Guarded heart

CHAPTER 3. Community

LISA'S POV

I sit up with a gasp of breath.

"What's wrong?" My Dad asks.

"We kissed" I say in horror.

"Who kissed mummy?" I hear Emma ask I look around while yawning looking for Emma, only to see Emma sat on my mums lap with a book in hand looking at me worried while my mum looks like she could laugh any second. My dad is the other side of the room in a different chair reading a paper.

" No one Emma mummy was just dreaming. Did you have a good day at school" I ask while trying to get comfortable.

"Yes Dennis came to school today, but aunty Summer and uncle Ryan said you have a poorly leg" Emma says looking at me.

"That's true, I didnt go to bed before you came home from school, so I could see you as I missed you loads. But silly mummy still fell asleep" I say.

"You want a drink love?" my mum says

"Yes, please can you also get me some painkillers as well" I say.

"Your in pain? I will go get them with water" my dad says suddenly standing up to hurry out the room.

"Only a little bit" I say

"Mummy, is it just your leg that hurts?" Emma says standing up to walk closer to me.

"Well it's the pain in the leg, everything else is okay, I just need to me extra careful with my leg" I say.

"No jumping on mummy, remember what we spoke about" my mum says to Emma.

"Come sit next to me, I need a cuddle to help me feel better" I say patting the little space next to me.

Emma sits down next to me and I give her a cuddle.

"Mummy, whenever I hurt myself you always let us have ice cream for pudding, do we still get ice cream because you hurt yourself?" Emma says

"Well technically some one else hurt mummy by accident but yet I don't see why we can't have ice cream for pudding" I say knowing my parents always keep ice creams in the freezer.

"Here we go a bottle of water and your painkillers" my dad says walking back into the room.

"Ryan and luke have gone out to get KFC for dinner" my mum says.

"Where's Summer and Sean?" I ask seeing its only 4:30pm

"They didn't want the kids to wake you up so there in the garden playing. Emma however was upset seeing your leg, so once we had calmed her down, we agreed we could read books while we waited for you to wake up. Then Ryan and luke sweetened the deal with a KFC dinner" My mum says.

"Aww poppet, mummy will be just fine. Why don't you go play with Skylar and Dennis until dinner is here? Then we can snuggle up with ice cream and TV before you have to go to bed?" I say

"But mummy, what if you get hurt again? I can't look after you if I'm off playing" Emma says.

"That's okay me and grandad can look after mummy, it's your break time you go play with the others" my mum says.

"Yeah quickly before grandad takes the playtime and you know what he will do he will hog the swing" I say while my dad raises his eyebrow at me.

"Okay but call me when breaktime is over" Emma says.

"I will make sure nanny or grandad comes and gets you when breaktime is over" I say.

With that Emma gets up and heads out to the garden.

"I just realised we haven't got a clean school uniform here for Emma" I say.

"Summer had Beth go get you and Emma some clothes. Now we know your hate it but with it being summer, dresses and nighties will be easier to wear while your in a cast so brought loads of different sytle dresses of different colours of each style for you to choose from. Some will arrive tonight and some will arrive tomorrow" my mum says

"Okay, it makes sense I suppose" I say knowing I'm going to hate wearing dresses for the next 6 weeks.

PING

"Where's my phone?" I ask looking around for it.

"On charge, I shall get it for you" my mum says standing up.

"Thanks mum" I say as she hurrys to pass me the phone.

I see that my phone has a few messages so decided to read them and reply.

From King's delights group chat

Amanda: Girl you best not be in work tomorrow! Rest up we got the cafe covered.

Sheena: Amanda is right don't come in until your ready, hope you feel better soon. X

Amanda: See behave yourself and stay home!

Nancy: OMG are you okay really?! X

Freda: Girls don't worry it might be my day off but I'm heading in place of Lisa.

Sheena: Thanks Freda don't go rushing in we don't need any more staff getting into accidents though. Although I see on the news it was the polices fault Lisa was in a accident.

Paula: I see that as well but they were responding to a emergency call. Hope your feeling better soon Lisa.

Freda: Don't worry I will arrive safe. And I saw that as well. How awful for all involved.

Cindy: Lisa, do what the girls said above and just rest. I can rebook next week's holiday if need be. Just don't feel you need to come in we can look after the cafe for you. You just focus on yourself.

I quickly type my reply.

To King's delight group chat

Girls thanks for your messages. Yes it was a complete accident involving a police car. They were on there way to an emergency and the police officers involved did there best to look after me afterwards, they even gave me there personal number incase I need anything while I'm recovering which was so kind of them. One even saved me falling in the hospital while helping me to the lady's room. I need to get the swing of these crutches. No need for anyone to miss there holidays if need be I'm sure I can have someone else come by and help with the cafe after all my brother owns loads of restaurants as well as his brother in law. But, I shall be back to work as soon as possible. In the meantime thanks for helping out it means alot knowing I have a great team at work to help me.

Then I went onto the next one.

From The girls Group chat

Katy: Summer any update on Lisa

Michelle: I really want to know how Lisa is as well.

Summer: Lisa should be leaving the hospital soon, just bruises, cuts and a broken leg with provably slight concussion. Otherwise lisa just seems tired but okay. I will tell Lisa to message you all later when she is rested.

Hahley: Damn, keep us posted, I can't believe she was in a car accident. It scared the life out of me when you rang us this morning.

Summer: Sorry I knew if I didn't tell you all then you wouldn't be happy to find out later. But you should all be proud of our girl she has been really great after calming down enough she finally allowed a male paramedic to assist the female in the ambulance while I chatted to keep her distracted. I never thought I'd see the day even if it was to allow a male to assist helping her when she was in need, I was just as scared you girls helped keep me sane until the rest of the family arrived.

Hahley: To right Id of been upset if you didn't tell us. Once Lisa is feeling better we should all have lunch and a pamper day im sure Lisa could do with that after today! Hell she deserves it.

Katy: I'm in! And that what's we are all for to help each other when one is down. Lisa hun just rest up and don't worry about a thing we got you.

Summer: Thanks.

Michelle: I'm in as well. Now come on Lisa be a good girl and rest the sooner you are better the sooner we can have you back to normal.

I quickly replied

To The girls Group chat

Aww girls, I'm okay just a little sore! Chris one of my regulars was one of the police officers! that shocked me as I never knew he was a police officer. I can't wait to rid of this cast already, mum just brought me loads of dresses! Yuck!! Someone save me for this hell! I'm about to under go wearing dresses. Let's do lunch later in the week.

"We are back!" I hear Ryan shout as I press the send button.

"I will go get the others in from the garden" my dad says.

"love will you be alright if I help your brother dish up dinner?" my mum asks.

"Yeah, I will be fine go ahead mum" I say.

"Okay, shout if you need anything In the meantime" my mum says.

"Mum its Only a few minutes I will survive" I say.

"Okay" my mum says then heads out the living room.

I go back to my messages and carry on.

From Chris

Hi Lisa, I hope you are okay this evening. I've got a list of everyone who attended from the fire station this morning. Do you have a email address so I can just email it over. If not then not to worry I can just type it all out over a text.

To Chris

Thanks Chris I appreciate it. You could of had some rest first. I'm feeling okay how are you feeling? Do you know how PC Cole is as well? Thanks again for your help today.

My email address is Lisaking143@gmail.com

I then go to check my emails but I hear "Aunty Lisa! Your awake!" I look over to see Dennis is running over.

"Careful with aunty Lisa she is poorly" Sean says running in the room after Dennis

"It's okay" I say putting my phone away.

CHRIS POV

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD 'Everyone else sings Steve I hear'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

Everyone at the station is gathered round as Layla the cook brings in the amazing fire truck cake with candles on now stood in front of my dad as he blows out the candles.

"Yaaay" Everyone erupts as the candles are blown out.

"Thanks everyone" My dad says

"You know the women Lisa who was rescued from the trap car this morning?" Layla asks.

"Yeah, what about her?" I ask worried

"Well im glad I managed to pick this cake up yesterday before your mate crashed into her car otherwise there might not be a cake here right now!" Layla says.

"Well isn't that a turn of events" my dad says.

"Yeah, I didn't know she makes birthdays cakes but I know she makes a mean cake from the ones she has in the cafe" I say.

"Yeah but she only usually does friends and family with her raffle cakes, however because I said it was for a firefighter she agreed to do the cake" Layla says.

"How is Lisa doing anyway?" Bobby asks.

"She will live Only a broken leg with some minor cuts and bruises. The car though is a complete goner" I say.

"You know that lovely young lady always does good for the community raising money for charity and gives one lucky person a month cupcakes for good deeds, how about for once the community comes together for the Lisa?" Layla suggests.

"Layla your a genuious, let's see if we can raise enough money to replace her car?" I suggest.

"I'm in!" my dad says smiling.

"Wait, she comes from a rich family no doubt she will have a new car come the end of the day we need to think out of the box on this one" Layla says.

"Well Lisa is always giving back how about we put a post out and say for each day Lisa is in a cast I shall be going to hunt Lisa down with a gift brought in from the community and today's gift can be a box of chocolates on behalf of the fire department. Tomorrows gift can be flowers on behalf of the police station. And we can figure out the rest from there. I'm happy to take the gifts everyday with the gifts being left at the station or police station as drop of points? And since it was the polices fault I know the station will also agree to it" I say

"I like that idea! Come on lads get the truck ready we can head out to get chocolates while Chris finds Lisas address out" my dad says.

"I will get the word out to the community!" Layla says all excited.

I decided to ring Lisa and see if she was still with Summer after all I didn't want to give away the surprise.

"Dad I'm coming with you but everyone quite I will ring Lisa and try to see if there is someone else I can speak with to get her address" I say.

"You got her number?" my dad asks stunned.

"You don't think I'd walk away without worrying?" I ask.

"Good lad I taught you well" my dad says patting my back as we head for the fire truck.

I get out my phone to see I have a text from Lisa so I know she is awake. It must have come while we were all singing happy birthday that's why I didn't hear it I think as I start to ring Lisa.

RING RING RING RING RING

"Hello" Lisa says picking up the phone.

"Hi Lisa, I was just wondering if you had Summers number by any chance so I can get in contact over some minior paperwork" I say suddenly thinking that would be a more convincing way to speak with Summer.

"Actually Summer is here with me now would you like to speak with her now?" Lisa asks.

"That would be great" I say

"Okay two minutes" Lisa says then I hear her says "Summer is PC Walker he would like to speak with you".

"Two seconds Summer is just coming to get the phone" Lisa says.

"That's okay" I say as everyone is quietly trying to get into the fire truck while looking at me with smiles on there faces.

"Hi PC Walker it's Summer is everything okay?" Summer then asks coming onto the phone.

"Hi Summer, I'm glad your with Lisa it's saves me enougher phone call. Please call me Chris this isn't a professional call its actually a personal call. The firefighters and police force have decided to surprise Lisa everyday with gifts while she is in a cast, she does so much for charity and the community that people want to give back and show there appreciation while Lisa is recovering starting tonight with the firefighters coming by with gift one, we was wondering if we could have Lisas current location" I say.

"Hang on let me just go ask Nick if he can remember the time" Summer says.

"Okay" I say assuming there's a reason for the odd response.

"Okay Lisa isn't in the room now. I will send you a text with the address from my phone. I can get your number from Lisas, that way I can help you know where Lisa is each day when you rock up with the gifts. It's a lovely idea" Summer says.

"Thankyou so much we won't be long" I say

"Okay, I'm going to hang up now so I can send you a message" Summer says

"Okay, thanks bye Summer" I say.

Then summer hangs up.

"She is sending me a message with the address now" I say.

"Let's rock and roll" my dad says

"let's rock and roll" Everyone shouts as I start to message everyone at work.

To Work chat group

Hi everyone, just to let you all know the police force will be joining the fire station in starting daily gifts to Lisa King for everyday she is in a cast. After today we all decided that she gives so much to the community while also raising loads of money each month for charitys. Now Lisa is down after today it would be good to bring the community together to give back to Lisa. Layla is getting started on getting the message out to the community while the fireman are currently on route to taking chocolates to Lisa. Tomorrow I shall take flowers on behalf of the police force if anyone has a free moment it would be great to use a police car! I also said we could share the drop of point with the fire station for gifts from the community I hope this is okay Callum.

The responses soon come flying in with thumbs ups and people saying great ideas

Callum: approved! I will personally take you with a car let me know what time, we were already brain storming what to get after we had a whip round at work today so the flowers can be covered with that money also get balloons and a Teddy bear there's enough money to cover it!

"The Sargent has approved the idea as well" I say.

"My sister is a paremdic, I will get hold of her see if they can swing by on day three" Chad says as we rock up to the supermarket.

"While you do that, I'm going in to buy chocolates" My dad says

"Wait Lisa has a daughter called Emma get her a gift as well since she will be worried about her mum, it might help make her feel better after seeing her mum injured" I say.

"Okay, good idea" my dad says.

"If you swing by tomorrow before going to Lisa's then I can have a build a bear ready for the little girl tomorrow as well" Bobby says.

LISAS POV

"Here you go" Summer says handing me my phone.

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

"Yes, but Sean, Ryan I need a word quickly" Summer says.

"What's happened?" I ask.

"Nothing it's the the computer in the study, it isn't working so I want them to help me a second" Summer says.

"Who wants ice cream" my mum says getting up.

"I do" Skylar yells.

"Me please" Dennis says.

"Mummy can I leave these chips and have ice cream?" Emma says who insisted on sitting next to me for dinner. I see she has 8 chips left. "Okay go on" I say.

"Me please nanny" Emma says.

"I will help you" my dad says.

"I need to make a call" Luke says

"Luke you as well" I say.

"Sorry but I promised to ring my friend" Luke says running from the room

"You all can't keep secrets from me wait until I master the crutches" I shout.

"Aunty Lisa can Emma have a sleep over tonight?" Skylar asks me suddenly.

"Tonight we are having a sleep over at nanny's house though. Maybe later in the week, I will speak with mummy and daddy. Is that okay?" I ask.

"I'm going to ask if I can sleep over at nanny's as well" Dennis shouts running out the room.

"No i asked first!" Skylar shouts running after him

"Mummy it's to noisy here for you. When I'm poorly you say it needs to stay quiet, so I can feel better. Maybe we should go home where its quiet, so you can get better quicker" Emma suddenly says looking at me worried.

"Emma, I've a poorly leg not a poorly tummy I will be okay with noise" I say.

"No uncle Ryan told me you had a poorly head as well" Emma says looking confused and deep in thought. It's so cute.

"Don't worry the sleep helped mummy's head. I'm okay, I don't want you worrying" I say giving Emma a hug.

"Nanny says we can sleep over as well" Skylar says running back in.

"Yay!" Emma says getting up to hug Skylar at the news.

"Sleep over at nanny's" Dennis says happily running back in.

"Come on kids, let's go eat the ice cream outside" Sean says coming back in.

"Yes the front garden this time" Summer says walking in behind Sean and picking Dennis up.

"But what about mummy?" Emma asks looking worried.

"Don't worry mummy is coming out as well. It's to nice to stay indoors and eat ice cream" my mum says walking in.

"I haven't the engery to get out there" I say.

"That's why I'm here to carry you out" Sean says.

"Don't worry your dad, Ryan and luke are currently getting the egg swing into the front garden so your be able to sit comfortably" Summer says.

"Can I sit with mummy?" Emma says.

"You can sit with Skylar and Dennis" Summer says.

"I'm going to get the ice creams outside" my mum says leaving the room.

"Sean please just leave me here, I really don't have the energy everything aches and hurts or can't you see the bruises on my arms and this cast?" I say.

"Don't worry I will carry you and be gentle, the sunset with ice cream is just what the doctor ordered" Sean says.

"You better carry me into my bed afterwards" I say giving up as I see summer carrying Dennis and taking Emma's hand out the living room.

"I will, you won't have to use any energy just enjoy a ice cream while watching the sunset" Sean says.

"Then be gentle and quick" I say holding my arms out ready to be carried outside.

CHRIS POV

"Guys layla has messaged, the community is already pouring in saying there's be dropping gifts by with cards. So far there's Yankee candle gift set, lush bath bombs set from the manager at lush, the perfume shop store manager has said she will donate a gift set is someone can find out Lisas likes, The staff at Icelands said they will all be having a whip round to provide all food to cater a bbq feast after B&Q said they will gift a Bbq. The list just keeps going on" Bobby says.

"Holy moly!" my dad says.

"She clearly has made a impact on the community to have such a strong response already" I say amazed.

"Okay we are here boys get ready" My dad says putting on the sirens. I look out the window to see everyone is in the front garden eating ice creams. I see there's kids and that's why my dad put the siren on knowing kids love that stuff.

The adults are sat on patio chairs while lisa is sat in a egg chair.

"Bobby your in charge of showing the fire engine off to kids" my dad says pulling to a stop. I see the kids are standing up excited to see a fire engine.

"Time to rock and roll" all the fire fighters say as they open the doors and start getting down from the truck.

I quickly get out myself and join my dad.

"Hi, kids who wants to sit in the fire truck?" I hear Bobby says as me and my dad walk over to Lisa. And the kids all start shouting with excitement running over to Bobby.

"Hi Lisa, this is my dad Steve and as you can see he is a fire fighter, here to see you on behalf of the fire service" I say.

"Is everything okay?" Lisa asks looking concerned while I see her family smiling with excitement looking at Lisa.

"Everything is fine, we just wanted to drop by with some chocolate for you. We also have a present in this bag for Emma" my dad says handing them to Lisa

"Oh, thank you, you didn't need to do that" Lisa says.

"Well when we discovered you were the women who gives so much to the community, we wanted to give back after the day you had" my dad says.

"That's not all for everyday your in the cast I will be coming by with gifts from people in the community. Everyone has heard about what happened today and want to give back. I also can't say sorry enough. So after we brain stormed we decided it would be good to get the community involved in helping cheer you up during this time" I say.

"No!" Lisa says looking at me shocked while I see tears forming in her eyes.

"You deserve it after everything you do" A greying older version of Lisa looking women says

"Mum, I bake a few cakes nothing special and now this. I just don't know what to say" Lisa says

"Just sit back and enjoy the whirl wind ride about to happen" Henry says.

"That's right, we might go out and help when needed but the little people who try to make a difference also needs to be shown how greatful people are, so you don't need to say anything just rest up and recover while enjoying the onpour of support the community has for you" my dad says.

"And I will be personally in charge of everything with my Sargent backing me up as a way of sorry on behalf of the police force. But it will mean you have to put up with seeing my face everyday for the next six weeks" I say.

"Sorry about that, I know he isn't as pretty as me but still he is a good second best" my dad says.

"Hey, I get my looks from you" I say laughing.

"Well while your all here would anyone like a drink?" Summer says.

"No we are good thanks, once the kids have had fun with the truck I have a fire truck cake to get back and eat so long as no calls come in" my dad says.

"Wait fire truck cake?" Lisa says.

"Yes, it turns out you made my birthday cake" my dad says.

"Oh! Your the fire fighter who's birthday it is today. Happy birthday" Lisa says followed by all Lisas family saying happy birthday wishes to my dad.