dream a little dream of me

Ch2: dinner for four

Robert and I spent a day together. Cuddling in my bed, talking, getting to know each other. I can say we enjoyed ourselves without so much physical contact. I loved Robert's way of thinking and his point of life view. Now, I was so grateful I decided to forgive him and let him in. At least it is not so dark anymore, but my period cramps were still killing me. In the middle of our conversation I had to get up and run to the bathroom. I rushed in and immediately threw up. Everything I had eaten that day. Sometimes, pain makes you throwing up and knocks you out of your feet. Moments later, I was sitting on the floor next to the toilet. Robert knocked on the door and slowly walked in.
"Andy, what happened? Are you okay?"
I looked up at him, still weak. I didn't want him to see me like this. I was freaking hell of a firefighter and now period cramps knocked me down.
"Yes. I am okay. Can you please leave me alone?"
He was staring at me, before he kneeled down and put hand on my shoulder.
"Would you like to take a bath? I'm going to prepare everything."
He totally ignored what I asked him and just offered another suggestion what I really wanted right now.
"No need for that, Robert. I just need to get back to my bed and I want to be alone. So please, leave. Now."
I was staring down at the floor.
"Um...if that is what you want, Andrea."
"No..look. I..I am freaking hell of a firefighter and I want you to remember and know that Andy. This Andy is too weak for other people to see her. Period is awful...especially if it's followed by this amount of pain which makes you to throw up."
I said as I lifted my hand and flushed the toilet. I tried to get up but I still wasn't sure I can.
He simply approached me and picked me up.
He was carrying me to my bedroom.
"What..what are you doing?"
I asked a bit confused but I laughed because he was so sweet. He kissed my temple and put me down on the bed.
"Making sure my girl is comfortable."
He winked and walked back to bathroom.
"Oh, so I am your girl now?!"
I shouted after him and chuckled a little. I guess this is why people get married. To be sure they will have someone to lift them up when they fall down. I smiled thinking about marriage- Robert and me, having firehouse babies. I quickly forgot that thought and focused on Netflix- to distract myself.
It was 7pm. And I wasn't tired at all...except I was in pain I felt nothing but happiness.
After fifteen minutes Robert came back.
"You're my girl now and your bath is ready."
I paused tv show and looked at him.
He extended his hand to me and I took it. Slowly get up. I grabbed some clean underwear and comfy clothes before walking with him to the bathroom. He made me a hot bath with candles and everything around smelled like strawberries, my favourite. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist. He was holding me close in his hug.
"Daran könnte ich mich wirklich gewöhnen, Leutnant."
He was staring in my eyes and speaking German. I couldn't understand a word except I assumed "Leutenant" was lieutenant. I smiled cluelessly.
"What was that? Translation. Now."
"Oh? Now I am following your orders?"
He teased me and smirked. He was playing with my hair.
"Of course, Chief."
He pulled me closer, gently and kissed me. I kissed him back but then he pulled away. Both of us knew we have to stop.
"I said I could get used to this, lieutenant. Now, take your time and enjoy before bath gets cold."
"Oh, thank you. I...uhm. I really appreciate this."
He kissed my temple before leaving the bathroom and walking downstairs. I locked the door, undressed myself and I slowly entered the bath. No one of men did this for me. Or maybe I should call them boys- because they were different than Robert, a lot different. Robert Sullivan is a man who knows what he wants and he gets what he wants. Finds his way to achieve every of his goals. Or better to say- works his way. I smiled even thinking about him. This bath was such a relief and escape from stress and everything reality brought me in the past few weeks.

*Robert Sullivan's POV*
I walked into kitchen and immediately went to prepare dinner. I was wondering how women can handle all of that things. Every month. I felt sorry because I couldn't ease Andy's pain- but I could show her I am not leaving. She didn't want me to see her like this. Weak. Because Andrea Herrera was everything but weak. She was freaking hell of a firefighter, she was a fighter. A doer. She was brave, confident and strong. On her own. She was young, beautiful independent woman. Even if I saw her today like this- it won't change my opinion about her. I decided to prepare steak with risotto and some fried onions for dinner. I was chopping onions when I heard doorbell. Since Andy was taking a bath I had to answer the door. I walked up and opened it.
"Andy, we're here to celebr-" It was Victoria Hughes, holding hands with my former best friend, Lucas Ripley. She freaked out when she saw I opened the door.
"Ch-Chief? What are you doing here? And oh- I am so sorry to interrupt."
I smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Hughes. You actually didn't interrupt anything. Andy is upstairs taking a bath. And I came to check on her because you told me she is sick."
"Sully, that is so nice of you." Luke added and smiled. Victoria was just watching us- unsure what to say.
"Come on in. I am making dinner for us."
"And we have thaii!"
Hughes exclaimed before walking inside with a Ripley. I locked the door and joined them in the kitchen.
Together we prepared dinner and served everything.
"So what exactly you wanted to celebrate?"
I asked with dose of curiosity in my voice.
"We're getting married, Sully."
Luke replied and caught me off guard.
"WHAT? What do you mean you're getting married?"
Hughes laughed.
"We're in love and we're getting married. We want to spend the rest of our lives together. Plus, we're sick of hiding and living in the shadows, Sully."
Words of my best friend made me think of Andy. We will have to hide and live in the shadows. It will be a bumpy road...but I was more than sure we will find a way for us to work.
"Well, congratulations. Luke, you finally listened to my advice. I am so happy for you guys."
I congratulated them and we lifted glasses up for a toast. Andy walked in.
"Wooo. What are we toasting to? Without me?" She laughed and came to her seat.
"To happiness, true love and joy."
I said lifting my glass up while looking at her and then at Luke and Vic.
"To life without problems. To life full of laughs and kisses."
Luke continued.
"To us! And to this friendship."
Hughes added. Now all three of us focused on Andy.
She lifted her glass up.
"To no more hiding and living in the shadows."
Glasses clung and we were all laughing and smiling before enjoying the dinner. Dinner for four.

Our time together was interrupted by calls. Ladder19, Engine19, Aid19, PRT and Battalion.
"Mason's Lane 32"
We exchanged looks and ran to get ready and go to work.
"Andy, you're coming?"
"Damn right I am coming."
"But- you're in pain. If you would like-"
"I suck it up and work my magic. Let's do this."
She flashed a smile before kissing me on the cheek and joining Hughes in the car. I went with Luke to the station.

to be continued...

S.n. This chapter was dedicated to all the ladies out there experiencing painful periods. I knew some of them and when I am stressed out I am one of them. We're real heroes! 🌸💪