Fire Meet Gasoline

Chapter One

Chicago.

At night, the city looked spectacular, peaceful.
Upon arrival in Chicago, it immediately felt like home, it welcomed you with a sense of belonging.

Although, in the daylight, it was even better.

I stood, looking out at Lake Michigan, the wind in my hair, the cool breeze pressed against my face. The sound of the water echoing as it hit the platform.

I exhale slowly, this was all so relaxing, as opposed to the lifestyle I led in London.

I never imagined being here, it just seems surreal.

Something I had always dreamed of was living in America, and now that dream had come true.

I glanced down at my hand, which was wrapped tightly around my daughter's, Amelia.

"This is our home now darling." I say with a smile, I was overjoyed that we'd finally got the chance to move ahead with our lives.

Britain wasn't so great. Amelia's father was irresponsible and immature. He was a heavy weight on our shoulders, and now we were here, it felt like that weight had been lifted.

She turned her head and looked up at me.

"I love it already!" Amelia says excitedly and I pick her up, kissing her cheek softly.

"Come on, let's go home." I whisper, heading towards our car.

I feel around for my car keys, unable to remember where I placed them.
Becoming more panicked, I quickly unzip my coat, and I find them in one of th inside pockets. I look up, and I don't see Amelia, and to think I panicked before when I lost my car keys, at this point I'd never been more terrified, having thought I'd lost my little girl.

"Amelia?" I shout and notice she's across the car park, talking to a boy whom seemed around her age.
I rush over, annoyed with her, but also relieved at the same time. I place a hand on her shoulder, and narrow my eyes at her.

"Amelia, what have I told you about running away? I get worried you know." I declare.

"Sorry Mum, I only wanted to see Luke, he's in my class at school." Amelia's voice is so sweet, her voice makes my heart melt.

I watch as Amelia continues to chat with the little boy, and I smile, happy she has made a friend. By Amelia settling and feeling at home in this new environment which was very different to the one she was used to, it meant I had less things to worry about.

The boy's father turns around from loading shopping into the car, and notices Amelia and I, and is eager to introduce himself.

"Hey there, I'm Christopher Herrmann." The man tells me and offers his hand.

"I'm Eleanor Henstridge." I return his smile, and shake his hand gently.

"So our kids, they know each other?" He asks.

I shrug, not really knowing, however a laugh escapes my lips as I look at him.

"Is it bad if I say no? We've just moved here, and I haven't had a chance to ask her I about how she is settling in school. She comes home with a smile on her face, so I suppose that means something." I run a hand through my hair, nervously, afraid of how he may judge me.

Christopher looks at me, and smiles.

"Is it bad if I say I have no clue who my kids are friends with either? I mean, I have four kids, remembering their names in the correct order is a challenge." He  shrugs and pulls a face, which causes me to laugh.

"You don't happen to be from Britain, do you?"

I frown, and exhale slowly.

"Damn, I hope my accent didn't give it away." I say, trying to remain serious, but fail and a smile appears on my face.

Christopher laughs and taps my back.

Christopher seemed like a lovely, down to earth guy, and this is how I imagined everyone would be. He was a family man too.

"So, what exactly do you do? As your profession?"

"Well, I'm a paramedic, however, the way you guys have your emergency services over here is completely different to Britain."

"Meh, it's all the same stuff right? You just poke people with needles and shove tubes down their throat. I'm sure you'd be able to find a job."

I nod and as I'm about to speak up, he buts in.

"Oh! There's a position opening up for an EMT in the fire house where I work, maybe I could talk to the chief, and ask if about it, if you interested that is."

I smile at the gesture, he had known me all of five seconds,and he didn't hold back trying to help.

"You are a firefighter? That's so cool!" Amelia looks up at Herrmann in awe.

"Yeah, my dad is pretty awesome." Luke states proudly and I smile.

"Mine isn't, mummy calls him a complete utter wank.."

"Amelia." I snap, and she raises her hands as a surrender.

"Really? You'd do that for me? You don't even know me." I try to persuade Herrmann otherwise, not wanting to seem needy as we step back into conversation.

"Of course, you seem decent, and I love to help out. Honestly, it's nothing."

I nod and thank Herrmann. We exchange phone numbers, and continue to chat. He asked about Britain, why we moved, and I asked about his family. From what he told me, his family is crazy, but the good kind of crazy. I hope one day that my family will be like his.

My phone vibrates and I glanced at the time, noticing we'd been talking for over an hour.

"I hate to be the burden of bad news, but we really must be going. Thank you again Christopher, for your offer. It would be great to work alongside someone I get along with. I'll see you around."  We say our good byes before I walk away, Amelia beside me and she waves and calls out to Luke.

Seems like the decision to move to Chicago wasn't such a bad one after all.