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Signal Three-Three-Five

(Fire is out-Returning to quarters)

By: Lorraine B.

© 2006 Lorraine Bank

© Photo by Emergency One Vehicles

The red and black paint of the all the apparatus shone, the chrome twinkled in the dimly lighted firehouse. The lights and sirens were silent on the emergency trucks. The ready deck was quiet as most of the fire companies' personnel were in bed, with the exception for a few watching television or playing cards. It was their turn to unwind from the day of fighting the red, white and orange flames of the fires they had fought during their shift of twenty-four hours. Suddenly the lights went from dim to bright. A siren went off over the speakers!

In seconds a blaring voice came from the speakers saying, "District chief 1, Battalion 3, Battalion 4, Engines 01, 04, 05, 12; Ladder Truck 20, Truck 23, Tower 2, special alarm Level 3, Haz-Mat 223, ambulance 43, 57, 12, 23 Alarm box at Sterling chemicals pharmaceuticals office and warehouse, 4716 Clearing Way, cross street Lincoln, fire is fully involved, confirmed by Wet Risers activation of Fire Alarm."

The firehouse appeared to be in organized chaos as men and women slid down the brass pole from the sleeping area to the firehouse ready deck. They all jumped into their boots, pulled up the turnout gear pants and suspenders. They all grabbed their coats and helmets running to their trucks. In mere seconds the trucks thundered from the fire station, they were rolling as their sirens wailed their mournful song into the night. Their lights cut into the darkness with their eerie flashes of red, green, blue, yellow and white light.

The fire apparatus converged on the building as the flames sped and grew in intensity as it ate everything in its path.

Chapter Two

Lieutenant Robert (Robbie) O'Shea of Engine O1 was busy on the radio while his Engineer Firefighter Mike Farrell who drove the large pumper apparatus. In the back jump seats sat Anne Morgan, Brad O'Connell and me, Paul Wallace the former probationary firefighter of the station. While the Engine sped down the streets I took stock of my young life. I was just over twenty-one, unmarried, with barely meeting the height and weight requirements of the department. I'm the third generation firefighter along with my Dad and a brother at another firehouse and ladder truck company.

I studied hard at the academy, suffered harder with the physical training and graduated first in my class. On graduation I was assigned to my current fire station as a reward for my endeavors. Basically the house was quiet, one of the few in the city, on average we responded to three or four calls a day per 24 hours. Most of the fires were struck out in an hour with very little happening or we went out to assist the ambulances stationed with us as a first responder. It was a chance for us to study, do our chores maintaining our equipment from washing the apparatus, checking hoses, and to refilling air bottles among other tasks. I was pleased to be a part of this company even though the ribbing I received was good-natured and a part of the Probie indoctrination learning process.

Checking over my personal equipment I was in hyper drive as we traveled the streets to the fire. It was a big one to warrant a 2-11 with a special alarm call. I was ready for this, as I fidgeted in the cab jump seat. The Loo broke away from the radio and went on the intercom saying, "Okay everyone, we go in the back door use a two and one half inch hose with a fog applicator on the nozzle. Mike watch the pressure, Paul you're on the nozzle and Brad follow Paul as tender and ready hose two incase. I'll open the door with the Hooligan tool, Anne hose two, all of you be careful inside. "

"Loo, there are catwalks in back, along the sides and tanks all over on the floor. I just did a walk through at the plant with the fire prevention people." Anne said with Mike adding, "Yeah and those are open tanks and the catwalks might be corroded."

"Save the property but maintain your own safety, watch each other's asses and listen to the radios that you all carry. Anne on feed hose, 125 psi tonight Mike, and Air tanks are to be used people." The Loo said as I felt the apparatus slowing down. Anne was out the door and so was I as we rolled to a stop.

I grabbed the line from the hose bed along with a fogging nozzle and pulled it all toward the door. At the door we put on our air masks, the hose was charged, and the Loo was opening the door for me. I went in low with the hose as the smoke escaped out of the door.

Visibility was next to zero as I made my way along the catwalk. I thanked the Loo silently for making us wear the air tanks, although the added weight was a killer on the back. From what I could see there wasn't any fire but the smoke was sure as hell was thick, but there was heat and plenty of it.

I heard the saws cutting the roof and saw the sparks fall from the roof when I felt the warmth intensify. That was when I saw the flame licking the firewall that I assumed was the office area. I pulled more hose and adjusted the nozzle to a spray that helped control the flames as it licked at the painted wall.

Visibility was increased as the ventilation holes were cut in the roof; the smoke was rising when it happened…I heard a structural groan and the catwalk swayed. I dropped the hose as the lieutenant told us all to run. I was perhaps fifty feet from the door we entered, when the catwalk collapsed.

I clawed for the metal on the catwalk, as it broke loose from the concrete wall. Then I had the sensation of flying as I went down. I tensed my body expecting to land on the concrete floor but instead landed in liquid with a splash, ripping the facemask from my face and me swallowing the liquid while my helmet was lost. Whatever I landed in was not acidic or caustic, thank heavens, it was cool and a blessed relief from the heat, yet tasted terrible. I heard the yells as I found out the tank I fell in was not very big but impossible for me to get out of due to the smooth stainless steel walls and my equipment.

Several times I tried to get out of the tank until I took off the air bottle and dropped it over the edge. I heard the sound as it hit the floor judging the distance of twenty plus feet to the floor. Managing to get a leg over the side of the tank I heard the voices yelling at me to stay put and I did.

Blinded by the lanterns that illuminated me at first, I fell back into the tank swallowing more of the retched chemicals, wishing it were a beer vat I fell into instead of this vat of crap.

Chapter Three

I was cold after awhile, even though I was wearing all the turnout gear and sweats. Several times my booted feet wanted to pull me down into the liquid to possibly drown and I grabbed to the side of the tank harder. I heard the echoes of the voices, as they prepared to get me out of the tank, and then finally two people grabbed my arm. They slipped a harness over me and hauled me out into the waiting arms of Anne and the Lieutenant with the Loo saying, "Damn you stink! Just relax Probie."

"Yeah Loo, I love you too!" I said smiling as they placed me onto a Stokes stretcher as a precaution. I had to admit it, I smelled really bad after I got a whiff of myself and felt my boots draining the liquid.

After a wash down of icy water, I was carried virtually naked on the stretcher by several firefighters to a waiting ambulance, where the paramedics took over. They checked me over for broken bones, which I was fortunate not to have. I was sore, tired and wet, yet laid still when I was informed that I was indeed lucky not to have hit the sides of the vat, still the taste of those chemicals where noticeable, even after I vomited several times. I wanted something to drink badly but was told no as whatever I drank might cause an adverse reaction to the chemicals I ingested. I was alert, tired, nauseous and still stunk to high heaven as the ambulance rolled on, to the hospital.

After about a five-minute ride I was rolled into the ER, assessed, lab tests, radiology films and taken back to the exam room where my Mom and Dad greeted me.

Mom had the worried look that mothers and wives had after seeing their loved ones injured. Dad had the look of pride that I did well in surviving my trial by the Monster.

Dad was the first to speak saying, "We're proud of you son. The Chief says you'll be okay after the swimming lesson."

"Swimming lesson, hell Dad, I learned to fly. Nothing at the academy prepared me for what I went through." I said and smiled.

Mom wiped a tear from her eye and smiled at me saying, "For eighteen years I worried about your father, then your brother and now you…"

"Joyce, the boy's okay, stop the gloom and doom crap. Robbie is still trying to find out exactly what was in that tank…"

"Mom, I'm fine, so far but that cocktail I swallowed was the pits."

"I can imagine, since it was a pharmaceutical company vat that saved your life." Dad added briskly with Mom agreeing by saying, "Your Dad and I stress, it saved your life."

After several more hours and visits by the hierarchy of the bosses, from the crew of my Engine, to the District Chief. I was released to go home, at my insistence, to my townhouse. Yes I said to my townhouse and the privacy it afforded me.

On the way home in Dad's car, I read the aftercare sheets noticing I was on medical leave for two weeks and to be assessed by the department surgeon after that. I found out it was normal procedure after getting hurt on the job.

One further item was that Robbie found out the vat I fell into contained a coating for animal feed that was used to increase milk production in cows. I silently prayed I wouldn't grow udders and give milk after all of that crap I swallowed. I told Dad and Mom my thoughts making them both laugh on the ride home.

Opening the door to the townhouse I was greeted by the friendly confines of home, with Dad saying he'd get my gear at the station and Mom wanting to make me comfortable. All I wanted was a shower and to relax without anyone around to console me.

Managing to shower after Dad dragged Mom from the townhouse I was still sore, but the stink of what was in those tanks was still with me. I dressed in sweat pants and t-shirt and lie down upon the bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

My dreams came fast and furious with me married and with kids. The thing that struck me was, I was the Mommy. I still fought fires but I had taken a great deal of shit from the guys in my new status, being a woman and all. The worst thing was my husband was a firefighter and I had a great deal of sex with him. I awoke frazzled to the point of reaching inside my pants to feel my manhood. Once I felt I was intact I sighed with relief and decided all I had was a bad dream.

Getting from the bed I made something to eat when the telephone rang. On answering it I heard a soft feminine voice say, "Hey cutie, I heard about the tank and your swim in it from your Mom." I recognized the voice immediately as Roxanne Fennelly my best fried from my childhood to adulthood.

"Hey Roxie, I'm doing fine but damn my dreams are strange." I said as I told her about them as I ate.

As I told her she was laughing hysterically with her saying, "Oh Darling you in a mini… I can't wait after all the shit you've given me over the years…my time of the month was when you really got my ire up."

"I know, but you're so damn cute when you're pissed…" I said when she interrupted me and said she was on her way over and we could talk. I didn't even get to say goodbye when she hung up. I finished eating and cleaned up when the doorbell rang.

On opening the door Roxie blew inside almost knocking me over with her arms loaded down with bags of groceries and with a smile on her face saying, "I brought you groceries, now tell me everything."

While we unpacked the bags and put the groceries away I told her more about my dreams, when she commented how bad I stunk. She ran from the house mumbling something about getting something else from the store.

I was sitting in my chair when she returned and ran to the upstairs bathroom. I heard the bath running when she came back and pulled me towards the bath.

On entering I smelled the floral fragrances with her telling me to strip and get into the tub. Roxie was a woman that was strong willed and got her way, so I did as she said. The water was hot, smelled overly feminine, but felt good as I sat in the tub. There was no embarrassment as I went into the water with Roxie being there. We both have seen each other's bodies over the years, so we were more like brother and sister.

Beginning to relax as I slid into the water with Roxie washing my hair and scrubbing my back, this I liked, and what was more, I guess I wished for a good woman like Roxie. As I lay in the tub as we spoke about various things when I noticed hair floating in the water, lifting my arm I looked at my skin with no hair. I was in a panic thinking the hair on my head was next.

Roxie saw the panic in my eyes as I searched everywhere saying, "That was some depilatory Paul. I want some for my next shower."

"That was not funny Roxie, thankfully it happened at home and I'm off for two weeks, so it can grow back."

"Maybe those dreams were telling you something…"

"Yeah, like bullshit… Sorry but I don't believe in that prophecy crap."

"Slow down Bub, I was only kidding." Roxie said giggling at me, leaving me alone.

Damnit I was pissed in her referral about the dream being prophetic in nature but then I saw how stupid it was to be angry with anyone, when Roxie got me thinking. How was it that my body hair was now gone but the hair on my head was still there? Would I grow breasts and lose my penis? I was scared, really scared. I cried softly with my head into my hands bringing Roxie back into the bathroom with her saying, "Sweetie, I really don't know what to say except I'm here for you as I've always been."

"That's just it, I know about you but what if…"

"I imagine if I wasn't a girl I'd think the same way as you're thinking. Dry your eyes get dressed in PJs and you rest for a while, I'll come back later." Roxie said with me agreeing with her as she left me alone.

Slipping on a pair of boxers and t-shirt once I entered the bedroom. I heard the door open and close with Roxie leaving. I climbed into bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

More dreams came to me with the first, being that I went out on the town with Roxie. I wore a sequined three piece skirt suit of black, black stockings and black strappy sandals with silver jewelry of hoop earrings, choker, chain bracelet, watch and a silver anklet. Damn I looked good with my hair up in a chignon and dressed as I was. What the hell was I saying?

Startled, I awoke to checking myself out. Inventory was complete and I was satisfied, everything that I was supposed to have was in the right place. After my inventory was taken I noticed I was a bit smaller however I was still intact. My nipples hurt in conjunction with my chest being swollen giving me breast definition.

Getting up from the bed, I did my morning workout and went to the bathroom. I took a shower and was refreshed noticing that the stink was nearly gone. Except for my dreams I slept soundly and now I was ready for the day ahead of me. Still I wondered how I would look as a woman; maybe I'd ask Mom or Roxie since I never held anything hidden from them.

Doing my domestic chores around the house for the next few hours it was then when Mom came over after driving my SUV and Dad following her. While we sat having coffee I spoke to Mom about my dreams while Dad was in the bathroom. It was an opportunity to finally speak to her privately. After I unloaded what the dreams were about she laughed lightheartedly saying, "Darling, I never dreamed of you dressing up as a girl."

"Me neither Mom, but these dreams just don't stop at the dressing part they show me having a family and having sex with a man. They were so erotic, so lifelike, they'd put porno films to shame. Am I normal or have I gone off the deep end?"

"Sweetie there are men that dress as women and others that have surgery to correct a mistake from birth."

"I know all that Mom, yet even as a kid I never had the inclination to wear your clothes, yet now these dreams have me scared, they're like premonitions of what's to come in my future. First it was my hair, and then the dreams, now places on my body are changing."

"They should have kept you in the hospital…."

"I have a doctor's appointment in two weeks for the department's surgeon, if it gets really bad I can go to Doctor Bayer. Besides I prefer that I go to him and not the department doctors, at least my job won't be in jeopardy."

"I know how hard you worked to get this job but if there is a change people will notice, especially in a fire house." Mom still said saying that I was worried about nothing that I had dreams and nothing more would come of them.

Chapter Four

On passing the physical to go back to work after two weeks of lying around the house, doing nothing, I saw disturbing changes in my body each day to the point of seeing Doctor Bayer secretly and getting referred to see a psychiatrist, Doctor Sims.

Doctor Bayer did more tests and Doctor Sims was a godsend to help keep my sanity. Before I went to them I was getting depressed due to the bodily changes such as hips widening, breasts forming, no body hair and skin softening. My dreams or nightmares were coming true, so far.

Fortunately the working uniform was relaxed in the station with t-shirts, work pants and sweats at night or gym shorts. I worked hard during the day keeping the Engine going and did maintenance around the firehouse making the chief and Robbie happy but they had no idea what changes were occurring. I thank the Lord that I had some modicum of privacy in the firehouse especially in the shower.

Nearing the twelfth week since the accident at the fire I saw the changes gradually occur that became more prominent. I became withdrawn as an effect and was called into the office by the Captain and Robbie.

"Paul, are you happy here?" Robbie asked.

"Sure Loo, its just I have some problems since that accident, I don't want a transfer." I said

"Look here kid, we're a team, I need my number one hose man on the ball not with his head up his ass. Anytime we go out on a call anyone of us could be hurt or killed and you have a promising career in the department ahead of you. Maybe a deputy Chief or Chief is in the cards for you but we want you happy." Robbie said solemnly with me going into detail about the doctors I was seeing and what changes had occurred to me.

The Captain took out his logbook and read the chemical composition of the vat I fell into saying, "That was one hell of a cocktail you fell into Paul. I can see why you're depressed and the secrecy, yet we have to let headquarters, the city attorney and the department surgeon know. As for worrying about your job status, I'd say don't worry…"

"Cap, I haven't even told my Dad what I told you, yet I know you won't screw me. Grandpa and Dad say you're a fair guy…"

"Hell I play golf every week with that sonofabitching grandfather of yours and he always wins. We promise that what we said stays here but downtown has to know about your problems. We want you to stay here"

"But Dad has ears everywhere he…"

"I'll speak directly to the Chief, the City Attorney and the surgeon with no memos. Robbie put the kid back to work…" The Captain was saying when the siren sounded and our truck responded to a medical call as First Responders. I ran from the office and put on my turnout gear and was on the truck just as we began to roll to the call.

Reflecting upon the discussion as the truck sped down the streets when we slowed down. We all leaped from the cab when we stopped and retrieved the medical bags from the compartments at the side of the Engine.

In seconds we were in a park where a child had fallen while playing and was unconscious. Our hearts went out to the little boy that laid on the grass, so young and so fragile. He was perhaps seven years old and had fallen off a park bench and hit his brown head of hair on the pavement knocking him out. There were copious amounts of blood but the wound was minor that we stemmed after the initial assessment. Robbie was calming the mother as we worked on her child that was when I realized how trivial my problems were. The Black Cloud of the depression I had dissipated and released me when I touched the child. This was what it was about, saving people and property, putting your butt on the line for those that need help.

I felt pretty good when the child awoke, looked up and saw us helping him. This was what it was about; this person waking up was not about me. I could do this job no matter what sex I was. I was trained to be an Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter and that was what I was.

When the ambulance arrived we turned the boy and mother over to them while we prepared to go back to our stationhouse to await the next call from someone needing our help.

On our return to the stationhouse, Anne and I were given the task of readying the pumper for the next run. We checked each compartment of the truck ensuring that we carried the necessary equipment to save a life. I was bent over a storage box when I heard Anne do a quick intake of breath and then say, "Paul, what's the matter with you? I mean today was the first time I saw the old Paul back since you returned."

"I guess I was caught up in my own sorrow until we helped out that kid." I said with her saying, "That kid will be okay but I was near the Captain's office when they were speaking to you, I heard it all."

"Aren't you upset? I mean I wasn't born…"

"Female, hell no, to be honest I wish there were more women on the department. Besides now I have someone to talk to about other things, you know feminine things." Anne said smiling as we checked over the hoses on their bed.

It was true about the woman part due to the fact that each shift had between one and five women per firehouse, assigned to various apparatus and ambulances.

"Anne all I ask is that the house doesn't have to know yet, my life is hell now but these guys can make life miserable to the ex-Probie. I just don't want to find a dildo in my locker."

"Yeah I guess so and yet it would be hilarious…"

The siren went off saying, "Engine 01 assist the PD for a possible DB removal at 4313 Lincoln, and be advised the PD Beat sergeant is enroute."

I just made it to the truck and closed the door when we were speeding toward the address. On arrival at the scene two members of the PD greeted us when we stopped and the Loo went to speak to them and then they all came to us with the Loo saying, "We need to get in and see, the neighbor hasn't seen the owner of the house in four days and has a medical history of heart failure. The house has metal doors and burglar bars on all the ground floor windows.

“Paul and Anne take a ladder and try to open a window, also take air tanks as a just in case."

I grabbed a small pry bar, slung my air tank onto my back and helped Anne with hers. We then grabbed the ladder from the truck and went toward the house, laid the ladder against the house and I started to climb the rungs.

In seconds I was near a window and slipped the pry bar between the window sashes. A flick of the wrist and I popped the lock and raised the window. As soon as I opened the window a terrible smell came from the house and the smell of natural gas. Calling down to Robbie I had him shut off the Gas main at the meter. Putting on the air mask I climbed through the window and was in the house. It was silent with the only sounds I heard were the creaking of the floorboards were we walked. There was enough light in the house as I made my way downstairs.

The house inside from appearances was very neat and tidy. Walking as fast as I could I made it to the front door and opened it, thusly allowing Robbie, Mike, Brad and Anne, to place fans in the house to draw out the fumes. I noticed that a hose was ready and charged, just in case. Once the windows were opened and the fans in place we made a search for anyone in the structure.

We found the elderly owner, who was deceased, in the bedroom upon the bed. The body was in a state of decomposition and the Beat Sergeant called for the coroner, there was noting more we could do, it was sad that a life was extinguished. We gathered and stowed our equipment after the body was removed while the police secured the scene then we headed back to the firehouse.

Once we secured our truck, laid out our gear and went to eat. The entire house was there as we walked into the dining room. It was a first that none of us were called out on a call. We all ate, helped clean up and went our ways. Some of the firefighters watched TV while I went upstairs to the bunking area to get my books and study. Since the showers were empty later, I took a shower noticing how my body was changing further. All I could do was come close to tears seeing my manliness disappear to be replaced by womanhood. I dried off, put on my sweat suit and went to my bed to read. If there was a call tonight I was ready. I managed to read for several hours until I fell asleep. The next thing I knew it was morning.

I stripped and made the bunk for the next shift going downstairs to get coffee and bakery goods. After a quick cleaning of the firehouse we were ready to leave when the next shift came in at seven o'clock.

Our shift was released after the next shift arrived and I hurried to my SUV.

Chapter Five

Once on the street I headed directly to Doctor Sims' office on my day off. I had an appointment that I had to keep. Traffic was light as I made my way to the office. In minutes I was parking and walked inside the building. While walking I noticed how beautiful the morning was with the clear, blue sky and the temperature in the 60's. Damnit, it was good to be alive!

Walking through the building I finally entered a non-descript door and was greeted by the receptionist. I sat in the waiting room when Doctor Sims called me into his office. I walked into the office where he shook my hand and I was seated. Doctor Sims was a massive man of over six foot but he was kind and gentile.

"So how are you doing today?" doctor Sims asked me.

"Still somewhat depressed, they know everything at work and said I shouldn't worry about keeping my job." I said as I crossed my legs and got comfortable.

"Are you handling the depression?"

"Sure but I can't understand, you know, the why me syndrome."

"That I can't answer, there are medical complications, I'm here with you to help you overcome the depression and I hope to get you on with your life."

We spoke of the dreams I had and about the confrontation I had with Robbie and the Captain. I explained that what I found out was that I still had my job and career. I also spoke of the child and mother that we helped and my conclusion that my job was to help people above all else. The session ended with me feeling a whole great deal better. I walked from the office to my SUV with my head held up.

I got into the SUV and went over to the hospital and parked. I walked into the doctor's office area directly to Dr. Beyer's office where his nurse greeted me. I was led into an exam room and removed all my clothes putting on a gown. By this time I already had my vitals taken and waited for the doctor.

Doctor Bayer arrived and we spoke a bit then I was measured and blood was taken. I was amazed that when he measured my chest how large my breasts actually were and how tender they felt. It had been almost two months since falling into that vat and the bodily changes were very noticeable.

After a few vials of blood were taken, I was given a shot of female hormones and a script for pills to relieve the pain I had. I really wasn't too happy about the meds but I knew that eventually my body would change and with the hormone treatments I'd suffer less mentally and physically as the changes progressed.

The next thing was to start buying different clothes of the female persuasion and getting used to them. More than anything I needed bras and if I started wearing a bra I might as well start dressing as a young woman. My hair was already growing longer so the next thing was to get it styled.

Leaving the doctor's office I called Roxie and Mom on my cell phone and they recommended a hair salon. I headed over to the address they gave me with them meeting me there. Parking the SUV in front of the salon I saw Roxie and Mom waiting for me. I went into the salon with them and was handed over to the stylist and given the works. Several hours later I had everything done that they could possibly do to a female human being from hair to nails to getting my ears pierced. I was happy that the stylist refrained from asking personal questions but I fell asleep in the chair and got the surprise of my life. My brown hair was razor cut into a feathered shag, colored with blond streaks, my nails were done both hands and feet in a frosted red. The frosting on the cake was the makeup. I woke up after it was all applied then I got a shock as my ears were pierced. If I was asleep I sure woke up fast. I was about to say something nasty when Mom dragged me from the chair and out the door while Roxie paid the bill.

Outside I was pissed when Mom said, "Be quiet Paula you're making a scene. Next you're going shopping, so hush up."

"Damnit Mom, I have to go to work, how in the hell can I go as I am?"

"Just wait, we cleaned out all your clothes yesterday to Goodwill, your father helped. We decided the time has come sweetheart after all these months to embrace the new you."

Oh crap! He knows?"

"Yep, he already spoke to Downtown." Mom said with the day getting black for me.

Things became blacker when the rest of the day was spent shopping for clothes, women's clothes, for me. Those two hit the stores like a hurricane and I was in the undertow from the tidal surges. Finally the shopping was over with all three vehicles full of bags and packages. Never was I so glad to get home after parking my SUV into the garage. I turned off the ignition and sighed after I saw all the bags I had to drag inside. To me it felt like everyone was interfering in my life, I am an adult Damnit! Close to tears I hurriedly emptied the SUV placing everything in a pile in the living room.

Going into the kitchen I grabbed a soda and sat down at the table. I heard Mom and Roxie start taking the packages upstairs. I sat there stewing in my anger until Mom came downstairs with Roxie saying, "Everything is put away dear."

"Mom I'm a grown…whatever…anyway, I'll never live this day down at the firehouse."

"They know dear and so do the other houses they were told at muster and you are not a whatever."

"Oh crap! Now I'm really in for it! Those guys at the house will give me grief."

"They were all told to keep their mouths shut and remember what has happened to you could have happened to any one of them. The city and the chemical company are worried about a lawsuit from you. The Chief paid for all your new clothes and anything you need by order of the mayor and the legal consul." Mom said.

"Great, bribes to keep me quiet, what about the chemical firm?"

"They were brewing that stuff for export and had no idea what the effects would be on humans. That firm will pay the city back for what we spent."

"Bullshit! They knew!"

"Yeah, but this stuff was for export, you fell into a concentrated vat of the stuff." Roxie said with me saying, "The way the doctor put it, is this stuff works that it'll rewrite my DNA until my body starts to adapt, which it's doing now. That chemical cocktail just isn't safe, anywhere!"

We sat at the table; I enjoyed the company of Mom and Roxie more and more. It was the first time they openly verbalized matters that normally were kept hidden from the men folk.

After we finished our drinks I was coaxed to go upstairs with Mom and Roxie. I was amazed at the amount of things that were bought as they showed me everything. I had a rough idea that several thousand dollars were spent. My closet and dressers were full of feminine finery, the bath was loaded with cosmetics and I was ready to run. Mom made me change my clothes into new undies, black nylon panties, black sports bra, jeans, sweat shirt and white sneakers for around the house. I wasn't too happy but I complied and the results were, I didn't recognize myself when I looked into the mirror. Mom collected my other clothes that I wore and bagged them up.

"The pronoun he, just doesn't fit you now Paula, I'm jealous, you’re cute!" Roxie said with Mom agreeing with her.

Still I was aghast when Mom suggested dinner out, now I was petrified with fear. I looked at her wide-eyed saying, "Dinner! Out! Like in a dress and heels? No way!"

"I think you'd look lovely besides all your other clothes are gone so a dress and heels would be appropriate." Mom said with Roxie agreeing.

I was trapped for the evening unless I could backpedal, yet knowing Mom that was not going to be the case. I capitulated to Mom's desires when Roxie said she'd stay and help me dress. Thank goodness Mom left us and went home.

I was infuriated and told Roxie what I thought when she said, "Tough Paula, you're going! I have to go home and get clothes for tonight and you, I suggest resting a bit."

"Damnit to hell, you're as bad as Mom." I said smiling as she left the room. I heard the door close and I kept looking in the mirror. I had to admit I didn't recognize myself. I sat onto the floor and crossed my legs feeling the sports bra and panties on my body. I was confused by the tightness of the bra at first but at least there was no wiggle and jiggling. Inhaling in and out I began to try some relaxation techniques and I was that way for almost an hour. I had managed to clear my mind of any and all thoughts when I heard the front door open and close.

I wasn't worried about an unwelcome visitor until I heard footfalls on the stairs. As I heard the footfalls they sounded heavy and I was about to run and hide when the bedroom door open, Dad and my brother, Tim, came into the room with Dad smiling and saying, "Hey Paula, your mother told me about dinner, Tim was over and I invited him to go with us."

"I heard I upset downtown Dad?"

"You did, but that's too bad, that stuff they were brewing should not have been cooking in the city limits."

"You're kind of taking all this well, aren't you?"

"It's better then hearing the bagpiper pipe Amazing Grace at your funeral" Tim said.

"I agree with Tim, the red monster cost me a son but a daughter is just as good. I have both of you and that still counts. To be honest your mother always wanted a girl to spoil. Me, I just wanted you two to be healthy when you were born. Your mother and I were a little shocked when Pauli decided to join the department; you did and did the family proud by not washing out."

"Thanks Dad, Thanks Tim, I just know gramps was involved too, I love the job that I do and the guys in the firehouse are great."

"Just remember that things have changed, there might be some resentment, yet what happened to you could happen to any one of us."

Roxie returned and we both undressed together after getting my father and brother from the bedroom. We heard them both leave as I started the bath. I climbed into the scented waters and relaxed while I heard Roxie bustling around the room.

As I relaxed I thought about the day and everything that was involved, all of the shopping, the salon and how my Dad and brother treated me. Further relaxing in the hot, Lilac scented water, my fears about societal rejection vaporized as long as I had my family and close friends near me. Hell, I even had the politicians on my side. Of course they were all worried about the lawsuits that could float their way. I thought of the medical and psychiatric care I was getting these past few months and thought of how skillful it was.

While the water was now cool I drained the bathtub with me standing and getting out of the water. I dried off, wrapped myself in a towel and went into the bedroom.

Everything was laid out upon the bed by Roxie and Roxie ran into the bathroom. I heard her draw the water as I gazed over everything from lingerie to the shoes that lay on the floor. I was in turmoil at first thinking that it was wrong for me to get dressed as a female. Then it dawned on me, I was turning into a female and getting dressed in female clothes was normal. Still I stared at the clothes, afraid to even touch them.

Roxie came out from the bathroom seeing that I was in distress saying, "They don't bite! Besides you can't run around with a towel draping you."

"I never thought about wearing these clothes, now I have to do so and I can't do it."

"Sure you can, because you don't have anything else to wear that fits you. Sweetie that body of yours is changing and you need to go out with us." Roxie said as she picked up the lingerie and handed it to me.

Staring down at the frillys I held in my hands when Roxie pulled my towel away saying, "Now you have nothing to hide behind so get dressed."

Slowly I pulled on the panties that were made of a see through red lace. Next was a red-laced underwire bra with a front closure. I adjusted my boobs into the cups and looked into the mirror on the door seeing a younger version of my mother standing in her frillys. Making progress I was shown how to put on pantyhose by Roxie. With each garment there was a shockwave of new feelings I never had before and the pantyhose woke up those feelings making Roxie smile her known feelings.

Once the pantyhose were on I stepped into a lacey red half-slip, a red leather knee length skirt and next was a white sleeveless shell. I put on the black calf length boots with a three-inch heel and zipped them up. Looking into the mirror I was amazed how well I looked, but Damnit my senses were in overload. I looked over my shoulder to see Roxie was smiling at me as she to, was getting dressed.

Roxie redid my makeup and tidied my hair and I slipped on the red leather blazer that belonged to the skirt. On the bed was a matching shoulder purse and wallet that I transferred the contents of my wallet to.

We all went out that night to a restaurant that Dad and Mom had picked out. After overcoming my fears I began to relax and enjoyed the meal and even went to the ladies room with Mom and Roxie. I had to admit that the night flew by with us turning quite a few male heads.

Chapter Six

Arriving home that night I was exhilarated that I made women envious and men lust for me. Roxie and I spoke together in the Living room about a great deal of things when I offered her the use of the spare bedroom for the night, which she took me up on the offer. It was way past midnight as we sat talking, thank goodness for being off forty-eight hours and on duty for twenty-four hours. We finally changed for bed and went to sleep.

I awoke at five AM just as I normally did. I did my exercises, took a shower, and got dressed into a clean pair of sweats and sneakers. Next I was in the kitchen preparing breakfast of a Spanish omelet and English muffins. I ate and cleaned up the kitchen when Roxie came downstairs. While she ate I talked to her over the coffee.

My main concern was back in the firehouse and how I was going to be treated. I was worried that I would be an open target to bigotry that even the union and the department couldn't stop. I loved my chosen career and I loved helping people so the match was good. Dad had said yesterday that I was protected by downtown, but that said I wasn't protected out of the firehouse. All I could do was to face my fears tomorrow at the station and remind those detractors that what happened to me could have happened to them. However I was afraid, very afraid.

In order to alleviate those fears Roxie had me do my domestic chores to keep busy. From laundry to dusting, in no time I was done and we were relaxing. It was then I let all my fears out and my feelings about becoming female.

As I spoke I was becoming distraught and incoherent as the tears flowed heavily. Roxie drew me toward her and held my quivering body. I had the self-pity blues along with the why me questions. I was a decent person that dedicated my young life to serving the citizens of the city I worked in. I would give my life up to protect them and their property. It was a fluke that I fell into that tank filled with that genetic altering soup. Yet if that tank wasn't there when I fell I would have been dead or crippled for life. At least I was alive and well, just slightly modified but the same person inside.

Composing myself I apologized to Roxie for my self-deprecating display of emotion when there was a knock on the door. I quickly got up from the couch and opened the door seeing Anne Morgan.

"The hair style fits you Paula, may I please come in?" Anne said smiling with me allowing her inside. I went and prepared coffee while Anne took a seat after I introduced Roxie and Anne to each other with Anne saying, "I came over to tell you the station is on your side, you proved yourself as a more than capable EMT/firefighter. I heard the message from downtown before I left and the other shifts all agree with the bosses."

"That's good to hear, I was worried about…"

"Paula was crying about being accepted back at the fire house." Roxie said with Anne saying, "I guess you were worried huh, anyway, no one is threatened by you and they all realized it could have very well happened to them."

"I guess it could have, though I never thought about it that way. Still there are a few guys that talk and that's all they do is talk. Ignore any comments that you hear that are derogatory, like I do, Robbie will handle them. Don't be ashamed of your body and from what I can see I'm envious" Anne said as I blushed at her words saying, "Yeah but it's hell going through puberty again and the Docs say I might even get a period, gee PMS too." I said making the girls laugh as I went to get the coffee.

"There's only between five and ten percent women in the department now with more coming and we all worked hard to get the respect we have now. Just do your job and make all of the girls proud of you."

Handing out the steaming mugs of brew I said, "That's easier said then done, you've been girls all of your lives and I'm becoming one at the ripe old age of twenty-one."

"So what? You'll learn just as Anne and I did, though some things come naturally you'll have lots of help between your mother and me."

"And all the girls in the station will help and if necessary protect our little sister. You can count on me there, just follow the department regulations for women and make sure you have the right working uniforms tomorrow." Anne said smiling and took a sip of her coffee.

"I have sweat suits but the work pants and shirts are very tight and the shoes are too big." I said with Roxie saying, "You haven't looked in your closet? Your Mom had your Dad get some new working uniforms for you, work boots too and turnout gear when we went shopping."

Inwardly I smiled, I was amazed at how Mom really works at this revelation, having Dad get everything that I needed with her supervising. I bet the turnout gear was already in my locker at the fire station.

Having to work the next shift, Anne, Roxie and I called it a night after the three of us broached every subject from sex to men. After they left I was alone and prepared for bed.

For the second night in a row I wore a nightgown letting my smallish breasts rest in the laced cups. I felt the nylon skirted hem around my ankles and the coolness of the material on my body causing a sensory overload. In seconds after I hit the pillow I was asleep.

Chapter Seven

The next morning I was awakened by the alarm clock at five AM. I climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom, did my morning ritual and took a shower.

After the shower I powdered and put on clean dark blue panties and a dark blue sports bra. Compared to my former tight underwear these were very comfortable. Next were socks, pants, shirt after I placed the badge and collar devices onto the shirt. I blow dried and styled my hair and slipped into my shoes and was ready for duty.

Looking in the mirror you could see the rounding of my breasts even with the loose fitting shirt. The pants fit in the waist, hips, thighs and butt and was I ever happy for this. Even the shoes were comfortable even if they were a woman's size seven and a half, black duty shoes. Without makeup I was a man's wet dream, so I was pleased with the effect.

Going downstairs I had a cup of coffee, I was out of the door and at the station in ten minutes. I did my equipment checks when Robbie saw me and smiled along with the rest of the crews when they saw me.

Checking over the air tanks the klaxon went off with the dispatcher saying, "Engine 01, Ambulance 43, woman down, 1303 Bradley Street cross street Madison. This was called in by a child" I dropped everything and got into my turnout gear just as all of our crew did. Once inside the cab of the apparatus we started to move. The siren wailed its urgent song as we sped to the scene of a woman that was unconscious in the house. In minutes we arrived at the scene. Brad was the paramedic/firefighter that went to the woman first while we grabbed the medical equipment. The measurement of time is imperative when a life is at stake.

On entering the house a woman was on the floor that was in her mid or early twenties. Brad did an assessment of the woman's vitals while Anne and Robbie gave her Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation when I heard the cries of a child nearby being held back by an adult neighbor.

I went to the child and found out the woman lying on the ground was her mother, Lisa Jones was her name, and she was five years old. She had called the emergency into the operator and called the neighbor. Lisa was cute having long curly blond hair, blue eyes, a button nose and very intelligent. I stayed with the child as the team worked on the mother when the ambulance came.

I could see on the faces of the team the patient was deceased but due to the law she had to be transported to the hospital and declared dead on arrival by a physician. The gurney was brought over to the patient and the body was placed on it as it cooled.

While the crew worked on the mother, I had found out that the child and mother lived by themselves in the house and that they had no relatives. Without relatives the child would be placed into foster care, which I wasn't about to let that happen.

I called Mom on my cellphone and told her about Lisa and her mother, she nearly cried. She would meet the child at the hospital and then call Child Services after she got the child at my home and relaxed, for some unknown reason my heart went out to the child and I felt I was responsible for her. I felt as if I needed to protect the little girl and that was what I was about to do.

As the mother was placed into the ambulance I spotted a police officer and walked over to him with Lisa. I asked that the officer take the child to the hospital and wait until my mother arrived and then give the child over to her. She in turn would contact Child Services and make further arrangements for Lisa. The cop readily agreed and took Lisa into her car as the child cried and yelled she wanted her mother or me to come too. I was heartbroken as I heard the child wail.

While we put our equipment away the ambulance silently pulled away from the curb with the squad car following silently. With the Engine equipment replaced we climbed back into the apparatus and returned to quarters.

On our return I explained to the crew that I was worried about the child and made arrangements with my mother to take care of the little girl. I was pleased that they all agreed with my decision.

We went back to work checking over the equipment as soon as we arrived back at the station. Before we knew it, it was lunchtime and I was famished, Lunch was firehouse chili my favorite. The topic of conversation was the run we went on and what I did for Lisa. I caught all types of gentile humored flak but it was worth it just to see a child not getting lost in the system.

Anne, Robbie, Brad, Mike and I helped clean up the kitchen and dining area, as it was our turn. I could tell they all wanted to say something to me but weren't about to bring up the subject.

"Okay spit it out." I said with Robbie saying, "Okay kid, you did alright with the child. You showed everyone in the station, on the shift, you haven't changed."

"Loo, I just had to call Mom about the kid. Besides she's now an orphan I guess, unless we can find a next of kin. The kid made me feel as if I was needed."

"That's the mothering instinct kicking in Paula." Brad said winking with Mike agreeing with him.

"See Lisa, there she is." Mom said as she came into the kitchen with Lisa.

I kneeled down and held my arms open with Lisa running into them with Mom saying, "She cried for you to be with her."

"Does she know about her mother?" I said as I hugged Lisa to my breast with the crew smiling.

"Death is kind of a hard thing to explain to a child, especially about a mother." Mom said with me saying, "I guess so Mom, what about Child Services? Do they know?"

"Yes and all of the foster homes are full. They did assign a caseworker, a Nancy Pickett, she asked for us to take care of Lisa. Do you want the job?"

"I… I… Yes Mom, but I also have to work…"

"I know so I'll help out on the days you work and so will your father, brother and granddad.”

"Are you going to be my Mommy, my other Mommy isn't coming home." Lisa asked with me looking at everyone saying, "But I'm not…"

"Answer the child Mommy." Mike said smiling with the Loo saying, "I know what you're going to say and the answer is yes and the station will help all of you since over fifty percent of us are single or divorced, I kinda like the idea of being an uncle."

"Mommy? What is this mo…? What about relatives? I mean…"

"I dug around and I spoke to the bank that held the mortgage they said there are no relatives and Charlotte was a single mother with the Dad being deceased." Mom said with Anne saying, "She deserves a break in her short life."

"Mom get the attorney and start the paperwork before the state steps in, okay." I said as I hugged Lisa and she in turn hugged me back.

In my heart I wanted to do things right for this child, what I mean is the poor baby needs love and I wanted to give her that and anything else she needed. Thanks to Lisa and Mom I forgot about what was happening to me along with all the self-pity I had acquired since the accident.

The entire firehouse heard what was happening and were congregated near the lounge. When I hugged the baby everyone applauded and then I said, "I guess that means you're a grandmother Mom."

"I have a grandma; I never had a grandma before." Lisa said brightly with me saying, "You sure do, along with a ton of aunties and uncles from here."

"Yep, you sure do sweetie and a new Mom to take care of you but always remember your first Mom." Robbie said with a tear in his eye.

Since every word I said the fire station heard, I made it known I was going to make the funeral arrangements for Lisa's mother on my day off. I had Mom take Lisa home and I had to promise Lisa I'd phone her later before I left the station.

Chapter Eight

After several more runs I called Mom just before dinner. My thoughts were that taking a child into my home was a big change that Mom helped me with. Dad was the first to spoil Lisa by buying her dolls and stuffed animals and Uncle Tim was no better. It was described in great detail what Grandpa and Uncle Tim bought Lisa by Mom. I spoke to Lisa and promised her I'd come and get her after work, apparently she loved her new grandparents.

Heading off to the showers I met Anne and told her what had happened she giggled and said, " Smart little girl, she can already twist men around her finger."

"I guess so, but Dad was always a pushover especially when Mom was concerned."

"What's fun about being a woman is the manipulation part with men. Lisa has to learn when to use it and when not to."

I found myself agreeing with Anne as I started to undress and hit the shower. While I stripped off my clothes I thought and I just hoped my family didn't go overboard by giving Lisa everything she wanted. Knowing my Dad he bought the toys because he wanted to do so.

Anne and I walked into the shower room together when I pulled my t-shirt and bra off. I do know she noticed my ever-increasing breast and hips however she didn't realize how well developed I really was. I heard the sharp intake of her breath with her saying, "You're more developed then we all thought dear, you'd better stay close to all the girls."

"Really! To think I only thought my love handles moved to my chest." I said facetiously with Anne saying, "Honey wait until a man grabs those things on your chest; they will be love handles then." I hate to say it but we both giggled knowing that what Anne said was true.

We took our showers, got dressed in sweats and headed off toward the lounge area to relax. I called Mom on my cellphone to check on Lisa when I found out she had fallen asleep. I was also told that a caseworker from Child Services was coming to speak to me and fill out some forms.

I was engaged in a conversation with several other firefighters when a lady about 5'9" with short brown hair entered the room she was dressed in blue jeans, white blouse tucked into her jeans, ample breast size and brown loafers.

"I'm looking for Paula Wallace, please, I'm Nancy Pickett." She said with everyone pointing at me.

"Good, is there someplace we can speak?" Nancy said with me motioning for her to follow me. Walking along the corridor we entered an empty office where the reports are written and sat down.

It was explained to me that all the foster homes were filled and I was asked if Lisa could stay with me. Of course I said yes and was given a packet of forms to fill out and mail back to her. Since I had a steady job, good references and Mom was around to help, I was a shoo in to get custody of Lisa. I was asked several more questions that were pertinent to the welfare of the baby and I answered them all as honestly as I could. I was also told that Child Services would try to find any relatives of the mother it could, if none could be found the baby would be put up for adoption. In the meantime as the guardian, I would be responsible for Lisa's every need. I thanked Nancy after she closed her files and stood up to leave. I shook her hand and escorted her from the building.

Heading back to the dayroom when I entered the crews stood up and applauded me and wished the new Mommy good luck. Here I was partially changed into a female, single (Thank the Lord), over twenty-one and now a foster parent in the works. At first I was very angry about the changes in my body and then resigned myself to the changes. I was still young and accepted the changes even though the little voice said it was wrong as I was born a male. Screw that crap! I was alive, healthy and now I was giving a child a home along with love after losing her mother and perhaps her only relative. As a firefighter we stare at the possibility of death with every fire we go to. I took an oath that as long as I'm living and breathing to protect the lives and property of those we serve, the citizen.

After several hours and gallons of coffee I finished the paperwork. Robbie and almost the entire firehouse said they would give me a reference to Child Services. I called Mom and Dad and told them what I did and Mom said I did the right thing.

Tomorrow after work I was going with Lisa to her former home and get whatever she needed, the lawyer and then make the funeral arrangements for her mother. I also put in a request for several days off for the funeral preparations and to settle the deceased woman's estate.

The night was a quiet one with no runs. It was seldom that this occurred so you take it when you can get it. At six AM the house was stirring with us all going about the various tasks in preparation of the coming shift change at seven AM.

At seven AM I was on my way to Mom's house. I parked the SUV and walked to the house. On entering Mom was awake and so was Lisa with both of them in the kitchen.

I kissed Mom and Lisa saying, "I see everyone is awake."

"Oh yes, since six AM, when someone came and woke me."

"I was awake and Grandma said to wake her up when I got up." Lisa said smiling. I immediately saw the child was dressed in Jeans, a pink top with a cat on it and pink sneakers. She was dressed for the day.

I gently kissed her forehead and sat down saying, "Grandma huh, it has a nice ring to it Mom."

"I cannot very well have the little sweetheart call me Mrs. Wallace can I?"

"I guess not Mom, by the way where did you get clothes for her?"

"At her house, Dad had a cop open the house up after he got the address from the dispatcher. We now have the keys to the house to get inside."

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to break a window, from what I recall the house was neat even with the child loose and about." I said as I poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.

"Dad spoke to a few of the neighbors yesterday, Charlotte Jones was her name and she minded her own business."

"First off we need to get Lisa’s clothes and her toys. Next we go through the house and look for a will or something to that effect along with any personal papers that might be put away. Finally we need to make the funeral arrangements. I already put in for days off from work. I need to get something to wear…"

"We can do all those things since your Dad is working today and I'm by myself. Lisa finish breakfast and we need to go to your house, okay?" Mom said with Lisa smiling and nodding her head with me smiling at her. In ten minutes we were ready to leave Mom’s house and go to Lisa's old house.

I drove with the trip taking all of fifteen minutes with heavy traffic. When we arrived at the house it was like the first time I saw it. It was a pretty house made of brick with two stories with a patio off of the master bedroom. In the back of the house there was another patio a large backyard and a large two-car garage with the driveway at the side of the house that was tree lined. Wrought iron decorated the house at every location and the garage. Mom and I were enthralled with the architecture that blended in with the neighborhood. Of course Lisa was overjoyed to be home. Mom handed me the keys noticing that there were keys to a vehicle, the house keys, and several other keys on the keyring. I found the key for the back door and went inside with Lisa and Mom following.

We went through a mudroom into the immense, modern kitchen, which really impressed me. Lisa ran into the house and went up the back staircase to the second floor. Mom and I were speechless seeing that the house was immaculate and well cared for, which I didn't really pay attention to earlier. What I meant is for a structure that was over seventy years old it was modern and clean, it put my townhouse to shame in craftsmanship. Mom and I took a tour of the house from the formal dining room to the master bedroom and bath, to the other bedrooms, den and finished basement.

Going into the den on the main floor I sat at the desk and fired up the computer. I searched the files finding financial records so I looked for the hard copies. In my search I found a safe with a double key lock and found the keyring. One key for the safe was on the keyring and another key was found in the desk. I inserted the keys into the locks and opened the safe. The door swung open easily and I was rewarded finding a stack of organized files.

Sitting back down at the desk I went through the files finding financial records for a stock portfolio and several bankbooks. I dug further and found the Last Will and Testament. Of course Charlotte left everything to Lisa with no one else mentioned, from the house, to the business she owned that set the baby up for life. I also found the truth out that Charlotte was a widow that when her husband died the insurance set them financially secure even paying off the house however there was a mortgage to get the tax benefits. This was not the story I had first heard. There was also a trust fund that Charlotte had that was now Lisa's trust fund. I was to say the least perplexed that there was no mention of a guardian until I read there were no living relatives for the baby but the person holding this Will, would be designated as executor and guardian of Lisa.

I found Mom in the kitchen with Lisa and handed the will to Mom. She read the will and was calling an attorney for advice. When she hung up the telephone we had an appointment to see her attorney with all the paperwork I found.

"Mom, there are no relatives as you can see; I just can't let the state take over her welfare."

"That's why I called the attorney, he said they are going to fight like hell to control everything but the Will states whoever possesses the Will is the executor of the estate and also Lisa's guardian. I like being called grandma so we have to fight for her."

"Mom, whatever is best for Lisa I want, and the state sure as hell isn't the best deal for her. If I have to, I'll sell the townhouse and my SUV so be it."

"I don't think you'll have to do that, besides we'll help you out, don't worry."

Time was getting short and we took some clothing for Lisa, we had to promise her we'd come back. I locked up the house and got everyone in the SUV.

Chapter Nine

We made it to the attorney that looked at the Will and said it was all in order. I gave him all the files and he said he'd look through them. He would file the Will in Probate Court and file a petition with the court to make me Lisa's legal guardian. I felt a little better when I left his office.

We stopped at the funeral home and made the arrangements for Charlotte's body to be taken care of, along with the funeral preparations.

After taking Mom home we went to the townhouse, as I was happy and close to exhaustion. I parked the SUV and we went inside with Lisa's things. I hung nearly everything up, put her undergarments in the dresser and placed the shoes in the closet. Damn I was tired and so was Lisa. I took her into my bedroom and we laid down for a nap, we were out in minutes. Several hours later I awoke with Lisa holding on to me. I gently extracted myself and left the bed.

Going down to the kitchen I started to prepare supper. When I was nearly finished Lisa came down and ran to me with tears in her eyes saying, "I thought you left me like my other Mommy."

Reaching down I picked her up saying, "Sweetie I didn't leave you and I won't leave you." I sat her down on a chair after a hug and returned back to cooking. I could feel her looking at me when I asked if she wanted to help. In a flash she was at my side and I gave her simple tasks to do.

Normally I was in favor of take out meals and cooking was not my favorite thing to do. Since I was going to be a parent I wanted Lisa to have balanced meals. She ate with gusto at the chicken I prepared and so did I. I put the leftovers away and did the dishes with Lisa helping me. For a kid of five she was at home in the kitchen.

To be honest with myself, I was happy to have Lisa around. I was depressed and in pain as the changes in my body took hold. This little girl had a way of making me forget that I was once a male and all the body changes that have occurred with more still to come. To be quite honest I now have a new meaning in life and that was raising Lisa. There were times during the last few months I was despondent to the point of committing suicide, even though I was seeing the shrink and the doctor. I wasn't in a good frame of mind since I was losing my manhood. Thanks to Mom and Roxie I learned what that word survival was, and now with Lisa I saw a little girl that had no parents, but was resilient. I wanted all the women in her life to be role models, as she grew up and yes that even included me. I wasn't afraid of losing Lisa to the state because if I had to, I'd ask for help from the politicians that our family knew and had helped to get them elected. My problem now was to teach Lisa properly and prepare her for life.

The evening went by fairly quickly with Lisa getting a bath and getting ready for bed. It was my first experience at story telling and I have to say I did pretty good even putting Lisa to sleep. Okay so maybe it was boredom.

I telephoned Mom after leaving Lisa's room and wanted to tell her about the evening but she wasn't at home. I relaxed on the couch and stretched out when I heard a key being inserted into the lock and Mom entered, closing the door behind her.

She took off her coat, hung it up and sat down in a chair saying, "I see everything is under control."

"I think so, with a nap, dinner, bath, jammies and a story, yeah I'd say so."

"That was good for the first time Mommy, besides she's a little angel."

"Yeah she even helped in the kitchen, I was impressed."

"Tomorrow is going to be a bear, at least the arrangements are done and the attorney is taking care of Child Services…" I was saying just as the telephone rang. I got up and answered it with it being Robbie on the other end asking if he could come over. I immediately said yes and hung up. I told Mom who it was after she looked at me quizzically, although I had no idea what he wanted. I speculated it was in regards to the request I made for the days off. While we pondered what Robbie wanted, the doorbell rang.

I got up and answered the door seeing Robbie and his wife Betty with their hands full of bags. I let them in with Robbie saying, "Hiya Mom, Crap, that sounds strange calling you Mom. Anyway this is from the people on the relieving shift for the kid. We take care of our own and she's a part of us now."

Thanking Robbie and Betty for the things and told him what I found out with Betty saying, "I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you had to move into that house."

"I read something to that effect in the small print of the will Betty…" Mom was saying when I interrupted her saying, "I didn't read that, what do I do with this townhouse?"

Tim's always saying that he wants a home like yours…so sell it to him, there the problem is solved." Mom said smiling.

She was right he was looking for a house to buy and he did like this townhouse. I told Mom to go ahead and tell him with Robbie saying, "One problem that's over with, now tell us what happened today."

I went into detail what Mom and I did once we looked through the papers with Betty saying, "She's a lucky little girl."

"I agree Betty, however I prefer we live off of what I make and hire a financial advisor for the other things to make sure Lisa's gets her inheritance. I didn't realize just how big that house was when we got there on the original call for help. Anyway the funeral expenses will be from the estate with the burial plot that is already paid for. It's as if Charlotte knew she wasn't going to make it, to see her daughter grow up."

"That house is a beast alright; it'll take your salary plus some more to upkeep I guess."

"What I need is some help if …"

"You got all the help you'll ever need, the other fire companies at the station already said they'd help. I suggest you only take your personal belongings…"

"I really don't have that much since everything was given to charity by Mom since the change." I said as I smiled

"I spoke to some of the wives and we'll help you pack and unpack. There are a few of them that knew Charlotte from the florist shop she owned…"

"That's another thing that was in those papers, so now I guess I'll be a florist too." I said with Betty saying, "She had a good staff and a good reputation, I suggest you let one of them manage the store for you and Lisa."

While we were speaking I heard Lisa come down the stairs and ran to me. She had a bad dream and I took her into my lap and let her hold onto me. Betty and Mom smiled as I held the little girl, watching her as she fell back asleep. Since Lisa was around, the conversation was cut short with Robbie and Betty saying goodnight. Mom let them out and locked the door saying she was going to spend the night with you since Dad was on duty.

Giving my bed to Mom and I took Lisa to her bed that I was going to share with her. I grabbed a pair of pajamas, slippers, and a robe from my bedroom and went to the spare bedroom while I carried Lisa. In minutes I was ready for bed and had already placed Lisa in bed before I got ready. I was sound asleep once I hit the bed. I slept well until the sunlight entered the room and I was awake holding Lisa to me. I gradually left the bed with her sleeping, when I went to take a shower.

Having showered, I grabbed a pair of jeans, panties, sports bra, sweatshirt, and my sneakers and dressed downstairs to keep from waking Mom in my room. I was dressed and in the kitchen in nothing flat.

I started a breakfast of sausage, eggs, and pancakes with coffee, juice and milk. I was nearly finished when Mom came down and chastised me for not waking her to help me. I knew I could cook as well as Mom so I decided to allow her to sleep. Besides I was a parent now and I had to cook for Lisa. I had Mom go wake up Lisa while I finished off making breakfast. As soon as I poured her milk, I heard Mom and her giggling and then I saw them come down the stairs.

Lisa ran to me and I kneeled so she could get a hug from me. I picked her up and placed her onto a chair and gave her a pancake and sausage, cutting it all up for her. Mom and I had eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee, we spoke of the coming day when I heard the door open with Dad coming in with an armload of toys for Lisa. I had Dad put the toys in the living room and had him come and eat, of course Lisa was all over him calling him grandpa.

I had him sit down at the table, while he filled his plate I told him about the Will. I told him I want Tim to take over the payments as of next month. When I said that Tim walked in and was greeted by Lisa.

"Hey Uncle Tim, you want a townhouse?" I said.

"Yeah, I've been looking for one like this, why?"

I told him about the Will and that Lisa and I had to live in the house. He was shocked but pleased I had offered the townhouse to him first with him saying, "Thanks for thinking of me first; sure I'll take it over with the payments. Have the lawyer doing all of your work to draw up the contract. Damn, I can't believe I finally have a townhouse I like, does the furniture stay too?"

"Yeah and you have to pay me back whatever I’ve put into it…"

"Sure I will, when can I move in?"

"After the funeral, that I want all of you to attend so put in for days off…"

"We already did, your mother said you'd need help, so we took extra days to help out." Dad said as he ate his breakfast with Tim sitting down and helping himself while I made more eggs for them. Lisa was playing with her toys after being excused from the table.

Mom took over for me in the kitchen when I doubled over from the pain I had in my abdomen. It felt like I was kicked in the stomach to the crotch. I sat down in her chair and took deep breaths that seem to lessen the pain. Dad of course was ready to call for an ambulance but I assured him I had these bouts before. I knew what the pains were from that the doctor said I had things shifting, growing and dying all over the abdomen. My prostate was first to go next would be my testicles and they're close to non-existent. The ovaries were growing along with the uterus and cervix. Anyway I was a mess internally. I caught my breath as the pain subsided seeing Dad's face etched with despair, wishing he could do something to help me. It was then I told them I had been lying to the department surgeon about my pain. I coaxed Dad and Tim to eat, as I got stronger with each minute that the pain was subsiding. After about twenty minutes I was my old self. Mom got Lisa ready while Dad, Tim and I cleaned up the kitchen. Once it was cleaned Lisa appeared fully dressed followed by Mom.

I dressed Lisa warmly since the outside temperature was in the low thirties, donned my coat while everyone else put theirs on. I was forced to go with Tim since Dad was afraid I might have another bout of pain.

Chapter Ten

We arrived at the house with Mom, Lisa and I going inside while Dad and Tim looked around the grounds and garage.

We all took off our coats and Lisa ran up to her room while Mom and I were preparing to go upstairs. I heard a key in the front door and saw a middle-aged woman of about fifty-five walk into the house.

"Who are you people?" She asked as I gave her the once over. She was approximately 5'10" tall with brown hair and streaks of gray done up into a bun. She had large brown eyes that could make men weak in the knees once they looked into them. He body was in good proportions to her height and she appeared in good shape.

"Since you entered with a key you knew Charlotte, I think you better sit down." I said." I said as I told her who we were. We had brought Lisa home after the death of her mother and staying with me. I found out that the lady's name was Ella and she cleaned house for Charlotte four times a week.

"She had a weak heart, that's why I worked for her, that poor child. How is she handling the death?" Ella asked.

"I think it won't bother her until the viewing, in the meantime, you still have a job and at the present wage you were getting paid." I said as we spoke some more when I could tell she wanted to get to work. I once again reassured the woman and let her leave to do her work.

I went back to the den while Ella went to work. I have to admit that this house needed a housekeeper especially with the job I had. Mom, I knew would help me with Lisa and our arrangements were far superior then a foster home for Lisa.

Sitting down behind the desk I fired up the computer and started going through the files when Mom came into the room holding a hanger and shoes in her hands saying, "Dear, I found this Black skirt suit and white silk blouse in Charlotte's closet that would fit you even though it's a half size larger but the shoes are the right size. I thought for the funeral you should use it. I have to admit the lady had impeccable taste in clothes." I was half hearing Mom as she droned on, due to the fact I was reading. All I said was fine and continued reading with her leaving.

It appeared that Lisa had inherited a business, a florist shop with four employees just as I was told. I called the shop with the manager answering the telephone. I informed her about Charlotte and Lisa now being the owner. I reassured her that all of their jobs were secure and the business was solvent.

I made several more telephone calls and notified them of Charlotte's demise and told them they could contact me on behalf of Lisa since she was a minor child.

The next few days were crazy to say the least between the funeral home and the lawyer's office I spent very little time at either home. Mom was a savior in helping me keep my sanity in perspective.

For three days all I wore were skirt suits and I couldn't wait until visitation was over to change into a lounger robe, a nightgown and slippers. Between business associates, employees, neighbors and fellow firefighters paying their last respects I was exhausted near the end of the evening. Lisa was an angel during the whole time partly because her comprehension of death was limited. Although she cried each time she saw her mother lying in that casket, she couldn't understand why Mommy didn't wake up. I just had to love this little girl more and held her to me as she cried. Mom and Dad were great as all of their help was greatly appreciated by me, helping out with Lisa.

The day came for the internment and I knew this was going to be the last time Lisa saw her birth mother. On waking I dressed in a black, suede skirt, and black silk blouse over my black lingerie of bra, panties and full slip. I wore sheer black pantyhose and black calf length suede boots with a two-inch heel. My makeup and hair was perfect having learned my lessons well from Roxie and Mom. I then dressed Lisa in a black velour dress, white tights and black patent Mary Janes after doing her hair. As I tied a ribbon into Lisa's hair and I thought that if Mom didn't like the hairstyle she could redo it, at least I tried. We both ate breakfast and waited for the car from the funeral home that went to pick up Mom and Dad first. The car arrived at eight AM and took us all to the funeral home.

On our arrival we walked inside, took off our coats and saw that Brad, Anne, Mike and Robbie along with their families had come for the funeral. On walking to the coffin carrying Lisa in my arms, we paid our respects and I gave Lisa to Mom while Dad. I thanked the many people that came for the funeral. I silently thanked Charlotte for giving me Lisa and I vowed to always take care of her.

While we waited for the Fire Department Chaplain to say the prayers I noticed that my big bosses had arrived, the Fire Chief and the Battalion Chief of the district. We thanked them for coming on Lisa's behalf when the Chief opened his eyes wide saying, "I almost didn't recognize you, you and I simply must talk after this. Are they giving you any crap at the station?"

"No Chief, your memo must have stopped any of the grief I would have gotten." I said with Dad saying, "I'm damn proud of my kids especially Paula for helping the little girl."

"Paula didn't have to step in and become a parent so soon in her life. She carries on our traditions of bravery and compassion for the department too, considering what she's going through physically." Robbie said after joining the group making the men agree to his words that made me blush with embarrassment.

"I agree with you Robbie even though she fell into that vat, it saved her life. Paula, if you need anything…"

"Chief, I have a little girl to raise and then whatever I have to do to accomplish my job in my chosen profession. Our job is to protect lives and property and that's what I intend to do, no matter what sex I am. I intend to become a lieutenant, captain or chief and know my job." I said proudly with the men all approving what I said; it was then the Chaplain arrived.

The prayers were over in a few minutes and we all paid our final respects. I took Lisa outside in the lobby to put on her coat as they closed the casket. Three of the neighbors, Robbie, Dad and Tim acted as pallbearers and took the casket to the hearse with Mom, Lisa and I going to the family car.

The drive to the cemetery was uneventful and we arrived there in about thirty minutes. We made our way to the gravesite while the pallbearers carried the remains of Charlotte to her final resting place to be buried alongside her deceased husband. I carried Lisa to the gravesite as the coffin was laid onto the bier. More prayers were said and those that came to the cemetery placed flower petals and dirt onto the coffin and then the coffin was lowered into the grave.

We, Lisa and I said our goodbyes with tears in our eyes. I silently told Charlotte once again that Lisa was in good hands. I prayed to the Maker to watch over Charlotte that her daughter was well taken care of. I meant every word I thought as I held onto Lisa in my arms.

After the funeral we went to the luncheon, ate and went home. Mom and Dad stayed with Lisa and me, changing into clothes they had brought with them. To say the least they both had everything well planned.

Putting Lisa down for a nap, it was then my turn to undress. I slowly removed my clothes, looked in the mirror seeing myself. I was a bit overwhelmed seeing my reflection in the mirror as I stood in my lingerie. What I saw was a young woman with a slight or average bust, narrow waist, wide hips and dynamite legs. She was well proportioned and ready for men to throw themselves at her feet and that woman was I.

Standing straight and tall in my boots I began to think of what men found desirous in woman. Was it their breasts? Was it their legs? Perhaps it was their body shape? I finally had to admit to myself that I had no idea that all men were different and had their own ideas.

Dressing in black boot cut jeans and a sweatshirt ready to work, when Mom came into the room with boxes. We both along with the Auxiliary, with Dad and Tim had the entire townhouse packed up in several hours of work without a break. I was dead tired as I sat down on the couch while Dad and Tim went for a truck to move everything to the house. Except for the clothes, Lines, knickknacks, CDs and DVDs most of everything else was going to get stored away.

While Mom and I sat, Lisa woke up, came downstairs and sat in my lap. I hugged her to me with Mom smiling reminding her of me when I was about Lisa's age. It was Moments like this that I knew everything was going to be okay.

Chapter Eleven

Having moved into the house, it took me several days to get used to this large of a house since moving from the townhouse. Lisa, I could tell was happy to be back and she was happy to see Ella when she came to work.

My bodily changes have progressed that I fit into all of Charlotte's clothes; I have to admit the lady had good taste. My breast size is a B cup and I just know I'll be a C cup soon, as my breasts still are very sensitive and sore. Mom is a B+ cup so I'll probably be either a B+ or C cup so the doctor says.

Roxie has been by to see us and she is going to babysit with Mom when I go back to my shift. To be honest even though I have so many things to do I miss the action of fighting fires or saving a life.

Tim is happy with the Townhouse and moved in after I left. The one thing the house needed was an intercom which Dad and Robbie installed, now I didn't have to yell for Lisa or Dad for that matter. Yes, I said Dad, as he's always playing with Lisa, making her happy and spoiled. I have never seen my parents as happy and patient as I have seen them now with Lisa.

Packing my bag and getting ready for the shift Lisa came into the room saying, "Can I go with you Mommy?"

"I'll only be gone for a day, I wish I could take you sweetie, but Grandma, Grandpa, Ella and Aunty Roxie are going to be with you." I said just as Mom walked into the room and saved me. I finally finished packing a bag for my shift and hugged Lisa to me. To be honest Lisa took my mind away from my thoughts and the problems I was having medically. I've tried to be quiet about my thoughts to my body changes, though I'm in constant pain. I seem to block out the pain, but then I get a spasm that almost makes me black out. What keeps me going is Lisa, my parents, grandfather, Robbie, Tim and Roxie, then there's the job. I've learned that family and friends are an important part of life. I've learned that the fire station has an extended family where we are all brothers and sisters that goes from each shift all the way to each fire station to branch out downtown. We celebrate life as we stare into the eyes of death with each fire call we make. When we meet the red monster, we stare at death and embrace life as we face it down. We celebrate life with each life we save whether it is a fire call or EMS call. We know each other's weaknesses and strengths as we work as a team, perhaps that is why I accepted my body changes so easily having the support of my team both at work and at home these last six plus months.

My thoughts were cast aside as I prepared Lisa for sleep with a bath, a clean nightgown and a story, after Mom and Dad had left for the evening. I prepared the house for the night, checked on Lisa and went to bed.

Refreshed I awoke at five AM, showered and got ready for the day with a clean uniform, clean undies both sports bra and panties, two pairs of silk long johns along with tights and I was ready as I tied my duty shoes. Looking in the mirror as I pinned on my badge all I saw in the reflection was a female firefighter that was ready to go to work on my shift.

Grabbing my bag, checking on Lisa, I went downstairs to the coffee pot that held my brew. I poured a cup noticing that it was six AM when I heard the lock turn and the door open. Mom walked into the house and walked into the kitchen and joined me with a mug of Joe.

Sitting down at the table Mom said, "They're forecasting snow today so I'll go to the store for you later."

"How much are they saying?"

"Six to twelve inches by tomorrow morning and Dad can't wait to use the new snowblower he bought after seeing yours in the garage."

"Great, shoveling snow at the station, going to car accidents and fighting fires, our day we’ll sure be busy."

"Dad said to be careful and to listen to Robbie."

"I know Mom, I will." I said getting up and placing the coffee mug into the sink. I gave Mom a kiss, put on my jacket, grabbed my bag and went out to my SUV starting it, and letting it warm up. Placing the SUV into gear and four-wheel drive I was on my way negotiating the streets to the station.

Arriving at the station forty minutes early I parked the SUV in the lot, grabbed my bag and went inside seeing that the Engine was out on a run. That wasn't a good sign and normally meant it would be a busy shift.

Going upstairs to the bunk area I placed my bag into my locker and went down to the galley for a cup of coffee. Robbie was there reading some of the reports so I joined him at the table to be joined later by the rest of our crew. While we spoke of our time off, our truck had returned. Robbie briefed us of on our duties and we officially took over the shift.

During the morning as we washed and checked over the apparatus, we all noticed that we didn't even go on one run. To me, this was the lull before the storm and we all agreed.

By late morning it had started to snow and was coming down heavily. We had just sat down to lunch when the alert signal sounded for our truck and we were on the way to an EMS call for an elderly man that had fallen at home and couldn't get up. Things always happen during meal times!

We pulled up to the house and were let inside the house by the man's wife. We had found the man in the kitchen on the floor after he slipped on the wet floor. He was in a great deal of pain with a possible broken arm. We assessed the man, when the ambulance arrived and took over for us.

We gathered up our equipment and stowed it all into the truck when we noticed it was snowing harder. In minutes we were back at the station parking the vehicle and having our lunch, as cold as it was, but I like Rueben sandwiches cold anyway.

After lunch, Robbie did some paperwork and we washed and dried off the pumper. We then did some training on the equipment we carried that was when I saw how heavy the snow was falling. Then it happened! We received one call after the other to automobile accidents with personal injuries involved. Mainly these were due to people going too fast or tailgating with nearly zero visibility caused by blowing snow and ice on the roadway. We were exhausted by seven PM when the accidents tapered off. Thankfully we had managed to eat the evening meal without going out on a call but then we were out on ten calls in a row of citizens needing help from heart attacks from shoveling snow, to stranded motorists from accidents.

We then shoveled our own snow at the station. I just knew from watching the piles grow that we were in a major storm episode. I had just come inside after shoveling the walk when the alert went off and the speaker saying, "Battalion one, Engines 01, 04, 06, 09 Med supervisor 01, ambulances 23, 43, 27, 33, Rescue 06, 09, Lighting truck 01, 03, 06 08 report of a roof collapse at Merf's discount store, 1633 Wolf Lane, cross street Hamlin, possible multiple injuries are involved."

We were in motion just as the bay door opened to let us out of the heated station. Our emergency lights lit up the night and at times reflected back at us, the snow deaden the sounds of our siren as we sped to the scene of a roof collapse. I felt the braking of the truck as we got closer to the scene and saw the roof laying in a vee on a building of over a city block long and deep.

We were the last unit to arrive on the scene and every one of the crews was busy. I heard on the radio that everyone that was in the store had managed to get out in time, just as the roof collapsed. There was very little for any of the crews to do since there weren't any casualties. Before we left the truck the battalion chief had us return to quarters as enough units were on the scene. We were back to handling emergency medical calls and there were many of those to handle. Don't get me wrong about the medical calls as it sure beats fighting a fire, getting soaked from the spray, then getting icicles formed on your turnout gear and helmet and not to mention being cold, a bone chilling cold. That was the job being a Smoke Eater, our job is to serve those in need of help.

By the time our shift was over we had responded to over thirty calls and I was glad to see my relief walk in. I was tired from lack of sleep, mental and physical exertion needed to perform the job, yet it was done saving many lives.

It was still snowing as I left the station and proceeded home. It took me under an hour to get home and I was ready to fall on my face from being so tired. On entering the house it was still quiet and I left my untouched bag by the door for use on my next duty day. What I wanted now was a shower or bath and to sleep, instead I went to the kitchen.

I made a pot of coffee, warmed a poppy seed bagel and sat down at the table after I got out the cream cheese from the refrigerator. Mom silently made her way to the kitchen and saw me munching on the bagel and smiled, asking me about my day and night.

While she sat down after getting a mug of coffee, I told her with her saying, "Your father will be glad he's with a Ladder company just to avoid all those runs."

"Dad more than makes up for it when he's driving that truck and pressurizing those hoses, he gets wet before anyone does." I said as I spread the cheese onto my bagel.

"I'm just glad he has the SUV and had enough sleep last night, he stayed here with me."

"I suppose Lisa didn't want him to leave?"

"That too, but he stayed here as it was closer to his station than our house besides he wanted to use your snowblower, you have neat toys he said. Ella and I went to the store yesterday and stocked up on your groceries and then I told her to leave early."

"Good, I was wondering about the bagels…"

"Hey they're good for growing girls." Roxie said from the doorway and walked to get herself a bagel with Mom saying, "See dear, Roxie knows…"

"Mom, Roxie would eat the asshole out of a dead skunk if she was hungry." I said smiling with Roxie pretending to have her feelings hurt saying, "You should talk, especially when you scarf down those peanut butter, mayonnaise and black or green olive sandwiches, that's disgusting."

"Mmmm, that sounds good, but you have to add bacon to it." Mom said smiling with Roxie sitting down at the table saying, "That's gross, are you both pregnant? Bacon and Mayo are fine but not with peanut butter or olives."

"I hope not, except that's how I like my sandwiches." I said making Roxie blanch that was when I heard the pitter patter of little feet running to the kitchen.

Just as Lisa hit the doorway she yelled, "Mommy" and ran to me placing her onto my lap and I accepted her hugs. Thinking of what a joy this child was. I kissed her forehead as she sat on my lap with Mom saying, "She missed you terribly and we had to reassure her constantly you were coming back home to her."

"Sure I was coming back home, after I take a nap we'll get dressed and go outside for a little while. First off, you have to have breakfast and then let grandma and aunty help you get dressed." I said with Lisa snuggling up to me and then giving me a kiss.

Mom in the meantime was preparing a hot bowl of farina for Lisa as I held her to me to reassure her I wouldn't leave her. I finally let her go so she could eat and I headed off upstairs to grab some sleep and a shower.

The night and day caught up with me as I entered the bedroom. The light streamed through the windows making the falling snow look surreal. I watched the snow falling in copious amounts as I casually undressed and slipped into a long, pink, chenille robe, tying it at my waist.

I went into the bathroom, removed my robe and studied my body in the mirror. My body showed molded, gentle curves, twins mounds, very little of the remnants of a penis and the beginnings of my newly formed vagina.

All in all I looked good and I was pleased that I looked this good, that the pain I endured was beginning to be worth it. I had to agree with myself that I looked like Mom and that in itself made me pleased as Mom is a beautiful woman and I was the younger version of her.

Stepping into the shower I turned on the water feeling the warmth of the spray as it hit my body. I was beginning to feel relaxed after the long night of no sleep, very little to eat and strenuous exercise but not to the point that I was sleepy.

Turning off the water I dried off and climbed into a fresh flannel nightgown and panties. I blow dried my hair and put back on my robe. I felt good as I went to the bed to lie down on top of the covers. I tried to relax but I was keyed up for some reason and went over to the lounger and picked up my book on fire science to prepare myself for the Engineers test coming up soon that Robbie was going to give.

I curled up and covered myself with a blanket and read. At times I looked out of the windows and French doors and watched the snow drifting down. During one of these breaks I heard a tapping at the bedroom door and the door opened to allow Lisa to come in.

She saw I was up and ran over to me. I made room on the lounger and she lay next to me and I held her to me without either of us saying a word. I covered her up with my blanket and we both watched the snow falling until my eyelids became very heavy and closed.

Chapter Twelve

On waking several hours later, I folded the blanket and placed it at the foot of the lounger. I quickly undressed and redressed in black tights, black panties and bra set, black twill stirrup pants and a thick red sweater with snowflakes emblazoned into the knit and black leather calf length boots with a two-inch heel.

Going into the bathroom I brushed out my hair, brushed my teeth and put on makeup. I wanted Mom to see that her efforts in teaching me the art of applying makeup had paid off. Damnit I looked good and felt good even doing my nails in a deep dark red polish.

Stepping back from the mirror I looked at the new and improved female self appear and seeing my former male self disappear. I'll admit it took me quite a while for me to accept this change and everyday my acceptance grew on a gradual course toward realizations.

I had a spring in my step and a sway in my hips as I left the bathroom, went out the bedroom door and down the stairs to the kitchen. Mom had a pleased look on her face as I went to the refrigerator for sandwich fixings. I built my sandwich, placed everything back, sat at the table and started to eat the sandwich. Mom informed me that Roxie and Lisa were upstairs taking a nap as she joined me at the table.

We spoke of some of the things I wanted to do to the house to accessorize and Mom agreed that by adding some throws on the couch and more pillows would give the living room a warmer feeling. I wanted the house to be a place of warmth, a place that was lived in and not just a show place. In some respects the house had warmth but I wanted it cozier.

The day had progressed with Lisa and me playing in the snow with twelve inches on the ground and more coming. As day turned to night I lit a fire in the fireplace just as the electricity went out. We all cuddled buried under a mountain of blankets with the warmth of the fire close by. I mentally made a note to thank Dad for bringing the wood inside for us. I stirred the embers and stoked the fire several times that night as night became day.

At 8AM I checked to see if the phones were working and they were. I called the city Snow Desk and identified myself as a firefighter requesting that a snowplow when on the major arteries, to swing by my house to clear a path for me to get to work the following day. This was a service by the city to help out the city employees, firefighters, paramedics and police, get to work during major events such as this storm was.

Going back to the living room I stoked the fire and went into the kitchen finding that Mom was up and lit off the oven, since it was natural gas. She was preparing breakfast and poured me a cup of instant coffee straight from the burners. It was hot and that's all I can say about what I drank. We ate, as Roxie and Lisa slept and then I went upstairs to dress.

I felt the cold and dampness as I went up the stairs and into my room. I felt the coldness on my skin as soon as I disrobed. I decided to forego the shower and dressed as quick as I could in red satin panties and bra, red tights, a black cowl necked sweater and white Bobbi socks over the tights. I put on gold, heart shaped pendant earrings into my ears, a gold bracelet and a large filigree heart necklace on. I then went into the bathroom and did my makeup and hair.

Going down the stairs, after I was finished, I went to the foyer closet and pulled out my white Sorrel snow boots and ski jacket. I decided that I was going out to move some snow when I heard the siren.

Looking out of the door I saw my Engine pull in front of a house two doors away from me and stop. I saw the crew get the medical equipment and hurry to the house. I was curious sure, but I knew that someone was hurt and that they needed medical attention. Going back to the kitchen after putting on my boots I was ready to sit down when there was a knock at the door.

Briskly I went to the door seeing Lieutenant Greg McGinty standing on the porch stoop. I opened the door smiling and said, "Hi Loo."

"I should have known when the neighbor said there was a firefighter living on the block at this house. I came to ask a favor."

"Sure, anything to help Loo."

"The ambulance can't get through the streets and we have to get a pregnant woman to the hospital that's spotting. We can meet the ambulance but it's like six blocks away at Bradley and Austin. We can put her up on the hose bed or carry the Stokes stretcher by hand to the ambulance. What's a pisser is I can't get the helicopter in to move her due to the visibility."

"And have her in the elements, not hardly. My SUV can do it and can take the stretcher too." I said with the Lieutenant hurrying back to prepare the woman for transport.

I donned a jacket and gloves and almost knocked over Dad as he walked into the house with him saying, "I take it you're in a hurry to help because I saw Greg leaving the house."

I explained the problem and the solution to him, with him agreeing with me that the SUV was the best way to get the woman to the ambulance. Both of us were out the door.

As the Engine warmed I cleaned the snow from the windows while Dad lowered the back seats. Even though Dad's SUV was warmed up, mine was larger that was why we took mine.

Once the windows were cleaned off, we climbed into the SUV and backed out of the driveway. It was slow going at first but the SUV made it through the snow and out into the street.

Slowly I backed upped the SUV to the Engine and then to the back of it. In seconds the woman, the paramedic and her husband were enroute to the rendezvous with the ambulance with Dad staying at the house. I followed the Engine that was cutting a path for me, but I still heard my vehicle grabbing for traction once in a while. I knew that the snow had exceeded the forecasted predictions of twelve inches and was still coming down. After about five minutes of travel we arrived at the ambulance, made our transfer and I returned home following the same path I had traveled.

Getting inside the door of the house I took off my outerwear along with my boots and went into the kitchen where Mom and Dad were. Dad and Mom had that smile of pride when I walked into the room. I knew in my heart and mind I did the right thing to help so there was nothing to be proud of.

I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at the table with Dad saying, "Your neighbor has a chance for a full term pregnancy now."

"I think so Dad, at least she didn't go into labor. When we took her I saw how thankful I was in having you and Mom around for me. I mean the entire situation with me has been traumatic to say the least."

"We understand and are with you all the way. Now you have Lisa and yourself to think about…." Mom was saying when I interrupted her saying," I know Mom but if it wasn't for the all of you I'd of lost my sanity. This entire situation has been well…complicated; at least I still have my job."

"What you did today, on your off day ensures that the job is yours." Dad said with me saying, "I guess that’s true but at the time all I thought of was that the new mother had a chance."

"I was thinking that maybe EMS is the way for you to go." Mom said with Dad saying, "I agree, there will be four openings for the new supervisors positions soon and you start paramedic classes in January, I think you can get a waiver for the position since you'll be attending classes."

"But the supervisors are normally lieutenants with at least two years on the trucks or ambulances; I don't have the time in…" I was saying with Dad interrupting me by saying, "Or by showing that you carry on the traditions of the fire service, which you have demonstrated. You could have retired after the accident, but you stayed. You helped the truck out, possibly to have saved two lives and plus you have the family backing you for the slot."

"But Robbie…"

"What about Robbie, he's the one that suggested the idea along with the district chiefs. The station will back you all the way, not to say that downtown will also. It's in the bag, so why not apply?"

If downtown backed me, I was in their political favor but the hard part was going to classes, working and of course Lisa with her needs. Dad and Mom waited for my answer as I thought over the proposal and spoke out with my concerns.

Mom of course volunteered readily to help out with Lisa, as did Dad on class nights and days that I had to work at the station, so that aspect was taken care of. My study time would have to fit in somehow, but I didn't know where yet. My decision was made and I would submit the paper work for the promotion and I told them with Dad hurrying to his carryall in the foyer.

On his return he had a manila folder and extracted the papers that were partially filled out and signed by Robbie, the station Captain and the district chief for their approval along with recommendations. Dad had also stated that Lieutenant McGinty would also be giving me a recommendation. I noted that they and finally I already made the decision. While we spoke the power came back on, I signed the forms and the formal request and gave the paperwork back to Dad, which he would take downtown for me and file the forms at personnel.

To be apprehensive was a minor statement on my part due to the grueling paramedic class schedule, work, study, the doctors and of course taking care of Lisa. I wondered how I was going to manage everything to balance it out, but of course I would somehow, only time would tell.

Just as I finished placing the paperwork into the folder, Lisa came into the kitchen. I handed the folder back to him and accepted a warm hug and morning kiss from Lisa, she then got my parents in a lip lock.

Mom was already getting Lisa her oatmeal, toast, juice and hot Ovaltine, when I thought that poor Lisa would explode from the breakfast meal, even though they were child size. I watched as my daughter ate everything and I pondered if she had a wooden leg and was stuffing that leg with her breakfast.

The heat kicked on from the furnace and the house warmed up just as Lisa finished her breakfast. She begged to go outside and play in the snow with grandpa. I looked at Dad then back to Lisa and said yes. She kissed everyone and ran up to her bedroom to get ready, with me smiling.

Chapter Thirteen

The past forty-eight hours seemed to have flown by from the time of the winter storm, to the helping of a neighbor and that did not include me signing the paperwork to become an EMS supervisor.

I got to play with Lisa outside and inside along with the necessary chores around the house after the power failure. One thing I can say is that Lisa has brought me closer to my own family; the traditions and the passing on of our traditions to our young were being passed on to Lisa.

One tradition of all the firehouses in our city is that those working on a holiday; namely Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, get to have their families at the firehouses for the evening meal. It is a time that many of the families participate in. Since Thanksgiving is this week Mom will be there when Dad has to work on that holiday. I was lucky not to get stuck with the seasonal holidays this year; even if I had to work Mom and Dad would bring Lisa to see me at the station.

Throughout the year we sell canned soda pop at $.25 over the price we paid for it. Then there were the snacks, the Cuss Box and other ways to make the money any way we could think of to buy the meals we gave away for the holidays and toys for all the kids. We also visited the children's ward at the hospital to give out gifts to the sick kids stuck in the hospital during the holidays. All the money collected was placed into a General Fund for these purposes as a combined and unified fire station, of course we also had donations.

Things looked good as I repacked my carryall bag for the shift coming up. I added an extra pair of sweats, batteries for my socks and heavy woolen socks (You have to be prepared for the cold weather). On my dressing room chair was my uniform, my ladies two-piece insulated long johns, regular uniform socks, woolen socks and my electric socks.

I checked on Lisa, tucked her in again and left her to her dreams going back to my room. I thought about the paperwork Dad submitted for me, as I got ready for bed. Was I ready to accept the responsibility? Sure, I think I could handle it all from scheduling, discipline and to the politics with the hospitals along with their staff. The more I thought about the position the more I wanted it. I looked forward to the tests and the various boards that would test me on the knowledge I needed for the job. It was a fact that I had no supervisory experience however this was more or less an entry-level position to the upper ranks of authority. I made up my mind before going to sleep that the job was going to be mine or at least one of the slots I was going to fill.

I was up before the dawn, having showered and dressed. I ate a quick breakfast and was out the door, in my vehicle. Turning on the radio as the SUV warmed up I heard the prediction of more snow and I groaned inwardly. More snow was what the man said as I backed the SUV out of the driveway. I was at the station in no time and began my checks of the engine and its equipment when Robbie called me into his office over the intercom.

I dropped what I was doing and went into where Captain Miller and Robbie were wafting for me with Robbie shutting the door and saying, "I just got the news about you from downtown."

"I don't understand, all I did was apply…"

"That's what we just heard…but we didn't think you'd have gone for it." Captain Miller said with Robbie saying, "Are you finished with the Firefighter I and Engineers courses?"

"Sure I completed the Engineers Course last week, why?"

"Because O'Hallorin is on the review board this time. He fought like hell to keep ethnics and women out of the department." Captain Miller said.

"There is no time limit on the position but you have to complete the course for firefighter I and I just have to give you the test." Robbie said and then giving me so highly technical questions about everything from First Aid, Hazardous Materials to Hose lengths and water pressures that I answered to his satisfaction.

"I'd say she passed wouldn't you Cap?" Robbie said with the Captain nodding his head in agreement with the Captain saying, "Indeed she did, just a word, study, because I can assure you Chief O'Hallorin is going through that manual right now to trip you up. Remember he’s personnel and has probably forgot most of the technical stuff you know."

"The test is scheduled for the fifteenth of December at the academy. So far you have no real competition and the reports along with the firehouse duty logs show about your assist and job performance is outstanding."

"The fifteenth! That gives me two weeks to cram for a year paramedic course along with departmental policies and procedures. I don't know…"

"All of us will help you including the medics, since none of them are taking the test, just let us help you." Robbie said as I nodded my agreement. This was a challenge, but I felt I was doomed to fail. All I could do, was try and do my very best.

Robbie let me out of the office when all of a sudden I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders. What was expected of me was to pass each phase from the written, to the psychological, to the medical and to the board of promotions. The witch-hunt was about to begin. I began to smile when that little voice in me said to do all of this for Lisa and that was what I was going to do.

The word must have been passed to the other fire companies in the firehouse as everyone was by Engine 01. As I entered the truck bays they all began to applaud their approval when they saw me with many of the personnel slapping my back. The paramedics made out a schedule for me to be tutored and I was to stick as close as possible to it. The schedule also included my days off until the exam.

In some ways I was excited, no more like fired up with all the support I had been given by everyone at the station. I was bound and determined I was going to get that one bugle or horn on my collar that symbolized a lieutenant.

While all of the crews went back to work Brad and Anne took me aside with Anne saying, "Now you have got to pass."

"While we do equipment checks, guess who has you, Anne and I and you're going to pass." Brad said smiling with me thinking even though I was an Emergency Medical Technician I had the feeling that the new material was going to be way over my head. As we went through the equipment Anne, who was taking the paramedic course, going through the material that she could recall with Brad adding more information.

For the next days when not out on emergency calls and when I was home I studied. Hell I studied while I ate, in the bathroom, before bed and almost everywhere. Lisa went with Mom to see Dad and have Thanksgiving dinner at his station and I studied some more.

I neglected everyone it seemed but those damn books until the day I took the written test. On the day of the test I had digested three quarters of the paramedic manual and hoped for the best.

Arriving at the fire academy an hour before the test dressed casually in jeans, sweatshirt and boots, finding out while we all spoke, there were only eighteen of us taking the exams. First I showed my firefighter ID, and then I was photographed, fingerprinted and then allowed into the room of the test. Part one of the test was practical knowledge experience as a paramedic. Patient extraction was next followed by mostly policies and procedures of the department. I dug into the test on the word go. Six hours later the test was finished and I was as limp as a dishrag when I heard the word stop. When we all stopped all I wanted to do was go home and relax as best I could.

Driving home I was thinking of the questions and I felt comfortable with my choices, as I turned into the driveway. Turning off and getting out of the car I was still mentally going over the test until I went into the house.

Mom was in the kitchen and Dad was on the telephone as I took off my coat and hung it up on the pegs. I walked over to the coffee pot and poured a cup with no one saying a word to me.

Sitting on a chair at the table I was close to tears when Mom came to me with a few cookies she had baked and a smile saying, "You gave your all dear."

"I guess so Mom but that test was a killer." I said as Dad hung up the phone and came toward me smiling and then saying, "You passed the written! I called in some favors and I found out for you. You got an eighty-nine and ten people failed outright." I shouted my approval and hugged both Mom and Dad. I was very pleased that I had passed considering I studied the least. At least I knew my policies, procedures and extrication.

Things just came a little brighter in my passing the written test, next were the orals and the face to face with Chief O'Hallorin but that wasn't until after the holidays. My priorities were to my daughter, my family and then to prepare for the oral test.

Chapter Fourteen

Between work, doctor appointments, family and managing to accomplish my Christmas shopping I was exhausted, to say the least. When Christmas finally came I was ready and so was Lisa. Lisa couldn't wait for Santa Claus to arrive and believe me his sleigh was very full when he arrived.

The station had a Christmas party for the kids of the fire fighters and we had parties for those in need, as well as for those in the hospital. I felt really good as we wrapped those gifts and handed them out to the outstretched hands of the kids. I enjoyed the looks of joy as they unwrapped the presents with some of the kids, knowing that those gifts would be the only gifts that they would be receiving. Any depression I felt was gone and believe me, I had to hide it before, now it was gone.

We had just finished decorating the firehouse for the annual Best Lighting competition that we had started in November when it was disclosed to everyone that I had passed the written test for paramedic supervisor.

We had just finished hanging the last string of lights and came inside for something warm to drink when the Captain announced the results that I had already known. It seemed as though everyone in the stationhouse patted me on the back, even the people that seemed to avoid me. Throughout the remainder of the shift someone would congratulate me on passing the written test giving incentive to others to take the tests for various positions that opened up.

I had found out that the Ambulance Supervisor on my shift at my sector had requested another station to be closer to his pregnant wife. Deep in my heart I hoped for this area.

Our calls on the shift were all EMS calls from people needing assistance to get up after they had fallen, to massive trauma from accidents of many types including industrial and vehicular, and not to forget disasters. I was thankful that we didn't receive any fire calls as the temperature was well below the freezing point and we didn't get to look like ice people.

For several weeks we prepared for the holidays which came and went. I have to say I enjoyed them tremendously as I studied every book I could, to policies to procedures. Still I had a great time with my family.

The day arrived of the orals and I was a nervous wreck. The night before I studied and went to bed but I was up at 5 AM. I took a shower and dressed in my dress uniform, suntanned nylons with a skirt, jacket and black patent pumps. Having tied my tie into a bow, I applied my makeup then checking over my Navy Wave Style hat. I made sure the cap device was centered and shined along with my badge, patches and nameplate on my jacket. Setting my hat on my head I looked in the mirror and approved of myself in the image I saw, I showed pride and professionalism. I was confident that I could stand any inspection and pass it, as my uniform was perfect that Dad had purchased for me. My greatest fear of this board was being classified as the poor freak, but I had overcome that feeling at the firehouse. I proved myself there so all I had to do was prove myself to the board.

Going downstairs after grabbing my purse and coat I saw that Mom was already up with Dad and Lisa who came running to me. I bent at the knees and hugged her little body to me. I forgot that Dad was going on shift and Mom and Lisa would be together until I got back from the orals. I had a light breakfast compared to the heavy dose of pancakes everyone else had and was out of the door.

Twenty minutes later I was at the administration building of the fire academy. I parked my SUV and traversed the parking lot into the building noticing the coldness of the weather going up my skirt.

Hello was said to many as I walked that I knew from being here as a probie. I felt as that was years in my past and how things had changed so drastically. I was a male when I was here and now due to a fluke I was now a female firefighter.

I entered the conference room being fifteen minutes early seeing Fire Chief Rupert and Deputy Chiefs Grissom and McDaniel that all three of them smiled as soon as I walked into the room with the Chief saying, “Take a seat Firefighter Wallace and we’ll begin.”

It was grueling but I persevered with the interview thanking the Powers That Be that O’Hallorin wasn’t present due to illness or whatever. Why he wasn’t there I don’t know or care, however I was happy he wasn’t.

My knowledge of the fire department manuals helped me in the hypothetical situations I was placed into that seemed to please everyone. While I spoke I felt the eyes of the three men appraising me as I sat in the chair making me a bit uncomfortable but shook it off.

Okay so I looked like every other woman firefighter in my uniform but I was a dish from my shapely legs to my C cup rounded breasts. I turned male heads as my hips swayed as I walked and I saw envy in the eyes as I walked past other women.

“Wallace, you are the last candidate and by far the best we have interviewed.” Chief Rupert said with Grissom and McDaniel agreeing and I smiled, thanking them.

“Deputy Chiefs Grissom, McDaniel and myself can positively state you are going to be the new Med Supervisor, congratulations Lieutenant.” I was overjoyed as I shook their hands but what topped it off was I would be at the same station as my base and travel to the other firehouses.

I found out that the premonition was immediate I went to personnel and received my new ID card and assignment; so when I left I went to the uniform shop and purchased my first set of Trumpets for the uniform I wore and several more additional sets for my working uniforms. I also ordered new name tags and bought a new pair of duty shoes to be worn with nylons or light duty hose along with other shirts (White), coats and patches.

I was positively radiant as I walked into the house, hung up my outerwear and went into the kitchen where both Mom, Dad, Tim, Gramps, Roxie and Lisa was. Gramps was the first to see my one single trumpet saying, “I’ll be damned, she did it!” and then he kissed me on the cheek.

“I had Chief Rupert with Grissom and McDaniel for the interview and they were tough. I was sweating during the entire time.”

“Young Ladies do not sweat, they perspire. Was all of that work worth it?” Mom said with Gramps saying, “Of course it was! Mack Rupert said he was gonna be tough with you but you must have blown them away. What sector do you have?”

“Three, with my old station as a base and two other stations, at least I know the crews and they work really hard at the firehouse.”

“So will you, that’s always been a heavy sector on calls.” Dad said with Mom saying, “I think we need to celebrate Dad, call Robbie and let him know.”

Dad called Robbie and the next thing I knew a party was planned for the day at my house. I quickly went upstairs and took Lisa while I changed and Dad with Gramps went to get supplies.

First I changed Lisa into a red party dress with white tights and her black Mary Janes. I braided her hair and tied a red ribbon in it. My little darling was now ready.

Next it was my turn; I took off my uniform and hung it up with the blouse going into the laundry along with my lingerie, did my nails in a deep red. I put on fresh lingerie being a red laced bra and panty set, suntanned pantyhose without a reinforced toe and a red laced half-slip. I choose a red long sleeved dress that showed off my cleavage and put it on with the skirt resting at my thighs. I stepped into red strappy sandals with three inch heels and affixed the ankle strap. I added large gold hoops to my ears, a gold chain necklace, adding several fine gold chains to my wrist, a gold watch and a gold anklet to my right ankle. I braided my hair adding a large red bow to the end and redid my makeup and was ready.

I was checking myself in the mirror when Roxy came into the bedroom and whistled at me saying, “You sure do clean up well. If any single guys come they’ll be all over you.” I added perfume and said, “I don’t think I’m ready for that type of attention.”

“We girls take all the attention we can get from any male and you are a girl so…”

“Roxy, don’t push me, I’m not used to this yet and especially guys.” I said with Roxy laughing making me laugh too. Was I ready for the attentions of a man? I just didn’t know but if it happened I guess I could tolerate it.

I checked on Lisa in her room, she was playing with her dolls being very happy when I said, “Sweetie, Mommy’s going downstairs to help grandma when I call you on the intercom please come down. Aunty Roxy is coming with me.”

“Okay Mommy, I’m just playing with my dolls.” Lisa said with us heading down the staircase and into the kitchen where Mom was very busy preparing food with Ella.

I busied myself with the house making sure that everything was just perfect when Dad and Gramps came back with snacks and the booze unloading it at the bar in the basement. Dad looked as if he bought out the store to make this a true celebration for his youngest child.

At six PM people started to arrive, some from my Firehouse and Dad’s Firehouse. By seven PM the house was packed with couples even the Chief and his wife attending.

Gramps was as proud as could be of me and of his great granddaughter. Several people asked Lisa if she was going to follow me into the Fire Service and she responded yes.

I also met several single firefighters but one in particular seemed to be taken with me and Lisa. His name was Pete MacDonald and he was attached to Dad’s Ladder Truck as a Lieutenant. I enjoyed the attention I was getting from this man and for some reason I accepted a date to go out for a meal and a movie with him.

I told Mom and she was very pleased but I was worried. Sure I liked the guy but what could I do for him sexually? Mom then said that good girls save themselves for marriage. However she went into great detail other ways to please a man. Believe me I turned all sorts of colors when she went into explicit detail.

By eight PM my daughter was nodding off when I took her to her room with Pete following me. I got my baby ready for bed and tucked her in when she asked Pete to tell her a story.

Pete didn’t hesitate by sitting on her bed and took my hand and began the story. Half way through the story she fell asleep with us both standing facing each other. He gently lifted my chin and kissed my lips. I felt an electrical charge throughout my body, as the charge traveled from my lips to the tip of my toes. He parted my lips with his tongue in the longing kiss which I did the same to him. My breathing quickened and I had a longing for him as my fires were lit and our passions increased. I wanted this man badly in me. He touched my breasts with my nipples hardening to his touch. I had to break this situation off and I did. I almost lost my self-control and so did he with him apologizing to me for what he had done.

“It’s not entirely your fault, I was to blame also.” I said with him saying, “But we could’ve waited and besides we’re in the baby’s room. It’s just that you’re so damn beautiful and I want you so badly…”

“Pete, you’ve only known me for a few hours and there’s so much you have to learn about me especially my likes and dislikes. I also have a baby to take care of, besides this house.”

“Could we go out and start all over?” Pete asked with his voice filled with remorse and me saying, “Okay, but on my terms which means no sex. I may need sexual relief but getting to know each other first means a great deal to me. Another thing is you have to ask my Dad to date me and I come with luggage too. That means I have a baby also and I get treated as the mother of that baby, she gets my fullest attention first then you, got it?” he nodded his head in agreement and I took his hand leading him back to the party.

We went to Mom in the kitchen and Shooed Pete to go find Dad with Mom saying, “Oh nothing Mom, Pete wants to take me out.”

“He seems nice enough but Dad is the one that really knows him.”

“One of my terms is that he has to ask Dad if he can date me besides the other terms he agreed with, like no sex, and Lisa comes first.”

“That sounds fair enough, are you ready for a relationship?”

“I don’t know Mom, when he kissed me…”

“You let him kiss you? I’d say you’re ready.”

“Mom I was weak kneed and then I felt an electrical charge running through my body.”

“Honey, I still get that way with your father. I’d say you’re more girl than you think you are. Just take it slow if your Dad says yes to Pete.”

“I will Mom, thanks for talking to me as your daughter.” I said with Mom and me busying ourselves in the kitchen.

The party finally began to break up around 1 AM and I was exhausted so I could imagine what my parents felt like. We decided to clean up the house in the morning and let it be for now.

Dad did give Pete his blessing to date me and we were set to go out on my next second day off. We were going to dinner and then a movie with us taking it from there as a casual date.

Walking into my room and I undressed, hung my dress up and put my shoes away and my lingerie getting washed out. I left my hair braided, removed my makeup, put on a flannel nightgown and climbed into bed.

Thinking about Pete, with him being so tall about 5”10” and heavily muscled in his arms and chest, with short brown hair and eyes that were deep pools that I could lose myself in. It felt strange to be a woman of this man’s desires. However I was a woman and a mother now and I wanted a man that would be a good father to my baby and a loving partner in life. I was a woman now and forever.

I managed to fall asleep but was awakened when Lisa crawled into bed with me. I pulled her to me and we fell back to sleep with me holding my baby girl.

Lisa woke me up at 9AM; I gave her a bath and dressed her, letting her play while I did the same. I unbraided my hair, took a shower, and dressed in white panties and bra set, jeans, a pink pullover blouse and sneakers.

Calling Lisa, we then went down to breakfast. I noticed that Mom had worked hard getting the house back to normal, as we went toward the kitchen.

In the kitchen Mom and Ella were busy with the dishes while I made a cheese omelet for Lisa asking Mom and Ella if they wanted one too, that they accepted.

I found out as I was cooking that they’ve been working since 8 AM and just thought they needed a break, at least to eat. Having made the omelets and prepared them for serving. Mom got the milk, juice and coffee ready while Ella made us toast. Mom and Ella thanked me for making breakfast as they were just so busy.

After breakfast Lisa and I took over the basement and began to clean it doing all of the bar glasses first. We wiped down everything when Lisa said, “Mommy, when can I go back to school?”

I was taken aback when she said that as I didn’t even know she went to school. I thought for a while saying, “I didn’t even know you went to school Sweetheart. Are you ready to go back?”

“Oh yes Mommy, I miss my friends and it’s only in the morning.”

“Okay Lisa, I’ll look for the telephone number after we’re finished down here” I said as we hurried to complete our chores.

Once we were finished we went to the den and I found a telephone number to the pre-school and spoke to a lady by the name of Mrs. Flynn. I identified myself and explained the situation of why Lisa hadn’t come back and asked if she could return.

“Why of course she can. I’m pleased that someone that cares about her is taking care of her.”

“Right now I’m in the process of adopting her but for now I am her Guardian and to her I’m her Mommy, which I just love being. She’ll be there tomorrow and my Dad, Ben, who’s also a firefighter, will pick her up. My shift starts at 7AM so she’ll be there about 6:30.”

That’s fine; we open at 5 AM unless you want to use our bus. Then she’ll be picked up at 8:30.”

“No I think I’ll drive her, I want to spend a little time with her.” I said as we hung up the telephone.

Mom had walked in during the conversation I was having and sat down placing Lisa onto her lap. She looked at me saying, “I guess our little girl is growing up.”

“I guess so Mom, Lisa asked to go back to school and the number was here so I called, do you think Dad will pick her up?”

“Try and stop him! Of course he will.”

“Stop me how?” Dad said with me explaining what was going on with him telling me he would pick Lisa up. I thanked him for the party and I told him I was going to go out with Pete without telling him what had happened.

“Pete’s a good guy, so you hit it off with him?”

“Yeah Dad and that’s all I’m going to say without digging a hole for myself.” I said as the matter was dropped.

Chapter Fifteen

Things have been progressing quite well over these past months. Work has been interesting to say the least on the days that I work. I have returned back to school to get my Paramedic license and the course load is heavy, but I’m doing alright. Lisa has been adopted by me and is doing well in pre-school and during each day we get closer and closer. Mom and Dad have sold their house and moved in with us and I am ever so thankful to have them with us. Tim is studying for the lieutenants’ exam and is always over to play with his niece and spoil the daylights out of her. Gramps comes over at least several times a week and spoils me and Lisa, and I for one love it. Now Pete and I have grown closer together, Lisa adores him and so do I. I’ve started a journal and have added my past days to it as well as a daily accounting of what I do. Since the journal was Roxy’s idea I’ve even fixed her up with a few dates for her thanks and guess what, she’s got herself a fireman to share her bed

Medically my transformation is nearly complete, I do have some pain once in a while but it isn’t as bad as it was. My insides are nearly finished growing as shown on a sonogram. My vaginal opening is now complete and I’m a big girl now. The doctor says that I might have a menstrual cycle very soon. Oh, I can’t wait for that!

Spring is finally here and we (All the Family) are spending more time outside as the weather gets warmer. I am so glad to put away my winter coats. I just found out that the neighbor we helped when she was pregnant had twin girls and is a great mother and has a loving and caring husband that helps her.

I was sitting in the spare office working on reports when the klaxon sounded with the dispatcher’s voice saying, “District chief 1, Battalion 3, Battalion 4, Engines 01, 04, 05, 12; Ladder Truck 20, Truck 23, Tower 2, Water Trucks 2, 3, 4, 5, Crash Truck 51, 55, Foam Trucks 60, 61, 62, 64, special alarm Level 4, Haz-Mat 223, ambulance 43, 57, 12, 23, 25, 18, 17, 44, Med supervisor 3, report of a plane crash at route 30, cross street Jenkins, reports of survivors. Triage Teams are enroute.”

I ran from the desk to my Suburban, dressing as if I was going to a fire in full turnout gear. The rig started up and I had all of the emergency lights on and followed Ambulance 43 out of the Fire station with the siren groaning its song as we traversed the city to our destination.

I saw the billows of smoke first, then what was left of the huge plane in four distinct pieces off of a four lane road. There were cars, people and fires all over the crash site. This was a scene I wasn’t prepared to see, it looked like a war zone after an attack. All the Disaster Drills we had hadn’t prepared us for this Moment psychologically, yet we all functioned as a team.

I drove the Suburban over to the Command Post and got my crews moving to look for survivors in the plane, out of 186 passengers, 143 had managed to survive. I requested more Trauma Teams to our location and my people began the grueling task of getting people out of the plane while the firefighters checked the vehicles and put out the fires.

The Trauma Teams arrived, set up a base and began their work. The NTSB and other Federal and State agencies arrived along with the Red Cross with more police, ambulances and firefighters from the Mutual Aid call we put out to other nearby communities.

More off-duty firefighters came to help us out including Dad and Pete and their entire crew. After several hours we had managed to remove the living and transported them to the various hospitals. The next portion of the crash scene was the most distasteful and that was the body removal of the dead. No one had a dry eye as the bodies were prepared for the coroner’s removal into a refrigerated truck to be ID’d later.

After more than sixteen hours on the site the order came down to start sending people home along with equipment that was when Pete and Dad came over to me with a cup of coffee and Pete saying, “We brought you some coffee since you haven’t taken a break.”

I took the coffee gladly, saying my thanks, but how could I take a break when there was so much to do. I was writing out the action report when Dad said, “Your mother picked up Lisa from school after they called me back to help out.”

“Dad I’m gonna have nightmares for months after this.”

“We’re all going to have the same nightmares Paula. This is worst than fighting a structure fire, but we do it anyway. Look at it this way, we saved 143 people today. Those that died we tried to save them too.” Pete said taking my hand into his. I looked into his eyes and saw a kind compassionate man like my Dad. I gave them both a kiss and told them to go home.

Just as the Lighting Trucks came in I was released to go back to the station. As I drove back, I was thinking of Pete and why he wanted me, which I couldn’t comprehend. Maybe I could talk to Robbie after I took a shower and changed he always had an ear to listen to me.

Back at the firehouse I washed down the Suburban and parked so I could leave quickly if I had to do so. The shift was almost over as I trudged my way tiredly to my locker and got my shower stuff together and undressed.

In the shower room I turned on the shower and stepped under the spray. The water felt good and invigorated me, as it hit my body, so I just stayed there and enjoyed it.

Turning off the water after about thirty minutes underneath it I dried off, powdered myself, and blow dried my hair. I added a bit of makeup at my locker and stepped into my spare clean uniform, placing the dirty one in my bag for washing.

I grabbed a mug of coffee and said good morning to those that were up already in the lounge. I walked back to the office, did my reports, finished up the old reports, getting everything ready for the courier. Then it was time for shift change. I met my relief with my bag, briefed him and I was on my way home and to bed.

When I got home Mom was there waiting for me with breakfast. I ate lightly and she listened to me as I told her about the crash. After about an hour I was ready for bed and Mom hustled me off.

In my bedroom I quickly stripped, put on a nightgown and went to bed. I had bad dreams associated with the crash site. Then my dreams shifted to Pete. I saw myself in his strong arms and from what I could tell I loved him deeply as did he me.

Awaking with a start, looking at my alarm clock, seeing it was nearly One PM. I got up out of bed, showered, and began thinking of Pete once again in the shower. The foremost question I had in my mind was if I wanted a relationship? I thought about it and decided I did. I knew that Pete got along with Lisa and she was the most important thing in my life beside the family. Could he be a good husband to me as well as a father to Lisa? I decided he could be. Did I have any feelings for him? I have no idea, possibly. Why did I kiss the man then? Oh hell. I just don’t know! But I did have a deep tingling inside of me when we kissed, a kind of electric charge feeling.

I went from my shower, dried myself and my hair. I applied my makeup and dressed for the day in a fresh panty and bra set in white coloring and lace. I added suntanned knee-high stockings, jeans and a loose fitting pullover blouse with long loose sleeves in pink. I also wore pink mules with a three inch heel that made my feet look oh so sexy with the red polish on my toes gleaming brightly. I braided my hair and did my nails in the same red, letting them dry. Checking myself in the mirror I approved of my image and went downstairs.

Lisa was the first to see me and she yelled Mommy. She ran to me and I gave her a big hug and a kiss. Since I was going to have a sandwich I made one for Lisa, but it was only a half sandwich. While we ate I told Mom about my dreams especially about Pete. She seemed pleased that I was thinking about him with her saying, “Did you know he put in for your shift and a transfer to your firehouse?”

“I had no idea, but what makes him so sure…”

“He’s in love with you dear and wants to be close to you. Dad thinks it’s a good idea and there is an opening on your shift to a Truck unit. It looks like the transfer will get approved. I think he wants to spend time with you and Lisa.”

“Great! Romance in the firehouse, just what I need! When I was released yesterday I took a shower at the firehouse and worked on my Reports. Tonight I have classes and tomorrow I intend to rest and spend time with Lisa and the family.”

“So will Pete, since your Dad invited him to come over, they intend to get the backyard ready for summer and clean out the pool and Jacuzzi.”

“Pool, what pool? I’ve been in the backyard many times and never seen it.”

“It was covered and you can see the green covering on it, Dad says the pumps are in the garage annex and the hard covering folds up and out of the way.”

“I guess I’ll check the finances to put a deck and fence up around it, so no little ones can fall in. This house is just full of surprises!”

“According to Mrs. Jacobs, next door, it was covered last year and not used at all. As for the deck and fence the guys at your house and at Dad’s house are going to do it all.

We were talking some more when the phone rang for me. At first I thought it was my boss and I did something wrong, but it turned out to be Pete and he was asking me out for dinner after some brief small talk.

I could see Mom’s smile as I spoke to Pete with me finally agreeing to go out with him the following day after he helped Dad out in the yard. I was a bit hesitant at this date thing, but Mom assured me she would watch Lisa and everything would be fine.

Since I was pushed into the date I volunteered Mom and Lisa to go shopping with me, which they were very happy to do. Ella had come in by this time and I explained where we were going and why and she smiled with us leaving the house.

We found a dress shop close to home and decided to try it. It was very upscale and carried everything a girl could want or need. I was so used to wearing jeans on my days off and uniforms at work. I forgot what it would be like to get dressed up.

I found several skirt and pant suits, trying them on. I liked the six suits I picked that were all made of silk and I bought them all, with lingerie, blouses and shoes that matched the suits. I was in such a good mood that I found mother and daughter dresses and bought one for Mom, myself and Lisa along with the lingerie and shoes for them and me.

After Loading the SUV we went and got the works at Mom’s favorite salon. We all had perms, our nails, pedicures and makeup was done with the stylist showing me what she was doing so that I could copy it. I bought the makeup she had used on me and I was quite pleased at the results.

We arrived at the house, parked the SUV and unloaded it. Everything was taken to our bedrooms and unbagged and hung into the closets. The shoes, accessories, and lingerie were put up into their rightful places in the bedroom. I was coming from the bedroom when I saw that Mom had put Lisa down for a nap. The poor baby was nodding off in the SUV.

In the kitchen I headed straight for the coffee pot and poured a mug, and then sat at the table. Mom walked into the kitchen and did the same as I did with her saying, “Thank you for the dress and accessories but I have no idea where we’ll wear them.”

“I do and we’ll go there when Dad comes off shift on my last day off.” I said as the doorbell rang at the back door.

As I opened the door I saw Gramps standing there straight and tall and I let him inside with his arms full with me saying, “What’s with all of the bags Gramps?”

“Just some things for my Great Granddaughter since I won some money from the Chief when we golfed, that was only part of the reason I came over.”

“Oh so now you’ve turned mysterious on me?” I said as he took the bags into the kitchen and kissed Mom in greeting. What totally surprised me is then he kissed me also.

As Gramps sat down I poured him a mug of coffee that he gladly accepted with him saying, “The Chief and I had a long talk about you Paula. He saw all of your reports and the recommendations you made and was impressed.”

“You know darn well anyone would have done the same Gramps.”

“I guess you’re right, but he feels we need a Disaster, Haz-Mat, Marine, Search and Rescue, Air Coordinator, a specialist and he wants you to apply for the job.”

I sat down slowly from the shock and looked at him strangely. The position was a Deputy Chiefs spot and has been open for, I don’t know, before I joined the Fire Service since it was an appointed position that Gramps had before he retired. You were responsible for training and team coordination of all Firehouses along with maintaining proficiencies of all Fire Service personnel from Probies to Dispatchers. Not only that but the training of the four Marine units and divers on the lake and river.

“Gramps, I don’t have the experience for that…”

“The Chief knows that and they want someone young and that has fresh ideas for the job, as well as being on the scene to coordinate any mess we get into. It means working at Admin for five days a week, evenings off, but on call 24/7, an SUV Command Post plus one hell of a pay hike with a promotion to Deputy Chief and you only report to the Chief and Mayor. The job is permanent plus the Law Enforcement agencies work with you, as you saw that mess. You’ll have to do a lot of smoozing but the job is worth it.”

“Dear, I want you to take my old job, and they also know you’re in training and they want you to continue. I want you to finish what I started.” Gramps told me handing me the request forms, already signed off by the Chief.

My hands shook as I filled out the papers finally handing them back to him with him saying, “Corrigan is your boss right?” I nodded to him with him getting up, kissing us, and then leaving, with me in shock. I was so much in shock I wanted booze to calm me down. Mom was on the telephone to my Dad before I could reach for a bottle telling him what just occurred.

I thought about all of the politics I was about to go through especially with the old timers and those that were turned down for the job, since it was an appointed position. It was going to be one hell of a smoozing job I was being picked for. Could I handle the job? I thought about it for a little while and was convinced I could do it, considering I did it at the Crash Site, passing my recommendations to the Battalion Chief and the District Chief. Maybe I pleased them with my work or insight that gave the Chief the Idea. I was only a lowly Lieutenant but I had proved myself when the chips were down.

Mom had finished speaking to Dad and hung up the phone saying to me, “Dad’s shocked! He said you did the right thing. He said to forget about the politics and take the damn job.”

“That’s easy for Dad to say, what about the old timers? What about…”

“What about nothing! The Old Timers know that, that job is a killer. It’s a job for a young person and not for someone close to retirement age. Besides worry about the job if and when you get it!”

“Mom if this keeps up I’ll have Gray Hair.”

“So, that’s what L’Oreal is for, to cover the gray. Worry about it if you get the job.”

“It seems that the decision is out of my hands anyway or it’s been made for me.”

“I’d say it was already made, you’re a third generation firefighter, be proud of that.”

“I am Mom, but after all of the body changes I’ve gone through and being a Mom it’s rough.”

“Just remember you have help, otherwise things would’ve been tougher. Be a strong woman and accept what you have to do. I must admit you have been strong so far, but this matter has to be handled gently with every bit of feminine wiles you have learned from me.” Mom said as she hugged me to her when I heard little feet running.

Lisa woke up and immediately came to the kitchen. We made her a snack which seemed to work wonders for her disposition from being a grouch to the sweet thing she really is.

I called Pete at the Firehouse with me saying, “I know you want to take me out but how about taking Lisa to the Kiddyland Amusement Park.”

“That sounds like fun, okay then it’s a date. By the way I heard some scuttlebutt concerning you and another promotion only higher up, is it true?”

“Did Dad say anything to you?”

“Not a word he looks like he’s thinking.”

“How did you hear about what you think you heard?”

“I heard the District Chief speaking to the Captain in his office. The rumors are running rampant already and I didn’t even start them.”

I laughed saying, “Take Dad into your office and ask him what happened. All I know is a big bag of Crap landed on me and talking about it on the phone is not smart.”

“Got’cha and I’ll do as you said. See you tomorrow.” Pete said as we hung up with me going back to thinking.

Mom was going to prepare dinner when I suggested we go out to eat. She liked that idea and we all got ready in fresh clothes. I wore tailored Gray slacks, a black, double breasted, satin blouse and black pumps with a three inch heel and instep strap.

Mom wore nearly the same outfit but her tailored slacks were black and her blouse was red with black pumps. We had both redone our makeup and went to dress Lisa in red slacks, red blouse with Garfield on it, red socks and red patent Mary Janes. I was pleased that she picked out her own clothes to wear.

We were in the SUV when Mom suggested Cantonese and that’s were we went to the Flying Dragon. We had an excellent meal and ordered more to take home with us.

Once I paid, we went shopping again since the restaurant was in the mall. I stocked up on lingerie and hose and Mom bought herself a sexy nightgown to entice Dad. Since my little one was getting tired we went home.

At home I put Lisa to bed and Mom and I had a real chance to talk about the day with nothing settled, but I had room for my thoughts. Since I was home I called it a fairly early night and I had to take Lisa to school in the morning. In my bed I thought about what Gramps said, until I drifted off to sleep

It was morning so quickly these days and I got up and got dressed in Jeans, a t-shirt and sneaks, waking up Lisa getting her ready for the day. Mom I saw was already up and I went downstairs after I told Lisa to get dressed and come to breakfast.

I was having coffee when Dad and Pete came home after their shift. They both grabbed coffee and sat at the table while Mom made them breakfast. Lisa had come down by then, gave everyone a kiss, and joined us. I was amazed that she had a coordinating outfit on and mentioned it to Mom with her saying, “I found this brand of clothes for her that had colored tags that showed what went with what and she liked the idea of dressing herself. She’s a big girl now Mommy.”

“Yeah and big girls have to eat and go to school.” I said with Lisa smiling at us all.

Pete and Dad were strangely silent as we all ate, but I could tell they were into deep thought. I just knew they were going to bend my ears when I got back from taking Lisa to school.

When I finally returned Dad and Pete where speaking when Pete said, “Paula, the Chief knows a good thing when he sees it and you’re the good thing.”

“I guess, but I don’t even get my degree in Fire Science until I finish this damn Paramedic course, then I was thinking about taking the Captain’s Exam. By then I’ll have more experience in administration.”

“You can still take that exam but after five years as a Deputy Chief that’s exactly what you’ll be especially for retirement points.” Dad said with Pete saying, “Your Dad is right, but then again you’ll suffer with all of the politics. All I can say is, pull in all of the Chief’s friends to protect yourself and pull in all of the politicians to your side as protection.”

I thought for awhile and decided I wanted the job and told Pete and Dad with them both smiling at me. For some reason they knew I was going to take the job, but like they said the politics was going to be horrendous.

They both changed into old clothes and began to work around the house with them showing me the pool and Jacuzzi and I showed them how I wanted the new deck and fence to go in. They measured from the concrete patio and around the pool, taking into consideration the existing brick barbeque. Then I let them be.

Ella had shown up and we three got a start on cleaning the house. I did all the bathrooms, Mom vacuumed and Ella dusted with us all finishing near the time I had to pick up Lisa.

When it was time to pick up Lisa I asked Pete if he wanted to go with me and he did after he changed clothes. I let him drive my SUV and we made it to the school with time to spare. We spoke for awhile and I found out he was very single and lived with his folks dating hardly ever.

His mother Bernice was an independent stock broker working from the house and his Dad, Jason worked for a bank in the loan department, as a senior vice-president. They were worried about him being gay but he assured them he wasn’t. He has a BS in Fire Science and is working on his Master’s in Arson and Marine Fires from pleasure craft along with rescue techniques. Since there was going to be an opening for the Captain’s slot for the boats, he put in for a transfer along with my Dad, that I found out.

Now Dad never mentioned a word about leaving his Truck but as far as anything mechanical goes he’s the one to repair it, so I think it’s a good point. He also loves the outdoors so that’s another point along with being very senior for any slot open including Vehicle or Apparatus Repair.

The time was at hand to get Lisa, so I went into the school getting her. When I told her about going to the Kiddyland for the afternoon she became all excited.

At the kiddy park she must have gone on every ride there was with Pete winning gigantic stuffed bears for us. We ate there and the afternoon was very enjoyable, with Pete being very attentive to us. When Lisa was getting tired he picked her up and carried her and he held my hand. His next move was to put his arm around my waist and brought me to him. My thoughts were I could get used to this and I liked it a whole bunch, as we walked.

At the car, our next stop was to get something to eat and he took us to a diner that had antiques trains on display and they delivered the meals on model trains since the restaurant was in an old Train Depot. I was just as excited as Lisa was, never knowing this placed existed.

We arrived at our house around 7 PM; I got Lisa ready for bed after a bath. I tucked her in and read her a story with her dropping off to sleep. Going downstairs Pete was in the living room and had found a bottle of Chardonnay Wine and had a glass poured for me.

I sipped the wine and relaxed, with us recapping the day with my head in his lap after I kicked off my shoes. He stroked my shoulders gently that was when I felt his hardness at the side of my head. I drew him down and kissed this man, with him stoking the fires I had for him. I made up my mind that I wanted him tonight.

We left the wine and I took him to my bedroom, lighting the room with very soft light. I undressed him after I put on a pink sheer negligee and mules after I took off my clothes. I stood before him and I undressed him and saw he was very aroused once he was naked.

I took him to my bed and noticed how well he brought my passions to the forefront. I was putty in Pete’s hand as he took off my negligee from my body. He sucked and rubbed my breasts slowly as I took his member and stroked it, finally to suck on it. I tasted him and he was wonderful. I kissed him many times when he finally came into my mouth. He said thank you and proceeded to stick his tongue into my vagina drawing on my emotions until I came, which I thanked him for.

When we were ready, he gently broke my hymen and made love to me bringing me to new, unexplored highs. I was greedy, as I wanted more of him and we made love all night and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

I awoke about 6 AM, took a shower, got dressed, blow dried my hair and put on makeup for the day, all while he slept. I bent over the bed and kissed him, letting him sleep.

As I walked down the stairs I was grateful to the doctor for putting me on contraceptives that I took everyday, however I was in love and I liked the feeling.

Mom and Dad were in the kitchen when I walked in with Mom saying, “So how did the date go? Where there any problems? Dear look at me please.”

I looked at Mom when she said, “Be careful dear, love is a tricky matter.” I grabbed my coffee and sat at the table.

That grabbed my Father’s attention from reading the newspaper and said, “Oh Crap! You did, didn’t you?”

“I sure did and it was marvelous. I’ve read so much about eroticism and had a chance to follow the books and well…I’m very happy this morning. I don’t feel like a changeling anymore, I feel like a woman!”

“Was this conjoining in lust or was it love?” Dad said with me saying, “I think it was more love then lust. I got to know him more yesterday and the baby loves him. I’ve had him on my mind since I’ve met him and yesterday was the culmination of my thoughts. Let’s face it, Lisa needs a father that loves her and I need a man that I love dearly.”

“Don’t rush into things dear; Dad was a firefighter when we met…”

“Since I am too, I know that the job sometimes comes first and we both know the dangers of fighting fires or rescues. We both took oaths to serve loyally, as did you Dad. Please believe me I know what I did and what I’m doing.”

With those words a sheepish Pete came down the stairs and into the kitchen. I kissed him and had him sit, with Dad watching him closely as I poured coffee for him.

Dad looked at Pete and said, “So Pete what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Daddy! That was uncalled for!” I said angrily with Pete taking my hand and saying, “I’ve dated women before but Paula has a special quality that’s irresistible and I’ve loved her and Lisa the first time we met. I know it sounds stupid Ben but I think we know what we’re getting into.”

“If you know what you’re getting into alright. But if you have doubts run like hell, because the family is very protective.” Dad said with Pete telling him he did know and then he kissed me, as Mom went to wake up Lisa.

Lisa came down the stairs with all the energy of a little girl. She kissed us all and Pete, as she took a seat. I made her breakfast when I said to Dad, “So when were you going to tell us about your transfer?”

“Oh Sh…Yeah I did, I suppose Pete told you? Your Mom has been worrying about me and all of us too long. At least she won’t be so worried after I transfer from the house.”

“Dad, if you’re happy then it’s okay but you’d better tell Mom or I will. I know there is extra money involved but it isn’t a question of money.”

“I just want a change and get away from the houses. I’ve been boning up on my medical skills along with small boat handling. Did Pete tell you about Tim?”

No, he didn’t but I’m sure you will.”

“He’s transferring to the Rescue Trucks since they have an opening for a new Lieutenant. They’re pretty laid back until you’re called out and then you take over a mess on the scene.”

“Tim made it! I’m just so pleased.”

“He said if his sister could make rank, so could he, see you gave him the incentive to try.” Dad said with us speaking of other bits of department gossip when I told Dad to start getting everything for the deck, fence and also lighting for the deck.

The next month was slow for us, we had our share of broken bones, heat stroke and heart attacks but that’s about it. I had no word from downtown for the applied position. Dad, Pete and Tim took up their new assignments and they all had the same days off as I did.

I was going over the reports of a few days when I heard a commotion in the firehouse and someone yelling the Chief was in the station. I paid no attention until the Captain called all companies to Quarters. I grabbed my hat and went to join my Ambulance Crews.

The Chief stood tall with the Captain and Mayor as we all gathered. I noticed several Press people and cameras, along with other Deputy Chiefs in Attendance, even a few Aldermen. I looked further and saw Gramps, Dad, Mom, Lisa, Pete and Tim. Robbie of course was smiling at me and had that look of a mischievous little boy on his face. We had all gathered when the Chief spoke saying, “I know you all have work to do, but so do I. I’m here to promote one of the members of this Firehouse and that person will be taking over the job her grandfather once held. I know there have been many applications for the job but quite frankly she proved herself to everyone at the Plane Crash Site and I made the decision to ask her to take the job.

Lieutenant Paula Jeanine Wallace, please come forward. As you all know Paula has worked very hard in her job as a firefighter and as a supervisor, but she took adversity and stared it down to become the woman you all see before you.”

I stood tall in front of the Chief and saluted him with him saying, “Bravery does have its rewards and this is one of them to be promoted. I hereby promote you to Deputy Chief of Operations and Special Services. As you all know she will be the coordinator for all Disasters, Arson, Haz-Mat, Search and Rescue, Air and the Marine Units, this job is by merit and skill as a professional firefighter and paramedic. Will her family come forward?”

Mom, Dad, Gramps, Lisa and Tim came forward with Gramps taking my hat off and putting another one on my head with the Maltese Cross cap device and Scrambled Eggs on my visor. Dad and Mom replaced my Collar Devices with new ones that had four gold Trumpets with Tim standing by and taking the old remnants of my rank. I was ready to cry and fought back the tears of happiness. What the Chief did was to show everyone that I had his full backing in the job I was to do, as I re-took my oath as a firefighter.

It was then, a cake was brought out from the kitchen congratulating me. Between the Captain, Gramps, Tim, Pete, Dad, Mom, Lisa and Robbie I don’t know who was the proudest but I was sure as hell surprised. I hugged Lisa to me and them Pete came and kissed me.

Many pictures were taken and interviews given that day to the Press. I had a conference with the Chief and the Mayor all the while holding Lisa. What I was told was my office was ready, so were my staff of six, my secretary and my vehicle. I was to start the next day at 8 AM but my hours were flexible since I was on call. They reiterated I only had two bosses and that was the Chief and Mayor. My department had a free reign to get the job done in any way it could. The meeting concluded at last and I was amazed that Lisa sat on my lap, held my hand and listened with me. We left the office and headed to the festivities, where Robbie and a few others told stories of my exploits when I was a Probie that even made me laugh since it seemed so far in the past.

For the next few days since I left the firehouse to the Fire Academy. I was in meetings with my staff and worked my secretary, Evelyn like a slave. The college and hospital where my paramedic course was offered were lenient to me. My instructors were gracious, as I had an earbud for my radio plugged into my ear listening to them and the dispatcher. I forwent a driver and drove myself with the college security giving me a parking space close by to the classrooms. At the hospitals I was parked nearby the ambulance bays when I did my practicals other than that I was just another student and I reminded them of such.

Lisa I noticed was happy to see me more and sometimes I picked her up from school. I even had the Fire Safety Education Department give talks to the kids and the parents as a community service project.

At home we used the barbeque a great deal during the summer and the pool after Dad got through with it with the fence, lights and decks. The Jacuzzi was my favorite to just unwind with a book on some fire related subject to study.

Now then, we had Pete; after the first meeting of his parents at a barbeque we planned on. It seemed like they were always over in the evenings when my Dad was home. My little darling Lisa was never in want for attention, in fact I had to lay the law down as she was getting spoiled. Pete spent as much time with us as ever and so did Tim, with Lisa always being the center of their attention with them both teaching Lisa how to swim and scaring me half to death with their antics. I love Pete very much; there I said it and I won’t take it back.

Now Mom didn’t take any guff from anyone and her word goes. She kept us all on our toes to maintain civility and manners in the household or we’d hear about it from her.

Roxy dumped the Firefighter and was now dating my brother Tim. They are such an opposite couple that it works out fine for them and maybe soon I might have not only a good friend but a sister-in-law. I guess only time will tell, right Aunty Roxy.

Uncle Robbie and Aunt Betty are over a great deal so are Aunty Ann and Uncle Brad and they tell me what’s going on at the old firehouse. I let them read all my memos before I send them out to get a reaction from the trenches so to speak.

Gramps is Gramps, what can I say but he does come over more than he did. Hell I even see him at the Admin Offices talking to people. For all I know the old reprobate is trying to get a foursome going to play Golf. Damn I love him but he can be a pain.

Lisa can be such a loving child but if she doesn’t get her way she sometimes throws a tantrum if it’s something she really wants. Mom never went for those things with us and I sure as hell won’t let her get away with it. Parenting can be such a grand experience! I’ll have gray hair when I’m thirty.

It was a Friday night that I went to class at the local college. For the first hour we were doing a review for our National Exams. I was listening to the instructor and the dispatch center at the same time when I heard Dispatch call Chief Three.

I was already picking up my books, waved to the instructor and I was on my way to the Command Post before I answered dispatch.

“Chief Three, one of our boats was involved in an accident on the water at the river. Two of our firefighters are in the water. Several boats are involved including a tugboat and barge.”

“Dispatch two lighting trucks, three ambulances, and two rescue trucks to the marina, I’m enroute to that location.” I said as I hit the Lights and Siren to get through the traffic.

I was at the marina in ten minutes with the trucks I ordered getting there first. I climbed into my turnout gear taking charge of the scene. I called all of our boats and wanted a roll call of all personnel and boat status. Boat 2 had two injuries of personnel and I ordered them back to the pier while the other boats secured the scene and did the rescues.

I pulled out my Marine Band Hand Held and called the Barge and Tug (Miriam Joy) with the Captain saying, “Right now we’re Dead In The Water. A boat hit us in the stern that’s on my After Deck it’s about a 24 footer, my crew is alright just shaken up. It looks like there were three boats involve in the collision. One hit your boat at the bull nose losing an anchor, then causing the high speed craft to take on water and sink partially with another boat hitting them. I called the State Police and the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) as soon as it happened and they are coming to lend a hand.”

“My boats are in full rescue mode and we have two inflatables coming also along with two 40’ Boston Whalers from upriver. How much damage is done to my hundred footer?”

“Not much, as I can see, but she wasn’t at fault according to my Radar and I have it all recorded.”

“That’s good, give the tape to the State Police and I’ll bring back my boat and check her over, Chief Three out.”

I changed frequencies saying, “Boat 2 return to the marina, all other boats continue rescue and secure the scene for the State Police investigation. All boats transfer the survivors and deceased if any to Boat 2 for medical treatment on shore. Rescue 03; lend a hand at the pier. Ambulance 12 set up a triage site.”

Boat 2 arrived at the pier and from what I could see had no damage except for a missing anchor, but the crew was shaken up. I had read the specs on these boats and they could take a great deal of abuse. They all had three hulls of aircraft aluminum which gave the hulls strength along with honey combed ribs, between each hull had a poured Styrofoam material to keep them from sinking. They all had Forward and Aft Deluge guns that could pour out water at 20,000 GPM from water strained intakes in the hull. They had as much lighting as a lighting truck and carried as much equipment as several pumper trucks along with divers and their specialized equipment.

Why is all of this necessary for a lake and river? The waterways are important to commerce and recreation, as the rivers feed into major waterways for goods to be loaded and offloaded, as well as a use by the farmers to ship soy beans, grain and corn.

Each year they (all of the boats) respond to and assist on calls. They all responded to over 300 calls for help per month. These calls range from Medical assists, accidents, to running out of fuel, to tow backs to marinas for mechanical failure. That doesn’t include the help rendered to commercial vessels, which bring the totals up sharply.

Examining the damage that was done, I was surprised to see that just the anchor was missing and just some dents to the hull. I told the Lieutenant I wanted an exact list of damage in his report along with a list of the two people that were thrown off of the boat at the time of the impact and what they were doing at the time. The two crewmembers were checked out by the paramedics and sent back to duty.

The driver who had the helm of the boat that hit the 100 footer was drunk and so were the passengers. They seemed to be in good health but were transported to the hospital with the police putting them on a hold until they were spoken to by a police officer. The other drivers would be cited later.

It was a mess for several more hours, but the mess was cleared up with my crews working very hard. We released the Tug and Tow and they were on their way downriver. The damaged boats were towed to the Marina by us, hauled out of the water, and impounded by the State Police as evidence. I handled the Press like the professional I was and transferring the conference over to a State Police supervisor.

I managed to make my way to Pete’s boat and was surprised at the greeting I got with Pete giving me a kiss with the rest of the crew telling us to get a room.

Since he was assigned to the larger boats he was on duty for 24 hours and so was Dad since they were part of the same crew. To get through their time when not on patrol they fished off of the fantail of the boat when their chores were completed, which was fine with me. I say let the boys and girls play a little bit!

I released all of the units from the operation and had coffee with my boat crews with them seeing I was a real person and not just a name on a memo with changes in protocol. By the time I left them it was dark outside and I went home having agreed with Pete to take Lisa to the zoo on the weekend.

I really liked Pete, I thought as I drove home, but did I love the man? I guess I did love him but I was also his boss at work. Would it be acceptable for me to date him? Was I breaking any regulations? I didn’t find anything about fraternization in the Regs so I guess we were okay.

When I arrived home Lisa was in bed, I took a shower, and joined Mom in the kitchen where I ate my supper, telling Mom where I was and what happened that I was so late.

The first words out of her mouth were if I saw Pete and Dad. I told her I did with Pete giving me a kiss and the crew telling us to get a room. Mom laughed making me giggle and then I told her that I have some very strong feelings for Pete.

“That was noticeable, since you’ve shared your bed with him. Lisa loves the guy when he comes over, she won’t leave him alone.”

“I noticed, do you think he’s Dad material?”

“I’d say yes and husband material also. I think he loves you very much and loves Lisa, so I think if the man proposes you’d be a fool not to accept.” Mom said with me thinking more.

I’ve proved to myself that the job won’t come between us and if he asks me to marry him I will. Mom is right that he is enamored with Lisa and me, so I think we have a match. We stayed up talking for quite awhile until I began to get drowsy with us both going to bed.

My dreams were about Pete and about children, several children which included Lisa. We appeared to be a happy family, sharing everything. It was then I dreamed of a wedding, our wedding. It was a firefighters wedding with all my crews showing up with crossed fire axes and all of them in their dress uniforms.

Awaking early I dressed in my uniform with a skirt and heels after my shower; I did my hair and makeup, and went to eat breakfast. Lisa was up already and I made her breakfast also after I received a morning kiss from her.

She talked about many things and even asked me if Pete was going to be her new Daddy with me saying, “Do you want him to be your Daddy?

“Oh yes Mommy! I want all of us to be happy.”

“I know you do sweetie, but if Pete doesn’t ask me to marry him, there’s nothing we can do.” I said as I laid our breakfasts onto the table.

“He’ll ask, I just know he will, and then I’ll have a Daddy and a Mommy.” Lisa said with me silently hoping that he would.

I became silent once again as I thought about how I’ve changed so drastically from genetic male to genetic female. Was I happy though? I am now, but there were times that I wasn’t and kept asking myself, why did this happen to me? But it was Lisa that snapped me out of the depressive mood I was in. It was Lisa that showed me to take one day at a time and to live life to its fullest. Damnit, I was now a happy girl and I loved it! I was female in every aspect and I love getting my Monthly Friend. Yeah, right! But it brings home to me that I can conceive, be pregnant for all of those months and have babies which reminded my why I was on the Pill.

After we ate I drove Lisa to school and I went to work. The day was spent in meetings and reviewing reports with it finally being over. I went home in a good mood and remained so all evening, especially since it was a Friday. I even went swimming that evening and wore a Bikini that left nothing to the male imagination.

As I relaxed in the Jacuzzi, Pete came and joined me after Dad called him to tell him I was home. It was then that he kissed me and I saw fireworks. I wanted him so much but we were out in the open and that was out of the question. He had me close to him when he asked me to marry him. I was at a loss for words but finally regained me voice and said yes. We both went into the house and told Mom and Dad what had just occurred.

That night we all celebrated with me getting a ring along with Roxy, with Betty and Robbie being there as were Anne and Brad. I was in heaven having achieved everything I did from being promoted to passing the paramedic course. Now I was getting married to Pete and he called his parents and they came over too, to add to the festivities.

That night we all partied!

Chapter Sixteen

I had just sat at my desk after coming in this morning when Evelyn Prossit my secretary walked in saying, “The Chief wants to see you now Paula.”

“Do you know why?”

“I have no idea but he wants you now.” She said as I got up from my desk and walking toward his office. I stopped at the bathroom and did what I had to do, fixed my makeup and going directly to the Chief’s office. After I announced myself to his secretary I was told to go in. As I walked in he motioned me to a seat after closing the door.

He placed the papers down he was reading and looked at me smiling saying, “I read your report on upgrading to an email server for reports in the department and I liked it. The couriers we currently use could be reassigned to places we need them.”

“I’ll get with the computer people and tell them to go ahead. Our reports would be here faster too for you to go over them. All the officers carry laptops and cell phones to write their reports, so it will also cut most of the paperwork. We already have the hardware it’s just the software we need and the phone lines.”

“Give IT the go ahead but to watch out for the costs. I want the job done correctly, but cost is important and I want it done quickly and efficiently to upgrade the department. Now to change the subject again my congratulations on the engagement. Also I want you to be the hostess and Chairwoman for our annual Ball on Halloween. As you know it’s a fund raising event and everyone knows you, so we’ll do well on the donations.” I was close to panic, not only being the hostess but getting a babysitter for Lisa for the night.

I finally swallowed down my apprehension saying, “But Lisa…”

“I’ve put your name on the babysitter list for a college age girl. I know the entire family is coming even your grandfather is coming.”

“All I can say is okay Chief, but if I leave a trail of the stinky brown stuff you’ll know how scared I am.”

“After what you’ve been through I doubt it! The Starlight Ballroom has been reserved for us for the 28th of October for the event, it’s a Saturday.” He said giving me a memo that he wrote that I was to send out to all the stations. The meeting concluded with me going back to my office. All I can say is, why me? I had no idea about these things or even who was on the committee.

On entering the office, I saw Evelyn and I told her what happened at the meeting with her taking the memo and she would make inquiries. I called Mom on the phone and told her what happened with her laughing uproariously and saying, “That old coot does this every year! Your Grandfather always passed it on to someone else like the Auxiliary.”

“I’ll do it Mom but I’ll need all the help I can get. Evelyn is starting on the project. I’d rather have the wives involved in this.” I said with Mom saying, “I’ll call Betty and a few others maybe they’ll help also, since it was the wives that did the first Ball many years ago and before that.” Well that was one matter out of my hands, since the Ladies Auxiliary was going to do the Ball for us. Of course they were always helping out the department when money was tight in the budget.

I called Evelyn into my office and told her what I was doing and she approved of the idea. I called the Chief and told him also and then he told me it was a good idea to give the Auxiliary the Halloween Ball.

I called IT and spoke to Juan Perez the Director of IT about the project. In five minutes he was in my office seated in a chair with Carlson Chalmers the lead IT person.

I was told on their last upgrade they had planned in advance for this project as they saw it coming seeing what other larger Fire Departments had done recently. They could have the entire system up in two weeks, three weeks at the most. I gave them four weeks which pleased them but I wanted the system up and running, with me being the first person to get it. They left my office very happy men!

Mom called me back as I was going over the Reports from yesterday with her telling me that the ladies all said they would be involved with the Ball and to leave it to them to get it organized. I sat back in my chair and took a deep breath that two possible fiascos were averted.

The day wound down for me and I went to pickup Lisa since Dad was on duty along with Pete. We arrived home after I was kissed to death by Lisa and told everything about her day at school.

We walked through the back door, when we were greeted by a kitchen full of women. I found out later they were the officers of the Auxiliary and Mom was one of them. I had Lisa go change her clothes and I was invited to stay.

The theme they said was going to be Fairy Tales and we all had to have costumes for the Ball with Pete and I being Prince Charming and Cinderella. Mom was smiling as Betty told me. I was not enthused about it, besides things could change.

The meeting ended with me going upstairs to change into jeans, sweatshirt and sneaks. I checked in on Lisa who decided to take a nap and I went downstairs to help Mom in the kitchen.

I was put to work immediately fixing the fresh green beans she had bought. I cut the ends off, washed them and then steamed them. All the while she kept talking about the Ball when I said, “Mom, we have two months to go for everything to happen.”

While Mom prepared a meatloaf she said, “Let’s see now, Printers for programs and tickets, Caterers for the Ball, Decorations for the Ballroom…”

“Okay Mom I see your point.” I said just as the telephone rang with Mom getting it and handing it to me.

I took the phone and said, “Chief Wallace speaking.”

“Chief this is Dispatch we’ve got a Search and Rescue at the Briarwoods.”

“I’m going to the Command Post now! When I get on the air give me all the information you have.” I said hanging up the phone, grabbing my purse and running to the SUV in the driveway. I put on my turnout gear and was off.

As soon as I got the lights on and had the siren going I said, “Chief Three rolling! I want as much manpower as I can get. Put our Air Units in the air. Tell all personnel to be watchful for Cottonmouths. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“Rodger Chief Three Rescue 03, 06, 09, 12, 15 are enroute with Engines 01, 03 be advised that you are looking for a female child, five years old, blond hair and blue eyes, three feet tall wearing a yellow dress and Barney sneakers. Please be advised the child is a diabetic. Home address is 12436 Appian. ”

“Roll an Ambulance to the staging area.”

It was a good thing I remembered the area as time was critical. I made my turn noticing the house was close to the wooded area which also was densely wooded and contained a small run off from the river. The area was also full of poisonous snakes, Cottonmouths!

I parked the SUV by the woods with several police officers coming toward me. I flipped on the Blue Strobe light denoting my vehicle as a Command Post. I got my topological maps out when the police officers arrived and an older officer saying, “Chief we’ve searched the neighborhood but we feel the little girl, Rebecca went into the woods. There’s been no traffic so…”

“We’ll go in there, since our turnout boots and pants are thicker than your shoes. This place is loaded with poisonous snakes. I also have two Air Units coming to help.” I said after seeing Robbie smiling with him saying, “The Chief is right about the snakes.” It was then our two Helicopters checked it and I gave them the information about Rebecca.”

While I set up things I had the crews form a line abreast and go into the woods to search for the little girl and to make sure all of them had comms with me.

After about five minutes Air Unit one contacted me on the Air Freq saying, “We’ve found the girl and she is down, I repeat down. We can’t land and I can’t get anyone in a harness down, so it’s up to the others to come for her. Her location is about one thousand yards from the CP straight in. We’ll stay above her as a reference point.”

“All search personnel, go get the child, she’s one thousand yards from the CP straight in.” I said with Robbie saying, “We have the child, Brad checked her over and we have no bite marks but she appears to be in a diabetic coma. We’re coming out.”

I called the ambulance over and thanked the police for everything they had done and telling them we had found the child. I released the Air Units, thanking them and they went home to the airport. Brad and Anne made their way from the woods with the child with Mike and Robbie following them. That was when I saw Tom Murphy from Rescue Three.

I looked at him first and thought he was dragging a large branch on his boot only these branches were moving. I called Tom over to me as I grabbed a CO2 bottle, pulled the pin and squeezed the handle letting the contents out at his boots with him having the look of shock on his face and freezing the three snakes stuck into the thick rubber of the boot.

We freed the snakes throwing them back into the woods. I then had all of the firefighters check themselves over along with their boots when the Dad of the child appeared at my side saying, “Thank you for finding Rebecca, I hope it wasn’t because I’m a councilman that you have so many people.”

“Not at all, we had to find her fast because of her medical condition so I called extra units into the mix Councilman Vickers.” I said after I remembered his name with him saying, “I haven’t been much of a friend to the fire department in the past but I am now. My daughter means everything to me and my wife, and all you people helped save her, thank you so very much.” He shook my hand and hurried to his car as I released all of the units from the scene. As I drove home, I was thinking about my report I had to write and had it laid out in my mind. I stopped at the hospital and checked on Rebecca as she was doing fine and twenty minutes later I was home.

I sat in the CP and did my report failing to mention that Councilman Vickers would do anything to help out the Fire Department since we helped his daughter. I did mention Tom Murphy and his snake encounter.

Going into the house and kitchen I told Mom what happened with her saying, “It would seem that you swayed the opposition to our corner, that man always caused the Department trouble, he was a thorn in the Chief’s side at budget meetings.”

“Mom, all I did was my job and to help a sick little girl get help. I had no idea who her father was at the time.”

The subject was dropped when Lisa appeared. I drew her close to me and I held my baby to my breast. I was ever so pleased she has been so healthy and happy so far. Mom made us a healthy supper which the three of us ate when I remembered for the next several days I would be at the Firehouses on inspections. During these inspections I would eat with the firefighters. Ah…Firehouse Chili!

Somehow during my thoughts, Lisa brought up the subject of getting a cat. I was adamant about a pet, but somehow between Mom and Lisa I was talked into it. Great! Now I was going to take the cat to work on my uniform.

I called the Humane Society that just got some kittens in from a litter and were ready for adoption. I told Mom to take Lisa the following day to pick one up for her with all the supplies it needed. Don’t get me wrong I love animals, but loose hair and litter boxes turn me off. To avoid an argument with my mother, I went to bed early after we cleaned up the kitchen and table.

I remembered snuggling into the sheets and drifting off after I spoke to Dad and Pete on the phone. The next thing I knew it was time to get up. I showered, got dressed in my uniform and went to breakfast.

I had a quick breakfast and was out of the door before I saw anyone. I drove to Headquarters and parked the SUV in my spot, going into the building. Evelyn was at her desk and handed me the messages which also included a message from Juan Perez in IT.

I called Juan with him saying, “I need a guinea pig, so I called you boss.”

“I could have used the system yesterday if it was up.” I said with him saying, “We’ve been working out the bugs and we think they’re gone. We need your cellphone and laptop so we can configure them.”

“If the system works, start training the people how to use them for the reports, especially the Chief, my cellphone is in my purse and the laptop is in the mobile CP. Carlson is on his way, he did the system by himself, including getting the archive ready for the reports.” Juan said with me saying, “Good now all I need is a Blackberry or Palm Pilot so I don’t have to carry a cellphone and laptop.”

“We maybe we have a surprise for you it depends on the tests.” Juan said and hung up, while I dug out my cellphone from my purse for Carlson giving it to Evelyn to give it to him.

Several hours later Carlson and Juan appeared at my office door as I was doing the training schedule with Juan saying, “I know you’re busy, but we brought you cellphone back and laptop along with something else you might like.”

What the brought me was a data- and voice-enabled BlackBerry 7520™ that had Email, phone, browser, SMS, instant messaging, word processing and organizer applications. It was also had a Long-range digital walkie-talkie with features like speakerphone, Bluetooth technology for hands-free voice communications, GPS-enabled for location-based services.

As I looked at the BlackBerry I noticed all of my phone numbers had been plugged into it, along with most of the data I had in the laptop. They showed me an area on our website for me to use that held data that I could send in my reports and I was shown how to do it.

I found out that all of Headquarters and Dispatch was getting the BlackBerry today and the Firehouses would be getting there units during the week to every officer in the service. I was to keep the laptop and cellphone as backup devices.

Being a little leery about all the BlackBerry could do, I placed the two comm units into my purse and the laptop near my purse. I was silently wishing somewhat that they could have eliminated our large walkie talkies but I’ll take what I can get.

Chapter Seventeen

September was a blur to me as it left as I was busy training the crews. Mom and the Auxiliary were busy making the Halloween Ball plans. We’ve had a tremendous amount of people buying tickets from private individuals, to merchants to city and fire personnel.

Lisa keeps growing and damn is that kid smart going directly to kindergarten. She has gotten to the point of calling Pete Daddy and can twist that man into knots if she wants something, especially if I said no.

Somehow the family was adopted by two kittens. Both are from the same litter, both are females and fixed, with one adopting Lisa and the other adopting me. Lisa named the two black and white, almost identical kittens Morgana and Chessie. Just what I needed! Two cats! More fur!

The Chief is happy with the new toy of the BlackBerry and getting so many of the other people using them. Currently the entire department is paperless which made a lot of people happy including Evelyn.

Walking into the house I was greeted by the two furballs, Lisa and Pete that had the day off. In the order I just gave you I petted the furballs, kissed Lisa and really kissed Pete.

I was broken from the kiss when Mom said, “We, Betty and I found your ball gown and Pete’s costume and I need both of you to try them on.” There went my Moment of tranquility but I had to do what Mom wanted.

We went to my room where I was greeted by three large boxes to Pete’s one box on the bed. I was followed into the room by Pete and Chessie the kitten that adopted me.

As Chessie lay on the pillow, Pete sat on the bed watching me, as I undressed to bra, panties, slip, and pantyhose. I was not pleased as I opened my boxes seeing a corset, many petticoats, a ball gown in white and clear shoes with a three inch heel.

Mom shooed Pete from the room to another bedroom and started on me. I was then laced into the corset tightly after removing my bra, stepped into the slips. Then it was into the ball gown that could double as a wedding gown with all of the stones and lace on it. From the moment I opened the box and seeing it, I disliked the dress.

Once I put on the shoes Pete walked in wearing his costume and then whistled at me. My attitude just change seeing him dressed in his white costume composed of white stockings, white breeches and white waist coat. He wore a peaked white hat with a long peacock feather in it. The shoes were white with a big clunky heel and brass buckle.

I smiled at him saying, “It suits you but my dress is too loose in the hips, bodice and waist.”

“So Roxy or I will take it in.” Mom said as she pinned the dress making sure I knew it would not be my last time for a fitting. Now Pete’s costume was perfect for him, and I was pissed until he kissed me to let me know he loves me.

“Did someone mention my name?” Roxy said as she came into the room with Mom saying, “My daughter was complaining about how the dress fits. Where’s Tim?”

“In the kitchen with Dad, as far as the dress goes it is quite baggy but we can fix it. Okay sweets, take it off!” Roxy said as I got out of the dress with their help. Pete left us to put on his normal clothes.

“Before you do anything to that gown, I want to look for one myself. I hate that gown from the way it fits to the way it’s made.” I said to Mom and Roxy with Mom saying, “I had a feeling you wouldn’t like it. I’ll take it back tomorrow. Roxy and I will look around for you.” I changed into jeans, a black sweatshirt and black satin bedroom slipper mules with a two inch heel.

I checked my makeup in the bathroom, petted Chessie that was still on my pillow and checked on Lisa. Lisa was playing with Morgana her kitten when I told her to get ready for supper.

Going downstairs I joined everyone in the kitchen. I noticed that the table was set and Dad was cutting a Beef roast. I helped Mom and Roxy prepare everything else from the roasted potatoes and onions to the green beans almandine. Mom also made a Blueberry Torte for desert.

Although the meal was self serve, I served Lisa and made sure she ate. She wasn’t sure she’d like some of the meal, but after she tasted it, she ate heartily but had room for the torte.

We all cleaned up after the meal giving Mom a chance to relax and we joined her with our drinks at the table. Dad stated that the backyard and pool were ready for winter with Pete agreeing with him.

During our talk Lisa was sitting on my lap. The kittens were nowhere to be found after they ate which meant they were asleep somewhere probably on my bed.

At 8pm Lisa had a bath and got ready for bed. At 9PM she was in bed, after giving everyone a kiss and Pete reading her a story with me holding her. Lisa finally fell asleep in my arms and left her to her dreams as both kittens reappeared to get comfortable with her.

Pete and I retired to my room as tonight was going to be his lucky night and mine too. I let Mom and Dad take care of Tim and Roxy, as I wanted to spend time with Pete.

We woke up together in the morning in each others arms, just as the sun was rising. We kissed each other and left our bed. Pete was going to take Lisa to school and I decided to stay home, but was on call.

We both took a shower together with him getting out first after we made love again. On rubbery legs, I powdered. dressed in a red bra and panty set, black dress slacks, a red and black lightweight sweater, nude pantyhose, and black pumps with a three inch heel and instep strap.

I blow dried my hair and braided it adding a black bow to the end. I did my makeup then going out into the bedroom. Pete surprised me with giving me a heart shaped locket on a long, fine, gold chain and placed it around my neck along with matching earrings, bracelet and anklet all in gold. On opening the locket I found Lisa and his picture in it. I was close to tears when he brought me to him and kissed me.

We broke the kiss with him saying, “I saw the set and well I just bought it for you. I love you so much.” I took him downstairs to the kitchen and made Spanish omelets, hash browns and bacon for everyone.

Mom and Dad came down just as we finished. I had them sit and I served them, which was just at the time Lisa came after smelling the food, as she was hungry. We all cleaned up the kitchen and then Pete took Lisa to school. Dad went into the yard to work and Mom said, “Since you took the day off you and I are going to find you a dress this morning and take the other one back.”

So that‘s what was done. Taking the other dress back and finding the perfect Ball Gown. We went to four Bridal shops that also carried gowns for all occasions and nothing they carried did I like, but at the fifth one I saw both a wedding dress I liked and also a ball gown.

The Ballgown I liked was a V-neck halter gown with Basque waist and a one inch band below the bust line highlighted with rhinestones and beading in a floral pattern. The White overlay of soft tulle on top of a many colored petty coats in pastels. It was also floor length with the three inch heels I wore. For shoes I picked out open toed Clear slings with a three inch square heel.

The Wedding gown was exquisite being off the shoulders with wide bell sleeves in lace and appliqués being exceptionally detailed in silver thread. It has a full satin ball gown with embroidered and appliquéd English net in the front. It is beaded and sequined from top to bottom from the bust to the hem. It has a Chapel length train. White/silver and a tiara petty coat to give it the right amount of fullness. The shoes I picked out were almost had a four inch heel that was made of white satin open toed and back with straps that buckled at the ankle.

Both gowns fit me as if they were made for me and since I had the money I bought them both along with the trousseaus. I also bought for Lisa the gown for being the Flower Girl and the dress for the Mother of the Bride including shoes and lingerie. After several pictures in both gowns I promised the ladies invitations to the wedding. I also promised that they would get the Bridesmaids for their dresses. I walked out of that shop lighter in my wallet, but I have what I wanted, so I thought it was worth it.

I pulled the SUV in front of the store with Mom and I loading it up. I saw by her face she was happy but in deep thought finally saying, “If you were to tell me two years ago I’d see you in a dress or getting married to Pete I’d of said you’re crazy.”

“I know Mom I have the same feelings but I’m still me and I truly love Pete. Just the insides and outsides have changed, mentally I’m still myself.”

“I know Sweetie, but you missed the growing up part to be what you are and that’s a woman!”

“I’m still a woman Mom, I just grew up fast, but it’s up to us that Lisa grows up from being a girl to being a young vivacious woman that knows how to treat people well, as well as knowing she’s pretty.”

“Now I know I have my baby, only you could philosophize like that. All I can say is that I agree.” Mom said as we pulled up to the house’s driveway.

Both of the guys stopped working in the garage and walked out to us. Dad took one look in the SUV and shook his head and said something to Pete that I didn’t hear, making Pete laugh.

As they got closer I told them which boxes went into which rooms, while Mom and I went into the kitchen with me saying, “Ya know Mom, I have this deep need in me to have the family love me.”

“The Family does love you, I for one like your father and Grandfather is very proud of you.”

“Did someone mention me?” Grandpa said as he walked into the kitchen and sat at the table with me giving him a kiss and a hug saying, “Mom was just telling how much the family is proud of me.”

“She’s damn right! You’re doing a job that is real demanding, as you already know. You get some laidback time but when you’re needed you perform, giving your all. If I didn’t think you could handle the job I wouldn’t have recommended you for it to the Chief. Let me tell you he’s pleased at all the work you’ve done, including the paperless office you created with IT. I spent thirty-five years in the fire service and I saw the changes’ coming that’s why I retired. It’s a young person’s service not for old goats like me.”

“You’re not old gramps! You might be set in your ways but old, never.”

“Sweetheart I am old! When your grandmother was alive she saw to it I was a sweet man.”

“Gramps, maybe it’s time you found a woman.”

“I agree with Paula Dad, it’s time, Mom’s gone but you’re still alive with plenty of life in you. Find a woman and stay with her.”

“Possibly you’re right Joyce and I know just the woman too. She’s a widow and younger than me…”

“So take her out Gramps! She’s probably lonely too, ask her to the Ball and we get to meet her before the Ball. We’re going to have a barbeque this weekend so ask her to come, just be yourself and you’ll be fine.”

“Alright, I will! Thank you for just talking to me.”

“Dad it was a pleasure and don’t forget to bring the lady around.” Mom said with me agreeing, as gramps went out the door.

The time flew by until it was time to pickup Lisa. I left the house with Pete going with me and checked in with dispatch heading over to the school. I told Pete about the conversation with Gramps when he said, “So Gramps was instrumental in the new job.”

“I guess so, but this position carries a lot of responsibility with the title.”

“Yeah and trust too. Personally I think the Chief made an excellent decision.”

“Brown nosing the boss now huh? Keep it up and we’ll be in bed together.”

“That’s already been done and I really do love my boss and taking her to bed is a joyous occasion.” Pete said just as we got to a traffic light for a red light, with me leaning over and gave him a kiss. Damnit, the man turned me on! I wanted him so bad, but I would have to wait until after Lisa was in bed.

We arrived at Lisa’s school and we both went in after I notified Dispatch I was going to be out of the SUV. We entered the school together and Lisa’s eyes lighted up as she saw the both of us with her yelling Mommy and Daddy. I held my arms open for her and she ran into them for a hug. We got her sweater, put it on her and we left the building.

When we were in the SUV I told her I had seen Great Grandpa Ian and he was coming over to the barbeque. She got all excited at seeing Gramps again over the weekend, but she was disappointed she had missed seeing him. Damn that kid was so peeved that she had missed him, she began to pout that I had to stop for ice cream.

We left the SUV parked in front of the shop and went in where she had a Bubble Gum sundae. I had Heavenly Chocolate and Pete had a Pistachio ice cream sundae and my daughter ate all of her sundae.

We arrived home just a little later than usual with Lisa telling everyone she had ice cream. Fortunately we brought home Mom and Dad’s favorite kinds with them digging into the delicious creamy confections. Of course the kittens got a little too.

While we sat at the table having coffee, Mom told Dad what Gramps said with him agreeing with everything we said to him. I told them both what we’d bought earlier that they had brought inside the house with dad saying, “I happened to peek inside those boxes and figured out what one stack was for. Your boxes are in all the right bedrooms. I even hung Lisa’s dress up and put everything away so she wouldn’t get into it. “

I gave him a peck on the cheek saying, “Thanks Dad, but I have no idea where I’m going to put both of those gowns at.”

“Keep the one for the ball in your room but we have the closet in the attic to store the other one until you guys set a date.”

“We were thinking about January for the New Year or February 14th St Valentine’s Day.” Pete said with me agreeing with him and Mom saying, “How romantic! I think Valentine’s Day is a keeper or the weekend before it since I think Valentine’s Day is during the week.”

“Your Mother is right unless you want to tie the knot before Thanksgiving or afterwards.” Dad said with me saying, “That’s too much rushing around! if we don’t have it when I said we’ll wait for spring, like in June.”

“Everyone wants to get married in June or September. So February is the month now the 11th is the Saturday before, how’s that?” Mom said as she got up to look at a calendar with me saying, “That sounds perfect!”

“I guess so, we need to get the paperwork in so I can adopt Lisa so we can make it to court on the following Monday.” Pete said with me saying, “All that can be done after the Honeymoon.”

“How about Valentine’s Day, if it can be arranged?” Mom said with me saying, “I think we have a winner! We can celebrate our wedding and her adoption day on the same day.”

“That’s fine with me sweetheart, February 11th it is. Now I can tell Mom and Dad so that they can stop badgering me.” Pete said as he went to the phone and called his Mom to tell her the news.

Dad and Mom put our dresses and everything else up into the closet. Lisa saw her dress and had to wear it just once with Mom capitulating that she was not to wear the dress for any reason except for the wedding. And I got to cuddle with Pete in the Living room until supper was ready.

During supper we told Lisa what was to happen and I never saw such a happy and effervescent child before. We had to calm her down to resume eating.

Lisa’s time for bed was quickly approaching and I whisked her off to her room, with me right behind her. She took her bath, got her nightgown on and was into bed for her story that Pete read for her while Lisa and I cuddled. The next thing I realized was she was asleep in my arms. I kissed her goodnight, tucked her in and went to my room that Pete shared with me.

In my room we made love until we both were too tired to stay awake. Suddenly it was morning once again and time to get up to see what the day would bring me.

Pete was still asleep as I showered, did my hair and makeup and got dressed in my uniform. It wasn’t until I kissed him that he woke up saying, “Don’t go in today please. You have a lot of Comp time on the books so you can afford the day off.”

“Dear we have the Ball, Thanksgiving, the Christmas Holidays coming and the wedding so we’ll need the time besides I took yesterday off.”

“I know but I miss you so much…”

“So come to Headquarters later and take me to lunch.”

“That sounds good I’ll be there about twelve and we’ll go to Casa Del Sol. I’ll make reservations for three because I’ll bring Lisa with me to see her Mommy at work.”

“Good and I’ll tell Evelyn the baby is coming, she loves kids.” I said as I kissed him again and went to the kitchen for breakfast seeing Ella had come to work early. I was told to sit as Ella prepared breakfast for me. Now mind you I normally have a bagel, Cream Cheese and coffee but today it was eggs, juice, sausages with coffee.

I looked at the time and it was time to leave just as Mom, Dad and Pete entered the kitchen. I kissed them all, petted the kittens and I had to leave.

By the way lunch was grand but Gramps cancelled on the barbeque feigning illness.

Chapter Eighteen

The day has finally arrived for the Ball with all the tickets being sold out. The roster of the tickets sold and to whom seemed like a statewide Who’s Who. I have to say that the Ladies Auxiliary really did do a good job, but of course they get a percentage of the profits.

Mom, Roxy and I went to the beauty shop and had the Works done, and by 3PM we were done with. This time I paid for the bill noticing that it was close to the National Debt, but we looked grand from all of the pampering.

When we got home after I dropped Roxy off, Mom and I both took baths for a long soak. Once the water cooled I got out of the tub, dried off and powdered off feeling great. I thought to myself that I was happy to have finished my Period two days previously.

Putting on my robe and slippers I pulled out my lingerie, stockings and gown for the night. Of course Chessie was lying on my pillow watching me closely. I leaned over and scratched her head making her purr loudly.

Mom had entered my room and said, “Are you ready for the corset?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I said as I put on a pair of white satin panties and took off my robe. Mom was then wrapped into her corset and was tied very tightly into it.

Next I put on my garter belt adding nude, silky seamless stockings and attached to the hanging garters that came out from my panties. I stepped into the slip and brought it to my waist. Finally we helped each other with our gowns. My white satin gown was a The Ballgown I wore was a V-neck halter gown with Basque waist and a one inch band below the bust line highlighted with rhinestones and beading in a floral pattern. The White overlay of soft tulle on top of a many colored petty coats in pastels. It was also floor length with the three inch heels I wore. For the shoes I was to wear were open toed Clear slings with a three inch square heel.

We checked over our makeup repairing it a bit and slipped on our shoes. Mom and I were very pleased with our appearances. Mom then gave me a pair of white Opera gloves and we packed our clutch bags for the evening and descended the stairs.

At the foot of the stairs Dad and Pete waited with our tiaras that they placed on our heads just as the doorbell rang. It was our babysitter whose name was Camille that was a college student. I called Lisa down and introduced her to Camille with them becoming best girlfriends. I was ever so happy that they got along otherwise it would be a very long night for them both.

I bent at my knees and gave Lisa a kiss saying, “Honey we’ll be back later, be good for Camille.”

“Are you a princess?”

“Just for the night, just like Grandma is the Queen and Grandpa is the King with Daddy being the Prince. We’re going to a Halloween party that’s just for adults. If I could I’d take you also I would.”

“That’s Okay Mommy you can take me Trick or Treating after our school’s party.”

“I think I can handle that but you have to be good for Camille and Grandma.” I said when Lisa gave me a kiss and a hug and took Camille to her room to see her dolls and the kittens jabbering a mile a minute. I was a bit disappointed as I was sure she was going to make a fuss but she didn’t . I must be getting better at this parent thing!

Dad somehow disappeared and returned with two capes for Mom and I. Mine was made of White faux fur and Mom’s was made of Purple faux fur to match her dress. Both Dad and Pete draped the capes over our shoulders. Pete took my BlackBerry and we were off placing it into a belt pouch.

Pete drove the CP after getting me in and dad took my SUV since his needed some repair work. About twenty minutes later we pulled into the parking lot of the Ballroom downtown.

As we entered the very large building, the caterers were already setting up, the lights were low and the ballroom was decorated for the event. The bar was stocked and the Bartenders were ready. The merrymakers would start showing up at 6PM and the event lasted until 12PM. The DJ would start at 6PM playing music until everyone had left.

At 6PM people started to arrive giving their tickets to some people from the Ballroom, while Pete and I greeted them showing them were everything was. It seemed to me that every one of the city’s politicians, plus the county and state were in attendance or at least those higher up in the food chain. Many people came from the Fire Department along with other city departments to just have a good time. I also noticed that there were many in attendance that are supporters of the Fire Department that came.

While Pete and I were in the receiving line that was trickling, we noticed that our guests were eating, dancing to the music and talking amongst themselves. I was totally shocked when the governor and his wife arrived with their State Police escorts and like everyone else they were in costume. I had to admit the ladies of the Auxiliary outdid themselves on the preparation of this Gala event.

Around 8Pm Pete and I left our posts and went to get something to eat at the buffet when suddenly there was a large explosion followed by the windows of the ballroom shattering. Glass flew everywhere and on everyone. My dress at the skirt was covered with holes from the glass. Fortunately I was not cut anywhere but I was lying on the floor with Pete on top of me.

Getting up I grabbed Pete and my purse, running from the building only to see our major convention center in ruins with the roof collapsed.

We got into the Command Post and started the SUV going over to the Center and seeing the damage that looked like a war zone. I called Dispatch saying, “Chief three to Dispatch this is a Level one emergency at The Marion Convention Center there was an explosion with fire. I smell natural gas!”

In fractions of a second a cacophony of sound came from the speakers in various firehouses throughout the city saying, "Chief 1, Chief 2, Chief 3, District Chief 1and 2, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, Engines 01, 04, 05, 07, 12; Ladder Truck 20, 23, 27, 29, Tower 42, 44, 46 special alarm Level 1, Haz-Mat 223, Air Truck 60, 61, Med supervisor 01, 02 Ambulances 23, 43, 27, 33, 57, 12, Rescue 03, 06, 08, 09, 12, Lighting truck 01, 02, 06, 15, Mobile Disaster Command Post 00, Air units 1 and 2 for Medevac. I have the report from Chief Three on the scene that The Marion Convention Center has exploded and collapsed, expect multiple casualties and hot spots. Reports are of the smell of gas coming in. Reports of glass blown out in various buildings nearby for several blocks are coming in. Utilities have been notified. PD has been notified. Triage at all hospitals has been notified. This is a Level One emergency for all units, be advised Disaster Protocols are in effect by order of Chief Three.”

Equipment from all over the city awakened for the call for help. They all were running Hot with their emergency lights cutting the darkness and sirens clamoring.

People were pouring from the Ballroom to render aid to those in the rubble of the Convention Center as there was a very large Computer show going on inside with many vendors and attendees.

I was keeping track mentally as our apparatus arrived and gave them jobs to do after they were setup. My first priority was the gas smell and Hotspots. Then it was all Search and Rescue.

Our Mobile Disaster Command Post bus pulled up next to me with the door opening and the driver saying, “Turn the CP light off and I’ll park here. Everything is fired up and manned Boss.”

“Good! Engine 01, 04 check-out the hotel for damage and casualties. Dispatch, call the PD and ask them to establish an LZ for Medevac.”

Chief Rupert and Grandpa entered the MDCP and looked around with the Chief saying, “I sent an ambulance and crew to go to the Ballroom, when your call for a Level one went out. Fortunately we didn’t have any serious injuries. Most of our people are digging in the ruins with the other crews.”

“Chief can you take care of the Press? They all want a statement and I need to work. What’s the toll?”

“Five dead in the hotel from glass and eighty-four injured by fragments. In the convention center we had two hundred injured with ten fatalities so far. The Coroner sent in the cooling trucks for the bodies for a makeshift morgue.”

Gramps looked at me saying, “I noticed our family is all helping in this mess. Tim was the only one not cut up by wearing his armor costume. Your Mom, Roxy and Meg are getting food and liquids for the crews.”

“Who’s Meg? Oh you mean the lady that came with you.”

“My…ah… girlfriend. We’ve been together for a couple of months.”

“So you hid her from the family? That’s bullshit and you know it Gramps! All we want is for you to be happy. Meg is always welcome. Now let me get back to work we have a construction crew that volunteered to help us dig into the rubble. This isn’t over yet Gramps!”

I turned my back on the Chief and Gramps to look at the direct feed of the devastation. What I saw from the cameras was a mess. My crews alerted me that the gas pipeline needed a shutoff valve as the other one was shattered. The District Chiefs had surmised that the cause of the explosion was the gas valve and the gas accumulated in the dome structure, until a spark ignited it from the lighting. The gas and electricity were shutoff at the mains.

The Search Dogs finally arrive after getting a State Police escort and the crews were very glad to see them arrive. All of the dogs were put to work immediately saving at least twenty people as soon as they were put to work.

Juan and Carlson both finally reported in as they were in the Center at the time of the explosion and were trapped by debris until they were freed. They were both tired and dirty from their ordeal. I spoke to the dispatchers and got us two other techs for the equipment and sent Juan and Carlson home by the police, if they had cars in the lot they could pick then up later, I didn’t want them driving.

Every minute, no every fraction of a second counted, as crews sifted through the rubble of the once proud glass, concrete and steel structure. I was proud as the crews continued working at the site. As I said before we got additional help from the Ballroom they were arms and hands and bodies that were put to good use.

The ladies of the Auxiliary made sure all of us got fed relieving the physical strain and psychological stress of finding bodies of both the dead and the injured.

The Governor of the state was at the ball declared the area as a disaster. Other Fire Departments sent equipment and manpower that weren’t asked to do so. We appreciated it because we’d do the same for them and we have done so in the past.

Four hours after the incident I left the MDCP noting that my satin dress was shredded and spent some time with the crews as I surveyed the damage caused by the blast. I found out through various means that several fire personnel had loved ones that went to the show and were victims of the detonation, but all were saved. Those people kept right on saving lives after their loved ones were extricated.

Between the Search and Rescue dogs and our state of the art electronics we saved a great deal of people’s lives. However the brute strength and wills of the firefighters saved many more lives. The aircrews too made many Medevac flights to the hospitals with critically injured people only to return for more people.

Returning to the MDCP after a brief stop at my CP to get some clothes. I changed in the bathroom of the MDCP from my shredded dress into a spare uniform.

I placed the shredded dress, shoes and stockings into the nylon bag and left the bathroom where the Mayor was waiting for me with him saying, “What’s the count Chief?”

I reached for the pad of paper one of my dispatchers had and read the figures saying, “So far Six hundred and seventy five rescued and forty deaths. My crews worked really hard.”

“I’d say everyone did, but you put this all together on calling a Level one on this mess. You’re so good the Governor wants you statewide.”

“Sorry sir but all I did was my job just like any firefighter. We protect, we serve and we save lives and property. I’m going to start releasing the crews very shortly. What pisses me off is my dress is ruined from the glass and I didn’t get one dance from my fiancé. Plus we have a babysitter.”

“Go ahead and tell the volunteers to go home. Maybe the next time or for Christmas you’ll get that dance.” The mayor said with me telling the head dispatcher her orders by saying, “Vera, start sending them home, release the volunteers and the other units giving them my thanks for all the help. Do you have a list of everyone that helped?”

“Here Chief, the list is up to date with their addresses.”

“What we need is a recognition day for all these people. All these people are from the Ballroom except for the fire units.”

“Have your secretary call mine and we’ll set it up.” The Mayor said as he left with Pete and Dad coming inside stinking and very grungy saying, “It’s been a long night. I’ll grab your Mother and take care of the babysitter.”

“Since you’re all going home take a shower please especially you Peter MacDonald and make sure your daughter is asleep. Give her a kiss for me and don’t make a mess in my bathroom.”

For the next twelve hours the business community took care of us lonely sentinels offering us anything we needed. The restaurants fed us all even though everyone had damage to repair their businesses.

When the last truck left, so did the MDCP and my CP. I was finally on my way home at last. I felt pretty good for not getting any sleep for forty-eight hours but I was running on fumes. I did my job keeping everything together.

Having parked in the driveway, I grabbed my bag and deposited the dress, stockings and shoes into the trash, then going into the house. Everyone was gone, as the guys were on duty, Lisa was at school and Ella and Mom were someplace like getting groceries. I left a note to not disturb me and I went to my room.

In my own room I undressed, took a shower relaxing in the spray and climbed into bed to sleep. Around 3PM I was awaken by the gentle purring of Chessie near my ear. I stroked her hair and went back to sleep, sleeping all the way to the following morning.

I awoke that morning still tired but I couldn’t sleep any more and now I was up. I took a shower, wrapped myself in a robe and turbaned my hair going downstairs after I called in taking the next two days off.

The smells emanating from the kitchen were so good my mouth was watering. I walked in and was surprised to see Dad and Pete making breakfast. I gave them both a kiss and I was escorted to the table to read the newspaper. The Convention Center was still in the news and I couldn’t go any further than the front page without it bringing back memories of what I saw.

Turning on the TV in the kitchen it was already tuned to a network morning show. I sat back and listened to it suddenly a local personality was talking about the Convention Center and I was brought into the limelight.

The person speaking was Chrissie Baumgartner that said, “Tragedy hit this city Saturday night with the explosion of our major Convention Center that was hosting a Computer Show for the enjoyment of hundreds of people.

Shortly after 8PM the city and suburbs were rocked with tremors from the explosion from The Marion Convention Center that sent burglar alarms in a tizzy.

Several blocks away the Starlight Ballroom was hosting a Halloween Party sponsored by the city’s Fire Department and Auxiliary. When the explosion occurred it leveled the Convention Center trapping hundreds of people within the rubble.

In the Ballroom people were knocked from their feet and broken glass became projectiles injuring many people inside yet not seriously. But the building was standing, in a shredded gown Deputy Chief Paula Wallace and her fiancé Captain Peter MacDonald went outside the building into a War Zone, broken glass was everywhere and was the order of the night. She saw the devastation at the Convention Center and spread the alarm that a major catastrophe had occurred at the city’s pride and joy.

She and her Fiancé were the first on the scene and she took command getting the needed rescue and fire equipment in place. People from the ballroom stood side by side with city and other fire crews to get survivors out of the wrecked building. Thanks to Chief Wallace’s quick thinking we had six hundred and seventy five rescued with forty deaths which could have been many more.

So far we have been unable to contact the new Deputy Chief but we will continue the attempts. This is Chrissie Baumgartner from WGNS News reporting.”

The news crews said some other things about me including my bath in the goop and my change when Dad said smiling, “We have a hero that raised the alarm Pete. Gramp’s chest is totally puffed out from pride.”

“But I don’t want the Press…”

“Whether you want it or not, they won’t leave you alone until you give them your point of view.” Mom said as she walked into the kitchen with Lisa that ran to me giving me a kiss then going to Dad and Pete.

“Listen to your Mom, we’ve been battling the Press in your absence since we got home.” Pete said while he fed the kittens with me saying, “I took two days off to rest and recuperate and I don’t want to go through the Press gauntlet.”

“I suggest you go through your emails before you do your report. We have a Press conference with the Mayor and City Council in their chambers at One PM with the Chief and the family. Lisa isn’t going to school today because of this they want her there.” Pete said with me saying, “Oh Shit! I really wanted to avoid this circus.” I said as I made my way to the charger and my BlackBerry. I sat down with my communicator, downloaded my email and started reading them.

I had messages that totaled over one hundred mostly from the Chief and Evelyn concerning interviews with the Press, my report and the last two were from Juan and Carlson thanking me for the quick action getting them free from the wreckage of the Convention Center.

I started the preliminary report with Lisa sitting on my lap calling the Arson Bureau getting their findings of what caused the explosion. I spoke to the director Cal Evers and his finds along with the State Fire Marshall was that it was caused by a faulty gas valve outlet in the utilities room that had no ceiling to contain the gas. After speaking to many survivors they complained of headache and nausea but were too excited to leave the show. What triggered the explosion was a spark from the Electrical Breaker that failed in the same room on the other side.

“So we had a cause and effect scenario?” I said with Cal saying, “Yep, the faulty valve and the breaker were the culprits. The gas company has a list with all the valves like the one that caused the mess and are going to replace them in the next few days.”

“At least the city wasn’t at fault! We might have had a fire if the breaker didn’t do the job but compounding the escaping gas into the mix was disastrous.” I said with Cal agreeing with me disconnecting and getting the report written.

After several hours, too much coffee and pouring over my notes the report was finished and sent out to the Chief and Mayor along with other departments within our department and state agencies. The entire blame went to the valve manufacturer and the electrical breaker manufacturer but mostly the valve manufacturer.

After I sent in the emails I let Dad and Pete read the report with Dad saying, “Wow, are the lawsuits going to fly! The city isn’t even to blame in this one.”

Pete looked sorrowfully at me saying, “It just pisses me off that so many died because of somebody cutting costs.”

“I agree Honey, but I just wrote the facts, thank the Lord I took notes. Otherwise it would have taken me days to complete the report. I even added about the help we received from the Ladies Auxiliary that kept all of us going with food and beverages.”

Mom smiled saying, “That’ll help when we ask for donations for the kids at Christmas. People tend to look at your salaries forgetting the selfless act of heroism you do for the community.” With Dad saying, “Then there are the budget wars to replace old, worn out equipment with State of the Art equipment and personnel to protect everyone in the city and since we are annexing five of the suburbs to become part of the city, things are going to be stretched with the budget.”

“With the annexations the population will exceed two and a half million people. I was surprised the annexation passed in chambers because of the added money for services for those communities.” Mom said just as I stood up with Lisa in my arms saying, “I’d like to stay and listen to you all but Lisa and I must get dressed just like all of you must.” We cleaned up the kitchen first and then I took Lisa and Pete with me to their rooms to get a shower and dressed.

While Pete was in the shower I gave Lisa a bath and got her dressed in lacey panties, camisole, slip, pink dress with matching socks and pink Mary Janes. I looked her over after doing her hair, telling her to play while I got dressed.

I had just entered the bedroom just as Pete pulled his dress uniform from his closet. Did I fail to mention he had moved in with me? Well he did and I love him being just around for us, Lisa and I. I blow dried my hair, which was still damp, braided it and placed the braid into a bun.

Pulling from the closet my winter dress uniform and shirt laying it onto the already made bed, I dressed in white panties, half slip, nude pantyhose and white bra. I did my makeup more elaborately, then I put on my uniform white shirt after putting on the brass, stepped into the skirt, tucking the shirt in and zipping the skirt up. I stepped into black patent pumps with a three inch heel and added my uniform blouse then adding my tie that I tied into a bow. I added my WAVES style cap, looked into the mirror adding a pair of white gloves and my purse.

I checked over Pete and he checked me over to make sure that everything was just right. I called Lisa from the room and we went downstairs

I placed my BlackBerry into my purse and we sat at the table and waited for Mom and Dad having coffee or Ovaltine.

Dad was fussing about his uniform as he entered the kitchen followed by Mom when I said, “Oh stop complaining! This is what we were told to wear by the Chief, complain to him and not us.”

“Alright, I get the hint but I can’t understand why we have to wear our dress uniforms.” Dad said with Pete saying, “Dad, just wear the damn thing!”

“I think Grandpa looks good. so do Mommy and Daddy.” Lisa said making Dad soften by saying, “We’ll take your SUV with the child seat already in it while you two take the CP.” So that was the plan and we all went to the vehicles.

Pete drove me in the CP after I complained I was still tired and in thirty minutes we had arrived but it took us twenty minutes to find a parking space.

We finally met with Mom, Lisa and Dad at City Hall and we all went in until we were stopped by a cop telling us we were to be escorted to the council’s chambers. My only thoughts were, why?

On entering the council stood and applauded us as we entered and then I saw Gramps in his old uniform of a Deputy Chief, and Tim in full dress uniform with Roxy as well as the Chief and Mayor. Poor Lisa didn’t understand what was happening, as we walked and to be honest neither did we. I noticed that the Press was there and a great many people that I worked with including Juan and Carlson.

We joined the rest of our family and stood as they read a proclamation about us as a family and of the Fire Service. There were giving out medals to us and to the units and volunteers that responded to the disaster of the Convention Center. Gramps and the Chief were the ones that pinned the medals to us as the Mayor smiled at us and read another of the citations.

It seemed that I received two citations with the Mayor saying, “Because of her quick and compassionate action in calling for a Level one emergency further life was saved in the disaster that befell the city. It is beyond a doubt the city was in great danger from the ruptured Gas Main at Senora Street, that the Deputy Chief steered the cutoff crew to the next major gas main cutoff as the fire traveled down the pipeline. She has made it her job to know where each cutoff and branch of city services are at, throughout the city. She is hereby awarded the City’s Medal of Valor for her bravery and actions.”

There was more to the citation said but I tell you all now that I was just doing my job!

The mayor placed the medal and ribbon around my neck as the Chief, Gramps, Dad, Pete and Tim all saluted me that I had to return to them. It was then that Councilman Brian Vickers stood before the chamber and presented me with a bouquet of Roses and saying, “Deputy Chief Wallace you have been and always will be a hero to us of this city. We heard you say you’re just doing your job but in your case you always go the extra mile, such was the case in saving my daughter from a snake infested area of the city near a branch off of the river. Granted you and your people performed their jobs but I will remember that day and the terror I felt for as long as I live.

You take the motto of the Fire Service always one step further and I hope you always will. Thank you from the city! Thank you to all the city services!”

By this time the Press and some of the Council were yelling out questions to me and I answered the questions via a hand held microphone the Mayor handed to me.

It was then I saw Chrissie Baumgartner, news reporter extraordinaire that asked me a question if I knew in advanced the ceremonies were to be held?

“Chrissie, I saw you on the morning program about me. To answer your question the answer was and is no. As a third generation firefighter I and my brother Tim always knew we were going to be firefighters when we grew up. The academy was hell for me as was Probie life then I had the accident and things I was schooled in made sense, our job is to serve those that need help, protect property and save lives.

Thank you all for the accolades, but our job is to serve you when you need help, save property and to save lives. I think all the firefighters did just that with that I salute you all in the nation whether volunteer or full timers Chrissie Baumgartner.” I said and saluted the cameras.

The impromptu question and answer session ended with my salute and with us leaving the chambers by a side door to avoid the Press

Five minutes later we were in an Italian restaurant with the family, the Mayor and Brian Vickers. We all ordered and I was given a chance to relax when Gramps said, “You all did the family proud while I helped the Chief at the Ballroom. Did you know that some of those that were patched up went out to help you at the scene? Well they did! Tim was one of them even though he wore that tin can getup, so was Roxy.

“I guess a lot of the women threw their dresses out along with their shoes like I did. Gramps, Councilman and Mr. Mayor I meant every word I said…

“We know you did Paula, maybe this will make a lot of people look differently at the Fire Service, because I sure did. You have my full support and will get the support of the opposition, right Mayor?” Brian Vickers said with the Mayor saying, “Oh hell yes!”

“Excusa Signora but you are on the TV.” Alfredo the owner said interrupting us as we all went to the bar to see and listen.

We took seats in the bar as the picture showed me saluting the cameras and explained why I did so with Chrissie Baumgartner reporting on a New Break. All I thought of was great! Now the entire city and suburbs knew my face and why I was given the awards, however I made a note to thank Chrissie as did the Chief and Mayor.

Nearly the same piece was shown on the National news later but the piece ran longer with Chrissie reporting the piece. Once the news ended everyone applauded and thanked us. We were then allowed to eat and what a meal it was, everything was perfect.

“So sis, when’s the date?” Timmy asked while we ate with Pete saying, “We decided on February 11th since the 14th is a weekday also I will be Lisa’s father legally on the 14th.”

“Aw, I think I have duty then.” Tim said teasing me with the Chief saying, “If you have the Duty then I suggest you put in for time off Lieutenant as your sister and brother in law expect a best man for their wedding with no excuses.”

Gramps and Dad chuckled almost choking on their Fettuccini Alfredo with Roxy saying, “You goofed again huh! I told you not to pull that stunt off now suffer from the family. By the way we’re getting married in September and I know Mom and Paula will help, you’re all invited Chief, Mayor and Mr. Vickers along with your families.”

“You guys get an invitation and my Granddaughter in law forgets me”

“Don’t start with me Gramps! You’d better be there to give me away to your idiot Grandson.”

“Oh, the things I do to preserve the peace. You know I’ll be there with Meg.”

“Did she tell you she joined the Auxiliary?” Mom said with Gramps saying,” No I didn’t, but I do now. It’ll be good for her. I’m glad for her.”

“Well we’ve got to get back to our offices and finish the day out. Thank you all for the wonderful afternoon.” The Mayor said rising with Brian Vickers and the Chief doing the same.

I thanked them all once again for everything as they left us alone. It was then I remembered the check for the meals with Gramps smiling and saying, “You dear child didn’t get stiffed, the Mayor always eats here and has a tab he pays each month.”

I relaxed knowing that the Mayor was paying for the meal when Alfredo cane to the table and asked for all of our photographs.

I was flattered but Gramps told him yes and the entire family was immortalized with four or five simple flashes. We were promised copies of the pictures and we left the restaurant to our vehicles.

When we got home it was quiet and we all undressed for simpler togs. Mine were pink shorts with a pink sweatshirt and sneaks, Mom was jeans and a red sweatshirts and Lisa chose what I was wearing. Dad and Pete chose jeans and a grey sweatshirt with the Department Logo along with boat shoes.

Of course when I got to the kitchen Morgana and Chessie were up and expected to be fed. I played with them awhile and then fed them with them both going back to sleep after using the litter box.

I grabbed a cup of coffee after I made it, sitting at the table when everyone walked in. Lisa wanted to sit on my lap and I helped her up while Pete smiled and said to Mom, “Yep Mom, she’s a softie, and I love her for being like that.”

“Yeah, Momma is soft Daddy and I love her so much.” Lisa said with Pete smiling saying, “Lisa Honey, never change and we all love you.”

“Yeah Daddy, please never change for Mommy too.”

“Alright you two lovebirds, Pete and I need to do a few things in the backyard before winter so give him a kiss and let him go.” I kissed Pete and Dad with Mom doing the same just as the phone rang with Mom answering it.

“It’s Chrissie Baumgartner, she wants to speak to you about an interview and doing the morning show on her network.”

‘I’ll take it Mom.” I said with me greeting Chrissie on the phone with her saying, “I know you dislike the public notoriety but I would like you to be a guest on People in the News this weekend. Also the network is going to call you.”

“Chrissie, all I did was to coordinate the mass chaos.”

“You’re the Deputy Chief of Operations, people want to hear about the job.”

“I might bore them to death about the meetings I’ve had to attend” I said with us both giggling knowing she goes through the same crap as I do with her saying, “Please say yes.”

“Okay, since you asked so nicely, but I get to wear civvies, no uniforms.” I said with her saying, “Great! The taping is Friday at 2 PM at our studios.”

“Nope I have an inspection at Firehouse 1, how about you doing it there. Captain Williams and all the Firefighters could all attend. I want them all to share the hot seat.”

“Could the network do their show from there too?”

“Call Captain Williams and ask him.” I said as she hung up to call Station House 1.

“That was very good dear, now Captain Williams will be calling you to ask permission.”

“I know Mom, but the interviews are part of the job I was told. “ I said as I called the Chief telling him what I did and wanting him to be with me.

“Okay but I’ll call the Mayor also for the both shows. Isn’t Firehouse 1 where most of your equipment is?”

“Yes Chief along with an Engine and Truck company, as part of our headquarters along with the Dispatch Center in back. We also have the MDCP, Lighting Truck, Rescue Truck, Haz- Mat and Air Truck there.”

“Right! We’ll take the Firehouse out of service, pull everything out for a display and turn the Press loose.” The Chief said just as the call waiting went off. I said goodbye to my boss and answered the call with it being from New York.

“Chief, I’m Gayle Prescott from the network. We’re going on location in your city to do the show at your Firehouse 1.”

“That’s all fine and good but I’m no one special.”

“Oh but you are. We’ll have other guests besides you but we want to do it at your station with you as a guest and us saluting the entire Fire Service. We need the numbers and you’re hot all over the country.”

“Okay but I want the personnel to watch the show along with my Chief, fiancé, Dad and Mom, my Gramps, Tim my brother and Mayor to plug the city.”

“You have it! Our pre-production crews are leaving today with the anchors leaving tomorrow after the show.” Gayle said with me saying goodbye. I just shook my head in disbelief to what had occurred with Mom saying, “Sit back and enjoy the ride, because people will forget about you and your job that you did later.”

I nodded yes taking Lisa outside with me in the backyard. I told her stories and we played together until she became tired. Then it was time to have a snack, have a bath, get into bed for another story, and then it was sleepy time.

I’d had a long day but I was still going strong in the kitchen when Dad and Pete came inside for the night. I made them both a sandwich and Dad put on the TV. I was amazed that the network were already advertising them broadcasting from Firehouse 1 so heavily, but they were when Dad said, “Did we miss something?”

‘Only that all of you guys are going to be on network television so you’d better be nice to me on the show.” I said with Dad saying, “Oh shit! That means that friggin dress uniform again!”

“I’d say, it is a working uniform day wouldn’t you?” I said with Pete saying, “Well we do have to work, so I’d say yes.” I said and then I gave them the particulars with us agreeing that Lisa went to school that day as it was going to be hectic enough for us without her getting into things. She is a very curious child!

After I gave them the information I went to my room and made myself ready for Pete, so we could share our love. Did we make love? Oh yes and I found out I could sing and reach all of the high notes!

Chapter Nineteen

Friday was here and our day began at the usual time of 5AM and out the door by 6AM to take Lisa to school. I found out we weren’t needed until the last hour of the show, so that was a good sign.

When we all arrived we were taken into the kitchen area to relax as Gayle explained what was going to happen to us. Gramps arrived with the Mayor and the Chief, as he was driving.

We all were prepared in makeup then I noticed that the Thursday’s crew was there along with Friday’s crew and I noticed from the wings there were many others that worked with me in the audience that had come for the show.

After makeup we were placed nearby where I saw the host Rolf and Janice interviewing someone about a book. Suddenly we were placed into chairs and the hosts came over and introduced themselves as we were getting wired for sound.

My stomach was queasy, my mouth was dry, as I stared out at those Cameras with those little red lights on them. My white uniform long sleeve shirt, my underwear, pantyhose, shoes and black skirt was saturated from perspiration and then the intro started for us. The hosts did some background information on the family and me with Janice smiling and saying, “It is so nice to finally meet you, your family and your bosses. We do know you’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. We do know that after your accident that changed your sex that you could have retired and lived comfortably for life from the settlements but you didn’t, Why?”

“I’m a firefighter just as all of these people are, we take an oath to serve our citizens and to protect property and protect lives. I believe in that oath! What I did at that fire was protect the property until the catwalk collapsed. Then I had a swimming and flying lesson after I realized the vat I fell into saved my life, yet I didn’t know how my life was going to change.

Sure over the months I changed and the department rallied around me. Over the months I had periods of depression but I had a great doctor. When my physical changes became evident my family and friends always helped me, they were my support group now, as well as the Brothers and Sisters of the department. I’m no different than any other woman. I get PMS and have my monthly friend and I can have babies normally. Yet I am still a firefighter and will always be one. ”

“I can attest to the PMS fact, she gets really moody at home but she tries to hide it and even hides it on the job.” Pete said to the cameras with Janice saying, “We know you have a daughter by adoption are there more children in the wings for you both?”

“It’s possible but we have to talk that over when the time comes, until then I’m on the Pill.” I said with Rolf saying, “I really don’t know how you managed the change and having the job to do. I probably would be climbing the walls.”

“I have my moments when I’m alone, but they are cast aside when someone needs help or when there’s a job to accomplish. See my Gramps over there? He was the former Deputy Chief of Operations. He’s known me all my life. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and knew the previous candidates for this job. The job was vacant since his retirement and he’s known the previous candidates for years. Many were displaced in the running because all they wanted was the Power the position holds and not being a total firefighter. Each and every Brother and Sister knows about the Red, Orange and White Monster, that we can kill or it will kill us. We’ve all stared at its face!” Gramps and the Chief nodded their heads in agreement.

Rolf then said, “We understand that your department is going to change by the Annexation of several suburbs…”

That’s five suburbs and all of the personnel will be retained. Their training is the same as ours so I don’t foresee any problems except for their ranks from those above captain. Even the volunteers will be assimilated properly as they too are firefighters and a part of our family.” The Chief said with the Mayor getting in his speech about the City and suburbs.

Janice then looked at Mom and said,”Mrs. Wallace, how do you feel about your family especially what had happened to Paula?”

“The Department is an extended family. we all help each other in times of adversity and the good times. Thank the Lord that I had people to talk with when Paula was changing. The Ladies Auxiliary and the Department was there for us to lean on, just as we are there for all the firefighters and personnel. We all pool are strengths together and did so at the last disaster.”

Rolf said, “Your group kept the firefighters fed and watered I understand?”

“That’s correct, many of the volunteers were injured from the flying glass in the ballroom and they went to help in any way they could. one of the ways was to feed the fire personnel giving them energy and to keep them hydrated. Our organization of the Auxiliary helps the firefighters, Families of non firefighters, the old and sick and children that need help or just cheering up especially during the holidays.”

Rolf looked at Tim Saying, “Tim you’re the eldest and Ben you’re the Dad what do you say?”

“I say I’m a firefighter just as my family are firefighters and let me get back to work where I might be needed to make a difference.” The crowd broke out into applause by what Tim said, with Dad saying the same thing

Janice took over by saying, “Ladies and Gentleman of the audience, medals don’t make the hero but our heroes are the police, firefighters and city services without them there’d be chaos…”

The Chief stood up and called the firefighters to attention and ordered a hand salute from those gathered with the Chief saying, “As Paula said, this is for our brothers and sisters in the Fire Service, be they volunteer or full timer our lives belong to the Monster, we salute those living and dead, two.” And all arms dropped down to their sides.

With that display the program closed to the delight of the producers as the initial numbers were very high. They had a rating coup on their hands. The hosts shook all their hands even shaking the hands of the crowd and gathered firefighters.

We all disappeared to get the stage makeup off with Mom and me applying normal makeup. Mom and I grabbed our purses and we all then went our separate ways to meet later with the guys for Chrissie and her show.

There was an air or pride in the air as I made my way to my office. I noticed there were televisions all over the building with even Evelyn having one on her desk. I just shook my head in disbelief and went into my office, sat at my desk and began working.

Suddenly it was time for the next Program that was to be taped. After the preliminaries of makeup and the bathroom I was ready. For almost two hours I was grilled and so was my family, the Chief and the Mayor. The lady was a formidable opponent especially trying to get the cause of the disaster nailed down. We all knew of course but that information was for another Press Conference to be held the next week. The taping at last ended and I went back to the office, as my family left with the Mayor and Chief. The TV crews took all their equipment and the Firehouse returned to normal.

Mom was going to pickup Lisa and I put in a productive afternoon until Juan stopped by the office saying, “Ya know us geeks have trouble talking if its not technical.”

“So what’s on your mind Juan? Just don’t go thanking me for saving your life, the firefighters did that. I had no idea you and Carlson were there.”

He brightened up and said, “Thanks again Boss! Did everything work all right in the MDCP?”

“It was fine, now go home! The day is over for us.” I said as I grabbed my cap when Juan began to cry. I called his wife telling her he needed help and I recommended Dr. Sims. She would be right down and take him home.

I took Juan’s hand and held it as he cried. I couldn’t fathom being buried alive under tons of rubble. That was when Carlson came into my office saying, “Ever since the disaster he’s been like this, he thinks he cheated death and should have died.”

“That’s nonsense! It just wasn’t his time to go. He has a lot of work to do yet for me and so do you. Get him to his wife and take as much time off that you need to get over this trauma. I want you two fine and working for me now take him and go.” I said with Carlson taking Juan to the shop with me going home.

Once home I changed clothes, checked on Lisa and went to the kitchen where mom and Ella were. I told them about Juan and what Carlson said with Ella saying, “There are going to be a lot of people with problems. Their problems might not have even have surfaced yet.”

I grabbed some coffee saying, “At least they’re alive, all I know is that valve company will be bankrupt after the insurance companies, the city, the businesses and the people get their lawsuits in. The city is suing as soon as the report goes public next week, but that’s between us and goes no farther until next week.”

Ella looked at me saying, “I won’t say a word, I like my job!”

Mom then said, “We need you now, we trust you and I need you five days a week getting ready for the wedding will be a pain, can you do it?”

“With pleasure Joyce, I certainly could use the added income.”

“Great, starting Monday your full time and I can start on the wedding.” Mom said with me saying, “Keep it simple mom, nothing flashy.”

Mom looked at me saying, “You are my only daughter and it will be flashy if I want it to be.”

Damnit I pissed her off and didn’t even try. I have to tread softly and let her have her way. Maybe she has PMS? I do hope not!

The rest of the day was pretty much quiet as Ella went home and there just was Mom, me and Lisa that I spent a lot of time with until she went to bed. Mom began working on the wedding, Thanksgiving and Christmas for the family and I stayed out of her way.

On the weekend I spent time with Mom, Dad, Pete and Lisa including having a barbeque for Gramps and Meg. While those two sat with us I smelled a rat and the rat was Gramps when I said to them, “So how long have you two been married?” Mom and Dad almost choked on their food, Roxy kicked me under the table very hard in the shins.

Meg looked at me saying, “A year, so what now?”

“A year! Well for starters Gram I think it’s great and about time the old coot confessed. Gramps, why didn’t you tell us then?”

“You would have made a fuss after all Meg is in her fifties and I’m in my early sixties…”

“So what Dad, Joyce and I have been noticing things about you and we wondered, now we now, welcome to the family Mom. See it wasn’t as hard as you think Dad. How did it happen?”

“I proposed to her on a picnic mostly two years ago and Meg accepted. We had a simple wedding by a JOP. Remember that vacation I took about a year ago to Acapulco? Well, that was the Honeymoon.”

“Does Chief Rupert know?” I asked with him saying, “No one knows except for all of you and of course Meg and I.”

Now Meg was in her early fifties, five foot seven inches tall and about one hundred and fifteen pounds with dark red hair and green eyes. She was the epitome of loveliness for an older lady. She was very feminine in her ways and I bet she made Gramps take notice of her.

Tim was really pissed at Gramps saying, “You deprived us of a grandmother not to mention depriving Lisa of a great grandmother. Grams please be around for all of us.”

“Look you can all be pissed at me but I had reasons to do it this way especially with my pension that the Chief just took care of for us. Hell I couldn’t even live with my wife but now I can and will live with her.” Gramps said getting all of our attention with Meg taking his hand saying, “Now we can be together and we can be more available to the family. Thank you for being so understanding.”

“Mom, you and Dad are always welcome here…”

“We have another surprise. We bought a house on this block and sold our condos. We’ll move in this week and we hired movers to move us. We want to be closer to you kids.” Meg said with Dad saying, “Wasn’t that pretty expensive. I mean this neighborhood is kinda upscale.”

“We got a good deal Son, but there is some work that has to be done. We were thinking about the guys from the Firehouses to help us.” Gramps said with Tim saying, “Oh hell yes they’ll help! You’re a legend in the department, what has to be done?”

Meg sighed saying, “The roof leaks and a few ceilings have collapsed from water damage. The electric needs to be updated and the kitchen is old. I told Ian not to buy the house but he didn’t listen.” Suddenly the entire family said, “That’s Gramps!”

“Okay dad, I’ll get some guys together for next week and do the roof, then the ceilings and lastly the kitchen and electric for Mom. Tim and Pete put the call out for help and remind the guys we help our own. Joyce, you make the meals for the guys, preferably barbeque. Have Ella do the shopping for the meals.” With that the building plans were made and the family became closer. Did Gramps learn a lesson? I certainly hope so!

Chapter Twenty

Things are still hectic for our family and Thanksgiving is over with the Christmas Holidays just beginning. The firehouses are all decorated and guess who wound up doing the judging? Yep it was me! Oh joy!

Gramps and Gram are happy that there Love Nest is finished they have a new roof, new electric service, new ceilings and the perfect kitchen with all of the appliances, as Gram puts it.

All the firehouses wrapped the presents for the kids and their families; a festive air is at them all. The presents were also wrapped for all the kids in the hospitals which will be delivered on Christmas Eve. They are already having parties for the poor of their neighborhoods and putting together food baskets. This is the season for giving and the merchants outdid themselves for their generosity after finding out what the Halloween Ball was for. All the Ladies in the Auxiliary were very busy picking up donations for our charities.

Our own Christmas tree is loaded with loot for everyone that we exchange gifts with. The weather has been colder and snow is in the forecast but we’re all ready for it. Dad and Gramps say they are ready for the snow so we’ll have to see. I just hope I don’t need to have a dog team and sled to get to work.

This year the entire family will be together for Christmas for the first time in years. Lisa picked out all of the presents she was going to give everyone and guess who helped her? Guess who paid? Yep on both counts! I just love the crowded malls and all the stores shopping for gifts!

Robbie made Captain and Brad made Lieutenant with Robbie and Brad getting a party by the Firehouse that Pete and I attended. Was it good? I’ll say it was, but Robbie is slated to a real busy Firehouse. Brad is taking over Robbie’s place on the engine. Both Betty and Anne were very proud of their men on their promotions.

The house was full on Christmas Eve with family and friends. Mom’s cookies were a hit that she and Lisa made earlier. We all exchanged presents, ate and enjoyed each others company. Morgana and Chessie made pests of themselves getting tidbits from everyone. Pete’s parents Bernice and Jason were in attendance that I haven’t seen for a while. By midnight everyone was gone and I relaxed knowing the next day would be busy.

The Town Crier, Lisa woke up the entire house at 7AM even waking Gram and Gramps along with Roxy and Tim that stayed overnight. By the time Pete and I got out of bed Grams, Roxy, and Mom were fixing breakfast.

Santa Claus had hit our house during the night and the stack of presents was a child’s delight. Lisa wanted to go attack the pile but she listened to Mom and Grams that said no until after breakfast. My little darling Lisa was a ball of energy.

We all finally ate and Lisa was off like a rocket to the presents under the tree. She didn’t touch anything as the Guys were reading the paper and we were all cleaning the kitchen while a little voice kept saying to us to hurry up.

At last we were finished with the cleanup and went into the Living room to join Lisa, where Mom distributed the presents to everyone. I had to admit we all made out real well with me getting more Jewelry from Pete, clothes from everyone including nightwear, and shoes. Now Lisa got everything from toys and games, a bike, to underwear, to dresses and slacks both for school and home use, nightwear and even shoes. The guys got everything from watches, to electronics, to tools, to clothes and Dad even got the Torque Wrench and Inverter for the car he had wanted from Mom. He was very happy with those gifts.

What did I give everyone? Laptops, cases and peripherals of course, which were all top of the line that could be used anywhere. Now Mom can keep her recipes on hers without going to the den to use mine. Lisa was too young for one but I replaced hers with a toy. Where did I buy them? I bought them from Juan that has a side business that built them and gave me a very good deal along with servicing them.

The guys cleaned up the wrappings, the women took the gifts to their rooms while I vacuumed the floor. Dad took out Lisa’s bike to the garage until the weather got better. We all got dressed for the day and the women started on the meal and talked, while the guys all watched TV with Lisa fixedly watching in the Living room. Dinner was served hours later Buffet style. I have to say things went fine but the day was too long for me and I couldn’t wait to be in my own bed once again with Pete.

After we all cleaned up after the meal, Gramps, Gram, Tim and Roxy left with leftovers for their own homes and leaving us. Lisa was asleep on the couch and Pete put her to bed while Mom and I got ready for our men. Did we make love? All I will say is my nightgown wasn’t on my body very long.

During the Holidays I took some much needed time off here and there from the job, as did my staff to be with their families. On those days I had off I spent with my family, lazed around the house, and of course played with my daughter.

Ella had returned to work and was pleasantly surprised the house was still standing, with it being clean, and her kitchen was in one piece.

On New Years Eve we all stayed home and celebrated the New Year our own way. Lisa went to bed early and just the adults were up. All I will say is Mom has a very loud mouth, okay so do I, after all I am here daughter.

On New Years all the women watched the parades as we cooked while the guys watched football on TV. Overall the day was laidback and sort of relaxing until we had to clean up the mess in the Living room. Gramps and Gram left early to visit friends after we ate. While we cleaned up I realized how close the date was for the wedding and I began to cry. Mom of course was on top of things even showing me the progress that she’d made until we went to bed.

I was lying in bed with Pete as we cuddled and I told him the progress that Mom had made. All he said Mom was doing a great job and he fell asleep on me. I was a bit miffed but then I realized how much running around we did with him doing all the driving, working and such. I calmed down, kissed him and went to sleep myself.

Soon it was back to work for me with the Holidays over I put in for my vacation time for our Honeymoon. I had a meeting with the Chief and he signed off on the request with us both silently praying that nothing would happen while I was gone.

Fortunately the month of January was fairly quiet for us, which was a rarity. Even the weather held out for warmer temperatures but I knew this was the lull before the storm.

Chapter Twenty-one

The beginning of the month we were busy and my Arson people were very busy themselves. They had a string of arsons, which possibly meant an Arson for Hire person on the loose because of the way the fires were set and all of the properties were old or abandoned in poor neighborhoods with very high amounts of insurance on them. My Chief Arson Investigator finally figured out the Modus Operandi and nailed the arsonist who in turn turned State’s Evidence on the landlords and closed the case.

Between the Wedding, my Period and the job, I was frazzled. I wished the day would come for the wedding. I was meaner than a poisonous snake in a burlap bag that was being shaken because of my monthly friend. I had meetings galore from my various departments for our budget which included personnel and equipment wish lists. Then as a sideline I had to visit the new departments we were assimilating into ours to see what they needed for personnel and equipment plus doing an inventory.

On the Friday before my wedding I decided to leave early. I finished all my reports and sent them on to the Chief. I called Dispatch and told them I was officially on vacation. I said goodbye to my staff and I went out a side door on the sneak going out to my SUV/CP.

In the SUV I made it home, parked and went into the house placing my purse on the table and seeing Roxy, Mom, Grams, Anne, Evelyn and Betty. I changed clothes but when I came down to the kitchen they were all in their coats with Roxy holding my coat for me. I figured it was better to appease them than tell them no.

We all piled into Mom’s mini van and left the house to a beauty salon she goes to. We were out of our coats and into chairs in nothing flat. I told my stylist all I wanted was a trim and my nails done. Two hours later my hair was in a bouffant, makeup applied, and nails on my hands and feet were done. Hot Damn, I looked good and so did everyone else.

Per my wishes I did not want a Hen Party having a Bridal Shower was enough for me. I actually found out how risqué and raunchy women can get particularly with a Male Stripper present for the occasion.

We watched several movies, mom picked up Lisa, and we ate pizza. We just pigged out until it was time for bed. Everyone left except Roxy that took a spare bedroom and she got Lisa ready for bed. I stripped off the makeup, undressed and was asleep as my head hit the pillow.

The morning came and at 7AM I was awake going downstairs to see that everyone was awake and breakfast was ready. It was then I realized the guys wouldn’t be coming home, as I was getting married today. My stomach turned over from the case of nerves I just had. I had a light breakfast of milk and a bagel with cream cheese with my stomach calming down.

We all went upstairs to take showers and got Lisa dressed in her flower girl dress, undies, and black patent Mary Janes telling her to go wait in the kitchen along with not getting dirty.

Roxy and Mom were dressed first with their dresses being made close to mine except in lilac and silver with lilac and silver pumps with a three inch silver heel.

Mom pulled out my trousseau adding a strapless corset with matching panties and my stockings were seamed white stockings embroidered with wedding bells. I was quickly in my delicates

I put on a robe and went downstairs to wait for the beauticians to arrive to do my hair and makeup. It was then Betty and Grams arrived and fawned all over Lisa with pictures being taken for before and after shots. The beauticians arrived and did all of our hair and makeup.

I was led upstairs after telling Lisa not to touch her face as she had blush and lipstick on. In the bedroom Roxy, Grams, Anne, Evelyn, Betty, and Mom helped me with the Wedding Gown that was delicate in lace and satin being off the shoulders, with wide bell sleeves in lace and appliqués being extremely detailed in silver thread. It has a full satin ballgown with embroidered and appliquéd English net in the front. It is beaded and sequined from top to bottom from the bust to the hem. It also has a Chapel length train in White/silver and a tiara petty coat to give it the right amount of fullness. The shoes I put out were almost had a four inch heel that was made of white satin, open toed and back, with straps that buckled at the ankle. I was now officially ready for the ceremonies after the beauticians attached my veil and tiara.

A white Lincoln stretch limousine arrived and we were escorted to the long car and helped into it. I couldn’t help but notice that many of the neighbors were watching us, as we climbed into the heated car.

We arrived about ten minutes later at a large church, taken inside to a side room, were I was checked over again. I was very nervous even though we had rehearsals and all. At least the minister was the Fire Chaplain that I got to know working on the job.

Dad came into the room and asked me if I was ready and all I could do was nod my head yes as I was very nervous. I noticed he was wearing his dress uniform. Suddenly the Wedding March started and I took his arm out to the foyer we walked to and then down the aisle. It was then I noticed the sea of blue uniforms as this had turned in a firefighter’s wedding just like my dream.

Pete waited for me in front of the chaplain and soon I was with him as my Dad gave me to him. I don’t remember much. particularly the questions but I did answer them all.

It didn’t dawn on me that I was married until we were introduced to those congregated as Mr. and Mrs., Peter Wallace-MacDonald and left the church.

When made our way out of the church and into an honor guard armed with fire axes of fire fighters commanded by Captain Williams that called the firefighters to attention and crossed fire axes forming an arch. Out in the street an Engine and Rescue Truck was adorned in gala wedding bells and streamers. I was so happy I nearly cried!

When we walked through the arch Captain Williams winked at us and uncrossed the Arch with the firefighters still standing at attention to the delight of those that were in the church and all the photographers.

While we spoke to the people I then noticed all the Press had come to cover my wedding with even inviting them to the reception as a reward for acting human.

Lisa, Pete and I got into the Limo with our escorts and had a photo session with the Bridal Party along with our parents. Then we all went home for a few hours, and then we would go to where the reception would be held. By the time we all had relaxed, it was time to leave for the reception.

To be honest with you I could have foregone the reception and just taken Pete to my bed and rocked his world but we had to make an appearance.

We all took our own vehicles to the reception that was held at the Starlight Ballroom and it was ready for us. All of the glass was repaired and the structure was sound that I noticed, as we formed a reception line to greet our guests. The food was by a well known local caterer and it was Buffet style. There were also two bars set up and they were always full of people getting watered. I was amazed, but the DJ we had for the Ball was also there spinning his records to the requests of the people. We all danced, we ate, they drank and we had a good time overall that was when I found out the Ladies Auxiliary did much of the planning for us on our day.

Near the end of the evening Mom and Dad took Lisa while Pete and I made our escape. I had change into a traveling suit in winter white and we left for the Honeymoon suite that was rented for us for a three day weekend.

We left for the hotel passing the beginnings of the new Convention Center being built. I briefly thought about the sorrow and damage we had seen bringing tears to my eyes. Pete saw me and collected the tears with a finger and kissed me at a traffic light were we were stopped.

We arrived at the hotel, checked in and were taken to our suite were our luggage awaited us. Pete ordered a bottle of wine, while I changed into my Lingerie. All I will say is that the diaphanous gown I wore sure wasn’t on my body long, along with any clothes I wore until we left the hotel.

Arriving home after the brief Honeymoon after an extended stay, Mom was busy writing out the Thank You notes along with Betty and Roxy. Lisa was getting ready for our court appearance as was everyone.

Pete and I got dressed for the appearance with me in a gray pinstriped skirt suit, gray pantyhose with matching open toed pumps with a three inch heel and him in a gray suit, red tie and long sleeved white shirt.

After getting dressed I went to Lisa’s room seeing her in a light blue flowery and laced frilly dress with white tights and black patent Mary Janes. I helped her with her hair and declared her ready which pleased her. Pete had just stepped into her room and whistled making Lisa feel good and asking if we were ready to go.

In forty minutes we were in the Courtroom and the Judge came out with our case being called first, the Judge looked us over and said, “Mr. MacDonald you’ve petitioned the court to adopt the minor child Lisa Paula Wallace is that correct?”

“Yes Your Honor, my wife and I wish to give Lisa our family names, we love her so much.”

“How about you, Lisa do you want Peter to be your new Daddy?”

“Yes Judge, I want a Daddy too!”

“I’ve looked over the Petition and see you’re both firefighters but can you both give the child what she needs and that’s love and a home?

“Lisa is never unsupervised between my parents and grandparents as well as us. She attends school and is doing well with us both loving her very much as do all the family.” I said with the Judge decreeing that the adoption was finalized and Pete now had a daughter legally that he adores.

Epilogue:

After both Pete and I had been married for ten years we still work together and love each other dearly. We had both two sons and two daughters with us together sharing in their births and with Lisa being the older sister. She loves them all!

Mom and Dad are close to retirement and talking about moving to Florida but our kids don’t want them to go. Dad and Mom, as a surprise on my first pregnancy made the entire house larger with more bedrooms and more space but I also had a hand in the house plans as I wanted our pool to remain and is now indoors. Oh, I just love the Jacuzzi after work!

Gramps and Gram are still in love with Grams learning how to play Golf and they play all the time with her mostly beating him. They both spend quite a bit of time with their Great Grandchildren taking them all out and doing things that we all like to do.

Lisa is in High School and has decided to follow in the families footsteps and become a firefighter like the rest of us instead of being a Florist. On the advice of the attorney we sold the business to the manager. Lisa has been on many dates and is quite popular and is gorgeous.

Tim and Roxy have been married almost as long as we have and have both a boy and a girl. Tim is now a Captain at Firehouse 1 and loves the job besides being a great father and uncle. Roxy has joined the Auxiliary and does her share in the organization as well as being the mother of two and an aunt to all my kids. They also reside in a house right across the street from me so we get to see them a lot.

Robbie and Betty are still married with three kids of their own and Robbie being a Battalion Chief. He’s been quite busy and all the kids play with each other.

Looking back over the years I and Pete remember the oath we took and still believe in our Creed to protect all!

Notes:

Pete MacDonald, Lt. then Capt. /Boyfriend of Paula, parents are Bernice and Jason

Lieutenant/Captain Robert (Robbie) O'Shea, wife is Betty

Mike Farrell, Engineer Firefighter

Anne Morgan, crew and Paramedic in Training

Brad O'Connell, crew and Paramedic/ Lieutenant

Paul/Paula Wallace/Lisa daughter/ Chief Three

Roxanne Fennelly, best friend

Doctor Bayer Family Doctor

Doctor Sims Psychiatrist

Ella, Housekeeper

Chief Rupert

Ben and Joyce Wallace Parents of Tim and Paula

Grandpa Ian Wallace

Evelyn Prossit/Secretary

Juan Perez/ Director of IT

Carlson Chalmers/ lead IT person

Captain Williams/ firehouse 1

Brian Vickers/ Councilman

Morgana and Chessie/Kittens

Meg Andrews/ Gramps girlfriend - wife

Camille Sprout/ babysitter

Chrissie Baumgartner / news reporter