Hope on the Rocks

A good Samaritan

Jason's pov

I was making my usual rounds in my police car when I passed by a bench where a woman was crying and holding a baby. I pulled to the side. "Ma'am, are you okay?" I ask, rolling down the passenger window. She looks up startled. She tells me this morning her husband died in a head on wreck and she just lost her house. I get out and sit beside her. "Ma'am is there anything I can do?" She cries harder. I help her into my police car. "Where are we going?" "My house. You need a break from your life." I say, holding her hand. I drive back to my place and sit her down at the table. "How long has it been since you've eaten?" "About a week." She mumbles, avoiding eye contact. She's embarrassed. "It's okay. I'm here to help. Let's start with your name." "Miranda." She says. I write it down while making something for her to eat. "What about your baby?" She smiles. "Her name's Sierra. She's a sweet little baby, never fussy." I smile and bring her some grits and toast. I should probably call this in to the station but I think I'll keep her to myself. She's been through hell. I take Sierra from her. "You go get some rest. I'll take care of Sierra." She has tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much. You're a saint." She says, hugging me. "Just doin' my job." She goes to lay down and she was right about Sierra. The whole time I was watching her, she wasn't fussy one bit. I left a note and ran to the store and picked up a little bassinet and playpen. Along with a bunch of toys and clothes. When I got home, I rocked her to sleep and put her in the bassinet. My radio crackles. A robbery on third street! I rush upstairs to tell her. "I've got to go for work but you can stay here for as long as you need." I say, hugging her. "You've been my saving grace today." "And I'll be your saving grace tomorrow too. You aren't going back out there." I get in my car and radio in that I'm on my way. Shoot he's got a hostage! I duck behind my police car with my gun pointed at him. "Let her go and I won't shoot!" I shout. "You shoot, I'll shoot!" He yells back. I get my radio. "I need back up. Suspect has a hostage. I repeat suspect has a hostage." I stand up. "Put your gun on the ground!" "I don't negotiate with criminals!" "Unless you want this woman's blood on your hands, Mr. cop, you'll do what I say." "Or I could just do this." I say, shooting him. I run to the woman. "You okay?" "I am now. Thank you." "Anytime ma'am." I head back home after the other cops arrived. Miranda is getting out of the shower. I smile. I think I'm falling for this homeless girl. She ain't homeless anymore. I knock on the door. "You decent?" "Yeah." She says. I open the door and she's brushing through her long brown hair. "You look really pretty." I say. "Thanks." She sits on the edge of the bed. "I was wondering do you like pool?" "I've never tried it." "How about we try it out tonight." "But who will watch Sierra?" "I'm sure my buddy Luke won't mind helping me out." She smiles. "I'm all for it then."

*later*

The reason I picked pool is I can teach her which means extreme closeness. "Jason, I have no idea what I'm doing." I smile and set my cue stick down. "You want me to teach you?" She nods. Score! I walk over, resting my hands on her arms and gently guiding her hands to show her how to do it. "I was wondering if you want to move in with me.... But not as my roommate, as my girlfriend." Her hands freeze. "Really? Me?" "Yeah." "I would love to." Wow, that was easier than I thought it would be. We sit at the bar and I buy her a drink. I'm not drinking since I have to drive us home. I decide to make a move now. I grab her chin and kiss her.