Corrie's sense of time was off...no his sense of everything was off. Maybe this was what love did to a person. He didn't know he'd never been in love before. The drive back felt longer then the drive up. Their time at the cabin had felt long but now it felt like it wasn't long enough. For the first time he didn't want to go back to the way things were. His future...everything was uncertain.
So much had happened in such a short time. When he'd gone up there, he'd hoped to clear his head and think about what he was going to do about Bea. Instead everything with Gwyne exploded. He never planned on telling her he loved her but couldn't help it. He knew she'd been struggling and had some issues...but he had no idea. There was so much he didn't know, now that he did, he didn't know how to process it all. He had so many emotions.
She kept condemning herself. She took the blame for everything. He wasn't making her a saint. He knew she made choices...but she didn't seem to understand how her past trauma had effected those choices. She wouldn't admit to herself she'd been raped not just once but multiple times from what she told him. She just kept putting everything on herself.
She had a lot of survivors guilt something he knew about with his own life. Sometimes he wondered why both his parents died, when he'd lived but he told himself it was to save others so they wouldn't have to go through what he did. Gwyne needed help. She was so damaged, they both were but he was working through his damages, in constructive ways, while she was just causing herself more damage. She needed to find other healthier ways to address her issues.
He kept thinking about his mother and how he'd failed to reach her and save her. He never wanted to fail anyone again but he felt like he'd failed Gwyne, at any point she could have gone out and never come back. He spent so much time focused on everything and everyone else, that the person who mattered to him, the most these days, had slipped through the cracks. He just wanted to hold her and fix everything but he knew something couldn't be fixed, especially if she didn't want them to be.
He knew she had some dark kinks but now he questioned, what she actually liked vs what was a side effect of everything she'd been thought. When he thought of everything she'd been through he nearly lost it. He wanted to kill this Dawson asshole! Not only had he fucked her up, but he got her into harder drugs and hooked her up with other men. He was probably into all sorts of illegal shit. Corrie wanted his last name but Gwyne said she didn't know it or didn't remember. He wasn't sure if she was telling the truth or protecting the bastard.
Corrie would find out who he was, one way or another. The guy probably wasn't going to leave her alone. He'd probably try to contact her again, and when he did, Corrie would get his ass. This sick fuck wouldn't hurt Gwyne or anyone else ever again. The thought of taking him down was the only thing keeping him calm right now.
Corrie couldn't wait to look that bastard in the eyes, so much so that he barely slept last night. When Dawson called first thing this morning Gwyne had done good. She let that asshole know it was over, and then made it clear, if he contacted her again she'd go to the police. He knew Gwyne was hesitant but if it came to that they'd do what needed to be done. Dawson said he understood, and wished her the best, but Corrie had a feeling in his gut that this was far from over. If its one thing he'd learned as a firefighter it was always trust your gut.
He didn't tell Gwyne. He didn't want to freak her out in the off chance he was wrong. Corrie hoped the son of a bitch would just leave her alone, but the bastard didn't seemed to have much sense, in the first place. Corrie gave her several phone numbers and addresses, to keep in touch. It was a little weird knowing she might call or pop by at any moment but he wanted to make sure she could always reach him. He wasn't going to let her fall through the cracks again.
He let out a heavy sigh as he pulled into his driveway. All the negative thoughts he'd been keeping at bay, suddenly rushed to the surface. He'd been mostly focused on her well being. Now that she wasn't around his own thought clouded him. What was he doing? How could he do this to himself and her? How could he not only fall in love with her, but worse let her know? He'd made a vow but had thrown it out the window! Again what was he doing? He was just setting himself up to get hurt again, to get them both hurt. He gripped his steering wheel, knowing he couldn't walk away from this now...not after knowing what she did to herself. He would never be able to forgive himself if something happened because of him.
If something happened to him one day, would Gwyne fall apart like his mother? She said she was strong and he thought she could handle herself but now he had serious doubts. She was more fragile then he realized and so was he. He threw his head back feeling like there was so much at stake now. He needed to be ready for anything. He usually was but he felt like he needed to be at the top of his game. He felt on edge and worried he might miss something. He was also admittedly out of his element. He had no problem running into a burning building. Navigating an actual relationship was definitely new territory.
He shook his head then cursed, "Shit."
He let out another heavy sigh then got out of his truck. He carried everything inside and his roommates were surprised and happy to see him. They honestly hadn't expected him to be gone this long. He also hadn't planned on being away so long but the repairs and everything with Gwyne had taken some time. The guys were going about their morning routines, Mitch was off for a jog and Zack was making protein pancakes. George still wasn't home from the night shift. Corrie grabbed a few pancakes then headed up to his room. He put some things away, cleaned up a little then showered and got dressed for work.
He knew he wasn't on the schedule but that was never a problem, knowing the captain he'd probably want him to work a couple of doubles right away. He checked his mail, paid a few bills, then asked how things had been while he was away. He worried Bea might have called or come over but they said no one had called and didn't mention her stopping by. Maybe just maybe, Bea had finally gotten the message, at least he hoped. However if she bothered him again then he was going to discuss it with his captain. Gwyne had taken care of Dawson and done what she needed to so he needed to do his part and take care of Bea...if she was still a problem.
He did a once over on his truck, to make sure he hadn't left anything in it, then took off for the fire station. He got there a little before noon, Captain Slaunch was so happy to see him he came out to greet him. They caught up a little and then just like Corrie thought Captain Slaunch put him on the schedule for two doubles back to back. They talked about Reggie then and his cabin. Captain Slaunch had only ever been up once but thought it was magnificent. It was a shame he as selling it but he should set a decent price, Corrie agreed.
They chatted for a few more minutes before Corrie asked why he'd been trying to get in touch with him, something about a donor. Captain Slaunch shook his head and admitted he didn't know what was going on with that. The new donor, Marcus Arcur had been calling him just about every day trying to get in touch with him. The aptian said he'd call him just as soon as Corrie got back in town, but this morning Marcus calls up first thing and says he was mistaken. He didn't need to talk to Corrie after all, and was sorry for all the trouble. He donated another ten grand for the inconvenience.
Corrie found it strange... a little too strange. The guy already rubbed him the wrong way. It didn't sit right with him that he suddenly need to get in touch with him, calling almost every day then the same day Corrie comes back to town, he was suddenly mistaken. Yeah something else had to be going on. He could feel his gut churning. He put it on the back burner for now but made a note to look into this Marcus guy.
The captain got a call from his daughter so Corrie clocked in and put his stuff away. He saw Bea at a distance. She noticed him but didn't say a word to him. The first hour he was on edge. He felt like he was walking on pins and needles but she didn't so much as glance at him again. Good, very fucking good! He hoped it stayed this way. The guys on shift came in from a call they'd been on and were happy to see him, especially Samson.
"Well look who the cat dragged in!" called Samson as he jumped off the back of the fire truck
"Hey," said Corrie.
"You just getting on?" asked Samson undoing his fireman's jacket.
"Yeah,"
"Man where were you earlier? I'm just getting off a double. Would have loved if you could have started then."
"I bet. Since when do you do doubles? How did it go?"
Samson threw his head back. "Oh man, it felt like it was a week. That's the last time I bet on the Marrows to lose. Mitch took me for several shifts"
Corrie chuckled and shook his head "You shouldn't be betting, especially when it comes to the Marrows. They almost always win, less it's against the Jesepers and they were down and out the first few games into the season. I should also note, Mitch won last year's fantasy league. For what his eleventh row in a year."
"Shit." said Samson shaking his head. "Well I figured he can't win them all."
"So how has it been around her?"
"Quiet for the most part and amazing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, guess who I had dinner with!"
Corrie stared at Samson for a second judging from the big grin on his face, Corrie had an idea. There had only been one woman he'd been going on about. "No way!"
"Yes,"
"No fucking way." said Corrie shaking his head." "Rubi Slaunch."
"You got it!" cheered Samson clasping his hands together, "And it was beautiful! She was beautiful!"
"No way, I don't believe it."
Samson opened his mouth but before he could speak, Brendan ran up behind him and put his arm over his shoulder as he quickly said, "Don't believe it!"
"Hey," said Samson Brendan him in the ribs. "
"Dude's been going on about this for days. It weren't no dinner, it was a hot dog stand man. You just happened to step up as she did."
"She still stood there and ate next to me."
"Yeah then she probably threw up afterwards," said Gibbs coming over. "Glad to see you back man." He gave Corrie a quick high-five before he began undoing the hose.
"We still ate a meal together." said Samson, clearly pouting.
"Keep dreaming," said Gibbs.
"I will thank you." said Samson.
"Come on man you're not her type," said Brendan, letting go of Samson.
"Yeah and you know here type." said Samson.
"Not you," said Chuck from somewhere else in the fire station.
Everyone burst into laughter for a good minute, then the captain came out and things got quiet fast. "You better not be talking about my daughter again, Samson."
"No sir, never dream of it sir." said Samson.
"That's right," said Captain Slaunch, then he walked off.
The others stifled more laughter as they walked off, leaving Corrie and Samson alone in the garage. Corrie looked over the checklist to see what had last been done. Samson licked his lips then drew in close to him, talking over his shoulder.
"I know everyone thinks this is a joke, that I'm a joke but I'm not delusional, you know." said Samson. "There was more to it but I didn't tell the other guys because I didn't think they'd believe me."
"Oh really." said Corrie only half paying attention.
"Yeah man, but I know you, you got my back, after...like after we ate she gave me a mint."
"Like an after dinner mint?" said Corrie flipping the page on the clipboard.
"Nah man like a gonna kiss you someday mint."
"Right," Corrie let out a heavy sigh. He knew Samson really liked Rubi but maybe he was going a bit too far with this. After everything with Bea he started to see things a little differently. "Listen man, maybe you're reading too much into things. It might be time to step away and consider moving on."
"Nah,"Samson said, "She's always smiling at me giving me and giving me that look."
Corrie let out another heavy sigh. He crossed his arms then turned to Samson, "Sometimes a smile is just a smile and maybe she has something in her eye."
"I'm telling you she gave me the nod," said Samson.
"Again a nod can just be a nod."
"Not a real nod," said Samson. "I know how this looks, I get it. If she weren't interested, interested, then I'd cut my losses believe me man but this ain't my first rodeo. She gave me her number."
Samson pulled out a small crumpled up piece of paper. "Are you sure its her number and not just like for the police."
"Nah man it's her."
"Yeah you call it?" said Corrie raising an eyebrow. Sometimes girls could give a fake number.
"No," said Samson putting it back in his pocket.
"Why not." said Corrie a little surprised. Given how much Samson wanted to get with her, he was surprised he didn't call it an hour after she gave it to him.
"I don't know." Samson said rubbing his jaw. "I want but- It's stupid."
"What? What is it?"
Samson looked up and shook his head "Well if its legit and things are getting serious, like to the next level... what happens if I call her up and we do, hang out, you know."
"Yeah," said Corrie.
"Well what if she's the real deal and like we fall in love."
"Yeah." said Corrie thinking the chances were slim but still he was listening for what the problem was.
"Well then," said Samson. He looked around then leaned in real close and got quiet all of a sudden. "Captain Slaunch would be my father in law."
Corrie couldn't help but laugh, he could see the problem now. "Yep, he is her father after all."
"Yeah man and you know how much he rides my ass already. Can you imagine that every day for the rest of my life. Plus, shit what if I fuck this up. I think he would murder me, like actually muder me."
"No doubt."
"So you see," said Samson, "Why I can't call her."
"I see," said Corrie putting the clipboard back. He could say nothing but decided to give Samson his two cents. "I'm sure it wouldn't be easy either way but why don't you start with today. Give her a call after you get off and see if she's actually interested. It could be the number for the cleaner or it's her and you ask her out, get her some nice flowers and take her some place decent."
"Right." said Samson, "But what do I do if the date is amazing like really amazing."
"Then you set up the next one," said Corrie putting his hand on Samson's shoulder. For a second he was reminded of Ronnie. The first time Corrie had saw Gwyne he knew she was different and he didn't want to approach her but Ronnie insisted. Corrie recalled what he said then said it to Samson, "Either way, take a chance or not but ask yourself this, what would you regret more, doing nothing and never knowing what could have been or possibly connecting with someone who could one day be the most important person in your life."
"Shit that's heavy," said Samson.
"Yeah it was, is," said Corrie looking off to the side. He'd given Ronnie look and brushed him off but he took the chance. He'd asked Gwyne for her number and now. He smiled to himself taking his hand off Samson's shoulder, "The choice is yours man."
"Yeah but it ain't easy."
"That it ain't." agreed Corrie.
"Like you'd know you've never had to make the choice you don't date."
"I didn't but I finally pulled the trigger," sighed Corrie.
"What really? You dating someone?" said Samson.
"Yep," said Corrie. It felt weird to say it especially to Samson but eventually everyone would know.
"It's not the stalker, right?"
"No. It's someone you don't know. Someone I've known for a few years."
"Shit for real, what about your vow of celibacy."
"Seriously? What the fuck is with everyone. It wasn't a vow not to have sex. Just a vow not to date or get married. I didn't want to ever leave anyone behind,"
"Oh," said Samson then he quickly asked, "That line ever get you laid?"
"Didn't your shift end?" said Corrie scowling at Samson.
"Yeah, yeah, alright," Samson. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Samson started walking off and Corrie called out to him. "Yo Samson."
"What?" he asked turning back slightly.
"Call the number. If it's not legit or things don't work out I'll buy you a streak but take the chance,"
"Yeah,"said Samson nodding "Okay," He grind for a second then took off to the locker room.
Corrie stared at the clipboard again and having forgotten what he'd just read. Honestly he would be surprised if that was Rubi's number and it did actually work out. Everyone at the Station knew Rubi, had known her for years, she was like the honorary daughter of the firehouse, the kid sister. For a moment he pictured the wedding, Captain Slaunch glaring at Samson as he walked Rubi down the isle. The entire fire department at his back...yeah that would be a nightmare. If he fucked it up there would be no end to his torment.
He read the clipboard over again then chose a few things to do. He went about the garage checking off items. Then double checked some things he normally did. A few things needed some extra attention, since he was away so long, but he enjoyed the routine. He hoped things could go back to the way they were...at least a work. When it came to everything else, he was ready even oddly excited for a change. He kept thinking of Gwyne off and on and didn't get upset with himself.
They got a few calls but nothing too major. A cat in a tree, a small kitchen fire, a child trapped between fence posts and a possible fire that turned out to be a BBQ. When he took lunch he, made a few sandwiches with some fresh meat someone had picked up at the butchers. He grabbed himself an orange juice then called Gwyne. He wanted to see how things were going.
She didn't pick up right away and he thought she might be out. Her machine picked up and he considered just hanging up but started to leave a message. She quickly picked up and admitted she was waiting to see who it was. It was smart, he asked how everything was going. She sounded a little distracted. She said she'd gone grocery shopping and made an appointment for later this week to speak to someone. She also got in touch with Tawnie and was looking into a few jobs. She was currently making an egg sandwich. He could hear eggs cracking and her moving around. He liked listening to her voice as he ate. He didn't realized how nice it was to call someone during his shift.
He told her he loved her, and she said she loved him back, before they hung up. He finished his lunch then did some technical reading. He found himself getting a little distracted when he also saw a firewatch manual. He thought of the cabin and what Gwyne had said about becoming a forest ranger. For a second he actually considered putting in an offer on Reggie's cabin.
He read the firewatch manual and saw a map of various stations. Maybe he could get a job out there or they could both become forest rangers. They could live out there for a year or so and see how it goes. Maybe they could adopt some dogs and one day, possibly foster a kid or two and see how that worked. He knew he was getting way ahead of himself but it had been a long time since he'd really thought about the future and not is a dismal way. Everything at the cabin had been great and he realized every day could be great...well not every day but things could be better.
He kept expecting to come to his senses and change his mind. He'd made a choice. He had his reasons and yet it would seem he'd made another choice. When it came to Gwyne, when he thought about her and how he felt when he let go, when he let himself love her, the vow and he made and his reasons faded. He knew he was taking a risk. He knew what could happen yet he couldn't help but think of Ronnie's wife and what she'd said at his funeral. She said she wouldn't change the time they had together. He hoped if something happened to him, Gwyne would feel the same.
As night fell they got a call out to a warehouse on the edge of the city. It was suppose to be abandoned but there were multiple squatters and several fires had been started. They got on scene along with another fire engine. Half the building was on fire. Oscar tagged him to help with sweeping the building, to make sure everyone was evacuated. They quickly entered and made it up several flights of stairs. Oscar told him to keep going up and he'd check the lower floors. Corrie nodded and headed up. The stairs didn't seem to bad right now. The warehouse was several floors and the smoke hadn't reached this area yet. There was still time to get people out.
He called out as he went "FIRE DEPARTMENT! THE BUILDING IS ON FIRE! YOU NEED TO EVACUATE!" He checked several hallways and banged on doors before he went up another flight.
Several people came rushing down the stairs. An older man and two women. Corrie reached out to them, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah we are but there are more people up there," said one of the women.
"Alright, keep going down, there should be more people below to assist you," said Corrie.
The woman nodded and he watched the group go down the stairs before he called it in, "Three coming down, I'm heading up for more."
Oscar quickly responded, "Copy that, I'll be right behind you, just getting some people out first."
Corrie rushed up another flight of stairs then heard a radio go off. Someone spoke but he didn't recognize the language. A second later, a man called out from the floor above, "HELP! HELP ME!
Corrie rushed up another flight of stairs and saw a man running down a long hallway. He called out to him. "SIR WAIT! YOU NEED TO EVACUATE! THE BUILDING IS ON FIRE!"
"HELP ME!" the man called gesturing for Corrie to follow. "PLEASE COME QUICK!" Corrie rushed after him to the end of the hall. The man pointed to an open door. Smoke was flooding out of it. "MY KIDS! YOU HAVE TO HELP MY KIDS!"
Corrie paused for a second. He normally didn't but there was something off about the smoke. Something didn't feel right here. He heard what sounded like a baby crying and children screaming.
"PLEASE HELP! THEY ARE TRAPPED!" The man yelled.
From the sound of it, there had to be a few children in there. Corrie quickly called in his location, on the radio, then rushed inside the room to help. He looked for the children, only to find a smoke machine and a speaker, making the sounds of a baby crying and children screaming. He paused not understanding. The man that had called him over, came up behind him, shutting and locking the door to the room. Suddenly from the shadows there were half a dozen guys in the room. They soon surrounded him with weapons in their hands.
One guy started talking "Remember he wants him to suffer. The maximum damage before we put out his fire!"
"We got it!" said a guy with a metal pipe in his hand.
Corrie had no idea what was going on, before he could say a word, the guy with the metal pipe came swinging at him, full force. Corrie was in his full gear, it slowed him down, but he still managed to just dodge the pipe. The guy put too much momentum into his swing and nearly fell forward. He tried to recover his balance, but Corrie gave him a swift kick, helping him to the floor. The guy hit with a hard thud and even dropped his pipe for a second. Not even a second later, a guy with a metal baseball bat came charging at him next. Corrie got his fire ax, off his back, and manged to swing it around in time to block the bat.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Corrie yelled. "I AM A FIREFIGHTER! THE BUILDING IS ON FIRE!"
"We know, Corrie" said the man with the metal baseball bat. He pulled back and laughed, "Who do you think set it!"
"WHAT!" gasped Corrie, bewildered
They'd set the fire on purpose and they knew his name! Just who the fuck were these people!
Two of them came at him this time. One with brass knuckles on both hands. The man got in a few good, painful punches before Corrie got him in the nose, with the handle of his fire ax. He broke the nose, shattering it, blood came gushing out everywhere as the other guy tried to stab Corrie with a knife. Thankfully his coat had extra layers and the guy wasn't able to do any damage.
It made Corrie realize how serious they were. He needed to be just as serious! He swung his ax into the side of the guy's leg. The guy cried out as it hit bone. Corrie pulled it back and the guy dropped to one knee. Corrie took him down the rest of the way with a good kick to the chest. Then, he used his ax like a hockey stick, sending the knife flying across the room. He wasn't normally one for violence but clearly he'd been set up and these fuckers were bent on taking him out.
He quickly removed his helmet, mask and oxygen tank, dropping as much weight as he could, hoping to improve his movement and speed. The guy in charge didn't look happy. If he expected Corrie to go down without a fight, he was mistaken. He wasn't going to make this easy for them!
The guy with the metal baseball bat, took another swing at him but Corrie blocked it with his ax, yet again. They went back and forth, for a good minute or two, almost like they were sword fighting. Then the asshole with the metal pipe, who was still on the ground, swung the pipe and connected with Corrie's knee. The good one! Corrie grunted but didn't cry out even as it hurt like a son of a bitch! He recalled what they'd first said when he'd entered the room and would not give them the satisfaction!
Corrie pushed himself to move and manged to dodge another blow from the baseball bat and kick the dude with the pipe in the face. He didn't hold back, putting his weight into it. He heard a sickening sound as the guy slammed back on the floor. He was down and out finally dropping his pipe. It rolled across the floor as Corrie swung his ax. It collided with the metal baseball bat. The ax snapped in half but Corrie used the bottom half to stab the man in the chest then took his fucking bat and shoved him to the ground.
The room was filled with sounds of agony and there was a lot more blood now. The other guys in the room stood there for a second, no doubt second guessing themselves. Corrie tried to use his radio, to call for back up, but found it wasn't working right. They must have been jamming it or something. He could hear people on a radio in the room. They seemed to be monitoring all the channels. Someone asked if the building was cleared and Oscar came on saying it was. He realized Oscar had been in on it. That really pissed him the fuck off! When it came to firefighting, you trusted the guys on your crew with your life, and this mother fucker had betrayed him.
A guy came at him with another knife and he wasn't playing. He dodged, then swung the metal bat so hard he cracked open the guys skull. The guy fell to the ground and Corrie came down on his hand hard, no doubt shattering it. He got the knife free then sent it flying across the room like the other one. He turned about waiting for the next attack but no one stepped forward. He turned to the guy in charge hoping to get some answers.
"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS AND WHO SENT YOU!" He loudly shouted, but had a feeling he already knew who was behind this.
He doubt Bea could have orchestrated something like this so the only other person that might have a grudge against him right now, was...Dawson. His nostrils flared! He could feel it in his gut! Even though he'd never met the guy, he'd put money on it that he was behind this. He'd acted way too calm on the phone and from what Gwyne had told him, he had the resources.
"ANSWER ME!" Corrie snarled, high on adrenaline and rage. "WAS IT DAWSON!"
One of the guys spoke. He said something in another language and the guy in charge snapped at him. The room grew quiet and it was clear, Corrie was right. SHIT! HE WAS RIGHT! Sudden panic struck him as he realized, if Dawson was behind this, if he had sent these assholes to take him out, then what about Gwyne! He doubted he was just gonna let her walk away if he went to this length. She could be in danger!
He had to get out of here and get to her before Dawson did! Thinking about Gwyne he'd let himself get distracted. A guy came at him with a fucking blow torch, no doubt what they'd used to start the fires. He got singed but manged to lunge back. The guy in charged pulling something out. He turned thinking it might be a gun, it wasn't, but it wasn't much better. The guy in charge, put on a mask and the others started following suit as the guy let loose a massive amount of pepper spray.
Corrie didn't have his mask on. He tried to avoid it but it got everywhere, his eyes, nose mouth and soon enough his lungs. He staggered and wheezed, madly coughing. He clung to the bat but could barely see as they all came at him, no doubt hoping to take him down. He madly swung, taking one or two out but quickly got tackled to the floor. He thought there was only six people maybe a few more in the room but now it felt like there was a hundred as they tore into him.
They punched, kicked, stabbed, jabbed and burned him. He was outnumbered and as good as dead but he didn't give up. He kept fighting and managed to take down a few more, however they finally got him to cry out. The pain was overwhelming, even with his adrenaline. Still he fought on as he roared. He was so loud that they heard him outside. He could hear them calling it in on the radio. They realized someone was still inside the warehouse.
He roared even louder and fought with everything he had. The building rumbled and there was a flash of light that lit up the entire room. All of the radios and electric equipment went haywire, making a deafening sound that had everyone clutching their ears. Even the sirens outside acted up.
"What the fuck was that?"
"Lighting?" said another guy.
"Lighting doesn't do that...right?
A second later the building rumbled as a massive explosion went off.
"SHIT! What was that. More lighting?"
"No I think it's the fires."
"How many did you set?"
"I don't know?"
"FUCK DARVER! YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED!"
"You think the buildings going."
"We need to get out of-"
Another explosion went off rattling the building even more. The floor creaked as it began to break apart and bricks began to crumble.
"Shit! Let's get out off here before this whole place collapses on us!"
"Not until we finish the job." said the guy in charge.
"The job is finished! He's finished!"
"We don't get paid less he's dead.
They all pulled back from Corrie, he was barely aware, his vision blurry and bloody. Every part of him felt like it was on fire…like electricity was running through his nerve endings. He just barely heard what sounded like a gun cocking. "TIME TO PUT YOUR FIRE OUT!"
He knew this was it! He was going to die right here and now but he refused to accept it. He managed to roll and stand up. It was clear none of them though he had it in him. With the beating...the pure mutilation, he just took. There was so much blood, so many injuries but he didn't care. He had to keep going! Gwyne! He had to save Gwyne! He saw a light and could just make out a window. He knew the building was near some water. He could make out the sounds of a boat horn, the coast guard perhaps?
He hoped the window was on the right side and that he would make it to the water. Either way, it didn't matter he had to get out of here and now. The sound of metal bending filled the air. The guy in charge took a shot but Corrie moved just seconds before and it missed. The guy shot again and it missed, the third grazed him but the fourth hit. Still it didn't detour him as he charged toward the window.
Though he couldn't much see, he instinctively braced himself, putting his arms before him as he leapt and shattered the glass. He burst through and could feel a rush of cold night air. He was only airborne for a second then started crashing down. He just remembered to tuck himself but still hit the water like a ton of bricks. A second later the entire building collapsed, killing all within it.
***
He burst through the front door of his old house and tore through the living room. He was a man on a mission! Nothing would stop Corrie this time! He didn't waste a second, passing the kitchen. he rushed down the hall. He swung his fire ax at the door. The hall walls were suddenly engulfed in flames but he didn't care! He was solely focused on his task and this door was no match for him. He broke it down, and saw his mother standing there with his father's photo, in her arms.
She turned to look at him, and gave him that pained look, but he just kept going! He bent down and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder. She screamed out, crying for him to let her go, to let her die, to let her be with his father, but he would not fail, not this time, not ever again! He carried her down the hall, past the kitchen and out of the living room as the ceiling caved in.
He rushed through the open front door, and for a second he opened his eyes. He heard a loud boat horn, he saw lights and sirens through the surface of the water. Someone jumped in and grasped hold of him. He was suddenly back with his mother, and they were outside his old house, on that fateful night. He set his mother down realizing he'd done it! He'd saved her! He'd saved himself!
He held her tightly in his arms and she finally stopped resisting. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him like when he was little, before his father died, with her whole heart. He could feel her love and felt such joy. When he pulled away she looked up at him with happiness in her eyes.
"I'm so proud of you, Corrie. Look at the man you've become!"
His heart swelled and his chest felt like it was going to burst.
"CLEAR!"
"I'M NOT GETTING ANYTHING!"
"HE WAS UNDER TOO LONG! THERE ARE TOO MANY INJURIES!"
"AGAIN!
"CHARGE!"
"CLEAR!"
He stumbled back confused for a second. His mom reached out to him and tried to hug him again. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and it was his dad. He turned and clung to him. He pulled back and looked up at his father. Even through Corrie was an adult, his father was still so much bigger then him. He would always be. Corrie hugged him again and said "I missed you,"
"I know." his dad said hugging him back.
"COME ON CORRIE! COME ON!"
He heard distant shouting but paid it no mind. He was right where he wanted to be. When he pulled from his father he asked "Am I dead? Is this death He looked at his father, then his mother, holding onto both of them. Part of him knew what was going on that this was more then just a dream. His mind struggled to hold on. He was suddenly surrounded by all the people he ever lost. Ronnie was there and his dog, Burt, from when he was a little boy. Everything was happening just as he imaged it... just as he had hoped. Everyone was telling him he did a good job that he was enough and it was time to rest. They all surrounded him, laying their hands on him.
He was so happy, surrounded by such love. He could do and say everything he'd ever wanted to. There were no more limitations. There would be no more loss or suffering. More and more people, kept showing up on his front lawn, but he didn't see Gwyne. Where was she? She hadn't died yet! He realized he'd have to wait for her. Was he really dead? He looked out at all the people and suddenly saw Gwyne. She was here! He wanted her to meet his parents. Was her mother here?
Unlike the others she didn't come to him. She was just down the street under a streetlight. She just stood there watching him. He could just make out a shadowy figure looming over her. It was always there watching and waiting to drag her away from him. He reached out to her and she reached back. He took a step towards her and suddenly felt weighted down.
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