What Happens In The Dark

CHAPTER 33

"Babe? Are you almost ready to go?" Maya calls out down the hall towards the bedroom, as she pokes at the numerous boxes still needing to be unpacked since Carina moved in two weeks ago.

"2 minutes bella." Comes the agitated voice back.

Maya rolls her eyes laughing to herself knowing that Carina's 2 minutes usually end up being more like 10. "Ok, we need to leave in the next 5 minutes if you don't want to be late to the meeting!" Maya tells her.

Although Maya can't hear her completely, she knows Carina is angry-muttering at her in Italian... not for the first time, and Maya is sure it likely won't be the last, shaking her head a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she decides against further comments.

5 minutes later, Carina comes dashing out of the bedroom, "Ok, ok I'm ready, let's go." She announces in a rushed tone.

Maya gets up and follows Carina out as they get in the car "you sure you still wanna do this today?" Maya checks with her.

Carina looks over and smiles "I'm sure. They should know we are a couple, Maya. Besides, given neither one of us have arrived for a morning meeting without the other, I would be surprised if at least a few of them don't suspect." She laughs

Maya smirks, "well that's true, maybe the fact that when we have a middle of the day meeting I always bring you a coffee from the deli round the corner, may also be a giveaway."

Carina just sniggers in response, and hmms in agreement.

++++

"Ok guys the last item on the agenda is the wider roll out inclusion of more SFD members... I'll hand it over to Captain Bishop for this item." says Josie the Committee Chair.

Maya stands and moves to the front of the room, thanking Josie as she does. "Ok, so as you all know I have been in discussion with a number of SFD Captain's and been through the interested candidates and we now have the following firefighters to add to the program." Maya starts as she puts up a slide on the presentation screen.

"So from Station 19 we have Captain Andy Herrera, and Firefighter Hughes. Both very experienced, Andy was part of the pilot program with myself, and Vic has been instrumental in the success of the SFD Crisis One program. I think they will be excellent additions." She tells the Committee.

"Next we have Ellie Quinn, she's a Lieutenant over at Station 4, and also part of the academy training staff, so she has the required skills and experience to be able to effectively train and teach." Maya tells them all.

"We also have Lieutenant Joe Diaz from station 15, Captain Will Jaxon from station 12 and Lieutenant Nick Raymond from Station 23. All were really keen to be involved and submitted some great information about transferable skills and strengths." She tells them.

"All are due at the academy next week for a course overview and to show them what is expected, this will ensure they are all prepared for the roll out next month." Maya confirms.

"Are there any questions?" Maya asks.

Everyone shakes their head indicating no questions. Maya glances over to Carina who gives her a small smile and a nod, Maya takes a breath. "Ok, well if there's no questions on that, there is one last thing I would like to say."

Maya clasps her fingers together nerves feeling on edge "um, well... ok so it's a personal thing. But um, you guys should know..." She says looking at Carina again for support, finding her smiling at her.

"Vice Principal DeLuca and I... we are a couple. Like romantically." She clarifies.

The room stays silent for a few seconds and Maya begins to panic, before the whole committee bursts into laughs as Josie gets up saying to Carina "you were right, this way was so much more fun." Carina laughs in response.