You Were Always There (Spin-Off to Her Little Firefighter)

Chapter One

"Eric you've been here the past 48 hours, go home and get some rest." I heard my captain, Donald Richards say. I was currently sitting at my desk filing the latest fire report we received which was about some rotten teenagers setting a fire in the dumpster behind the high school. I could feel the bags under my eyes forming bags of their own and so when captain said that I saved my report, stood from my desk and nodded my head at him. I said goodbye to the other guys on duty, and then began my walk home. I only worked two blocks from the firehouse so I usually walk to work unless it is pouring down the rain. Today though it was a beautiful May day as the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in sight. I began my walk home when I saw her a little bit up ahead, probably just finishing her day of work, "Hey Alex wait up!" I saw her turn and smile stopping in her tracks as she waited for me to catch up with her. 

"Hey Eric, finally off for a little bit?" 

"Yeah, just completed 48 hours, so the captain sent me home." 

"Good idea, you definitely look like you need some sleep." 

"Wow thanks, and I thought I looked great." 

"Aw you know what I mean Eric. Forty-eight hours is a long time for someone to stay up without any sleep, I just meant you need some rest." 

I laughed and wrapped my arm around her shoulders and squeezed lightly, "I'm just messing with you Alex, don't worry." She smiled at me and we continued our walk down the street. "So how is Justin doing?" 

Her eyes lit up, and she looked over at me, "He's great, we actually have a date tonight. It was four years ago last week that we started dating so we are going out for a nice dinner tonight. I had the fundraiser last week for the new library at school so I did not have time for it last weekend, and tonight was the first night both of us are free. I think there might be a ring on my finger by the end of the night." 

"Really? Why do you say that?" I asked, looking over to see her smile had widened, which caused me to smile. I was happy to see her this happy. No one deserved to be happier more than her. Alex and I have been friends for years, our parents were friends and so when they would get together, Alex and I would find ourselves playing with one another, and getting ourselves into our own little adventures. I knew one day someone would snatch her up. 

"Well he's been acting weird lately, and he couldn't hardly wait to have this dinner. He wanted it as soon as possible, so I think something is up." 

"Well is that what you want?" 

"Yeah, I do. I really love him Eric. He makes me really happy." 

"Well good that's all I care about." 

"Thanks. We need to find you someone." 

"Eh I don't really have enough time to date." 

"Oh hush, if we found the right girl you would make time for her. Just look at Duke, he never saw himself settling down, but then Rayna came into the picture, and now he's married with two kids. You deserve that too Eric." 

I looked at her and shrugged, "You never know what could happen." 

"Absolutely. I'll find you someone, it shouldn't be too hard to find you a date."

I just shook my head, because I figured it was better not to argue with her, I knew she would win. I walked Alex up to her door before we parted ways. "Have a great night with Justin." 

"Thanks Eric, I'll see you later?" 

"Yeah absolutely, have a great night." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~Later That Night~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was currently around 8:30 and I had just settled in to watch the NBA playoff game between the Celtics and the Cavaliers when I heard my doorbell ring. I sighed, set down my Bud Light and walked to the front door. When I answered the door, I didn't expect her to be standing there. 

"Alex?" 

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Hi everyone well the first chapter is posted and I am so excited. Please let me know what you think so far. Once again thank you for all the love on Her Little Firefighter as well as my other stories, feel free to check them out. I can't wait to keep writing about Eric and Alex and see where the story takes them. I have some ideas that I want to include somewhere in the story, but I still need to figure out an overall game plan for the two of them. Please let me know what you think of the first chapter, I really love hearing feedback as it shows me what the readers want to see. Thank you again for reading and I will post chapter two soon. 

~Katelyn