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I clenched my fist, smiling with anticipation. I was enraged, maddened by the thought of his existence. Without skipping a beat, he continued, never intending to wait for my reply.
“The best part is, you’ll be reminded every day that I have your girl. And think also, I’ll have her in my bed every night, sucking my dick like a good little slave. She would never leave me for you, a poor fucking loser. Get used to my name bitch, cause I own you and this station.”
His smug smile dissipated instantly, spun into terror as I twisted his collar with one firm grip. He shrilled as I yanked his body forward, forcing his skidding shoes across the floor. The crowd started shouting, gathering in the attention of my relentless fists. Harder and harder, I continued to punch. Robbie was weak, scratching my arms in an attempt to pull away from my determined force. Useless.
A couple crew members tried to pull me away, but they weren’t strong enough; instead, they pushed Robbie over, sending us to the floor. I zoned out, the sound dissolving around me as I focused on his swollen face. My hands were covered in his warm blood. Chief thrusted himself in between my fists, yanking me up from Robbie's frightened body.
“Jesus Christ, Manning! What the hell has gotten into you?” Chief held my chest to prevent me from diving at Robbie again.
I spat at the ground. “He fucking deserved it, and there’s nobody that’s going to take that away from me.” I glared at Chief, whose wrinkled face bore a frightening stare.
“Are you drunk?” The disappointment in this voice was unbearable. Of course, he’d figure it out. I reeked like I had crawled out of a bottle.
I stayed silent, grinding my teeth. I panted so hard my chest caved in slowly. My vision was laced with bright stars as I stared at Robbie on the floor, the bridge of his nose sunken in. I’d sworn I saw him smirk as someone helped him up to his feet, and when I stepped back sluggishly to see who it was, it was Julia.
She looked sick as her head shook in disbelief. I could see the tears in her eyes as she patted his chest. I felt like I was slowly dying. It was all a trap, the whole time. Robbie wanted this, to be the victim. How could I be so fucking stupid?
“Nathan…” Julia’s breathing quickened as she caught my attention, slinging Robbie’s arm over her shoulder. Her wide-eyed expression was that of someone who experienced horror before them. “Why would you do this? I told you it was over.”
“Over? Julia, what are you talking about? You know this man?” Chief interrupted Julia as he let go of my suit.
Fuck, I stepped back.
Julia stumbled with her words. Her father and Robbie all stared at me.
“Daddy, it’s nothing. Wait…” I could see it in her eyes, as she connected the dots. “Nathan, what are you doing here?”
“I’m a firefighter, I work for your dad…”
“No,” She held her hand out dismissively, she twisted her lips into an angry knot. “Did you know who I was? This entire time you’ve been working for my father, and you didn’t think to tell me?” Her voice was loud but cracked as she spoke. It broke my fucking heart to hear the quiver in her voice, the betrayal I attempted to evade.
Chief scoffed as he listened in, judging us as if he knew anything.
“Manning, I didn’t take you for a liar too. You can add that to your list.” The chief spoke with a hiss, as Julia stared in disbelief. “I trusted you, after all the trouble you’ve caused at other stations. All the drinking, the fighting, the bullshit. I brought you in when no one else would. You’re a liability, always have been,” he let loose a heavy sigh. “You’re fired. Get your shit, and get the fuck out of my face.”
“Chief, I can explain,” I stepped toward him, but right away Smith and Russ blocked me from moving any further as if I was going to get violent. I’d never dream of that; I respected the man.
“You can explain it to someone who will give a shit, because you’re done here as far as I’m concerned and any other firehouse.” He took a deep breath. “I rooted for you, I swear it. You’re one of the best men out there, but this… this is an unforgivable disgrace.” Chief shook his head, his face fuming red.
Chief gripped my shoulders and nodded at the men to escort me out. They tried to grab my arms, but I pulled away. I wasn’t going to go out, not like this.
“Julia,” I pleaded. Pushing forward to see her face. “Why him? Is it really the money? The job? It’s not love, that’s for damn sure! And maybe I was wrong, but I felt it, and I know you felt it too. Isn’t that enough? Aren’t we enough? God damn it, Julia, can’t you see? I love you!” The words fell out of my mouth, the truth escaping as I fought back the shake in my voice. The audience stood silent, spectators in the collapse of my life.
“Jules?” Chief inquired sternly, searching for her confirmation. Her expression was horrified, maybe even scared to admit our story. I couldn't blame her. Of all the disappointments she has suffered, would I just be another? A drunk, fighting mess. My demons were on display, and I wouldn’t blame her if she denied our meeting.
“I thought I did.” The concern in her sad eyes was a kick to the gut. Her voice cracked, breaking me over and over again.
“Jules, this man is a drunk, and he’s violent. I forbid you from ever seeing him.” The chief stared back at me, “Manning, straighten up.” The men quickly grabbed me once again. “Get him the hell out of my firehouse, now!”
“Julia… please, look at me.” She kept her gaze down, almost ashamed. “Please. Look at me one more time.” My nose burned as I held tears from leaking out. I swallowed hard, waiting to see if she’d give me the time. And finally, her gaze landed on mine slowly, her eyes red with tears threatening, riding at the rim of her lids. “You deserve to be free from all of this. Don’t let him be in control of your dreams.” And with that final statement, Julia’s eyes found the floor again, a single tear streamed down her soft cheek.
My body went limp, as the men escorted me out quickly, leading me into the darkness outside as the chief followed. The front door slammed, concealing the warm glow from the lights within. It was cold, and our breath hung visibly between us. A patch of blue light fell on the chief, his disappointed face cast in shadows as the men released my arm.
“I don’t know what the hell happened in there,” he spoke quietly, his voice was more sincere, “but you have to understand, son, I need to protect my family and the station.” His words hit my numb ears, dissolving me into a worse spiral. “This was for you.” The chief handed me a small velvet box. Its blue hue darkened as a tear fell upon it. Opening it slowly, I could see the faint shimmer of a gold star.
“After everything you overcame, after all you have done and accomplished, it pains me to see it end like this.” The chief squeezed my shoulder. In my hand was an honorary badge with my name on it. “We were going to celebrate you tonight, our recipient of valor.” He let go of his grip and walked away, “Good luck to you, Manning. I really do mean that.”
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