Chapter 3 — Bull
Bull took three days off but needed to get back to the fire station. His EMTs, Matt and Nolan were capable but without his lead, they'd be out of employment. Rather, the entire fire station needed him and Bull didn't want to let anyone down.
Bull moved slowly through his work, a stack of paperwork sat in his corner of the small station office. He scarcely talked to anyone on his first day back and when he got off, he dodged his roommate's attempt to hang out at the local bar. He went to bed, curled into the covers and fell asleep. His dreams lately had often begun with Serena's belly growing with Randy's child.
Serena didn't mention her relationship with Randy again when Bull saw her after days of avoiding her. Bull had been avoiding any attempt of seeing her, sparsely texting back, and politely turning down her lunch invites. Serena realized what was going on and her face grew sadder. Bull hated doing this to her, but his heart ached more.
Bull told himself it would only going to get worse especially when there may be a kid involved. He doesn't want to show up to their child's birthday parties and graduations like a shadow in the background, grimacing with heartbreak at Serena and Randy's family portraits.
* * *
Two weeks passed and Bull and Serena barely spoke beyond work stuff. They went out a few times for a few meetings but it was cordial. Bull knew if he kept this pouting up much longer he might ultimately lose her as a friend.
He'll miss her smile and pleasant humming around the office but he never asked what if it was his fault for leaving Serena in the first place. There was a time where they were nearly a couple, but when Randy became fire chief, things changed after that.
Bull tried to slip out of the fire station unnoticed, but Serena who was working late caught up to him. "Bull!" Serena said grabbing the sleeve of his hoodie with her delicate little fingers. She looked worried as she looked up, her eyes were gleaming. "You're headed back home already? I'm done with my article on the station and the guys and I were going to go out and grab some sushi at that karaoke bar down the road. I was hoping you'd come along?"
Bull wished he could say yes, wished he could agree to go along and have a good time. He wished he could strut semi-buzzed onto the stage and belt out some classic rock & roll while Serena looked on laughing fondly under the rose-colored lights because it was so easy to get addicted to having her look at you that way. Bull smiled weakly before tilting his head, he tried to look as remorseful as possible. "I would, but I'm just really tired. Raincheck?"
"Oh yeah, get some rest then," Serena said, letting go of his sleeve. Before Bull can smile and make for the door, Serena wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him into a tight hug, balling the back of his sweatshirt into her fists, she rested her face against his chest and sighed, "I've missed you, Bull."
Bull felt the backs of his eyes stinging, so he closed them as he rested his lips against the top of Serena's head, smelling her shampoo and felt suffocated. "Yeah, I've just been exhausted. So much going on…" Bull muttered against her hair and Serena squeezed him tighter, practically trying to bury herself in his chest. "It's not going to be forever, Rena, I promise." Bull felt Serena squeeze him a little tighter before she pulled off him gasping. She put on her brave face and patted his shoulder. "I won't ever forget, Bull. Don't you ever either?"
"I won't, Rena," Bull said walking off.