Colors of Amour: Gen9.2: Snuff Amour

Author’s Note: Merry Christmas everyone, I hope the holiday season is as good to you as it has been to me. I’d like to dedicate this chapter to all of you whom read this story and would like to thank you all! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  

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I was hard at work repairing the fire truck, the dirt and grime from the engine and other parts rubbing into my clothes and underneath my fingernails. Mum and Dad let us kids (though we were no longer kids, not really since we had all graduated) open our gifts the night/hours before.

Unlike the rest, whom went to bed sleeping soundly, I couldn’t sleep and so I made my way to the fire station – my second home – to work on some upgrades for the truck because in a few hours time, all the fire fighters would ride ol’Bessie down to the orphanage, then the woman’s safe house, and then the old folks home to deliver some gifts to the community.

It might not have been much, but it was the least we could do to put a smile on some faces. So you can see why I felt the need to be at the fire station in the middle of the night. I couldn’t sleep thinking that ol’Bessie might need some repairs and fail to run.

I’d hate to disappoint anyone.

“I thought I heard someone,” laughed someone by the entrance of the fire truck garage.

I looked over catch a glance of white and black, and looked back at the truck with a hint of a smile on my lips. It was Ms. Silver Blake Cloud. She must have been sleeping over at the fire station again, as she did that sometimes. She’s the boss’s daughter and the most kindest soul, I had ever met. I even had a bit of a crush on her ever since I first met her but didn’t have the guts to act on it. She was one of those free spirit types and I couldn’t bare the thought of tying her down. She was like a rare butterfly that was better to watch out in the wild then keep locked away in a jar.

“I hope I didn’t wake you,” I said glancing at her as I hammered. Bad move on my end, as I wacked my finger with the hammer.

“Son of a b-” I cried dropping the hammer and waving my hand wildly. To prevent myself from cursing like a sailor and to lessen the pain I popping my throbbing pinkie into my mouth, tears forming in the corners of my eyes.

Ms. Cloud looked at me in the mix between concern and horror as she whispered. “Are you okay?”

I shook my hand, and after a quick assessment I knew nothing was broken, except perhaps a bruised ego. “Berry that hurt.”

“That’s what you get for working in the dark,” Silver chided.

“Yeah,” I said, pushing the door down and putting my hurt finger back in my mouth. “Copper’s totally going to make fun of me tomorrow.”

“He doesn’t have to know.” Ms. Cloud said with a smile and I smiled back gratefully. “Hey come inside with me. I’ll make us some hot chocolate. Then I’ll drive you home.”

“Why do you think I didn’t bring my car?”

“I was watching you jog here.” She said with a grin. “Now come on inside. Let me make you something hot to drink.”

“I suppose I don’t have a choice.” I said with a laugh.

“So why you not at home?” I asked her once we walked inside.

She shrugged, but I couldn’t help but notice she had stiffened slightly at the question. “No reason. Couldn’t sleep. Came here for some quiet.”

“And I come making a racket,” I said and she smiled softly, and I directed her to sit down. “I’ll make us something.”

“But I-”

“I insist.”

“Oh alright.” Ms. Cloud said with a smile.