The howling winds whistled and moaned, rocking the trees to and fro. The branches creaked with the force, brushing together to create a rustle of chaos through the forest. A storm was a foot. The smell of rain gathered in the atmosphere as dark clouds rolled on in from the south. This was just great. Fantastic.
I sighed and picked up my pace. There was no way I'd make it back home in time. I grumbled, angry that I'd waited so long to go home from that party. It was pretty boring, but I'd promised my friends I'd go for a little, so I'd forced myself to stay. Too long apparently. The party was only about a twenty minute walk from my home, but the storm wouldn't wait for me to make it.
"Shit,"
The first few rain drops started to fall before it suddenly turned into a monsoon. I groaned and scurried under a tree for shelter, wrapping my jacket even tighter around my arms. This was horrible. I really hated my friends at the moment. And myself.
I took out my phone to try and call my daughter, who was at home to see if she'd pick me up, but it was dead. I let out a growl of frustration. She'd wanted me to go out and have fun because, according to her I was a hermit. I didn't go out often and we both knew that. Though I was sure she wouldn't have pushed me if she knew how awful it would be.
The sound of a vehicle approaching caught my attention. I lifted my head and noticed a sheriffs car rounding the corner. Well hopefully they'd help me out of this mess.
Thunder cracked overhead causing me to jump. I ran out from under the tree and over to the car, waving my arms in hopes of getting their attention.
"Hey!" I called.
To my relief, the car screeched to a halt. The window rolled down and a wide eyed woman poked her head out. "Oh jeez what are you doing out in this? Come on get in! Let me give you a lift home," She offered, before I could even ask.
"Thank you!" I breathed, and ran to the passengers side, hopping in. "You're a life saver," I chuckled and ran a hand through my wet hair.
"Happy to help. You okay?" She continued driving slowly, and I nodded.
"Yea, yea, just got caught in the monsoon here on my way home. I was going to call my daughter for a ride but to top it off, my phone was dead," I chuckled softly at my own mis fortune.
"Damn, that makes for a rough night," The sheriff spoke, glancing over at me with a sympathetic look.
"Oh yea," I agreed with a snort.
"I'm Sheriff Jody Mills by the way," she introduced, and I smiled.
"I'm Dr. Y/N Y/LN," I replied with a grin.
"Doctor huh? That's pretty awesome," She commented, her smile widening. I couldn't help smiling back.
"Yea. I'm a surgeon. Takes a lot of work but its worth it,"
Jody's eyes were wide. "Thats incredible. You must save lots of lives," She commented, stopping at a red light.
"Well you too Sheriff," I nudged her and she chuckled.
"So where am I taking you?" Jody asked.
"Ah yes, it might help if I gave you an address huh?" I laughed softly, as did Jody. "You'll keep going straight for a couple blocks and turn left on Fairview. My house is in the middle of the block on the right hand side," I instructed.
"Super," She began to drive again as the light shifted to green.
"So you know what I'm doing out here. What about you? I hope you're not having to work much in this," I said.
"Well actually I'm just on my way home from work now, back to my girls," She smiled, and I tilted my head.
"You have kids too?"
She nodded. "Yea. Alex and Claire. I took them in as my own when they had nowhere to go," She said softly. "And Patience. She's got a family of her own, but she lives with me now after her dad kicked her out,"
My eyes were wide. "Wow. You're amazing for helping them. You sound like a wonderful mom," I said gently.
Jody looked over at me, her brown eyes soft. "Well...It's a challenge, but I do my best,"
I nodded. "I can understand that. I've been a single parent for all of her life. Sixteen years to be exact," I opened up. "And...Well, being in the medical industry it was hard to be there for her, but my Mom helped me so much before she passed a year ago,"
"I'm sorry for your loss," Jody spoke softly. "Though I'm so glad you had her there to help you too. You sound like a wonderful parent as well,"
Soon, we'd pulled up in front of my house. The light was on, and I could see Nina, my daughter, pacing through the window.
"Oh no...Do you have the time?" I asked Jody.
She checked her watch. "Ten thirty," She replied and I cursed.
"I told Nina I'd be back at ten. She must be worried...I'm never late," I unbuckled my seat belt, and turned to Jody. "Thank you so much for helping me out, and having a chat with me," I grinned, and Jody mimicked my smile.
"Glad to. Here," She handed me her card. "In case you ever find yourself stuck in another downpour," She tossed me a wink and I chuckled.
"Thank you sheriff," I gave her a two fingered salute.
"Anytime Doc," She smirked, and waved as she drove off.
I hurried up to the door with a fond smile on my face and knocked on the door. Within a moment it was swung open and Nina sighed in relief, hugging me tightly. "Jesus Where have you been? I tried calling!"
"I'm sorry baby, my phone died on me and I got caught in the storm, but the sheriff helped me out," I explained, entering the house and shutting the door behind me.
Nina pulled away and noticed the small smile on my lips. "Huh....So the party went well I take it?" She raised a brow.
I laughed. "God no it was awful,"
Nina snorted. "Then what's that smile for?"
"Sheriff Jody Mills," I breathed, and Nina broke into a wide grin.
"Ooh! You thought she was cute!"
I slid of my shoes and shrugged, that dumb grin still on my face. "And if I did?" I challenged, ruffling my little girls hair.
"Well then you owe me! If I hadn't pushed you to go, you wouldn't have met her!" Nina grinned, proud of herself.
I laughed, and took off my soaking jacket, hanging it by the radiator to dry. "Maybe I do baby," I pulled her into my arms again and kissed her head. "Now come on, you've got school tomorrow, you should get ready for bed,"
"Aw! Can't we just watch an episode of Brooklyn 99? Please?" She gave me puppy eyes and I laughed.
"Okay okay, I do owe you don't I?" I teased, and she cheered.
"Yes!" She ran off to turn on the T.V and I smiled lovingly after her. Maybe she'd get along with Jody's girls? My eyes drifted down to the card that was still in my hand. Well Jody Mills, I'll be giving you a call real soon.