“I'm touched, Pally. I'll be fine. Just stand by with the bio-phone.” Johnny goes in to check the victims. “They're both unconscious. Pulse on both is weak. We need to get them out of here.” Johnny looks around him. “ This stuff can come down any minute.” They get them out. Just as Johnny follows behind the second victim, the whole scaffolding collapses down on the space formerly occupied by Johnny and the two victims.
“Wow, you cut that one close, partner.”
Johnny looks behind him at the pile of rubble. “You're telling me.” They contact Rampart and get set to transport their victims. Roy goes in the ambulance.
“Thanks for your help, Cap.” He smiles at the captain and leaves to meet Roy at Rampart.
When Johnny arrives, he sees Dr. Early. “Hey doc, how's that lady we brought in this morning?”
“Sara?”
“Yeah. She was a sweet little lady.”
“She's resting comfortably.”
“What happened to her?”
“I'm not really sure. Everything checked out fine. She was asking for ‘those two handsome young men' who helped her this morning. She's in room 364.”
Roy rejoins Johnny after speaking with a fellow paramedic. He looks at his watch. “We can see her for a few minutes, Johnny.”
Arriving at Sara's room Johnny gives the elderly woman his best smile. “How are you , Sara?”
“I'm fine. I want to thank you boys for helping me. You are both so kind and so gentle.”
Roy smiles at the kindly woman. “Thank you, mam.”
“Such handsome young men like you, are you married?”
“I am, but Johnny's not.” Johnny shoots Roy a look.
“My Wendy is a sweet girl, but she's had such bad luck dating. Maybe….”
“Uh, partner, I think we need to get going. Doesn't Captain Stanley have a meeting with us?”
Roy looks at his watch. “Yeah, you're right Johnny.”
“Take care, Sara.” Sara smiles at “her” paramedics.
In the squad Roy makes them available.
“Thanks for playing along, partner.”
“Yeah..yeah. Let's go home, Junior.”
“So, what's Emily like?”
“I told you Roy, I'm not talking about it. Besides, you've met her before.”
“Twice. Chris had Mrs. Whitmarsh. Be glad he didn't invite you in to meet her. She's about 5”4 and 200 pounds, and has the temperament of a drill seargent. I don't think she would have been your type.”
“How come Jenny didn't have Mrs. Whitmarsh?”
“I don't really know. I guess it was just the luck of the draw.”
When the paramedics arrive back at the station, they are greeted by a most delicious aroma. “Whose turn is it to cook lunch today?”
Roy thinks for a moment. “I think it's Mike's turn.”
Going into the kitchen they get the full aroma of Mike's cooking.
“You made your spaghetti sauce, Mike. Smells great.”
“Want a taste, Roy ?”
“You don't have to ask me twice.” After tasting a spoonful of Mike's sauce he offers his opinion in one word. “Magnificent.”
Out of the blue Chief McConikee strolls into the station. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
Almost choking, Captain Stanley goes over to the Chief and shakes hands. “Chief.”
“At ease, fellas. It's a social call. I just wanted to say hello.”
Johnny's the first to break the ice. “Stoker just made his special spaghetti. Care to join us?”
The chief smells the fragrant aroma. “I think I will. Thanks for the invite, Gage.”
“I'll set an extra setting.”
“Thank you, Lopez.”
Now eating, everyone including the chief seems to be enjoying the meal.
“Stoker, my compliments to the chef.”
In his usual calm, low-key manner Mike responds in kind. “Thanks chief.”
“The engineer's exam is coming up in a few months. Any of you taking it?” He looks at Roy and John.
“Not me, chief. I'm content being a paramedic.”
“How about you, DeSoto?”
“I'm happy being a paramedic, too.”
The chief smiles. “ If you two did get the promotion, it would mean leaving the paramedic program. According to Dr. Brackett, he says you guys are two of the best in the program.”
Johnny takes on a hopeful tone. “But, a raise wouldn't hurt.”
“Well, if it was up to me we'd all be making a lot more money. But, it's not up to me. If it's any consolation, I always did have a soft spot for this particular shift..” The chief gathers his things. “Thanks for lunch, boys. Keep up the good work.” He leaves with Captain Stanley walking him out. “You have a great bunch of men, Hank.”
“I know that, sir. They are the best.”
“Why do you look so nervous, Hank?”
“I….”
“It was a social visit, strictly off the record. I told you that. I have a fondness for you and your men. Well, I'll be seeing you. Thanks for the visit.”
Captain Stanley comes back inside. The expression on his face is that of relief.
“Everything okay, Cap?”
“Yes, Mike. Everything's okay. It's like the man said, he just came for a social visit.”
“Come on, Junior. You wanna wash or dry?”
“I'll wash.” Just as they finish the dishes, the klaxons go off. Station 51, Engine 39, structural fire 1931 Halsey Avenue .
Captain Stanley responds to dispatch with the customary, “Station 51 responding, KMG-365.”
When they arrive at the scene, they see a two story house with flames and smoke billowing out of it. An excited woman comes up to Captain Stanley and pulls on his arm. “My son Rob is in there. He's 16.”
“My men will get him out.”
Roy and John get their equipment and go inside to search for the missing boy. They found him in his bedroom. He was apparently doing drugs when the fire broke out. By the time they get to him, he was coming to and becoming very agitated.
Roy tried to calm the boy down. “Easy, we're here to help you.”
“Leave me alone!!” The boy was shouting.
Johnny looks at Roy . “You got any ideas? If we don't get him out of here quick, we're all going to up with this house.”
Roy gets on the radio and tells Captain Stanley to call Rampart and to send up the drug box, stat. Rob was becoming increasingly agitated. While waiting for the orders and drug box, Johnny got slammed hard into the wall.
“Johnny, you alright?”
Johnny takes inventory of himself. “I think so.”
The drug box comes to the window. Roy prepares a needle and quickly gives it to their victim. The kid mellows out and they are able to get him out. Roy carries Rob over his shoulder. Just as Johnny starts down the ladder, there's an explosion. He gets knocked off the ladder and lands hard on the ground. Roy carries the boy to safety, while Chet and Marco carry Johnny to the same spot. Roy examines the boy. “You alright, Junior?”
“Yeah, I'm fine.” Johnny continues to rub his right shoulder. Nodding in the direction of the boy. “What happened to him?”
“Drugs.” Roy calls Rampart. “Cap, they want Johnny to come in.”
“I'm fine,” Johnny protests.
“That may be John, but let the doctors determine that. Marco, you take in the squad.”
Johnny is now getting examined by Dr. Brackett.
“You were very lucky, Johnny---falling two stories. I think you just got the wind knocked out of you. How's the shoulder?”
Johnny moves it around. “It's a little sore, but I can move it.”
“What about your back, Junior?”
“His back?”
“Yeah, our victim slammed him hard against the wall during his drug induced state.”
“Did you hit your head, Johnny?”
“No, I ducked. My back took most of the force.” Johnny takes his undershirt and shirt off. Dr. Brackett palpatates Johnny's back. “Hurt much, Johnny?”
“A little.” Johnny tries not to wince too much.
“You do have some bruising. I don't think anything's broken. Take some Tylenol. If the discomfort in your shoulder and back doesn't dissipate in 24 hours, come back and we'll take some X-rays.”
“Thanks, doc.” Dr. Brackett hands Johnny some Tylenol and a cup of water. “I'll see you guys later.”
Johnny gets his shirt back on and hops off the examination table. “So, you gonna tell Emily about this?”
Johnny was getting slightly annoyed. “Don't even go there, Roy .” Johnny sounded tired. “Let's get Marco and head back to the station.”
Arriving back at the station, the first person they see is Captain Stanley. “What's the verdict, fellas?”
“I'm okay, Cap. It's just a bruise and a strain. Dr. Brackett said to take some Tylenol and come back in 24 hours if things still bother me. I'm going to lie down for awhile.” Johnny went to the dorm.
“He's okay, Roy ?”
“That's what Dr. Brackett said. He'll be a little sore, though.”
“I don't have to remind you that where your partner is concerned, little things tend to become big things.”
“Don't worry, Cap. I'll keep an eye on him.” Roy goes to sit on the couch. Just as he does, the klaxons go off.
Station 51, man down, 2110 Fillmore.
Arriving on the scene they are greeted by the foreman.
“It's Tom. He's up on that tower. I don't know what happened. He went down about 15 minutes ago, and hasn't moved since.”
Johnny looks up at the high tower. “I know, I know we're going up,” he says in a tone of resignation.
They get their equipment and start climbing up the tower. When they get to the victim, Johnny grimaces. “You alright, Junior?”
Trying to catch his breath, “Yeah….I'm fine.”
While working on the victim, Johnny spots a medical bracelet. “He's a diabetic, Roy.”
Roy calls Rampart with the vitals. The victim starts to come to, but is a bit confuses as to what's going on. “What happened?”
“Your sugar was too low. Did you forget your insulin this morning,?” Roy asks the man.
Things starting to come back into focus. “Yeah. I was really late for work.”
‘Well, we're going to take you to Rampart to get checked out.”
They get their victim down and loaded into the waiting ambulance. Roy goes with him.
*******************
While waiting for Johnny to come in, Roy spots Dr. Brackett. “Doc, when Johnny comes in, you think you can run some X-rays? He's really hurting.”
“His back and shoulder?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, Roy . When he gets here bring him to Room #5. I'll be waiting for him.”
Johnny comes in walking very gingerly.
“Johnny, Brackett's going to take some X-rays. You look like you're in some pain.”
Johnny grits his teeth. “I'm not going to argue with you.”
Johnny gets led to treatment room #5. Dr. Brackett takes one look at Johnny. “I'm pulling you off duty.”
Johnny doesn't say anything. “Boy, you must really be hurting, Junior, you're not even putting up a fight.”
Johnny takes off his shirt and the X-ray technician comes in.
Roy and Dr. Brackett wait outside. They talk about the last rescue.
Johnny's friend Rocky Ramirez comes up along side of them. “Hey doc, Roy. How's it going?”
“I'm fine. You might need a new date for your ballgame, though.”
“John,?” he asks in disbelief.
“Yeah. Nothing serious, but he's in considerable pain.”
Rocky lets out a little chuckle and smiles. “That sounds about right. Hey, what are you doing on Thursday night?”
“I don't know. I gotta talk to my wife.”
“Well, if John's not able to go, call me on Wednesday night if you want to go. Station 46.”
“It's a deal.”
“Tell Johnny that I hope he feels better.”
“I will.”
Rocky leaves to find his partner when the radio goes off.
The X-ray technician comes out. “I'll have these back in 20 minutes,Kel.”
“Thanks. How's he doing?”
“He's in a lot of pain. He didn't say anything, but it's etched on his face.”
They go back in to see Johnny. Johnny's lying there with a grimace on his face and his eyes half closed.
“Johnny, I'm going to prescribe some pain medication for you. If you want to get some rest, it will be necessary.” The whole time Roy and Dr. Brackett were in there, Johnny never said a word. “Johnny are you feeling okay, otherwise?”
Johnny pauses before answering. “I'm feeling a little nauseous.”
“Probably from the pain. You're sure you didn't hit your head?”
“Positive, doc. Look, if you want me to stay overnight, I will. Can you just give me something for the pain?”
While waiting for the X-rays to come back, Dr. Brackett gives Johnny a shot for the pain.
Dr. Brackett is looking at the X-rays with Roy . “Deep bruised and strained back, no serious damage there. The shoulder…separation and some strained ligaments.” When they turn around to talk to Johnny, he's sound asleep.
Roy arrives back to the station. Dwyer is waiting for him. “How's Johnny?”
Captain Stanley is also anxious to hear the news.
“Well, I've never seen him admit so readily to being in as much pain as he appears to be in. He bruised his back and separated his shoulder. He'll miss several shifts, I'm sure.”
After dinner, the station gets called to a car accident. While at the hospital, Roy and Dwyer ask how Johnny's doing.
“Dr. Brackett, how's Johnny?”
“He's asleep.” He shakes his head before continuing. “A separated shoulder. I don't know how he made it as far as he did, given the amount of pain he was in.”
“That's Johnny for you. What's the prognosis?”
“Well, he'll miss a bunch of shifts. He'll undoubtedly need PT before returning to work.”
“How's Dr. Morton doing?”
“Stable, Roy . But, he sure is a lousy patient.” Brackett smiles at the paramedics and leaves.
The next morning after an early morning car accident, Roy is visiting Johnny.
“How are you doing, Junior?”
“These pain pills are wonderful. I don't feel a thing.” The extreme tiredness was very evident in his voice.
“Johnny, you're sure when you got slammed into the wall yesterday, you didn't hit your head?”
“Positive. He pushed me hard into the wall and I landed on my back. I definitely tucked my head. Why do you ask?”
“I'm just concerned about you.”
“Don't you mean ‘worried', Roy ?”
“Okay, I'm worried about you. With everything you've been through over the years, this is the most pain I've ever seen you in. And the injuries don't seem as severe as some of the others you've had.”
“I've never hurt my back before. And my shoulder's killing me. Look, I'll be fine. I'll go home and sleep. I'll be good as new, before too long.”
“By the way, I ran into Rocky and told him about your misfortune. He invited me to go to the game. Do you mind?”
“Enjoy, Roy . Have a hot dog on me.”
Dr. Brackett comes in to check on Johnny. “Good-morning, Johnny.. Roy . How are you feeling?”
“Not bad.”
“Are the pain meds helping?”
Johnny sheepishly smiles. “That's why I'm feeling okay. When am I getting sprung?”
“Are you up to going home, Johnny?”
“Yeah, I'll be fine.”
“ Roy , when is your shift over?”
“Thursday morning.”
“Look, I'm okay doc. I have a friend who can probably pick me up this afternoon.”
“Who?” Then a light bulb goes off in Roy 's head. “Emily?”
“Yeah.”
“I'll tell you what, I'll stop by the school and talk to her.”
“She doesn't even know I'm here.”
“Relax, partner. I'll talk to her . I gotta go. You relax…I'll talk to you later.” He pats Johnny on his good arm.
Dwyer was waiting for Roy in the squad.
“Charlie, you mind if we make a quick pit stop?”
“Where to?”
“My daughter's school. I need to talk to her teacher.”
“No problem.”
Roy gets on the radio. “ L.A. , Squad 51 10-8 to Bradenton Elementary School .”
Fifteen minutes later, they arrive a the school.
“I'll be right back, Charlie.”
“Take your time, Roy .”
Roy goes into the front office and is greeted by Mr. Rafferty, the school principal. “Mr. DeSoto, Good-Morning.” They shake hands. “What can I do for you? Is something wrong?”
“Oh…uh..no. I need to talk to Miss Valentine. It's kind of important.”
“Go ahead down to the classroom.”
“Thank you.”
When he gets to Miss Valentine's door, he knocks. Jenny notices him first.
“Miss Valentine, my daddy's at the door.”
Emily tells her teacher's aide that she'll be right back. Jenny comes out with her teacher.
“Daddy, is everything okay? Where's Uncle Johnny?”
Roy and Joanne decided a long time ago to always be honest about his health and that of Johnny's. “Uncle Johnny's okay, sweetie. He just got a little banged up.”
“Are you sure?” She looks up at her daddy.
“I promise. You can see Uncle Johnny in a few days.” He hugs her. “Go back inside. I'll see you on Thursday when you come home from school.”
“Bye, daddy.” She goes back into the classroom, satisfied that her Uncle Johnny was going to be okay.
Emily's face is full of concern, as she thinks of the worst scenarios. “Is he okay?”
“He'll be fine. He hurt his back and shoulder. Look, I realize this is a little awkward, but he needs a lift home from the hospital. I don't get off shift until Thursday morning. He doesn't want to wait that long.” Roy smiles. “He hinted to me that the two of you had gone out over the weekend. I'm happy for you.”
Emily breaths a sigh of relief and smiles. “I'll be there after school. Between 3-3:30.”
“Thanks. He's in room 310.”
It's now 3:15 . Emily arrives at Rampart to pick up Johnny and bring him home.
Johnny smiles when he sees his beautiful Emily walk through his hospital room door. “Did you get the roses?”
“I did. They're absolutely beautiful.” They kiss. Concern returns to Emily's face. “What happened?” Johnny relates the tale of how he got hurt, once again in the line of duty. “How bad is it?”
“I bruised and strained my back and I separated my shoulder.” He sees the look of concern on her face. “I'm okay. It's nothing serious.” He then adds with a smile,”I've been hurt far worse than this.”
“Are you in pain?”
“I was yesterday. But, they gave me some pain meds. Beautiful, I told you I'm fine. Just relax. All this comes with the territory.”
Dixie arrives with a wheelchair. “Who's this lovely lady, Johnny?” Her voice was warm but curious.
“Dix, this is Emily Valentine. Emily, this is Dixie McCall. She runs the E.R. downstairs.”
The ladies exchange greetings.
Now two months later. Emily stayed at Johnny's until school got out. After school got out, Johnny spent most of his recuperation at Emily's beach house. After much hard work in physical therapy, Johnny was getting ready to go back to work.
Jennifer and Chris DeSoto were staying over friends for the night. Roy and Joanne were out on the deck eating supper.
“How's Johnny doing, Roy ?”
“He must be doing okay. He goes back to work on Monday.”
Joanne lets out an audible sigh. “I miss him.”
“Yeah, I do too, Jo.”
“At least you'll still see him at work. Emily's great. I…..I guess I'm just jealous.”
Roy looks at his wife incredulously. “Jealous? Of what?”
“I know it's silly, Roy . But since he's been a part of our lives, I've kind of been like the woman in his life. I know how stupid that sounds. I've just gotten so used to having him around all the time.”
“Do I have to remind you that he's not a kid. He's almost 29.”
“I know, but to me he'll always be the 22 year old that you first brought over for dinner.”
The phone rings. Roy answers it.
“Hi Pally. What'chya doing?”
Roy laughs into the phone. “Who's this? Jo and I are just eating dinner. What are you up to?”
“Nothin.”
“Want to come over?”
“Sure. I'll be there in 30 minutes.”
Roy returns to the deck. “Speaking of Johnny. He's on his way over.”
When Johnny walks in the door, he's greeted with a big hug from Joanne. “I'm glad you're here, Johnny. We were just talking about you.”
Johnny hesitates. “Uh oh. Do I want to know?”
“We just miss you.”
“Come on out to the deck, partner. Hungry?”
Johnny smiles. “What kind of question is that?”
“I'll bring out another setting. Sit down and relax.”
When Joanne goes into the kitchen Johnny whispers to Roy . “Am I missing something?”
“I'll tell you, later.”
The three friends are enjoying their meal.
“So how are you feeling, partner?”
“Terrific. It was hard work, getting myself back together. The PT was tough. I was getting scared. I was in so much pain, that I was afraid I'd get hooked on the pain pills. So, I stopped taking them, probably sooner than I should have. Nevermind me. How are you and the kids doing?”
Roy sits back and listens to Joanne. “Fine. The kids are doing well. Jenny's so excited to be going into fourth grade in September. How's Emily?”
Johnny grins at the mere mention of her name. “She's doing great. I know I haven't been around much these last two months. I don't want you to think I've forgotten about you or the kids. You'll always be a very important part of my life. You took me in and made me feel a part of your family. I'll always be grateful to both of you.”
Roy looks thoughtfully at his partner and smiles. “Junior, you don't owe us an explanation. You're 28 years old. You have your own life. Besides, the two of us work together. It's not like we won't ever see each other.”
A sense of relief washed over Johnny's face. “I'm glad you feel that way. It really weighed on my conscience.”
“You're in love, Johnny. I'm happy for you.” Joanne pauses before continuing. “It's just kind of strange to think you have a serious girlfriend. For almost seven years, I've kind of felt like I've been the woman in your life. I know that's silly.”
Johnny laughs. “No it's not, Jo. It's true. I think Emily might be the one, but no matter what happens…you'll always be an important part of my life.” He kisses her on the cheek. “I love you for it.”
Roy responds to that gesture in a playful tone. “Easy, pal….that's my wife.”
Johnny kisses Roy on the cheek. “I love you too, Pally.”
After two hours of talking and a couple beers, Johnny decides to sleep over.
“You have your pick of rooms. The kids are over friends.”
Johnny smiles. “I'll take Jenny's room. Thanks for everything.”
“Don't mention it, partner.”
The next morning the three adults are in the kitchen eating breakfast when Jenny comes home.
“Uncle Johnny, you're here.” She runs over to him and gives him a big hug.
“I'm here, Jelly Belly.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I'm fine. I go back to work with your dad on Monday. How've you been?
“Really good. I've had such a good summer, but I've missed you, Uncle Johnny.”
“I missed you too, sweetheart.”
“That day when daddy came to school to talk to Miss Valentine, and I didn't see you…I thought something really bad happened.”
“It was nothing serious. I hurt my back and shoulder. But I'm good as new, now.”
“I'm glad.” Jenny goes over to hug her parents and heads up to her room.
Joanne smiles affectionately at Johnny. “Never mind me. I think Jenny's the one female who will always be a part of YOUR life.”
Johnny looks at his watch. “ 11:30 AM . I better get going. Thanks for dinner, thanks for breakfast….thanks.” He kisses Joanne and slaps Roy on the back. “See you on Monday, partner.”
When he returns to his apartment hear hears the phone ringing. He answers the phone.
On the other end of the phone is Emily. In her most seductive voice,”I understand one of the best paramedics in the county lives here.”
“You must have the wrong number.” They share a laugh and make plans for dinner.
After dating for six months, Johnny decided that he was ready to pop the question. He bought a ring and methodically planned the details of how he'd carry it out. He set up an evening out with Emily-a Saturday evening. He packed dinner in a picnic basket, including champagne. He met her at her beach house and promptly blindfolded her. He led her to his Rover. He drove around for awhile, to throw her off. Then, he headed back to her house. Being careful not to loosen the blindfold, he carries her onto the beach. He gently puts her down. He spreads out the blanket and leads her onto it. He pulls out his tape player and pushes the play button. Nat King Cole's “Unforgettable” was playing. Barely unable to contain himself, he takes off Emily's blindfold. She opens her eyes to the most magnificent sunset that she ever saw. Johnny pulls her close and kisses her.
“Emily….you hear that song playing?”
Smiling, Emily acknowledges the song. “Unforgettable.”
“Yes…and…and it's saying everything I feel….about you…about us. Emily Valentine, I love you. I think I fell in love with you the first day I laid eyes on you. I want you to always be a part of my life. Will you marry me?”
Stunned, she looks deep into Johnny's brown eyes. She smiles warmly and responds. “John Gage, I would be honored to be your wife. I love you with all my heart. Yes, I will marry you.”
They embrace and kiss, along passionate kiss. He takes out the ring and gently places it on her finger. “John, it's beautiful. You have made me so happy. Everything is perfect. The sunset, the music….the proposal.”
They enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, before heading back into her house.
The next shift finds Johnny arriving a full hour early. C-Shift was out on a run. He changes quickly and brews a fresh pot of coffee. By the time the rest of his shift-mates arrive, he's in a totally euphoric state.
“Uh oh, Gage. What's going on? What did you do?”
“Even you, Chester B. can't dampen my mood. Oh, I forgot. Here are some donuts. I picked them up on the way in to work this morning.”
“Gage getting donuts for us? Now, I know something's wrong.”
“Chet, nothing's wrong. In fact, everything is right. Guys sit down, I have some news for you.”
Everyone sits down.
“John, are you running a fever, pal?”
“Cap, I feel fine. You guys are all the first ones to know… I asked Emily to marry me. She said yes.”
They all congratulate him.
“Welcome to the club, pal.”
“Thanks,Cap.”
Through it all, Roy sits quietly taking it all in. It gave him great joy to see his best friend so happy. Emily was a great match for him. “Congratulations, Junior. When's the big day?”
“End of June. Emily said she always wanted to be a June bride. We're going to have it after school gets out for the summer.”
“Well Johnny, now that you're officially off the market, I guess there are hearts breaking all over L.A. ”
“It was bound to happen, Mike.”
“Wait a minute, Johnny. This is coming from the man who said and I quote, ‘marriage is a great institution, but then again, so is jail'.”
“What can I say, Chet? I'm a new man. I'm doing you a favor. I'm leaving all the nurse chasing to you, buddy.” He playfully slaps Chet on the back.
Six months later. School is out and the wedding is two weeks away. A Friday evening, Emily and Johnny are on the way to their favorite restaurant for dinner. They are in Emily's car, with Emily driving. An apparent drunk driver swerves and forces them off the road and into a concrete divider. Witnesses call for help right away. Emily and Johnny are both taken to Rampart with extremely critical injuries.
Travis, one of the paramedics from the scene of the accident calls Roy to tell him about the accident. By the time Roy and Joanne arrive, Johnny is up in surgery.
Deep fear and concern etched on his face, Roy talks to Travis. “How is he?”
“He's in surgery, Roy .”
Roy raises his voice. “I didn't ask where he was, I asked HOW he was.”
Travis understood why Roy was upset. “It's serious. He….he never regained consciousness.”
“How's Emily?” Roy waits for a response. Not hearing one, Roy knew…Emily didn't make it.
Travis's radio goes off. He pats Roy on the shoulder and leaves.
Vince happened to be one of the cops at the scene of Johnny's accident. “Any word, Roy.?”
Roy looks at Vince blankly. “I just got here. Travis says Johnny's in surgery.”
“I found a number for the girl's parents. I called them. They'll be here in the morning.”
Dr. Brackett approaches Roy and Joanne. “ Roy .” The look of concern was evident in his face, as well.
“How ..how is he?”
“He's still in surgery. Dr. Gomez is doing the surgery. He's got the best working on him.”
“Is he going to make it?” Roy choked on his words.
“It's too soon to say. He has a lot of injuries and lost a lot of blood. He has a skull fracture, as well as several internal injuries. His lungs are collapsed and he has some broken bones.”
“Any brain injury?” Roy was petrified of the answer.
“No, he was lucky. The CT-scan didn't show any other head injury other than the skull fracture.”
Deep concern registers on Roy 's face. “Emily….what happened?”
Brackett's infamous twitch started, a sign that the news wasn't good. “She never had a chance, Roy . She died shortly after arriving here. Major head injuries.” He paused before continuing, knowing the next bit of news would be difficult to hear. She was 2 ½ months pregnant, baby girl.”
Joanne started to cry. Roy hugs her. In a very subdued voice he asks Dr. Brackett if Johnny knew about the baby.
“I don't think so, Roy. Emily told me yesterday. They were on the way to dinner where she was going to tell Johnny about the baby.” Dr. Brackett gets paged. “I have to go. I'll be by later.” He pats Roy on the shoulder as a show of support.
Roy sits down on the couch and faces his wife. “Jo, it's going to be a long night. Why don't you go home. I'll call you as soon as I know anything.”
Joanne looks at her husband. “No, I'm not going anywhere. Besides, I don't want you to be alone.”
“I'm going to call the guys.” Just as he starts to get up, the rest of their shift arrives. They all embrace.
“Captain Reynolds called us. Any word on Johnny?”
Roy looks sadly at his captain and shakes his head. “No, Cap…and Emily didn't make it.”
After Five hours, lots of coffee, and lots of pacing, the men of Station 51 finally got news on their fallen friend.
“Gentlemen.”
They all look at the doctor questioningly.
Roy was the first one to say anything. “How's Johnny?”
“He made it through surgery. He's not out of the woods, yet. The next 48 hours are going to be very important for him.”
A devastated Chet is the next one to speak up. “He's going to make it, right doc?”
“We won't know for a few days. His injuries are quite severe. He's in recovery now. You'll be able to see him in a couple hours. He'll be in ICU. I'll get you when you can see him.”
“Thank you, Dr. Gomez.” They shake hands and the doctor leaves. Softly and to no one in particular, “She was 2 ½ months pregnant.”
“Oh man. Did Johnny know, Roy ?”
“No, Mike.”
Chet, although devastated by the news, tried to remain positive. “Johnny's a fighter. He'll overcome this.”
“His physical problems may be the least of his issues. He's going to have a lot of emotional scars when he finds out about Emily and the baby.” It was evident in the captain's voice how concerned he was for Johnny, especially for Johnny's mental well-being.
“Cap, do you mind if I put in for some time off? I need to be with Johnny.”
“Of course. I'll talk to the chief. I can bring the paperwork by the hospital, tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
Johnny was in a coma. Roy had been keeping a vigil at Johnny's bedside for five days. Roy had fallen asleep in the chair next to Johnny's bed. When he wakes up, he realizes Johnny had woken up from the coma. He sees Johnny's brown eyes looking right back at him. Johnny was also struggling with the respirator.
“Easy, Junior. You're on a respirator.” He rings the nurse to tell her that Johnny was awake.
Dr. Brackett arrives a couple minutes later. “Johnny, you know where you are?” Johnny nods his head. “Good. You're breathing is much better. I'm going to take you off the respirator.” He removes the respirator. Johnny coughs.
“Let me get you some water, partner.” Roy gives him some water and Johnny sips slowly through a straw.
“What happened,?” Johnny asks in a raspy voice.
Roy looks at Dr. Brackett before responding. “You were in a car accident. Do you remember?”
Johnny closed his eyes in a way that made Roy realize he did indeed remember the accident. “Emily, where is she?”
Roy once again looks at Brackett before responding softly. “She didn't make it. She was in the accident, too.” Johnny didn't say anything after hearing the news. “Her family is here in L.A. They've been awfully concerned about you.” Johnny was obviously still processing the news of Emily's death. Roy decides it's best to not say anything about the baby.
“The funeral, I missed it,?” Johnny asks in a barely audible voice.
“Yes, Johnny. It was three days ago. You were still in a coma.”
“I didn't get to say good-bye. My beautiful Emily… I didn't get to say good-bye.” Johnny starts to sob. Roy embraces Johnny, tears starting to come down his own face.
“I'm so sorry, partner….so sorry.”
Two weeks later, Johnny is in a private room. The chest tubes are out and he has regained his faculties. He does continue to struggle with his extreme sadness.
“Johnny, there's something I have to tell you.”
“What is it, Roy ?” Johnny wasn't sure if he wanted to hear it.
“Emily was 2 ½ months pregnant. She was going to tell you the night of the accident.”
Johnny was numb. “Boy or girl?”
“Girl.”
“I would have had a family, Roy. Now I'm back where I started---nobody. I still have nobody. My shot at real happiness..it's over.”
Two more weeks pass before Johnny starts to come out of his depression. A visit from Emily's oldest brother Kyle had convinced Johnny that he needs to move on with his life. Because Emily would have wanted him to do that.
Roy stops by to visit Johnny, the day after Kyle's visit. To his amazement, Johnny's depression seemed to have lessened. Roy enters Johnny's room and sees his friend sitting up in bed, seemingly deep in thought. Unsure of whether or not he should disturb him, he calls out Johnny's name softly.
Johnny looks at Roy before softly responding. “I'm sorry, Roy .”
Roy looks at his friend questioningly. “What are you sorry about, Johnny? You haven't done anything wrong.”
“It's something I said to you a few weeks ago. I said I was back to having nobody. That's not true, Roy . I know I have you, Joanne and the kids. I'm really grateful for that. I don't know what I would do without you guys.”
“You'll never have to find out, Johnny. When you get out of here, you're going to stay with us until you're back on your feet. Is that okay with you?”
Johnny smiles warmly at his partner. “I'm counting on it. You guys are all I got. It's going to take time, but I'm going to get through this…I am.”
“And I'm going to be beside you the whole way.”
Dr. Brackett enters the room. “How are you feeling, Johnny? Much pain?”
“I'm okay, doc. When can I start physical therapy?”
Dr. Brackett was both confused and surprised by Johnny's new optimism. “What's the hurry, Johnny?”
“I'm ready to move on with my life. The sooner…the better.”
“I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised. May I ask what helped turn it around for you?”
“What does it matter,doc? The point is that I have. So, what do you say?”
“Maybe next week, Johnny.”
“Next week it is. I'm holding you to that, Dr. Brackett.”
Now a month later. Johnny is out of the hospital and is staying with Roy and his family. Johnny still has a cast on his leg and is using crutches.
Currently it's 11AM . Johnny is out on the deck playing cards with Chris and Jenny.
Joanne and Roy are watching from inside the house. “I'm glad he's here, Roy .”
“Me, too.”
“He's handling things better than I thought he would be.
“I guess, Jo. He has his good days and his bad days.” Roy lets out a little chuckle. “The kids are being so wonderful. I think being here is the best thing for him.”
Jo smiles at her husband. “With his family. Do you think he'll ever find another ‘Emily'?”
“I don't know. I can't predict his future. I don't think he even knows. But, he is only 29 and anything is possible. I just want him to recover, so I can have my partner again.”
Joanne goes out to the deck at noon time. “Are you guys hungry?”
The three of them nod their heads. “Johnny, ham and cheese sound good?”
“Anything you make sounds good.” He smiles as he answers.
“Why don't you guys get ready to eat.” The kids get up. Roy sits down.
“How are you feeling, partner?”
Johnny smiles. “Pretty good. I feel human again. It feels really good to be here.”
“You want to talk about things?”
Johnny nods his head and sighs. “I'm not ready yet, Roy . Soon, I promise.”
“Okay. When you're ready……I'm here.”
Joanne brings out lunch. The five of them are enjoying the meal. Roy looks around the table. He's enjoying the time with his family and best friend.
“So, what are we doing this afternoon?”
Jenny laughs. “How about if we let Uncle Johnny decide.”
Johnny grins. “I'm going to teach you guys how to play a new game. It's called spoons.”
Jenny giggles. “That's a silly name for a game.”
When suppertime arrives they decide to have a cookout.
“Daddy, when do you have to go back to work?”
Roy looks at Jenny curiously. “Soon. Why do you ask?”
“Because it's fun having you and Uncle Johnny home all the time.”
“Jenny, eventually Uncle Johnny's going to get all better and he's going to go back to work, too. But for now, we can just all have fun being together.”
After dinner is over, Roy and John are on the couch talking. “You are planning to come back to work at some point, aren't you Johnny?”
“Of course I am.”
Seven months later Johnny goes back to work. He arrives at the station early. Little does he know that his friends planned a surprise party for him. When he goes into the kitchen he hears a chorus of “Surprise”. His shift was there, C-shift and B-shift, as well as Early, Brackett and Dixie .
“Welcome back, Johnny!! We missed you!”
“Thanks, Cap.” Johnny was overwhelmed.
Everyone greets him with a hug. When everyone has a cup of coffee, Roy proposes a toast.
“This is to my partner and best friend. It's good to have you back where you belong.”
Johnny feels compelled to offer his own speech. “Thank you all. It's good to be back. This is indeed where I belong. I love you all!”
While everyone is enjoying coffee and donuts, Roy pulls Johnny over to the side. “Johnny, you going to be okay?”
Johnny looks upward. “I'll be fine. I have my angel looking out for me.” He smiles and adds. “She won't let me down.”
Johnny didn't know what the future held for him. But, right now he didn't care. He had his health back, his job back, and he was once again surrounded by all the people who mattered the most to him.
He was also comforted by one thought. ‘It was better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.' Johnny learned the truth in that. He was thankful for the love he found with Emily and for the time he had with her. He was a better person for it. He knew one thing……….next time it would be forever.