Playing with fire (Amelia Shepherd) ABANDONED

Seventeen

"Okay, let's go over the list again," Amelia said the next morning, emptying Mallie's bag out on the kitchen table.

"For the sixth time?" Mallie said.

"You're going to fight wildfires in LA. Yes, for the sixth time. I need to know you're prepared and that you have everything you need," Amelia said.

"Okay," Mallie relented. "Go on," she said.

"Toothbrush and toothpaste," she said. Mallie put them in the bag. "Pyjamas and clean clothes," she said. Mallie put them in the bag. "Hairbrush and hairties," she said. Mallie put them in the bag. "Spare fire shirts," she said.

"Yeah," Mallie said, adding them to the bag, too. "And the rest of my things are in my travel bag at the station," she said.

Amelia sighed and locked her phone, looking at Mallie.

"Do you have to go?" she said.

"You know I do," Mallie said. Amelia pouted and wrapped her arms around Mallie's waist. Mallie kissed her forehead, rocking them from side to side. "I'll be fine," she said.

"It's only ten percent contained and it's burned fifty thousand acres so far. And your uncle died from a fire related death less than two weeks ago. And your sister is using and you two fought at said uncle's funeral yesterday. Forgive me for being worried," Amelia said.

"Aye, Amelia, I'll be fine," Mallie sighed.

"What if you die?" Amelia said seriously. "What if you get hurt and you don't come home? What if this is the last time I ever see you?" she said.

"It won't be. You really think my team is gonna let anybody else die? Ripley's death, that was because of the cleaning products they used in the factory. There won't be any of that outside fighting wildfires. And, hey, I will always come home to you," Mallie said.

"But what if you don't?" Amelia said quietly.

Mallie cupped her cheeks, kissing her softly on the lips.

"Amelia, listen to me," she said.

"Okay," Amelia whispered.

"I've never felt at home anywhere. Growing up, I felt like the black sheep of the family. I always felt like I didn't really fit at the hospital. Sometimes, I still feel like I don't fit at the station. But I get to come home to you and that, that is my home. You are my home, and now I've finally got one, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I never lose it again," Mallie said seriously.

Amelia buried her face in Mallie's neck and Mallie felt the tears soaking her skin. Mallie felt her heart break at the thought of her career choice making Amelia feel scared enough to cry.

"It's okay, amor," Mallie whispered. Amelia shook her head and Mallie carefully lifted Amelia up so her legs were wrapped around Mallie's waist.

She carried them to the couch and sat down, wrapping her arms around Amelia's waist again, kissing her temple as she cried.

"I'm going to be okay. I promise, mi amor, I'm gonna come back to you," Mallie whispered.

"I don't want you to die," Amelia cried.

"I don't want to die, either. I'm gonna do my best to stay safe," Mallie assured her.

They sat in silence for a few minutes until Mallie's phone rang in her pocket. She pulled it out, seeing it was Maya.

"Maya, hey," Mallie said, putting her phone to her ear.

"Hey, we're leaving in an hour. You on your way in?" she said.