#dr.redheaded neighbor

[countrymusiclover]

10 - A Special First Date

Part 11

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

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Getting out of the Uber car I walked inside the firehouse 51 small door since the larger vehicle doors were shut most likely until they received a call for an emergency they needed to attend to. Seeing the back doors of the ambulance were hung opened and I saw some familiar blonde hair moving around. “Sylvie Brett!”

“Yeah that’s me. Can I help you – Mallory, what are you doing here?” She glanced over her shoulder sending me a huge friendly grin on her face.

I stopped walking when I was standing outside the doors with a hand on my hip. I was wearing my old Army jacket that I hadn’t felt like wearing after the day I returned home. “I have a few hours before Will comes and picks me up, so I figured I’d come and hang with you. “

“Awe that’s cool. Although I gotta say that today has been pretty slow. But I do have some good news for you. My boss told me when you come into his office he has an application available for you at the ready.”

“How about right now. I’m free for a little bit.” I suggested hopefully.

She nodded gesturing her head toward an office door. We walked inside the building turning a few corners until we stood outside an office that read Chief on the door. “Chief Boden, I’d like to introduce Mallory Easton. She’s the former Army k-9 officer I have been telling you about.” She lead me inside where I saw a tall black man wearing a white shirt sitting in a desk chair.

“It’s nice to meet you, chief Boden.” I extended my hand to the man causing him to rise from his chair.

He shakes my hand firmly. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Easton. Brett has told me quite about what you did in your friends building. You saved her life.”

“I wasn’t sure if the clot would hold. I just remember seeing some pretty bad wounds when I was deployed. Just followed my basic instincts.” I shrugged my shoulders in response.

“Well, it was very impressive. And that is one of the reasons I am considering hiring you to be on my team.”

I shake my head still making point that he needed to understand regardless if they both wanted me to work here in this fire department. “I appreciate the opportunity. Truly I do. But I don’t have the experience of a paramedic or a firefighter. I know I can take the course to learn but would you mind that I’d be having to learn everything and be on the team at the same time.”

“If you’re considering taking the job you can start taking the courses now. Once you’ve gotten through them you’ll have a job waiting here in a few months.” He explained leaning his back against his desk. “The fact that you are a former Army vet will boost your credibility to get through the programs.”

I parted my mouth open processing if I took the opportunity or not. In all honesty I was spending most of the time when Will was at work by myself. Maxon’s company could only do so much considering he couldn’t talk back. Being in this department would be a good distraction and I could help people that I couldn’t necessarily do when I was deployed overseas. “Fill out the application information for paramedic training and I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“Thank you so much, Chief Boden.” I smiled shaking his hand again before Brett and I exited his office and back outside to the trucks.

Brett paused in her steps hugging me before saying a word back. “I can’t believe you’re going to be working here.”

“Woah slow down, Brett. I’m not anywhere near completely getting the job yet.”

She breaks the hug and I sent her a smile. “I’m just excited for you is all. I’m not worried about you getting to work here. You’ll do fine given the injuries and situations you’ve been through.”

“Thanks for having high confidence in me.” I responded before a car horn started going off and I saw a familiar black car driving up to the open double doors. I knew I recognized the vehicle but wasn’t entirely sure till the driver door opened and auburn hair came into my view with that cheeky grin. “Will!”

He shut the door coming over to us. “Mal. Sylvie.”

“What are you doing here. I thought you didn’t get off work until 5. It’s 3:50.”

He shoved his hands in the jacket he wore over his red hospital scrubs. “Natalie agreed she’d take on the rest of my shift for me. Plus I knew I wanted to surprise you.”

“Awe.”

Brett chimed in. “Hey if you need somebody to watch your dog for the evening I’d totally be open for it.”

“That would be great. Thanks, Sylvie.” I hugged her back too as a thank you.

Will held out his hand for me knowing we both needed to change clothes before going on our first date tonight. “Are you ready to go then, Mallory?”

“Yep.” Placing my hand in his we started walking back to the car. “We’ll drop Maxon off here!”

Sylvie grinned calling back to us. “Treat my girl right, Dr. Halstead!” She watched us drive away from the firehouse feeling excited just like the both of us were about the upcoming evening.

5:30 rolled around by the time we had gotten back to our apartment building and changed clothes. I had slipped on some black leggings underneath a short orange shirt that fell almost down to my knees. Will was in some jeans, a green short sleeve shirt with a black jacket thrown over it.

“So where are actually going now. You haven’t told me a single thing about the plans.” I asked as we made the drive further into downtown once we had left Maxon with Sylvie.

Will had one hand on the steering wheel when he glanced over at me in the passenger seat. “If I told you what we were doing it would ruin the surprise.”

“You are terrible at keeping secrets around me.”

He scoffed with a chuckle. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mallory.”

“The first night Maxon and I spent in your apartment you attempted to blame Maxon for eating the last of the Oreo’s even though dogs can’t have chocolate.” I sent him a glare knowing I was right. “When in reality you felt guilty that you did it and fessed up telling me the truth two seconds later.”

He rolled his eyes recalling the moment. “That is completely different. This time I want this to be a surprise so you’ll just have to wait.”

The drive didn’t last too much longer before he parked the car outside of a restaurant I hadn’t been to before. He came around helping me out of the car so we walked inside arms linked with one another. The hostess led us to the nearest booth where we sat across from each other. “The waitress should be with you shortly.”

“I can’t believe you brought me here. I wasn’t expecting you taking me someplace like this. I thought you’d be taking me to Molly’s for drinks and dinner.” I chuckled picking up the menu seeing that they had pretty much everything on there you could think of getting.

Will picked up his own menu looking it over. “We can go to Molly’s another time if you want. But I’d thought since this is our first official date it should be something a little more special.”

“What can I get you two to drink tonight?” The waitress with her brown hair tied up in a bun while carrying a notepad in her hands.

Will and I responded at the same time. “Angry Orchard.” I snorted a laugh out seeing a huge grin get plastered across his face.

“Okay, I’ll be back to take your orders.” The waitress slowly walked away with her eyes lingering on my best friend and I watched her sway her hips back and forth trying to seduce him making me gag at the thought.

Focusing back on the menu I saw that they had a Mac and cheeseburger that sounds pretty good. I knew we were at a somewhat fancy restaurant but they still had it listed on the menu so I should give it a try. “What are you gonna get, Will?”

“I’m not really that picky. We can split something if you wanted to.”

The waitress came back taking out a pen. “What can I get you tonight?”

“I’ll have a Mac and cheeseburger with fries. Oh uh – were gonna share that.” I handed her back the menu and she scribbled something down walking away. She came back a few minutes with two plates in her hands sitting it down in front of me.

Will cut the burger in half and we both silently ate. I take a few more bites before I saw some of the cheese coming out from under the bun and the next thing I felt was Will’s hand brushing against the tip of my nose. “You got something right there, Mal. There you go I’ve got it.”

“I guess you can’t take me anywhere, Halstead.” I chuckled watching him lick the cheese off his thumb.

We finished eating the burger and fries with him paying the bill where I thought we were about to go home for the evening yet that wasn’t accurate. We drove for a few minutes until I recognized the parking lot and building we were pulling up to. “Will, why are we at the hospital?” I asked shifting around in the passenger seat.

“I wanna show you something and don’t worry I’m allowed to take visitors in.” He unbuckled his seatbelt getting out first and I followed him towards the front sliding doors of the hospital emergency room.

We walked into the building going directly to the elevators. He hit the button that said up and then the one that was labeled roof. I kept trying to figure out what he was wanting to show me that was up there. The elevator doors slid open where I started to step out yet he covered my eyes with his hands causing me to laugh. “Will Halstead, what are you doing. If you want me to see whatever is up here, you gotta remove your hands.”

“You’ll see what I want to show you in a second.” He responded slowly walking the both of us forward out of the elevator.

I chuckled holding my hands out feeling my fingers touch the edge of a metal railing. “Don’t you dare let me fall over the edge of this thing.”

“I’d never let that happen. Now open your eyes in three, two, one.” He lowered his hands where I blinked my eyes a couple of times seeing all the building lights at the ground. From how high we were off the ground everything looked so small from here.

I dropped my mouth open twirling around on my feet seeing my best friend flashing me a huge grin on his face. “This is amazing. I’ve never seen the city from this high above before from the time I have been living here.”

“I’m glad you like it, Mallory. My boss pointed out to me that you could see the whole city from up here and maybe share some drinks. Like I told you earlier I really wanted this to be super special cause you’re special to me, Mallory Easton.” Will closed the gap pressing our chests together wrapping his arms around my waist, nuzzling his nose down onto mine.

I giggled nuzzling my nose back with his own, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You sure know how to show a girl a good time. And you’re special to me too.” Leaning up on my toes I captured his lips with mine, threading my right hand into his ginger curls. He leans closer deepening the kiss enjoying the moment.

Unknown to us my phone was vibrating in my purse that he had set down on the table near where we were standing. The caller was someone I wasn’t expecting to hear from since I had returned home.

[countrymusiclover]

6 - Will's Offer

Part 7

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

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I felt something nudging my side where I began walking up. I giggled peaking one eye open seeing a familiar dog nose poking me. Maxon was standing on his back legs and his front paws were on the edge of the bed. I blinked my eyes finally clearing my vision to be able to see Will. He was sitting in one of the chairs he had taken from the lobby and was currently sleeping in it. “W-Will. Uh Will!”

“Huh – what Mal. Oh good you’re awake.” He quickly sat up in his chair hearing me call his name where he scooted closer to me.

I shifted upright against the pillows behind my head as best as I could manage. Maxon laid down on the ground but remained close enough to my bedside. “Will – what happened after I blacked out?”

“You’re stitches got torn when you were crawling through the vents to get outside. Nat helped fix them and I didn’t bother to leave your side. So, she’s checking up on te other people that were injured in the hostage situation.” He explained putting his hands in his lap never removing his gaze from me.

I slumped my shoulders looking at my bandaged leg. “I wish I could recall that last mission. To know what caused me to have to wear a brace for probably the rest of my life from the looks of it.” The brace velcro had clearly been fixed and it laid on the end of the bed, not attached to my leg probably until we knew I wouldn’t rip the stitch work again.

“Could you talk to the doctor that put the brace on?” He asked me.

Shaking my head no I doubted he would know anything. “He’s back in Afghanistan. It’s not easy to contact him. Let’s just hope the stitching holds.”

“Hey, I’ve got to check on another patient of mine. But I’ll be back in a little bit. If you need anything just press the red button and I found your phone. There’s a tv remote too. I’ll bring you food- “

I held up my hands in surrender laughing at how ridiculous he sounded. “Will, slow down. I will be fine. If I need anything I will find some way to let you or someone else know what I need. Go do your job.”

“I’m being too much aren’t I?” He asked nervously.

I sent him a weak smile. “Just a little. We survived a shooter so calm down.”

“Sorry, Mal. I’m - I was just really worried about you.” He admits rubbing the back of his neck slowly walking backwards out of the room and down the hallway. “I’ll see you later.”

Unlocking my phone, I scrolled through a few different apps on my phone knowing I could watch tv in a few hours afterwards. Maxon made a noise almost sounding like a snore where I peeked over the edge of the bed. “Hey Raegan, there’s something I need to tell you. But you have to promise that you won’t go over the top and freak out when I tell you.” I warned the familiar tall blonde best friend that I was still close with from high school.

“It depends on what news you have to tell me.” She responded waving hi to me when she turned on it on video call to make it more personal.

I paused before answering her. “It’s something with me and Will.”

“You’re talking about your Dr. Redheaded Neighbor!” She squealed through the phone. “Tell me, tell me, tell me!”

I put a finger up to my mouth shooshing her. “Be quiet. In case you didn’t realize I’m in the ED and not entirely by myself.”

“Just tell me Mal.” She begged me with curious eyes.

Throwing my head back against the pillows I debated on how to start telling her what had happened. I had barely had time to process it properly for myself before telling her. The best way to start was just get it out. “I kissed him – I kissed Will. There was this teen girl that came and her ex-boyfriend who was a teenage too came in with a gun. He – he nearly shot me till Will pushed me and Maxon out of the way. Does a best friend do something like that?”

“Woah slow down. First off did you Freaking Kiss Will Halstead!” Raegan squealed throwing her hands up in the air cheering like she had just gotten her favorite toy.

I glared back at her. “Did you hear the part of my rambling where I almost got shot or was that the only thing you heard!”

“Yes, I heard that. But the important parts are you kissed him, and I can definitely tell you best friends that are dudes definitely don’t put their life in front of a bullet for just anyone.”

I nervously played with a strand of my hair between my fingers. “So, you think that he might have feelings for me?”

“Duh. Hell yes!” Raegan smacked herself on the forehead thinking that was the dumbest thing I had ever said to her in our whole lives.

I rolled my eyes replaying the moment over in my head. I was so concerned for Maxon during that moment that I didn’t care what really happened to me and whether or not I got shot. Next thing I knew my body was thrown into the desk and I didn’t have a clear view until Will had already been shot. “If you were me, what would you do, Raegan? I mean we’ve been friends for years. But I - I don’t want to ruin what we have if he doesn’t feel the same way.”

“I get what you’re saying, Mal. But don’t wait or never tell him otherwise someone else might beat you to the punch.” She warned me.

I explained to her simply. “He made a rule not to date coworkers.”

“Doesn’t mean someone else won’t ask him out. He’s quite a catch, Mallory. You’d be a fool if you didn’t tell him how you feel.” My best friend gave me a hopeful smile.

I nodded nervously chucking. “You aren’t just saying that because you want to be my maid of honor.”

“How dare you say such a thing!” Raegan put a hand over her heart pretending to be offended by my words. “I care about your happiness. Yet I won’t lie and say that I am not hoping you two get married otherwise I might never get to be your maid of honor.”

The curtain began to move causing me to shove my phone still on video call underneath one of my pillows seconds before I saw Will coming into the room walking with a crutch under one arm. “What’s this about a Maid of Honor. Are you getting married, and I haven’t met the guy?”

“Trust me the day I decide to get married you’ll be the first to know.” I smirked at him playfully, eyeing his foot that he hurt. He seemed to be walking fine but I was still concerned. “I meant to ask earlier how’s your foot?”

Will come to sit down in the bedside chair like earlier. “Dr. Rhodes had to remove a small bullet. I got lucky that it didn’t hurt me too bad. It’s just sore and I’m gonna have to manage keeping tons of pressure on it.”

“If that’s the case, why are you still working. You should be back at your place resting like he told you.” I shifted sitting more upright and not putting so much weight on the pillows.

Will clicked his tongue giving me a half smile. “I wasn’t gonna leave you here alone.”

“Oh, I would’ve been okay. I have Maxon.”

He nodded with a reply. “I know. I still wanted to be here with you.”

“He likes you!” Raegan screams through the pillow where I shoved it over my mouth to muffle her voice.

“What was that?”

I lied hoping she wouldn’t try that again. “Uh nothing.”

“Hey so I – um was thinking of this idea, and you can decline if you don’t want to but – would you want to come stay at my place since we both might need some help moving around till, we heal from our injuries.” Will clasped his hands together in his lap, avoiding my gaze and watching Maxon who was still passed out on the floor.

I tilted my head touched by the offer. “Are you asking me to move in with you, Halstead?”

“It wouldn’t have to be a permanent thing – unless you wanted it too. It’s just an offer so you’re not alone.” He said finally looking up at me.

I smiled tucking hair behind my ear. “It won’t be so bad to live with you for a little while.”

“Great! I’ll start seeing if we can’t start the paperwork to let you out of here.” He got to his feet grinning brightly and closing the curtain behind him. I waited until I heard his voice far down the hall before yanking my phone out from under the pillow.

“What do I do now?” I asked my best friend clutching the phone in my hands.

She smirked at me proudly. “Find a way to make him your boyfriend and keep me updated, Mallory.” I finally hit end call and throw my hand over my mouth thinking a mile a minute about what I was about to get myself into.

[countrymusiclover]

5 - Code Red pt 2

Part 6

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

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I remained laying on the tile floor almost frozen at the sight before my very eyes. I couldn’t entirely believe what had just happened. I was somewhat prepared to get shot by the David kid. And then Maxon jumped in front of me, so I was somewhat prepared for that outcome. Yet the one I couldn’t wrap my head around was the fact that Will had pushed us both away and taken the hit in the end. What did it mean – best friends don’t do something so reckless do they?

“I’m sorry – I – I didn’t mean to shoot him.” David’s nervous voice drew me away from Will who was holding his injured foot. He had managed to scoot his body up against the nearest wall for some support.

I glared at the kid holding Maxon up against my chest. “So you did plan to shoot me. Great plan.”

“Hey watch your tone. I have the gun here.” David snapped at me.

I rolled my shoulders doing my best like I was taught to show I wasn’t afraid of the teenage father with a gun. All he was being was an idiot for shooting people and then demanding the doctors to help his ex girlfriend. “You can make threats at me all you want. But you forget that if you keep injuring more people that just means more work for the doctors and they might turn their attention away from your girl and your baby.”

“I won’t let that happen.” He told me.

I sniped shrugging my shoulders. “I don’t know trigger happy people don’t usually have good outcomes. But you do you man.”

“If you don’t stop talking I will shoot you.” David gripped the gun in his right hand.

Will croaked out in a worried tone, knowing this guy was unpredictable. “Mallory be quiet. You’ll only make him more upset.”

“I’m not afraid of him. Listen here David you shot my best friend and given that information I don’t care if you have that weapon pointed at me or not.” I snapped at him while Maxon growled under his breath with his ears pointing downward showing how fierce he could be and if I let him go, he could likely rip into his skin.

“Ahhh!” Whipping my head around I saw the pregnant girl cry out in pain where she lifted up her shirt seeing the baby shift inside of her stomach.

Natalie rubbed her hands over her belly. “You're completely dilated. We've have to deliver the baby.”

Lily the young girl shook her head no. “No, I don't want to push it out.”

“I know this isn't how you wanted it to happen but we cannot wait any longer.” She explained.

David asked rushing over to her room . “Can't you just do the c-section?”

“It's not safe to do it here. I’m sorry, Lily, but I need you to deliver this baby.” She told the girl.

I crawled forward seeing a handgun from the other officer hiding it underneath my shirt before he could get another firearm in his hands. Maxon got up helping me sneak back into the room. Will had managed to make his way in their so I rushed to his side. “Will, what were you thinking taking a bullet like that!”

“I couldn’t let him shoot you or Maxon.” He dropped his hands at his sides.

Smacking a hand over my face I groaned. “Will! That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Look it doesn’t matter why. You two need to just stay in here and we’ll get him out of here before he hurts more people.”

“Will, I’ve got to get out of here and get help. I saw SWAT outside before the windows were covered. I can help them.” I snapped at him with Maxon standing sternly at my hip.

Will paused trying to think of some way out till he lifted his gaze up seeing an air vent. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Give me a boost, Halstead.” I nodded climbing up onto the bed taking the vent cover off and laying it on the bed.

Will put his palms together underneath my feet hoisting me up inside the dupt. “Be careful you two.” He lifted Maxon up till he could jump up inside and he put the vent cover in my hands.

“You be careful too, Will.”

I heard Will’s voice as he exited the room. “Dr. Manning is gonna need another set of hands to deliver your child.”

“Okay, yeah. Help her, help her, help her, help her, help her.” David demanded him.

Will was at the girls side holding her hand. “You've got this, Lily. Keep breathing.”

“I just couldn't let him take our baby like that, Lily. I could... I couldn't do it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.” David apologized standing in the doorway of her room seeing her start pushing the baby to come out.

‘Yeah, you're doing great, Lily. Just keep looking at me, okay? Breathe. Breathe with me, Lily.” Will reassured her before I lifted up the vent cover and put it back in it’s place so he wouldn’t see we were gone.

I began crawling on my elbows and knees following Maxon’s tail that was in front of my face. We went through four or five different turns before we came upon a vent that showed the outside parking lot lights. “Bust through Maxon.” I instructed him figuring we didn’t have long.

By the time Maxon busted his head into the air vent and it fell o out allowing him to jump down towards the ground. Sliding down the wall I landed on my feet seeing multiple SWAT vehicles had surrounded the building. One of the guys came over to me. “Are you hurt ma’am?”

“Don’t worry about me. We need to stop the kid inside.”

“We’re handing it.” The lead guy spoke.

I raised a hand and Maxon batked harshly up at him. “Give me a rifle and let me take the shot. You will not do anything else but that.” He ran off in that direction before he gave me the weapon.

Looking through the shot hole I could somewhat hear what was happening. “No, listen, all we gotta do is get to the neighborhood, all right? Because I know people who'll help us get out. I promise, it's gonna be okay. All right?”

Lilly coughed barely staying awake after the delivery. “No. It's over, David. It's over.”

“If you change your mind, when you do, call my mom. She'll tell you to get in contact with me and the baby.” David turns around on his feet seeing the boss holding his kid. “Give me my son.”

“I can't do that, David” She said to him.

David aims the gun at the group in the room. “Get back. Get back. Everyone back against the wall now. Miss Goodwin, hand him over.”

She began walking backwards from him. “I said I'd help you, David, and I meant that. But I'm not giving you this baby.”

“I'm not leaving here without my son.” He growled.

She held the baby closer to her. “You don't have a choice.”

“No, you don't have a choice. I will kill everyone in this hospital before I leave my son.” David moves forward and I kept my finger on the trigger.

Will’s boss said stepping out of the way of the shot I needed to take and the kid walked in. “Then you're gonna have to start with me.”

One of the SWAT officers scolded me since I hadn’t taken the shot yet. “If you don’t take the opening. We’ll lose our chance.”

“I know what I’m doing!” I snapped at the guy, not removing my attention through the scope on the automatic rifle.

David stepped towards Will’s boss about to shoot her until I pulled the trigger shooting him in the back of the head. “Give me my son.”

His ex girlfriend cried watching his body collapse to the floor with blood pouring out. “David! No!”

“In case it wasn’t clear. I’m a former army vet.” I lowered the rifle glaring st the guy and the rest of the SWAT team bursts into the building.

The SWAT guy quickly avoided my gaze. “I’m sorry ma’am.”

By the time SWAT had gotten in I busted my way through the crowd of men frantically searching for Will. Maxon ran on my heels until I came in contact with the familiar auburn hair. “Will!” I called his name where he barely got the chance to turn around before I flung my arms around his neck.

“Offf! Mal, Mallory. I’m okay, I’m okay.” He caught my body wrapping his arms around my body hearing me cry into his shirt. “Look, there’s something I need to tell you-“

I cut him off not giving him the chance to finish his sentence after I held his face in my hands crashing my lips up onto mine. I felt him gasp and he slightly kissed back for a minute until I broke the kiss feeling light headed. “I um – shouldn’t have done that – umm Will.”

“Mal – Mal – Mallory!” He called my name quickly picking up my body seeing my leg was bleeding again, meaning we had a serious problem on our hands.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[countrymusiclover]

12 - Telling Will

Part 13

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

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Please comment your thoughts and any ideas you have for this story

Parking my car outside of the hospital and in the parking lot. Getting out of the car I zipped up my firehouse 51 jacket heading towards the direction of the hospital entrance. I knew I needed to tell Will sooner rather than later. Going through the emergency doors in search of my boyfriend. Rounding the corner past the nurse's desk I found his familiar ginger hair. “Will! Hey, can I talk to you for a second if you’re not swamped.”

“Um, yeah I could use a minute to calm down.” He responded leading me into the area where their lockers were located to keep their none work items.

Shutting the door behind me after I walked in the room watching my boyfriend pacing the room back and forth with his chest heaving up and down with heavy breaths. “Are you okay, Will?”

“My – my father is in the hospital. My brother is here too and our dad ain’t looking too good.” He finally admitted.

I covered my mouth with a hand not sure what else to say. “Oh Will. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah it sucks cause I can’t be on to help him either with it being the hospital policy and everything. I just - I don’t know what to do. What’s uh – going on with you, Mal?” He asked me sitting down at the round table inside the locker room.

I paused clicking my tongue debating on whether or not I should tell him the truth. “I got a call from my Lieutenant this morning.”

“And what did he say?” He questioned softly.

I sighed dropping my shoulders heavily. “I might have to go-“

“Will, it’s your dad. He’s coding.” The head nurse named Maggie poked her head inside cutting me off.

Will and I ran out into the hallway of the ED and inside his dad’s room. I remained standing in the doorway seeing an older man laying flat on a hospital bed and alarms flashing on the computer screen with Will checking for a pulse. “No pulse. Bag him.”

“Wait he’s your dad. Shouldn’t another doctor run the code.” A blonde nurse touched his arm.

Will began pushing up and down on his dads chest. “You got one handy.”

“What’s going on here?” I heard a guys voice causing me to glance over seeing a guy that looked similar to Will just without the red hair coming into the room meaning it had to be his brother Jay.

Will had to shock his father a couple of times before the vital screening returned to somewhat normal as far as I could tell. “Get me Sam to check him out…” Will brushed past me and headed back into the room we had previously been in.

“Will. Will!” I called his name spinning around on my feet running after him and pushing my way through the door back into the locker room. “Hey, why are you calling in another doctor. I thought you’re dad was okay after some wave lines came back on the screen.”

He rested his hands against the metal locker. “They won’t last, Mallory. He’s - he’s already gone.”

“You’re saying he’s dead.”

He swallowed thickly nodding his head yes still never looking in my direction. “He’s brain dead. He ain’t coming back – the machine is the only thing keeping him alive right now.”

“Will, I’m so sorry.” I felt sorry for him and I knew I shouldn’t give him more bad news that I would be deployed out for another tour in a few months. He already had enough on his plate for today so I slowly walked about to leave the room.

But he called out to me by nickname with a croaking voice. “Mal, will you stay with me?”

“I don’t want to intrude on you and your brother grieving. That wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Besides I can’t have Brett covering my shift for much longer.”

Will turned around extended a hand out for me to take, sending me puppy dog eyes with tears. “Mal, please. I – I don’t want to be alone right now.”

I sighed deciding that he needed me more in this moment than the rest of the world. Crossing the room I wrapped my arms around his waist and he buried his head in the crook of my neck letting some tears finally fall. I slowly ran my fingers through his hair while we just stood there holding onto the other needing comfort.

“Thank you – um can we talk about something else right now. What did you come here to tell me earlier?” He drew his head back looking down at me.

I sucked in a shacky breath, holding onto his forearms. “I – I don’t know if this is the best time to tell you what my Lieutenant said to me.”

“Come on, Mal. It probably isn’t as bad as this. You can tell me anything remember.” He reminded me.

Slumping my shoulders I shut my eyes not being able to look him in the eye when I told him what was happening. “He told me this morning that they need to deploy me and Maxon out for another tour. He believes I will be deployed out in a few months give or take.”

“Mallory, It’s gonna be okay.” Was the words I heard coming from his mouth.

Lifting my head up from his red scrub shirt I sniffed through tears. “It is – but I thought – I thought you’d be upset about this. I mean we didn’t plan – even think this was going to happen. I was done with my tour because of my leg brace, at least that’s what I assumed-“

“Mal, look at me. I’m not gonna be upset over something out of your control. That would make me out to be an asshole of a boyfriend.”

I started crying happy tears this time laying my head on his chest, gently gripping his fabric of his scrubs. Will wrapped his arms around my waist resting his chin back on my head enjoying that he had calmed me down over this scary situation that was coming into our lives. “I was so afraid you’d be upset about me having to leave. I’m - I’m going to miss you so much.”

“I’m going to miss you and Maxon too. But knowing you you’ll get through this with no problem.” Will gave me a smile kissing my forehead. “Now let’s not focus on this. It took us this long to be together, that’s all that is important right now.”

I went back to our apartment building to spend time with Maxon until Will got done with his hospital shift. Yet unknown to me he took a detour before actually coming home visiting his brothers apartment on the other side of town. Jay opened the door seeing his older brother standing in the doorway. “What’s going on, Will?”

“Do you still got mom’s wedding ring?” He asked him where his younger brother let him walk inside disappearing to get the ring from the safe. Will smiled looking at the same picture that his girlfriend had on her phone with Maxon stuck in between the pair.

[countrymusiclover]

9 - Life Changing Moments

Part 10

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

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Maxon made a noise looking up at Will with a tilt of his head. “What do you think that conversation is going to be about, Max.” Will just sat down with him laying at his feet simply wanting to wait until she got back.

Sylvie and I exited the ED going to sit down on one of the benches outside the building so we could talk. I wasn’t sure what she needed to talk to me about or how she found me here at the hospital in the first place. “So, I have to ask how the hell did you find me here exactly?”

“I looked you up on the internet. Facebook showed some pictures with you and Dr. Halstead. I searched through his page and found out that he worked here. The chance of you being here still at the same town was a happy coincidence.” She explained and I nodded somehow not finding that creepy given the smile she had given me.

I clicked my tongue intertwining my hands together in my lap. “Okay, so – what exactly did you need to talk to me about privately?”

“I have been trying to rack my brain about why I couldn’t get you out of my head and it finally came to me. It’s because you clearly aren’t ready to be done helping people.”

I eyed my right leg wishing that I didn’t have the brace on all the time. “Maybe I am. I mean I had to be discharged from Army after I got injured. I don’t remember the last mission I only know I came home with this on me probably for the rest of my life.”

“Look I have been thinking about offering you a chance to come work at Firehouse 51 or at least consider looking into helping out there.” The female firefighter sends me a smile again.

Running a hand through my loose hair I sighed thinking about what she was offering. “Wow. That’s - that’s a huge offer. I mean I don’t have any training to be a Firefighter or Paramedic like you guys.”

“You’re right but you’d be able to learn on the job and take courses if you really want to look into what I’ve mentioned here.”

I asked her meeting her blue eyes. “Is this even allowed with your boss?”

“If you truly are considering saying yes, I will speak with him as soon as possible.” She reached forward touching my knee.

Since coming home I was just focusing on trying to adjust getting back to civilian lifestyle and getting spend more time with my best friend again. “I’ll let you know. Uh here – I can give you my phone number.” Taking out my phone I handed it to her showing my phone number.

“Thanks. Just call me, Mallory.” She put her number in my phone handing me my phone back.

The hospital sliding doors opened causing me and the firefighter to turn our heads and attention towards them. I saw Maxon coming towards me before I saw Will slowly running over to us. “Raegan is awake and asking for you. If you want to see her now.”

“Oh my gosh. Ms. Brett, I will certainly let you know my answer later.” Jumping up onto my feet Maxon bolted to the doors with me and Will following him inside the hospital doors. I entered the room she was supposed to be in seeing her sitting somewhat upright in her bed, smiling when I rushed to her bedside. “Rae, I was so worried about you. I – I thought something really bad was going to happen.”

She blew a raspberry at me. “I’m too stubborn to leave you alone. Especially when you haven’t fessed up and told your Redhead how you feel.”

“You know the thought of you dying is more important than my romantic life.” I sent her a glare.

She crossed her arms over her chest huffing at me. “Okay but you know that I’m right. Halstead from what I can tell isn’t very good about hiding his feelings. So, I see no issue with getting it over with and telling him that you have feelings for him too.”

“But what if he- “

She held her up left hand with an iv sticking in her arm. “I will take this out which will set off all the alarms and go find himself. Do you really want me to be the one to tell him what you won’t.”

Holding up my hands up in surrender in front of me I begged her. “Don’t you dare do anything like that. I’ll tell him soon okay.”

“You better.” Raegan sent me a warning look.

Pushing opened the apartment door I tossed my keys on the countertop the second I walked inside Will’s apartment while carrying in a pizza box that we had picked up on the way home from the hospital. Maxon jumped up onto the couch and he laid down in a curled-up position. Will came in shortly after sitting his bag by the door. “Oh, what a day. I gotta say I love being an ED doc but it sure wores me out.”

“At least now I finally kept up on my promise on bringing you this.” Spinning the pizza box around on the kitchen counter I drew the lid open and the familiar comforting smell filled the air.

He shrugged his jacket off ditching it onto the back side of the couch coming over in two long strides until his nose was right above the pizza box. “Ohh I’ve been needing this all day.”

“I gotta admit it is pretty good pizza.” I picked up a bite thinking back to my old home state. “I do remember the drive to Dominos wasn’t too bad either.”

Will set his piece of pizza down. “How dare you say bad things about me pizza..”

“I can’t help I’m from Indiana, Will.” I throw my hands up staring at him.

He glared at me across the kitchen island. “Dang country girl.”

“City slicker.” I did my best to hold a straight and serious face when I was looking at him but I only lasted a few more seconds. I bent my head down in my arms laughing my head off.

Will mirrored my laughter shaking his head. “Who would’ve thought that we would work together like this. Living together, me, you and Maxon.”

“We do make a pretty good trio.” Picking up my slice of pizza I take out a few bites before picking up another.

Will moved over to the couch sitting down with some pieces of pizza on his plate. “Do you ever think we’d still work together this great as a couple?”

“Wha – what did you say?” I nearly choked on the bite of pizza I had in my mouth.

Will’s gaze focused on me standing by the kitchen island sitting the plate down on the coffee table in front of him. I’ve been thinking for a while that I should have told you this much sooner. And so now I’m done waiting.” He rose from the furniture striding over to me until I held my hands up before he can say anything more.

“Will, hang on a second. I need to say something to you too. I – I just have been so terrified of what you would say.”

He rummaged around in his pocket holding up a random coin. “Let’s let luck decide this then. Heads, we say our feelings one at a time. Tails, we say them at the same time. And there’s no backing out.” Will tossed the coin up off his thumb and it landed down in his palm.

“What does it say?” I nervously gripped the ends of my tea shirt in my fingers nervous for his answer.

“Tails.”

I gulped. “Okay. 3 – 2 – 1.”

Will and I paused before uttering out at the same time. “I have feelings for you.”

Covering my mouth with my hands I felt some tears welling in my eyes. “I thought that you wouldn’t – um.” I didn’t know what to say considering I assumed he wouldn’t feel the same way since we’d been friends for over six years now.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He asked me.

I started to respond to him but he cut me off. “I was afraid that our relationship would be ruined and that you wouldn’t feel the same way- “

He crashed his lip’s down onto mine where I gasped taking a second to process what was happening. I had imagined what it would be like to kiss him but now that it was happening I thought I was dreaming. I leaned up slightly on my toes kissing him back and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Mal, Mallory, listen to me okay.” He drew back holding my face in his hands, smiling through happy tears. “Our relationship could never be ruined by you being honest with me. Cause I have always had feelings for you. Always have, always will.”

I grinned up at him gripping the fabric of his shirt. “So this is for real?”

“Yes, Mallory. This is real.” He sent me that familiar cheeky grin. “Now what would you say to me taking you out on our first official date tomorrow night?’

Leaning up on my toes I began the next kiss we shared. “I’d love that.” Will moved his hands around my waist holding me against his chest until we broke away knowing the pizza was getting cold.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[countrymusiclover]

Can you add me to the Dr. Redheaded Neighbor taglist please and thank you

Of course! Updates aren't as frequent since I'm back in college but I'll definitely add you