Craig’s Secret

By Chet's Pet

PROLOGUE

Craig Brice was a Los Angeles paramedic who worked very hard to keep things in their proper order. Due to this, he had garnered the reputation of “The Perfect Paramedic” and “The Walking Rulebook.” He even used last names, because he thought it was more professional and less cumbersome in a real emergency.

What Craig Brice never realized was that he, in his sincere intentions to do right, was alienating almost everyone around him. Most of the other paramedics did not want to work with him, even so much as begging their partners to never get hurt or sick. Some even went so far as to arrange vacations together just to avoid him.

Not that he wasn’t a good paramedic, but… Even Dr. Brackett, the head of the paramedic program, knew there was a problem. Roy De Soto, one of the first and best paramedics of Los Angeles County, had attempted a few times to explain the problem to Craig, but he just refused to listen. Roy felt there was more going on than Craig admitted to. It was almost like he was afraid to get friendly and personal with his brothers.

Even Bellingham, his partner, felt alienated and tried, tirelessly, but vainly to bring him out of his shell.

CHAPTER ONE

Things were quite normal in Los Angeles and this suited Craig Brice just fine. He hated anything that was abnormal or out of the ordinary. He became very nervous when things were not as they should be. And being a paramedic, for some reason, helped him keep his nerves in check.

His partner, Bob, “the Animal” Bellingham was just the opposite and felt it his personal duty to try to get Brice to open up and relax a little. After all, according to Bellingham life was just too damn short to not enjoy every moment to the fullest.

He and Chet Kelly, known as the Phantom of 51s, were good friends and they both agreed, they each had their specified ‘people’ to work on. Chet’s was John Gage, the younger paramedic of 51s and Bob’s was his partner at 16s, Craig Brice. Even Chet agreed that Bob had the harder job. John was fun and a good sport who usually gave as good as he got, whereas Craig was hard assed and straight edged.

The shift was busy, but not too bad. Craig and Bob were glad of this as they were both starting their vacations tomorrow. Bob was very excited and continually talking about the trip to New York City he and Chet Kelly were going on, while no one knew what Craig Brice’s vacation plans were, except him and his captain. He always told his captain his off duty plans in case of an emergency, just like regulations said to do.

Only Captain Jones knew that Craig Brice was not going away for his ten-day vacation, but entertaining out of town company. Out of town company that was already here and he was none too happy about it. Not at all!

CHAPTER TWO

Suddenly the klaxons sounded: “Squad 16, Possible heart attack at the Old Town Mall, by the food court. Time out 18:35”

Captain Johnson acknowledged, “10-4, Squad 16 responding. KMG 345.” And he handed the printout to Bob who directed his partner.

Arriving at site, they found a crowd near the Taco Bell. Pushing through, they found a middle-aged man grabbing his throat and trying to breathe.

Realizing the man was choking, Brice went behind him and did the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged the rather small piece of nacho, causing the man to start coughing.

After checking him out and convincing him to go to Rampart just to be checked out, they returned to headquarters.

Driving back, Bob said, “Man, Craig, am I glad that was a short one. There’s a Dodger game I want to see tonight. They are playing the Mets and I have a bet with Kelly. If I win, we will go see the Bronx Zoo first. If he wins, we have to visit Greenwich Village first. He claims there are a few joke shops he wants to see.”

“Why can’t he and Gage get along? Even when Kelly is on vacation, he is thinking of ways to get the poor guy.”

“You don’t get it, Craig. They are friends, God even maybe best friends. It’s just a game they play. It’s like me trying to get you to loosen up a little. It’s our life goal, that’s all.”

Backing the squad back into the bay, Craig got out without saying anything. He would never figure his partner out. He knew there was nothing wrong with him.

As the others were watching the game, Craig had decided to do some reading.

Suddenly the phone rang and it was for Craig. Bob called his partner who answered it in the dorm room.

“Hello, Brice here.”

“Hiya Craigi. Why so formal? It’s me your mama. I was just acallin ya to see when y’ll be home? We was wonderin’ if we could all go to a fancy eatin place for breakfast. Your granddaddy is all excited just thinkin’ on it. What do you say, son?”

“Mama, I don’t know. I’m usually pretty tired when I get home and just grab a quick coffee and go to bed for a bit. Please can’t we do it the next day?”

“Well..I guess so. But what are we gonna do tomorrow? It is the first day of your vacation, and you did promise us a tour of this big ole city. It shore is diffrent than Horseshoe Creek, Arkansas.”

“Yeah, I know mama. When I’ve rested a bit tomorrow, we’ll do something I promise. How are daddy, Jojo, Daisy and granny doing?”

“Oh, they are all ok. Jojo and Daisy are down at that arcade you showed us yesterday and daddy and Granpa are watching the TV. Granny and I are doing some darnin’ for you. Did you know some of your undies needed darnin’? Well, they’ll be good as new now.”

Becoming frustrated with his mother’s country ways, Craig said, slipping slightly into his native accent, “Mama, I tole you, you don’t have to go and do that. The stores are closer than back home and I make good money to buy stuff. In fack, I wantta take all of you shopping and get you some nice new things. Daisy is gettin’ to be a fine young girl and needs some pretty clothes and dresses.”

Suddenly Craig realized what he had just said and looked around embarrassed and scared. He really wanted to keep his ‘hillbilly past’ a secret.

“Craigi, you there, honey?”

“Yeah, mama I’m here. Listen, please don’t do anymore fixin’ up of my clothes, ok? Tomorrow I want to take you all shopping and get you all some fancy new clothes ok?”

“Ok, son, that sounds good. What time can we speck you home?”

“Around 7:30 mama. See ya then. I love you.”

“I know and I love you and am very proud of my big city boy. See you tomorrow.” And she hung up.

Craig furtively looked around and was glad noone heard him. He dearly loved his family, but…. Why did they have to be SO hillbilly!? Instantly ashamed of himself, he quickly went into the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee.

“Hey, Brice, who was that? She had a really country voice?”

“Oh, just a friend who is up visiting for a few days. She lives in Arkansas.”

“Oh.” And realizing Brice was not going to elaborate, Animal continued regaling his shift mates with tales of what he and Chet had planned to do in NYC.

“Chet knows this guy who knows this guy who knows the bouncer to Studio 54 and he said that we should be able to get in. That’ll be fantastic! Everyone goes there and the fun is never ending. And the ladies are ready, able and willing!”

Most of the guys snickered and laughed at this, for they knew Chet Kelly. Even Craig laughed. Tim, the engineer, said, “Well, Bob, knowing Chet, who is my cousin after all, like I do, don’t be too shocked if the place you visit isn’t the back alley of Studio 54.”

Everyone laughed, including Bob, at that. “Yeah, yeah, I know, but I know we’ll still have fun no matter what we do.”

CHAPTER THREE

The rest of the shift was quiet for Brice and Bellingham, with only two more runs for them while the engine had a rather busy night.

Brice woke up earlier than any of his shift mates, as usual, and got busy preparing breakfast. For some reason, Craig had always been a very light sleeper and woke before anyone else most of the time. His mama used to have a saying, but he cringed just thinking of that hillbilly saying. He hoped none of his shift mates ever got wind of it.

He usually made breakfast for his crew and sometimes even when he was doing overtime at other stations. But most of those times, he made only coffee, knowing most of the guys wanted to get home. Especially the crazy crew of 51A shift.

Suddenly the klaxons sounded and he jumped, but relaxed when he realized it was only the wake up tones for all the stations.

His crewmates sauntered in and most were in good moods, seeing as most of them were beginning a three-day weekend, while Brice and Bellingham were beginning a ten-day vacation.

After a quiet breakfast, the men began preparing to go home, while the B shift crew came in. After giving report to his relief, Brice went in to take a quick shower and get ready to go home.

Leaving at the same time, Bob decided to talk with Craig a bit.

“Well, Craigi, {Never noticing Craig’s cringe}, what are your big plans? You won’t have me to bug you for ten whole days. Will you survive without me?” And he laughed.

“Very easily, Bellingham, very easily and happily, I might add. I really do hope you and Chet enjoy yourselves in New York City. But be careful, you know how dangerous the City can be.”

“WHY, Craig! I didn’t know you cared. But seriously, thanks for the good wishes. Yeah, I know, New York City can be a tough place, but remember pal, I was stationed at Fort Hamilton so I am a little familiar with the city, but not as well as Chet claims to be.”

As they were talking, they saw an old station wagon pull in and realized it was Chet’s. He was hitting the horn constantly and when he finally stopped, he yelled, “ANIMAL! Help me. I….” and he suddenly opened the car door and proceeded to vomit, all the while holding his stomach and crying in severe pain.

Realizing this was a Code I, Brice yelled, “Hey, Mitchell, Thompson, get the equipment out here stat, we have a code I. Can someone call it in?”

Running over to the very pale fireman, Craig asked, “Kelly? What happened?”

Trying to sit up, but only causing severe pain, he stayed hunched over grabbing his abdomen.

“I..I don’t know, Brice. This started about two days ago, right after we ate a quick lunch at that big warehouse fire, remember? Well, I got sick within twenty minutes and the cap had Gage and DeSoto check me out. The docs said I probably had a bit of food poisoning, but, ooh, ow, this seems to be getting worse instead of better.

“By 6pm, I was so weak and had vomited so much that the captain sent me home, with Marco driving me. I took a couple of Tylenol and felt a bit better. I lay down and woke up about 2am full of sweat and in so much pain I couldn’t stand it.

“Then suddenly I felt a pop, one sharp pain and it was gone. I was so exhausted and relieved I guess I fell back asleep. That was two days ago, guys!! I must’ve passed out; cause when I woke up and in this pain it was 7am today! What is wrong with me? AAGH”

Thompson had relayed this to Rampart, while the other three, knowing what was wrong and very concerned, laid the very distraught fireman on the ground. As soon as Chet laid down, the pain magnified greatly and he bent his legs up, relieving it somewhat.

“Chet? I have to ask you a few questions, ok?”

“Yeah, Brice, sure.”

“Have you taken your temperature recently?”

“No, no thermometer at home, but I am burning up, I know it.”

“Ok, when was the last time you ate? Are you constipated? Have you ever had your appendix out?”

Chet stared incredulously at Brice, {constipated? MAN}. “Well, the last time I remember eating was at the warehouse, I haven’t even wanted to look at food and no never had appendix before. And YES I am constipated, not that it is any of your damn business! Man, what a lousy thing to ask someone who is dyin’.

“Sorry about the trip, Animal, guess you’ll be going alone.”

“Don’t worry about it, Chet. And Brice had to ask that, it is one of the main symptoms of appendicitis, pal. And I think yours may just have ruptured, which is why the pain is so bad.

“Chet, man, why’d you wait so long?”

“Didn’t want to bother you.”

“Yeah, yeah, but if you didn’t want to call me, what about Gage and DeSoto? They were off duty like you.”

“I know, but they are both on vacation, too. Gage is off in Baja Mexico with some friends and DeSoto went to visit some relatives in Scotland or Ireland or somewhere.”

“Ok, but man, why didn’t you call 911?”

Now really upset and crying, Chet said, “Man I don’t know. Like I said, I think I passed out or something.”

Craig manned the Biophone, while Mitchell and Thompson, being on duty, did the actual care and Bellingham calmed Chet down.

“Rampart, this is Squad 16 calling in a Code I from our base. Come in Rampart.”

Dixie heard the call and answered it anxiously. She always became very nervous whenever she heard a Code I, especially if it was a certain station with a certain tall dark paramedic and a short stocky fireman there.

“Go ahead, 16”

“Rampart, we have a 27 year old male in acute abdominal distress lasting over 48 hours. Patient says it started after eating hot dogs from a street vendor at a fire, but also says the pain is in right lower quadrant. Stand by for vital signs, Rampart.”

By this time, Dr. Morton had taken over, “Standing by, 16. Has patient had his appendix removed?”

“Negative, Rampart. I suspect a ruptured appendix with resulting peritonitis.”

Mitchell called the vital signs over and Brice repeated them, “Rampart, vitals are BP 145/72, pulse is 135 and bounding, respirations 35 and panting, temperature is 104⁰ orally. Skin is clammy and there is rebound tenderness generally over the abdominal area. Patient has vomited twice. Reporting no BM, no appetite two days.”

“OK, 16, start IV with Ringers at 100cc/hr for rehydration and transport stat. Is the ambulance there?”

“Affirmative, patient being transported as we speak.”

“Ok, 16, Ms. McCall is asking who is the patient.”

“Patient is Chet Kelly, an off duty fireman from Station 51, Rampart.”

As they got their stuff together, Animal was telling Chet, “OK, Chet, I’ll meet you at the hospital. Want me to call your mom or anyone?”

“Yeah, call mom but tell her not to worry. Ok? Thanks Craig, Thanks Bob.” And he went to the hospital.

Craig walked over to his partner, “Bob? Want me to come with you? Is there anything I can do?”

Realizing how close he and Brice really are, Bob knew he didn’t have to say thanks but he did anyway, “No, Craig. Hey, Craig?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for being here. It really meant a lot to me to have you here. Whether you admit or not, we are not only partners, but friends, too and you proved it today.

“But, no, it’s ok, I know you have company. Go ahead home. I’ll call you later and let you know how the phantom is. I only wish I could get in touch with John Gage. Oh, well. I’m sure you know I am not going to NYC now, it wouldn’t be any fun alone.”

“Yes, I figured as much, Bob. You don’t have to thank me, that’s what partners and friends do for each other.

“Ok, if you are sure you are ok, I had better get going then. Definitely let me know what is going on. Wish Chet good luck for me. See you later.”

Both men went to their cars and Craig drove home while Bob went to the hospital.

CHAPTER FOUR

When Craig arrived home, he saw his mother and father waiting outside of his apartment, looking anxiously around.

As soon as Craig got out of his car, his father yelled, “CRAIG! Son, you ok? You said you’d be home by 7:30 and it is nearly 9:30. What happened?”

Craig furtively looked around and saw a few of his neighbors checking out what all the yelling was about. He could see they were quite shocked to hear it coming from his balcony. He felt so embarrassed, he’d always tried to be quiet and keep to himself.

Not acknowledging his parents, he went straight upstairs and then spoke.

“Mama, daddy, please don’t holler like that. This isn’t like home. People frown on that here. Ok?

“I’m sorry I was late, but we had an emergency as we were going off duty.”

“Well, dang it, son, why couldn’t the other boys do it. It was their time now!”

Looking at his grandfather and smiling, he answered, “Well, grandaddy, not really, you see, it was a friend of my partner’s and he asked for me to help him."

"Oh, tha's diffrent then. Is he ok?"

"Yeah, he'll be ok now.

"Listen, I'm a little tired, let me rest a bit and then around 1pm, I'll take you all to a nice restaurant for lunch and then we can do a bit of shopping.

"How'd you like that, Daisy? It'll give you a chance to get some real nice fancy clothes. Ok?"

Daisy ran up and hugged her oldest brother and said, "Oh, Craigi, tha's wonderful. I'll show all my friends and maybe then Tommy Jordan will finally notice me and ask to me the prom."

Everyone laughed and Craig smiled. "Ok, sis, you'll have to tell me all about this Tommy guy later but let me get {Yawn} some sleep now, ok?"

Everyone agreed and Craig went into his room and rested for a bit.

About 12:30 he woke up and decided to check on how Chet was doing. He called the hospital and spoke with Dixie who told him that Chet was out of surgery and did indeed have a peritonitis from the ruptured appendix. He also had a slight pneumonia, but was out of danger. He would be in the hospital about 5-6 days.

Finding out Bob had left; he called his partner at home.

"Bob?"

"Craig? Nice of you to call. Chet's gonna be ok, thank God. But being that he waited so long, not only does he have peritonitis but he has pneumonia, too. He'll be laid up about 5-6 days, but that's better than it could have been."

'Yes, Bob, I know. I just got finished speaking with Ms. McCall and I am very glad to hear that. How are his family taking it?"

"Pretty well, his mom was a bit upset but feels better now. "

"That's great.

"So what are your plans now for the rest of your vacation?"

"That's a good one, Craig. I really have no idea. I haven't even called the travel agent to see if any of the money could be refunded.

"And so I have no idea, guess just hang around, visit Kelly, who'll be staying with me while he recuperates, and that's about it. Why?"

"Well, Bob, I don't know. Maybe we could get together once or twice for lunch or a few drinks or something."

Bob held the phone away for a second and stared at it, thinking to himself {Is this Craig Brice I'm talking with?}, finally responded, "Yeah, yeah, sounds good. Are you sure you want to? I mean you act like you only tolerate me when we are on duty. Plus don't you have out of town company?"

"Yeah, but they are family and believe me, I will need to get away from them for while.

"How about if I call you in 1-2 days?"

"Ok, sounds good, Craig. Talk to you then. Bye." and he hung up, still slightly amazed that Craig had been so friendly.

CHAPTER FIVE

Craig hung up the phone, having no idea of how much he had confused his partner. He just knew he would need a respite from his family at least once while on vacation. He really didn't have too many friends here in Los Angeles and he considered Bob to be one of them. He knew only Captain Jones was aware that Craig had only lived in Los Angeles two years. Everyone else seemed to assume he was born here.

Returning to his family, he smiled and said, "Ok, is everyone ready for lunch? Grandaddy, I know of a nice place I think you'll really enjoy."

His grandfather smiled and answered, "Well, son, if you picked it, I'm sure gonna like it. Let's get goin."

So they all got into Craig's car and went to lunch at a buffet, where everyone ate their fill and then some.

"WOOHEE, Craigi. That was SOME meal. Can't remember when I saw Daisy eat so much. Good to see you have still have a good appetite too, son. What did you call this fancy eatin' place, a bouquet?"

Laughing and surprisingly relaxed, Craig answered, "No, daddy, not bouquet, buffet. It's a smorgasbord but the French word for it."

Jojo said, "Craig, do you think I could go get some ice cream? I really liked it alot."

"Of course, Jo, you can go get whatever you want. It's already paid for, and there is no limit on what you get."

His grandfather then stood up and said, "Well, doggie, then I'm gonna go get me some more fixins."

Jojo came back with ice cream, pudding and some fruit, while his grandfather returned with a whole roast beef, with the waiter running behind him, yelling, "Sir, please, sir come back with that!"

Craig was so embarrassed, "GRANDADDY! What are YOU doing?"

"Well, you said it was paid for and we could take as much as we wanted and I figured you all would like some more roast beef. It's cooked just the way we all like it, Craigi."

The manager came over and said, very haughtily, "Sir, I will have to ask for my meat back and request that you 'people' leave my establishment NOW and never grace us with your foul presence again. GOOD DAY, ladies and gentlemen."

Craig just wanted the floor to open up and swallow him after that. He hustled his hick family back to the car and got in, slamming the door in his anger.

As soon as Craig put the car in gear, Daisy said, pouting, "I guess this means no shopping huh? Craigi?"

Never being able to say no to his little sister or brother, he said, "No, Daisy, I'm still taking us all shopping. But PLEASE Grandaddy; don't do anything else to embarrass me, ok? I beg you, all of you."

His grandfather just crossed his arms, realizing that Craig Brice was no longer from 'his world' but was now a big city boy who was ashamed of his 'hillbilly' family.

"No, Craig, I promise I won't do anything to embarrass you. I'm sorry I did in the buffet."

Craig, unaware of how he had inadvertently hurt his grandfather and his whole family felt better and said, "I know, Granddaddy. I guess I didn't make myself perfectly clear.

"But let's put that behind us and have a great time now, ok?"

The whole family nodded affirmatively and Craig took them to the Old Towne Mall, figuring they would like it.

He also showed them some of the sites of Los Angeles County.

CHAPTER SIX

Three days later, they were again having an enjoyable time at the mall and had decided to take a break and gathered around the food court, with various treats.

Suddenly Craig heard his name and looked up and saw Bob Bellingham and Chet Kelly, in a wheelchair, coming over to him.

"Hey, Craig, hi."

"Hi Bob, Chet. What are you doing here, Chet? Weren't you supposed to be in the hospital at least two more days?"

"Yeah, I was but became a pain in the rear, so Doc. Brackett kicked me out, with the stipulation that I stay with Animal here as my nursemaid. Right, Bob?"

"Yeah, sure Kelly.

"But Craig, who are these people? Your out of town company?" And Bob pushed Chet near the table and pulled a chair over for himself.

"Yeah, guys, this is my mother, father, sister Daisy and brother Jojo, grandmother and grandfather.

"Folks, this is Bob Bellingham, my partner, and Chet Kelly a fellow fireman."

Mrs. Brice smiled at the men and said, "My, my Chet. Did you get hurt in a fire?"

"No, ma'm, I had an appendix burst on me and had to have an operation. But I'm on vacation and will be able to return to work after my vacation fit as a fiddle." And Chet gave his most winning smile to Craig's mom, all the while eyeing Daisy, who was a beautiful young girl with shoulder length blonde hair, blue eyes and a smile to light up the city.

Chet couldn't help staring at her. Finally Craig saw this and said, "So what are you guys doing here?"

"We just decided to do a little shopping." Bob answered.

"HEY, Son! What are you doin' starin' at my granddaughter like that? Why, she's only 20, kinda young for you don't ya think!?"

Chet, shocked, after all he is only 27 years old, stammered, "I, I think she's the prettiest girl I ever saw."

Daisy blushed at this and Craig coughed in shock. He couldn't believe this day was happening. Could it get any worse!? That would be all he'd need, Chet Kelly as his brother in law!

Jojo got up and came over, with his hand in a fist ready to hit Chet, saying, "If you even go near my sister, I'll bust ya in the nose, wheelchair or not. You leave her alone, ya hear? She don't need some big city feller fillin' her head with crazy notions about leavin' home like Craig here did.

"Craig, sorry because momma tole me never to tell ya, but she just about died when you left Horseshoe Creek and I don't want her cryin like that ever again."

Daisy stood up, angry now, "JOJO! Stop and sit down.

"Mr. Kelly, Chet, thank ye kindly for your thoughts and all, but I am spoken for by a boy back home and I love him."

Chet was amazed, as were Craig and Bellingham. Suddenly Bob laughed and said, "This is a joke right? Craig, these are people you hired to tease us, right?"

"No, Bob, this is really my family and I am originally from Horseshoe Creek, Arkansas. I came to LA two years ago."

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Chet said,
"Look, Mr. Brice and everyone, I'm very sorry if my actions in any way led you good people to believe I was hitting on Daisy. I wasn't really, just admiring how beautiful she is. Sorry Daisy."

Daisy blushed and came over and after giving Chet a peck on the cheek, said, "That's ok, Chet. I'm sorry we all got the wrong idea. We just aren't used to city folks ways yet."

Things relaxed and Mrs. Brice said, "So, animal?" "No ma'm that is just a nickname, my real name is Bob." "Ok, Bob. I bet Craig is the best para..para..one around huh?"

"Paramedic, ma'm. Well, one of the best any way. I am very lucky to be working with him. He keeps me on the correct path and is calm in every emergency."

Bob looked at his partner and saw he was uncomfortable, but not completely sure why. These people seemed really nice. Man, they even liked Chet right away, even after he put his foot in his mouth, as usual.

"Now, boys, hows about you comin' to Craig’s tonight for a nice country supper. I'll fix some nice fried chicken, dumplins', and homemade apple pie. Think you'd like that?

"I know Craig must miss his momma's cookin', huh, son?"

Craig smiled sheepishly at his mom, whom he loved more than anyone knew, and knew he could not back out.

"Ok, mom. What do you say, Chet? Bob? Come on it'll be nice."

"Yes, and you boys can tell us all about Craigi's adventures here in the big city, while we share some of our down home stories about him." And his father smiled proudly at his son.

Both Chet and Bob agreed and left, agreeing to be at Craig's by 6pm.

As they left, Bob said, "Hey, Chet, this should prove interesting tonight, huh? May even give me some ammunition to use on the Walking Rule Book, what do you think?"

Chet agreed, saying, "Never know, Animal, but seriously you wouldn't do anything to hurt his feelings, would you?"

"Of course not, you know me better than that." And he helped Chet into the car and they drove to the apartment.

CHAPTER SEVEN

That night at dinner, everything was going, to Craig Brice's surprise, amazingly smooth. So far, neither his family nor his 'brothers' had really embarrassed him too much. But he knew the night was young and he was still worried.

His folks started reminiscing about how Craig was always a very light sleeper and his mother said, "Bob? Is Craig still the first one up?"

"Yes, ma'm he is. And he usually has breakfast ready for us, too."

Chuckling, his grandmother said, "Now, Craigi, that sounds just like you. You know, boys, even when he was a little tyke he was up with the roosters. He was such a light sleeper, ants marching in the next county could wake him up, I always said. Didn't I, pappy?"

His family and friends laughed at this, but Craig could see that Bellingham knew he had ammunition with which to tease him. He dreaded going to work in six days, knowing what he would be subject to.

"I can just hear and see it now," he thought.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The rest of Craig's vacation went smoothly; with his family finding out they really did like Los Angeles, but knew they were more comfortable in their own small part of the world, even if Craig wasn't.

Finally the day came for them to leave. Craig drove them to the train station and waited until the train was out of sight before leaving.

It was odd, he felt empty now that they were really gone. When they first arrived, he was filled with dread that he would regret allowing them to come. But he really did enjoy being with his family, and really couldn't wait for Thanksgiving when he would be visiting them back home. He really did miss his family and old friends.

Even though, Craig knew he never fit in with the 'country' he knew he had some really good friends there. Oh, he had one or two here in Los Angeles, but not like in good ole' Horseshoe Creek. He was really proud of his hometown, more than he thought he ever would be.

Realizing he only had one more day of vacation and that it was only 10am on Saturday, he decided to do a little skiing in Northern California.

Instead of going home for his own equipment, he drove right out and hired what he needed there.

The weekend was fun and relaxing. He arrived home at 9pm Sunday night, called his folks to make sure they got home ok, and made an early night of it, so he could arrive at work bright and early on Monday. He'd completely forgotten his dread of having Bob tease him about his family and their ways.

Bob and he were checking over their supplies when the tones sounded for the station to respond to a fire along with Station 51S.

At the scene, Brice saw that Chet was indeed back on duty, as were Gage and DeSoto, but none had time to socialize as there were quite a few injuries and smoke inhalation victims to care for.

All four paramedics met at the base station afterwards and Johnny said, "Hey, Animal, Brice, Thanks for taking care of Chet for us. He told us what you did."

"Did he also tell you he never called 911 because he didn't want to bother anyone? Man, his stubbornness could have cost him his life."

"Yes, Brice I did. Johnny here can tell you that he claimed he was too weak, but I countered and said if you could drive you could've called 911. I also let him know that his driving not only endangered him but others too. He said he never realized, as per usual with Kelly."

Bob laughed and said, "Well, you know, Chet, the original stubborn Irishman. Just thank God, he is ok now. You NEVER want him as a patient and roommate though I'll tell ya." And as they were laughing, the tones for Squad 51 went off.

Waving to their mates, John and Roy ran off.

Craig and Bob returned to quarters and each began talking about their vacations. Everyone sympathized with Bob, because they knew what had happened.

"Oh, it wasn't too bad. Chet and I did some things around town and we even got to meet Craig's family at the mall. They are very nice, down to earth people, right Craig?"

Craig just nodded, dreading what was to come. He just knew Bellingham was going to tease him mercifully and, finally losing patience, he said, "OK, Bellingham, out with it!"

"Out with what?"

"Oh, come on! You know you are dying to tease me about my hillbilly family!!"

"No, Craig, I'm not. Really! Oh, I was going to, man, I had it all planned in my head, but then I saw how nice they really were and how much you love them, and I just can't.

"Although I must say, I do agree with your grandmother, though. She did say that you are a light sleeper. What was it she said? Oh, yeah, he was such a light sleeper, bees buzzing in the next county could wake him up."

Everyone laughed at this and agreed.

Craig just stared and said, "If you are gonna tease me, Animal, at least GET IT RIGHT! It's he was such a light sleeper, ants marching in the next county could wake him up."

Craig suddenly blanched, realizing he just made himself the butt of the joke and said, "BELLINGHAM!! You had this all planned didn't you?!"

Bob didn't answer, but smiled an evil smile, knowing that Craig Brice was finally beginning to show his human side with his crewmates of Station 16 B Shift.

The End