Saved By The Firefighter
Chapter 53

Kathline's Point of View.

I feel my shoulders relax as I let out a long breath, reminding myself to breath. It has been more than a little stressful since Andy was caught in that fire; his nightmares keep me up all night. My poor boy is struggling, and I feel helpless. Thank God for Davey; he has been totally amazing since bringing my boy out of those flames and back to me, always there to help with the heavy lifting, making sure both Andy and I have everything we need, when we need it. I know I had doubted his intentions before, with the look of annoyance he had when Andy had disturbed us, but I have no doubts now. Davey is in this for the long haul, making sure Andy comes first in everything. Which makes me feel terrible considering my current thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change anything, and I don't mind being sleep deprived, my boy is here. That said, I cannot deny I am desperate for a break, to get some sleep, to have just ten minutes to myself. I know that sounds selfish, but honestly, I am physically and emotionally drained. If I am honest, I never thought I would say these words, but I am grateful that John, the Usain Bolt of the northeast, was going to step up and be a father for once and give me two nights off. Although I would bet my last pound after one night of Andy's haunted dreams, he will call me and tell me that my little man needs to come home, with some excuse or other.

When Davey got the text from his Station Officer to go into work, I could have cried. I didn't obviously, but I honestly just felt like I could not deal with the extra worry of him dealing with fires today. I know, that is my problem to deal with, so I just told him to take care, offered a soft smile and responded to his sweet kiss, he does not need to know how fragile I am feeling right now. I feel terrible for being so needy, after all, things could have been so much worse. "MAM, my leg is itchy!" Andy cries, big tears spouting from his eyes.

I turn to him with a smile, knowing there is nothing I can do about that, searching for the words to tell him that it will pass, whilst understanding that it is probably going to be itching inside his cast for a long time to come.

"I know sweetheart. I am sorry you are going through this. Let's put your tablet on and see if we can distract you mind," I tell him, handing him the tablet and turning it on to Kids YouTube.

"It won't work," He cries out again.

"We don't know unless you try. The itching means your ankle is getting better, try to be positive darling," I tell him, again another small white lie, the itching is purely from the cast.

Yesterday had been a good day at the fire station Family Fun Day. Andy had loved every minute of it, getting out, enjoying himself, and the attention he got off everyone. We were going to take him to the museum and winter gardens today, to help keep him distracted from the pain and constant itching, but obviously that had to be put on the back burner because Davey was called into work. I don't know if I can manage to get Andy in and out of the car by myself, as he still needs a wheelchair until tomorrow, then we are back at the hospital so they can teach him how to walk on crutches.

Handing Andy his tablet, I walk over to the mantel piece and pick up the coffee Davey had made me before he had left for work, taking a drink, the coffee is now cold. I let out another sigh, but drink it, hey I remember when Andy was first born, I don't think I drank a hot cup of tea or coffee for about a year. They always got left, and if I didn't drink them when I could irrespective of the heat, then I didn't drink. I know I am being so despondent and emotional, not at all grateful like I should, but it is like my mind is closing in on itself, my own dreams are haunted by the nightmare that Andy did not get out of that fire, then there is the one where I am stood beside a large coffin alongside a small one, which has me waking up in a cold sweat.

Thankfully Andy is a little more settled watching his tablet, so I head into the kitchen to get started on the laundry, as much as I want a break, I know keeping busy is what will help me overcome the melancholy that today feels a lot worse than it had when I woke up. I am unsure if that is because Davey is not here, or just because my mind has reached its limit, and exhaustion is finally taking over.

After loading the washing machine, I make another coffee.

"Hey Andy, would you like a drink?" I shout through to the living room.

"No thank you, when can I have my magic medicine Mammy?" he asks.

I know he is in pain, but he has another three hours before I can give him his pain relief.

"I am sorry sweetheart, not yet. But I can give you a magic chocolate biscuit," I tell him.

Yeah, breaking my own rules and using bribery and corruption spoiling my little man with chocolate goodies that are normally reserved for treats only.

"Can I have some chocolate coins instead?" he asks, his tone a little more demanding than I would like. Maybe it is time to reinforce some of his discipline, as I am sure he is taking advantage now.

"What's the little word?" I ask.

"PLEASE," He shouts through.

"Better, yes you can but these must last you the rest of the day, so when they are gone, there is no more till tomorrow," I warn him, taking a bag out of the fridge.

I make a fresh cup of hot coffee, then take that and the chocolate coins into the living room, passing them to Andy, who instantly looks up at me tears in his eyes.

"I cannot open them," he cries, having not even tried. Okay, yes, he has been a little too spoilt, and needs a reminder that this type of behaviour is not acceptable. "Andy, it is your ankle that is broken, not your hands, now open the coins yourself, or don't, but I am not doing it for you darling," I reprimand him.

He tries to cry a little louder, and although it is breaking my heart to ignore him, I am sticking to my guns, because I know he is in pain, I have to do just that. Once Davey is back to work on Thursday, I am going to be on my own once more, so I know that I need to be strong, else I really will not be able to cope if I continue to let him get away with everything.

Finally, Andy gives in, realising it is not getting him anywhere, and opens the mesh bag himself, taking out the biggest coin he can find, opening it, and popping it into his mouth.

I sip the hot coffee, and let out an audible sigh of relief, hoping the hot caffeine helps chase away this slightly depressed mood.

The day wears on, when my phone pings. I take a look to see that Davey has text that he is popping to his house and grabbing some clean clothes for the next couple of days, and then is on his way over to mine. I let out a sigh of relief, my heart pounding in my chest, happy again that he will soon be here, not just to help with Andy, but because I am craving his emotional support, along with his sweet kisses if I am being totally honest.

Grabbing a duster, I do a quick tidy round, having not kept on top of my daily chores lately, Andy is currently napping on the sofa, and I am glad his sleep seems restful, and not filled with the horrors of the fire. I could really do with putting the vacuum cleaner around, but that would wake up my brave little man, so I decide it will wait till later.

The front door opens, and I hear Davey coming in.

"Hey beautiful." He grins at me.

"How is he?"

"Fine, just napping peacefully." I smile down at the top of Andy's head.

"Good." Davey nods, then grabs me gently around the waist.

"So, I may have done something." He smiles at me, making my heart pick up its rhythm.

I tilt my head to one side and wait to find out what he has done.

"I have booked us both for a couples massage, at the Ramside when Andy goes to his dads."

I smile, a feeling of contentment washes over me, grateful that this man before me has done this, recognising I really do need a break.

"AND...." he continues.

"After a full day at the Spa including Lunch, we can go back to our room, and dress for a nice meal on the night and stay at the hotel." He grins down at me. "What do you think?" He asks.

"I think that sounds perfect." I grin up at him, my melancholy from earlier evaporating immediately.

He places a soft kiss on my lips, then looks deep into my eyes.

"Hey, why don't you head upstairs and get some sleep, I am here if he wakes ups," he offers.

Perfect, he is absolutely perfect.

"Yes please." I nod knowing I will probably fall asleep on my feet if I don't rest soon.

"However, he is pushing his luck today, being a little spoilt, so anything he can do for himself please make sure he does." I smile up at him.

Davey nods his understanding, then gently taking hold of my shoulders he turns me towards the hallway and stairs, then leans in and whispers in my ear.

"Go, sleep, firefighter's orders."

A shiver of delight rushes through me, and had I not been so exhausted I would have turned and placed my lips on his and kissed the life out of him. But I am exhausted so do as I am told and head up to bed to catch up on some much-needed rest. Blinking open my eyes, I stretch out my arms, looking at the clock, I see I have had a whole three hours sleep. It will soon be Andy's bedtime, and quickly get out of bed. I walk downstairs and hear Davey chatting away to my boy.

"Thank you for your help, Andy, I am sure your Mammy will love it." His deep baritone voice tells my boy.

A smile adorns my lips as I walk into the living room, to find the dining table set, some flowers from the garden in a vase.

"Look Mammy, Davey took me outside and we picked some flowers for you," Andy shouted excitedly.

"I can see, thank you so much." I grin down at him, placing a soft kiss on the top of his red head, as he wheels himself towards me.

"He is a good boy, look, he has managed to learn how to move himself in the wheelchair, and has been racing me around the garden." Davey laughs.

I look down at him, Andy seems more like his usual self, and I mouth a 'Thank you' to Davey.

"I also helped make the food Mammy," Andy excitedly explains.

"Its just tuna pasta, nothing special." Davey smiles.

It feels special though, having him do this for me, and keep Andy entertained whilst I napped.

"I think it is amazing, I love it," I declared to both my boys.

"Sit down and let the wheely-waiter and I serve you." Davey grins at me.

I take my seat, and see that Andy has a bowl of the pasta resting on his knee, as he wheels himself into the dining room.

"Wow, look at you." I grin at him.

"I know, Davey showed me how to do it, I am a racing car." Andy giggles happily.

I feel the sting of unshed tears in my eyes, not because I am sad, but because happiness surrounds me. Andy was proud of himself, and for the first time since the fire, I feel like everything is going to be okay, because of Davey, our own personal Hero.