Chapter 36 - I Hate You Both!

Day 36 - Rolled 3 - Forced day off from work. Essentially you cannot earn any money on this day.

Kaitlin woke up to her phone ringing. She hoped it was Leroy but it turned out to be the owner of the salon telling her not to come in today. They were replacing some of the plumbing and they wouldn't be able to work. All appointments for the day had been cancelled.

Crap, I really needed the money, she thought as she made coffee then went outside and picked up the newspaper. Maybe there was more information on the fire.

Kaitlin sat down and began to read. The name of the deceased fireman had been released and his obituary was in the paper. She was thankful it wasn't one of the men that they knew. He had been from a station in the neighboring town. Still it was horribly sad to see that he had left a family behind.

It also named Reid Nielsen as the fireman that was still in the hospital in intensive care. His condition was listed as critical but stable. She remembered that Leroy said that she shouldn't waste her sympathy on him. Well, she couldn't help it.

She knew they had a tumultuous history that went back to their childhood years, but Leroy never talked about the details. And even though Reid had scared her with that his last phone call, she couldn't help but feel sad for him. He had helped Ben and he had helped her family by giving them a place to live when they desperately needed it. Just because he was jerk and threatened her and Leroy didn't mean she wished him harm or worse dead. She was the one that hurt Reid when she pushed him out of her with no explanation. Funny thing is, if not for Reid, she would never have met Leroy.

Kaitlin sighed and picked up her phone. She needed to hear Leroy's voice. He always calmed her down.

“Hi Kate. Everything okay?”

Kaitlin giggled uncomfortably. “Why do you always ask me that? You must think I'm a mess all the time.”

“Not all the time,” he teased.

“Thanks a lot,” said Kaitlin and let out a breath before continuing, “Did you happen to see the paper this morning?”

“Yes. And it's on the news too. He’s being treated like a damn hero.”

Kaitlin could feel his disgust through the phone. “He did try to save the other man’s life Leroy. He is a hero.”

“Kate, after what he said to you, why do you still def...never mind...it doesn't matter. Don't you need to be heading to work soon?”

She knew Leroy hated that she had empathy for Reid but she wasn't going there so she ignored his comment. “That's the other reason I called. I have an unscheduled day off so I wanted to ask a favor.”

“You need my stud services baby?” he said in a sexy voice.

She started laughing, “Leroy! You perv. No, well maybe, but that's not why I'm calling. I wanted to know if you would come over later today and start helping Reese learn to drive. I can't because I can't leave the babies with Ben and a sitter is out of the question since I am losing a whole day's pay. And….”

Leroy cut her off mid sentence. “Whoa Kate. I don't need a reason. Let me finish up here with my client and then I will be right over. Uh, we are using your car - right?”

“Leroy! Yes, you can use my car, but if you wreck it you are paying for repairs.”

“I love you Kate.”

Every time he said that to her it made her smile. She wondered if he could feel it through the phone. “I love you too Leroy. See you soon,” she said and disconnected the call. She felt like a lovesick teenager.

* * *

Leroy arrived just before lunch. He kissed Kaitlin, then went straight to his daughter and snuggled her close. “I love the way she smells,” he said as he nuzzled Hailey.

He followed Kaitlin into the kitchen and watched while she quickly made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for them. It felt so right with him here that she couldn't keep the smile off her face while making the sandwiches.

When they all sat down at the table, Kaitlin looked at Reese and gave him her best mom look. She had told him that Leroy was going to help him with some driving lessons and he better thank him for that. Reese rolled his eyes at her before addressing Leroy.

“Leroy, I really appreciate you coming over and taking the time to teach me to drive. That will make things so much easier. I can go see Brooke without having to beg rides and even go shopping for mom.”

“My pleasure Reese. Just promise not to kill me - okay!” laughed Leroy.

Kaitlin watched the exchange between Leroy and Reese. This was a great idea. Reese, as hard as he tried to be the man of the house, really needed a good male role model to bond with. She hoped that Leroy would be that for him. Today was turning out to be better than she thought.

Ben had been especially quiet this morning even while they were eating not saying anything. When there was a lull in the conversation he asked quietly, “Mom, is Mr. Reid going to die?”

Kaitlin shot a glance at Leroy to warn him to let her take this one. She had no idea what he might say given his hatred of Reid. “Honey, I don't think so. He was hurt really bad, but the reports say he is in critical but stable condition. That means he is really sick, but isn't getting worse. Mr. Reid is a strong man. He will be okay but it just might take a couple of months.”

“Can I go see him?” asked Ben expectantly, “I want to talk to him. He is a hero. It said so on the News.”

Kaitlin wasn’t sure how to comfort him. He and Reese didn't know about their ‘grown up’ problems. Reese knew she and Reid weren't seeing each other, but he didn't know about the threats. She couldn’t tell Ben that his hero was a world class jerk. That would hurt Ben more. “Ben, only family is allowed to be with him now.”

“But we are like family! He is my good Daddy!” insisted Ben.

“No Ben, we aren't family and he isn't your Daddy and never was,” said Kaitlin firmly, “He is just a very good friend that cares for you. Kind of like an Uncle, but not. Look, why don't we send some flowers and a get well card. His family can read it to him. You can write a special note inside. Okay?”

“Uncles are family,” reasoned Ben.

“Ben,” said Kaitlin softly, “I said like an Uncle. He isn't your Uncle. You know this. He is a good friend baby. That's all.”

Leroy spoke up. “Hey, Buddy. He will like it if you send him a card. Maybe that will help him get well faster.”

“No it won't!! I'm not a stupid little kid anymore! I know he’s not my Daddy because of you and Hailey!”

“BEN!!” scolded Kaitlin horrified, “Apologize to Mr. Leroy! Mr. Reid could never be your father and Mr. Leroy has nothing to do with that.”

“I hate you both!” said Ben as he got up and shoved the chair back to the table. Then he turned and ran to his room.

Kaitlin started to get up and go after him. Reese stopped her in her tracks. “Uh, Mom, don’t. Let him be for a few minutes. He’s just upset and afraid. You know he didn't mean it.” Then he looked at Leroy, “Look, you know Ben adores Hailey and you too Leroy. He told me he wished you lived here with us.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” asked Kaitlin stunned.

“It was a secret he shared with me. Leroy, ever since the Social Worker came, he talked about you all the time. And Mom, when you told us that Leroy was Hailey’s father Ben wanted him to live with us. He was forgetting about Reid. Well until he brought the swing. But you know he adores Hailey and Sam. Mom, just give him a minute. Now….Mom…..where are the car keys? Leroy owes me some driving lessons.”

Kaitlin and Leroy just sat there looking at this 17-year-old that seemed wise beyond his years.

“Mom?”

“Uh, sure.  Let me get them.”

* * *

After they left, Kaitlin went into Ben's room and sat on the edge of his bed. He had pulled the covers up as if to hide. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder and said softly, “Hey Ben. How you doing?”  

When he didn't respond she rubbed his back and continued talking to him. “It's okay to be upset. Reid is a very good friend and he's sick. We all feel helpless and afraid because we can't fix it. I promise, as soon as he is well enough, we will go see him. Okay?”

Ben looked up, “Promise?”

“Promise. Now come here. I really need a hug.”

Kaitlin knelt down in the floor and pulled Ben to her. He started crying. “I'm sorry,” he said in between sobs, “I don't hate you and Mr. Leroy. He's not going to take Hailey and leave is he?”

“Oh Ben, no sweetheart. He loves all of us very much. He would never do anything to hurt you," said Kaitlin as she stood up. “Now come on, there are some hungry babies that need you and me to feed them.”

“Can I give Hailey her bottle?” he asked obviously feeling guilty about his outburst.

Kaitlin smiled warmly at Ben, “She would love that. She is lucky to have you as a big brother.”

Ben went straight over to his baby sister, picked her up as much as he could and hugged her. Kaitlin heard him saying, "I love you Hailey."

Kaitlin handed him the bottle and he helped her hold it so she wouldn't drop it.

After she finished Ben stayed and played with her.

With the babies settled and Ben feeling better, Kaitlin went to the computer and turned it on to check her emails. She had been corresponding with a pen pal for a few months and was anxious for another letter. In her last letter, her pen pal thought her brother had been writing to Newt. One more complication in her life. She was pretty sure it wasn't but she couldn't help but worry. There wasn't another letter yet so Kaitlin started a new letter to her online friend.

* * *

Reese and Leroy returned after a few hours. They both walked through the door laughing. Kaitlin saved the letter she had started writing and shutdown the laptop. She walked over to the two men. Men. Yes, she thought, Reese is definitely a young man. She was so happy to see them bonding. “Sounds like it went well,” she said smiling.

“Yep, he took to it like a fish to water,” said Leroy beaming, “Well, except when we went backwards instead of forwards. Thankfully there was no one behind us!”

“Hey! That was when we first started,” protested Reese, “I got it now. And anyway I only went that far!” he said as he held his hands apart to illustrate. “But, I was able to pass the driving test thanks to my most excellent teacher," he said bowing down to Leroy.

“Flattery will get you nowhere kid! We had to get it right or your Mom would have killed me,” said Leroy laughing.

When Ben saw them come in he waited until Reese went to get Sam and walked over and stood by Kaitlin. “Mr.Leroy,” he said softly with his head down, “I - I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said before.”

Leroy scooped him up in a bear hug. “Ben, my man, it's okay. Sometimes, when we are hurting, we all say things we don't mean. I was pretty sure you were just upset about Reid.”

“And you won't leave us and take Hailey away?”

“Never, I promise,” said Leroy as he looked over at Kaitlin and winked.

Go To Chapter 37

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Chapter 35 - Perfect Day

Day 35 - rolled 5 found $500

Kaitlin took Brooke home and Reese to the hospital. Leroy stayed with the kids. Reese wound up with a cracked rib and Kaitlin a $250 ER bill. Reese had calmed down considerably, probably a result of the pain pills, but he still ignored Kaitlin all the way home. When they walked inside, he went straight into his room shutting the door harder than necessary.

“How's Reese?” asked Leroy when Kaitlin sat down exhausted next to him on the couch.

“Cracked rib. He just has to keep it wrapped for a few weeks. Picking up Sam will be hard.”

“That's good, but not what I meant. He was pissed. Is he still mad at you?”

“Did you not notice the door slam?”

“Ha. Couldn't miss that statement. Maybe the right question is how are you feeling?”

Kaitlin frowned. “Disappointed. Sad. Afraid,” she said sadly.

Leroy pulled her to him on the couch. “You don't have to be afraid anymore. I made a few phone calls while you were gone. You can mark Reid off your list."


Kaitlin looked up at Leroy surprised. The way he looked at her with those emerald eyes sent shivers down her spine. No one ever looked at her like he did. "I feel loved too," she said with a smile.

Leroy pulled her up grinning. "Come on Sexy Kate. Everyone's asleep. Let's go to bed too.” Then he grinned and whispered conspiratorially, "How quiet can you be?”

“Leroy, the babies are asleep in my room!” she said her eyes wide.

“Exactly. That's why you have to be quiet.”

* * *

The following week, Kaitlin had a conversation - or heated discussion - with Brooke's father and her older brother, the one that punched Reeese. Her father wasn't happy that she wouldn't give permission for their kids to get married. However, he finally conceded to allow Brooke to live with him but refused to allow the baby to live at his house once born. Kaitlin agreed that she and Reese would take responsibility for the infant's care until the kids graduated and Brooke moved out.

He claimed he loved Brooke and only wanted what was best for her. In his mind that was marrying her baby's father. She hated that Brooke had to live there but Brooke had repeatedly assured Kaitlin that while her father was angry with her he wouldn't hurt her. Her father and her brothers needed her.

Kaitlin was more worried the emotional toll on Brooke could be hard if they weren't accepting of her decision. Kaitlin misjudged just how strong Brooke was. Brooke seemed so sweet with a big heart and she reminded Kaitlin of how she had once been in a similar situation herself.

Over the past two weeks, Brooke had become a fixture at their home and Kaitlin had grown very fond of her. Brooke was pleasant, resilient, strong and hard working. She never complained and quickly pitched in without being asked. Since she had no mother, Brooke had become a caregiver to her brothers and father and as a result she was naturally maternal towards little Sam. It was obvious how much she and Reese adored each other too. As Kaitlin observed the two of them together it was clear that love was growing between them and it warmed her heart.

* * *

Kaitlin wanted to lighten the mood and do something fun. Since Reid was still stuck at the firehouse, and Leroy had assured her he was no longer a concern, they decided to go to the beach before summer was gone. Kaitlin happily packed hot dogs and the boys dug out their fishing poles.

Once at the beach, Kaitlin put the little ones in a playpen in the shade. Maddy settled in the sand making sand castles next to where Kaitlin and Leroy were lounging. Brooke, Reese and Ben ran straight to the water to go fishing. Kaitlin couldn't help but smile as she watched her growing family doing perfectly normal things. She could almost pretend this wasn't just another stolen moment in time. But that's what these perfect days were to her. Stolen moments. She would have to go back to reality soon enough.

Kaitlin decided to sit with Maddy and help her make sand castles so she wouldn't have to play by herself. "Mommy, look what I find!" said Maddy as she picked up something she had dug up.

Kaitlin got up to look at what she had. "Give it to Mommy. It's nasty! Yucky!" said Kaitlin trying to coax it from her.

"No! Mine!" protested Maddy.

"Here, let's trade. You take this shovel and I will take the yucky thing," Kaitlin negotiated. Finally Maddy agreed and handed her the item she had found.

It turned out to be an old wallet with a few deteriorated pictures. When she opened it further, she found $500 in cash inside. She showed Leroy and they determined it was at least 10 years old. He told her to keep it. There was no way to figure out who it had belonged to. That would help offset the cost of Reese's hospital bill. This day was more than perfect!

Suddenly, the scream of a fire truck's siren drowned out the sounds of laughter and children splashing in the water.

After it passed, Ben came running up to Kaitlin and Leroy. “Mommy! Did you see the fire truck? Mr. Reid was on it and he waved to me!” he rattled out excitedly.

Kaitlin felt the blood drain from her face. “Are you sure he saw you or he was just waving to everyone?”

Ben was beaming. “Yes. I could see him! He waved to me!"

Leroy spoke up, “That's great Buddy. Why don't you go tell Reese and Brooke we are going to eat in about half an hour.”

“Okay Mr. Leroy!” he replied and ran off towards the water.

Leroy turned to Kaitlin when Ben ran off, “It’s okay Kate. Don't let that ruin our day. He can't get to us. I told you, I have taken care of it. We have security until I get what I need to stop him for good.”

“Do you smell that?” asked Kaitlin as the smell of smoke permeated the air.

Leroy nodded and they both stood up and looked around. Sure enough you could see smoke in the distance.

“Wow, it must be a large fire. At least it's not close to either of our homes,” commented Leroy.

"Yes. Okay. Well, let's eat!" said Kaitlin and went to the picnic tables and fixed an old time favorite - hot dogs.

After they finished eating, Sam started to fuss so Brooke immediately went and picked him up from the playpen and entertained him. Over the past few weeks he had really taken to Brooke. She was able to soothe him even when Reese couldn't. Kaitlin couldn't help but smile as she followed suit and grabbed up Hailey and they all headed back to the car and home.

* * *

When they returned home that evening, Reese turned on the news to see if there was anything on about the fire. Coverage of the fire was on all of the local channels. It was a 3-alarm fire. One of the biggest in a long time in Twinbrook.

Ben was captivated as they were showing live shots. “I wonder which one is Mr. Reid? I think I want to be a firefighter too! That's so cool,” he said as he watched them spraying copious amounts of water onto the burning structure.

“That's a noble but dangerous profession Ben,” said Leroy.

After about an hour of watching, it was late. “Okay Benjamin," said Kaitlin, "It's time for you to go to bed.”

“Moooom. I am not a baby!” whined Ben.

“OH MY GOD!!!” screamed Brooke, “The roof collapsed and there were firemen on it!”

* * *

The next morning, Kaitlin retrieved the newspaper as soon as it was delivered. She wanted to see if they had a story about what had happened. The five of them had remained glued to the television for a another hour after the collapse before giving up. Kaitlin and Reese got in the car and drove Brooke home while Leroy had stayed with the kids. When she opened the paper, sure enough the fire was the main headline.

Arson Suspected in Death of Firefighter

Last night three stations were called to help combat the a fire on Charles Street that took the life of one fireman (name withheld pending notification of next of kin) and has a second fireman fighting for his life in the local hospital. Early investigation points to arson as the likely cause of the blaze.

The first alarm sounded at 6:00 pm yesterday afternoon when a neighbor smelled smoke and upon investigation saw smoke coming from a downstairs window.

The roof collapsed as one firefighter tried to go inside and rescue possible victims. The second man went in to pull out the trapped firefighter. He pulled the man out but he had suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns. The second man also suffered smoke inhalation and was rushed to the hospital for treatment after CPR was administered at the scene.

The fire appears to have started in one central area and the smell of gasoline was prominent in areas where it shouldn't have been leading early investigators to believe it was arson. 

Kaitlin was ashen as she showed it to Leroy. “As much as I think Reid is delusional, I pray it wasn't him.”

“Kate, honey, I think he may be the second fireman,” said Leroy as he showed her his phone, “There are rumors all over Facebook this morning. People are sending out get well wishes to Reid.”

“Oh God! At least he isn't dead," said Kaitlin.

“No, but I think his condition must be grave. He's such a damn exhibitionist when it comes to that shit that I’m surprised he hasn't gotten hurt before now. He thinks he's invincible. This time it just might cost him his life. He was probably trying to be the hero and save the other man.”

"That's horrible!" said Kaitlin and tears began to form.

Leroy got up and put his arms around her. "Sweetheart, don't cry for him. He doesn't deserve your sympathy."

"I can't help it Leroy. It's Ben....he will be devastated if anything happens to Reid."

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