The Fire he Ignited in Me

Chapter 20

"What do you mean Lucas quit?"

I frown at Richard who puts the kids old gear away on the racks and throws away his name tags

before shrugging.

"I don't know. The kid came back terrified this morning and was really jumpy. He said he had to

leave town and couldn't come back. I think he's gotten himself into some kind of trouble."

No s**t. Was he on drugs or something? Maybe he owed someone money.

Bryan owes me fifty bucks, but I gotta give it to the kid. He lasted longer than I thought. At least

now with him out of the way, I shouldn't have any trouble vying for Annabelle's attention.

Speaking of, I wonder if he knows he left? Maybe I could use this as an excuse to pop by today

and maybe get her to open up a bit. I figure we could start out as good friends to make her warm

back up to the idea of us being together.

I can't help but feel like a lug for not taking her up on the chance to be with her the first time she

offered. I can't believe it's taken me this long to figure things out and of course she thinks it's too

late.

I'll prove her wrong though. That kiss gave me a sure answer and I'm certain we could really

have a strong something o-

"Uh... Trent. You might wanna take a look behind you," Richard says nodding to the garage

doors behind me.

I turn curiously and let my chest tighten at the sight of the blonde model like woman.

"Maria?"

I greeted with a wide smile and she titters over in her heels to give me a tight hug.

'dont go!' I mouth to Richard who tiptoes away. He never liked her.

I only get a small snicker in response before my ex pats my chest in seek of attention.

"What are you doing here?"

It comes out a bit more whiny than I'd like, but I don't exactly want her here.

"Well Trenton, I think you know why I'm here. The last thing you said to me was that I was

making a big mistake by running off with Carl and you were right! You always are honey. I'm

here to let you know that I will do anything, and I mean anything to make you happy again."

Her eyes are so sure and full of confidence. I'd have never denied her before, but this isn't years

ago. I won't lie, her confession pulls at my heart strings, but I have a little rule when it comes to

relashionships. Never get back with an ex. They tried to do better and couldn't, so now they're

settling. It wouldn't be fair to her or to myself to get back in that kind of relashionship and I most

certainly would never pursue anyone else with Annabelle still on my mind.

"I'm afraid there's nothing you can do Maria. It's been over for years now and it's going to stay

that way."

Her rub on tanned face contorts in confusion and anger before pushing me with what can hardly

be considered force.

"You don't mean that! I know you're confused, but that's because you don't know the whole

story. Carl was never good for me and I miss you bumpkin-"

"That's enough Maria! We're not getting back together. It's time you leave," I say holding my

hand out towards the door. I can't take another minute of her minipulation. She never cared about

me.

"You're the one making a big mistake now Trenton. I'll be waiting for your call."

She storms out of the garage and i shake my head. I use to call everyday to beg forgiveness about

one thing or another.

"I'm sorry I ate a bagel I front of you. I wasn't trying to taunt you with carbs."

"You're right, I should have made you c*m at least twice before cumming myself."

"No I'm not cheating, I told you I have a several hour shift!"

No matter what I did, it didn't live up to her standards, but I never stopped trying. I didn't stop for

her and now I won't stop for Annabelle. She needs me and I'm going to be there for her.

At least I'll try to be.

I decide I'm going to look I to more about why Lucas left when my plans are suddenly halted by

the shrill alarm.

Richard runs in quickly followed by Bryan, Cole, and Evan. We're a team member short, but this

will have to do. I jump into my gear and clip on my helmet before getting in the passenger side

of the firetruck and turning on the sirens.

I click the operator button to get the info as the rest of the guys climb in.

Unit 451, there's a smoke alarm going off on Acereone Boulevard. Smoke is spotted and it's

looking to be a house fire. Do you copy?

My blood runs cold knowing that address is only a few streets away.

"That's Annabelle," I tell Richard who cusses understand his breath and steps on the gas harder

than is safe.

"Unit 451, we copy," I confirm.

The short ride feels like a lifetime knowing Annabelle is in danger. By the time we pull across

the street, dark greyish and black smoke makes it's way out of holes the fire has burned through

the side of the house and my throat tightens seeing that Annabelle is nowhere in sight.

"She's still inside."