Second Chance (PAW Patrol AU)

Chapter Thirteen

Marshall gasped in horror. The world spun around and his knees buckled. "I could have killed him," whimpered Marshall. "How could I be so careless?"

Everest noticed his actions and ran to his side. "Marshall!" she called out, causing the others to turn to him. "Marshall" She knelt down to his side. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Marshall couldn't speak as tears filled his eyes. "I can't believe I was so thoughtless," whispered Marshall, still not looking up. "Chase will never forgive me, I could have taken Rocky from them." Everest pulled Marshall into a hug realizing what had happened. Chase had come over once he knew Rocky was okay. He, too, realized what had obviously happened.

Part of Chase was instantly furious, but pushing it aside as fear, he felt pity for Marshall. "I know you would never do something like that on purpose Marshall," said Chase as calmly as he could. "It's not like you to forget something like that, but we were all excited about the day and accidents happen. Thank goodness no one wasn't hurt."

Marshall looked up at Chase with tears in his eyes then immediately hung his head again, unable to face Chase. He feared that Skye would never speak with him again. Everest drew him closer and held him as he sobbed.

Chase returned to Skye who was trying her best to talk Rocky out of the driver's seat. Rocky was still gripping the steering wheel tightly and shaking. "It's really okay Rocky," Skye said in a soothing voice. "You're safe, you can let go."

Rocky looked at Skye and blinked. "Mom?" Rocky burst into tears and wrapped his arms around Skye. Skye helped him from the vehicle and held him.

Chase looked over to the tractor trailer. The fire department had been able to gain control of the fire and was mopping up the hot spots. A police officer was over taking the report information from the driver. He looked up and acknowledged Chase. "Officer Shepherd, you got one hell of a kid there. His reaction probably saved him."

Chase smiled. "You're right, he's quick and smart."

"I'm going to need to speak with the driver of the van," said the officer.

"I'll get him," said Chase turning to where Marshall and Everest were sitting on the ground. "Marshall?" Chase said as he approached. Marshall still couldn't bring himself to look Chase in the eye.

"Yes sir?"

"The officer needs to speak with you since you were the last one driving; I'll go with you. We'll get through this. Like I said, accidents happen." Marshall nodded as Everest helped him to his feet.

Marshall spoke with the officer and explained that he had stopped to get fuel and left the vehicle in neutral without setting the parking brake. The officer took the information and explained that Marshall would need to provide insurance information for the van since it was rented in his name.

Rubble and Zuma had checked the van and, other than some dirt from running into the ditch, the van was completely unharmed. "You think Marshall will be okay?" asked Rubble.

"He is really beating himself up about this," said Zuma. "It could have been any of us that could have done the same. Marshall is a stickler for safety and it may take a while for him to forgive himself."

"Do you think Skye and Chase are mad at him?"

"I think since Rocky is okay, they'll be fine. I'll offer to drive us back to the cabin." Zuma walked over toward Chase to speak with him. "Chase, Rubble and I are going to take the van back to the gas station and finish filling it up."

"Ok, See you two in a minute" said Chase turning back to the officer. When Chase finished, he walked back over to where Skye and Rocky were sitting and talking. Rocky had calmed down. Chase smiled as he thought of the fact that Skye had the same effect on him. Chase sat down next to the two. "You okay bud?"