The Fighter

Chapter 1

"Bullshit. You can't do that alone John. You'd need me to pull your ass out." I rolled my eyes at him. He was saying that he could go into a building all by himself and put out the fire. I can't stand when he's a cocky son of a bitch. "I could do it all by myself! That would impress you enough to-." "Hey!" I cut him off. "I've already been down that road with you!" "And Jet, but not Kyle." "Kyle's like my brother. Now shut up and lay some hose. I want to get this done and go home." Why I was even paired up with him was beyond me. The guys must think its funny or something. "Mick, go home I've got this." Kyle came out to the truck bay. "My Hero." I laughed and hugged him. "What? Was he driving you crazy again?" he asked holding the door open for me. "Is Standfort still coming for training tomorrow?" "Yes, your boyfriend will be coming so you can see him." "Chris is not my boyfriend, we just have psychology together. I'm single and all you boys know that." I shut the door behind me and went to my truck. I drove home to my Grandma's house. I live with my grandma and my Papa. My Papa is actually the chief of the fire department.

When I got home, the dogs met me loudly at the door. Junior, the huge cream colored Golden Retriever me at the door first. Followed by Marley, his sister, a dark red golden retriever. She wasn't as fat as he was. "Shh! Junior, Marley, it's me! Relax!" I pushed them inside and locked the door behind me. I went to my room. The one I share with my five year old sister. "Mickie, where'd you go?" Avery spoke up. "Avvy, you should be sleeping." I sat next to her and kissed her head. "I couldn't sleep without you. Where is Gavy?" "He's away at college remember?" I sighed. Gavin is my twenty year old brother. I'm only eighteen. "You're not going to leave too, are you?" "No. I'm not. You want to know where I was tonight. I was saving a house for a family. It was on fire." I explained the best I could. "I want to be a firefighter like you." "Like me, Jamie, and Chief Papa?" "Yeah. Grandma was one too remember? "Yes, you're right. She was too. Now you really have to get some sleep. You have a big day tomorrow." I tucked her into her covers again. "Will you lay with me?" She asked so innocently. "Yes." I laid with her and she fell asleep holding my hand. My family is in the same department as I am. I have had relationships with other firefighters like nineteen year old Jet, and twenty-one year old John. But never have I had a relationship with twenty-one year old Kyle. Chris is a firefighter from another district that I am friends with. My older brother Gavin is at Ithaca College, My Dad is MIA and he has been since my mom passed. I have basically been raising Avery since she was a year old and I was fourteen. She's all I have with Gavin away. Avery hates it when I have to go to calls or meetings without her.

The next morning, I dropped Avery off at school and went to the community college where I attend. Avery likes school, but she never wants to let go of me. I think she's afraid of losing someone else. I met my friend Kim for breakfast, like I do every morning. We come early even though class isn't until Ten-thirty. "Hey, sorry I'm late." I walked into the cafeteria. "Did Avvy, not want you to leave again?" Kim knew something was up. "No, she didn't. And she was still awake when I got home from the call last night. I had a hard time sleeping." "How's your boyfriend?" "I don't have a boyfriend! Why do you guys keep saying that?!" I asked. I seriously do not know why everyone thinks that. "Something obviously happened last night!" she persisted. "Well, John tried to get back with me last night, like always. But then Kyle came in and saved me." "Oh, I bet Kyle saved you like he always does." She winked. "Shut up! He's my guy best friend and nothing more!" I groaned.

I had to go to class. Chris was already in his seat waiting for me. "Hey. Are you ready for training tonight?" he sked with a grin. "Always, I'm going to kick your ass." "So are all your boyfriends coming?" "Shut up! You know that none of them are my boyfriend! I do not have a boyfriend." "Then what do you have besides a million guy friends?" he thought he was so clever. "A little sister. And she's all that I need." I smiled and he shut up. He knows all my situation with my sister. I can joke like Jet can about his dad. He'll always be like "well my Dad had to die!" or something like that. It's not normal or nice, but its how we deal with things I guess. I mean Chris isn't a bad guy and I kind of like him a little bit, but a relationship is not what I need right now.