Separated ways

32.Good and the best news

Penny's journal

This year has been probably the most amazing in my whole life. All the good events started when I got the results from a test for a chief fire officer rank and, as Sam bet, I passed without a single mistake.  I kept in contact with my friends from Nantes, as Sam did with his from Essen. A month ago, in the summer we invited them on the big festival that was hosted in Pontypandy. They came and we all have some much fun, however, well... I couldn't be a part of this the whole time.

Speaking of which, since Sam and I are together nothing could be more beautiful in my life. Or so I thought... Sam have always been different from Ryan, but he showed me completely different side of himself this year. He could joke and tease me more easily, but at the same time could be shy and embarrassed quickly as well. Our relationship wasn't a secret for too long thanks to Radar who, after no more than two weeks of our conspiracy, couldn't kept himself from barking happily when we tried to hide from Ellie and Elvis and their curious questions. 

To my big surprise not longer than month ago the two also got together. How? I didn't ask Ellie, however she was more nosy than ever for the last weeks. I didn't know why she kept pressuring me for talking about unusual topics, until Elvis let the cat out. Sam hasn't propose to me yet, and I wasn't aware if that is what he really wants to, but Elvis told me, in secret, that Sam is planning something. He just made one basic mistake - he told Elvis. As great friend as he is, I won't doubt it, I could not keep a secret from him for too long myself, but he has a heart on his tongue and gets excited too easily and even Ellie's warnings didn't keep him from sharing the happy news with the world. 

In difference to me. I couldn't force myself to tell Sam my little secret until the autumn came and it was sure his planning wasn't going so well, which I was informed firsthand by Elvis right away. I wanted to cheer Sam up. And, even though my anxiousness, he was sparkling with joy for a whole week. 

My life couldn't be more complete now, but I have been having some doubts recently. I wasn't sure anymore if I can really hope for a position of my father or it was all just a dream?

Recently some rumors were running in the firestation that the firefighting council made a decision and chose new chief fire officer. We didn't know who it will be yet, but for sure it couldn't be Ryan. 

Pontypandy firestation was preparing for big ceremony. Everyone was preparing it for a big announcement. However Penny prepared everything she needed yesterday and now she couldn't find her place as she was surrounded with her colleagues smiling happily and putting the last decorations on their places. 

Without thinking about it, Penny walked over to the mirror in her locker as she checked if her uniform didn't get dirty somewhere. But when she began to look more and more closely in her nervoussness, someone walked over to her and put gently his hand on her shoulder. 

"You look perfectly" she heard a soft whisper. "As always" Sam kissed her on cheek and immediately it put a smile back on Penny's face as she rested her head on Sam' shoulder.

"You're so sweet" she mumbled, returning his kiss. "Come on, it is going to start in a moment" she joked encouragingly, as she grabbed his hand and they walked towards the rest of their team.  

"So it's time to start, isn't it?" Station Officer Steele said to them as he approached when all the guests went silent, watching in anticipation how the elder firefighter climbed on the quickly build step to start his speech. 

"We gather today to celebrate a great victory of experience over, proven, seek for glory and title. The chief fire officer rank has always been known for its own proundness, respect and an amount of hard work it takes to earn it" he started. "But it isn't earn once. It is being earned every single day when you show up for people that count on you" he ended before he nodded his head briefly to the firefighters that were leaning on the door. "That's why I am proad to say that the title of our dear friend, Horacio Boyce, is handed to capable hands. Congratulations to our new chief fire officer Norris Steele!" He announced as everyone looked surprise at their chief. 

It seemed like almost whole town wanted to congratulate former station officer Steele his new promotion. So firefighters just gathered closer in the circle, trying to figure out who would take over their chief's position. 

"I still have something else to say" Station Officer Steele's voice reached their ears. "I'm grateful for the position, but with all respect I'm not moving anywhere from Pontypandy" he turned to the elder firefighter with assuring smile. "However..." he interrupted as his gaze laid heavy directly on Sam. "I can't leave my team without knowing their also in capable hands. Because working from headqueters is important, but it is us who face the obstacles everyday, so I can't sleep peacefully knowing someone of firefighters couldn't go home one night" he started sadly and for a short moment his gaze met Penny's. She smiled weakly, before Steele continued. "But I have a perfect fit for this place and I'm sure no one will doubt my statement" he smiled before he spoke on one breath. "Sam, what do you think?"

"Me..." Sam just stuttered, looking helplessly for help to his friends but they just smiled and pushed him onto the stage. "I don't know what to say". 

"Oh, don't be so modest, Sam" Steele complained and it made everyone laughed. "You earned it" he assured as he raised Sam's arm in the air. 

"Thanks, chief" Sam replied briefly as he stepped from the stage. 

"It might have seemed like the last decision for today, but Pontypandy firestation still don't have a team leader now. With new station officer, there is still one big change coming. Firefighter Morris, can I ask you?" Steele looked meaningfully at Penny as she just shrugged her shoulders. "It is my last decision and at the same time last wish to make a first team leader in our firestation our dear Penny, who also earned it with your everydays effort" he justified as he smiled and stepped down to give his team a big hug. 

"It is not a surprise" Elvis said as everyone started gathering around Sam and Penny to congratulate them. 

"Actually I have even bigger one" Sam cleared his throat before he spoke embarrassedly. "Penny" he whispered her name softly as he got on one knee right after she turned around to him. "You always shine brightly on my sky, you are always my lighthouse in the storm. So, please, can you hold on to me still and give the iggest honour to call you my wife?" 

Meanwhile, while the all the gathered people were standing speechless with their jaws almost reaching the ground after Sam's confession, Penny didn't have a reason to hesitate anymore. 

"Yes" she replied without thinking as she grabbed Sam's arm and, forgetting that they were watched by whole Pontypandy, she kissed him passionately.

Hi! I want to say it is the end. For now;-) Maybe someday I'll come back for this story and write something else, but for now I'll stick to the others. 

With the end of this I want to thank everyone who read it and were there in the journey. I hope you enjoyed it and have at least few good memories as you think about this sotry, just like I do;-)