Parallel Lives

Chapter 1: A Beautiful Morning - Sabrina

   (So this is a little different compared to my other stories. This is a book in tribute to 9/11 and all of the victims, which is why this book was released today. This book will contain triggering things like death, suicide, depression, etc. If you can't handle that, you can click off now. I understand completely. For whoever stayed, I hope you will enjoy this book)!

   "Today will be a good morning." That was my first thought as I opened my eyes. I checked the alarm clock on the bedside table, the alarm loudly blaring. The time read 7 AM. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get rid of the sleepiness. As I sat up, I gave a good stretch. Getting out of bed, I felt happy that I wouldn't be going to school today. I started high school six days ago and I'm already starting to hate it. My happy place is the firehouse. Not school.

   I am currently a junior firefighter in the FDNY. I absolutely love it. I started in June of this year right when school ended. I couldn't wait. So far, it's been a great experience. I was inspired by my older brother. He's an FDNY firefighter and has been for two years. I work at his firehouse. I had to tell the rest of the firefighters a few weeks ago that I wouldn't be coming there as often as I wanted due to school. That I'd only be coming in on the weekends. They understood, but there was a sense of sadness after I told them. Since I was an everyday face, they wouldn't be used to not seeing me as often.

   Just for today, I was skipping school to come say hi to the rest of the firefighters and work. My job consisted of cleaning the trucks, rolling the hoses, cleaning the road outside, running back and forth at fires to get equipment for them, and training. I am currently the only junior firefighter in the entire firehouse and the youngest among them. At 24, my brother was the youngest. Then, it was a probationary firefighter that had just joined at 22. Now, it's me.

   My parents didn't know I'd be skipping school today so hopefully they wouldn't find out. School is very important for my career. I needed my high school diploma in order to be a firefighter. After I did my basic morning routine, I grabbed my big shoulder bag so I could take it with me, that way my mom would think I was in school. Dad wouldn't be home until after 2nd period rolls around so he wouldn't know either. He told me this morning that he was going to be running errands. I was half awake and tired so I'm not too sure what errands he'd be running. He should honestly rest because he usually doesn't have work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, yet here he is going out early in the morning. I made my way out of my apartment. By the time I left, it was already 8 AM. I decided to stop by Dunkin' Donuts because at this point, I was starving. I bought myself a sandwich and iced coffee. I love coffee.

   The weather felt absolutely wonderful and satisfying. It wasn't too hot, but it wasn't cold either. It was a late summer and a beautiful morning. It was just simply perfect weather. There wasn't even a cloud in the sky. It had rained yesterday and today it seemed like it never did. Crazy how there was supposed to be a hurricane today but it went past New York.

   I eventually made it to the firehouse and went inside. "Surprise boys!" I exclaimed, holding both my arms up, one hand holding my coffee. "Oh shit Sabrina!" One of the firefighters yelled in shock. "What are you doing here? Why are you not at school?" Jacob, my brother asked in surprise. "I'm skipping only for today." I answered, setting down my bag. The entire firehouse let out a chorus of "ooooohs," as if they were elementary school kids when another kid was caught doing something bad. I chuckled and shook my head at their antics. "Do Mom and Dad know?" Jacob asked. "Nope!" I mischievously giggled. Jacob shook his head, either annoyed or disappointed. I couldn't tell nor did I give a shit.

   "You are so lucky that I'm not gonna call either Mom or Dad and have one of them take your ass to school." Jacob muttered. I rolled my eyes. "Oh shut up. I'd be really late to school so that would be pointless. And Dad isn't even home right now since he's running errands and Mom is sleeping. I wouldn't wanna disturb them." I explained while rolling my eyes. "Anyways, where's Chief?" Chief Jack Peterson is our battalion chief. He's like a second father to me. "In his office, where else?" Jacob answered, sarcastic as always. I flipped him the middle finger. "Actually, I'm right here. Welcome back Sabrina!" Chief Peterson spoke, walking in. "Thanks Chief! Glad to be back! Only for today though since I gotta go back to school tomorrow. However, I'll be back here on Saturday." I explained, to which Chief Peterson nodded in understanding.

   Then, the firehouse got a call for a gas leak. "Yay! Work time!" I yelled, throwing out my empty cup. Jacob chuckled and shook his head, softly pushing me to the side and making his way to one of the trucks. Luckily, I knew I'd be working so I had my junior firefighter uniform on. "Bri, you're riding with me." Chief Peterson said. "Ok Chief!" I exclaimed in response. I grabbed my gear and made my way to the battalion car. I wouldn't need to wear it since I'd be at a gas leak and I'd be with Chief Peterson the whole time. I still brought it though, just in case. I placed it in the trunk before heading inside. I missed working so much, even though I've only been gone for six days. Any day I'm not working, it feels like forever.

   Usually, I ride with the others in the trucks instead of the car. I guess today is different. Chief's battalion aide drove the car to our destination. I stepped out, admiring the beautiful morning weather. I followed behind Chief Peterson, watching his every move. "Sabrina, do you know how to check for a gas leak?" He asked. I shook my head. I've only been taught about fires. Not gas leaks. "Well today's your lucky day, kiddo. You're gonna learn what it's like." Chief said, showing me a tool that he was holding.

   I stared in awe as Chief Peterson and the others checked for a gas leak. I truthfully couldn't smell gas. But then again, carbon monoxide exists. As we continued to work, we heard the loud sounds of a plane in the air. "That's odd." I thought to myself. We usually never hear planes as often due to the tall buildings. I looked up and saw the plane. "Is it just me or does that plane sound a little bit too loud?" I asked no one in particular. The plane was low. A little bit too low. I kept observing the plane as it hid behind some buildings. After a few moments, all I could hear was, BOOM!

   (So that was chapter 1! I  hope you guys enjoyed it! This will all get pretty insane so stay tuned for that. Thanks for reading! See you in the next upload)!