The Periwinkle Affair

TPA 10: Food Poisoning

"OKAY, people. Hear me out." He started as he lazily sat on the corner of Maine's desk. Maine was just happy that her desk can handle Big Mike's weight, no kidding. "Agenda for today, reshuffling. Engines 1 to 4." He added.

Everyone looked in surprise and their mouths were left hanging, some with food, some were drinking water,but thank God, nothing came out of their mouths.

Everyone started murmuring, complaining and some were praying not to get reshuffled to other teams and a very few that didn't care, like Probie Fireman Alden Richards behind her.

"I'll start with Engine 4. Calpug, Ybañez, Salazar, Puig." Maine heard groans and moans as a sign of protest but no one really bothered voicing it out. It's not the people they will be teaming up with but it's the work hours and days change in their schedule are reasons for those groans and moans.

All the names that were called went to the other side, carrying their lunches. Nene sat down next to Maine. She's always here trying to make money, it's either selling some lunch and snacks or cleaning the firehouse on the weekends. They pay her a good amount of money. Then she goes to school in the afternoon.

"Engine 3!" Big Mike yelled that made Maine and Nene jump. "Fuego, Soriano, Bueno and Lustre." He continued.

All names called picked up their lunches and got around Big Mike to their teammates. Each area of the firehouse has a designated team area which means they have to move their stuff around.

"Engine 2! Tuico, Tanauan, Luzon and Guzman." He went on. The guys did the same.

"So, we are left with Engine 1. Halasan, Mendoza, Richards and me!" Cisco, Leon and Maine looked at each other. Allan was the only one not on their team, instead, he was replaced with Alden. Maine did not like it, but who is she to complain? She was just glad that she still has the three.

"Whether you like the people in your team or not, I don't give a flying fish. I suggest you deal with it or go home! We are not kindergarteners, I don't want to see anyone acting on they're own without their team. I don't need to see anyone disregarding your team leaders call whether it's right or wrong. If you don't like it, stay away from Red and let everyone do their jobs. We are not going to play the "my horse is bigger than yours." Big Mike's voice was heard from all corners and walls of the firehouse but his eyes were on Alden, who sits there nonchalantly.

All that matters to her is that she's still with Big Mike, her Kuya Mike. That's all that matters.

Later on that day, everyone isgathered together as part of their unwinding after the week's work. It is also the promised party for her at Slinkee's. Some of them are full time firefighters and some of them are part time and few are volunteers like her, Philip, Nathan, Dennis and Leon. And of course, the super, duper, feel-like boss Alden Richard.

She's not sure what this man has in his head that seems like he's out to get her. She doesn't easily get spooked but with this man, she felt creeped out and electrified at the same time. Bomber!

Alden has this sinister look everytime she catches him staring at her and she can't wrap her head around it. Why is he like that to me?

"Hey, Maine." Luisa pulled her out of deep thoughts. She looks up. "Big Mike asked if you are ready? We will just do it here at your house. We'll have it all delivered here." She blinked many times, trying to understand what was going on around her. She then realized that she's still in the same dimension as they are.

Alden is really getting into her. She's not like this but it seemed like her world is different now.

"Yeah, I guess." She said hesitantly then shook her head. She's trying to shake off all the negative thoughts and be in the present and not somewhere else. "But you guys are the one to clean up after!" She echoed back to Luisa.