Bette arrived home at 5.30pm, feeling thoroughly exhausted. It was the first time in months that she actually was home from her gallery at a reasonable hour.
She was starving as she had skipped lunch and thought to herself that she was sick of take out food.

Although her culinary skills left a lot to be desired she decided to cook a simple stir fry for dinner. She rarely felt like cooking for just one but tonight she thought why not.

Bette went to the store and picked up what she needed and returned home. She got out the wok and put some olive oil in, turned on the gas and waited for the oil to heat up.

While waiting, Bette went and sat on the couch in the lounge room. She found herself exhausted, so she grabbed a book to keep her occupied.

Half an hour later a loud audible alarm was screeching, startling Bette. Momentarily she was in shock, realizing where she was and that it was her smoke alarm going off.
Bette: *****, *****, *****, I fell asleep on the couch!! she screamed.

Bette could smell smoke and realized there was a red glow coming from the kitchen. She immediately approached the kitchen and saw the flames at the stove.

Bette: OMG, I forgot about the oil.

Bettes first instinct was to grab a container full of water and try and put out the relatively small flame.
This only made matters worse as the water had the reverse affect and soon the flames were rising.

Bette gave up and grabbed her cell phone calling 911, then proceeded to run out of the apartment and wait for the fire brigade.

A few minutes later she heard sirens and the L.A. fire department were there. There were 4 fire fighters that emerged from the truck, wearing their protective clothing including the oxygen tanks and masks.

Bette: Thank god youre here, in here, in here. Bette showed the fire fighters where the flames were coming from.

They gathered their hoses and extinguishers, and went into the apartment while Bette looked on. A crowd had gathered in the street and Bettes neighbours, had ran out to see if she was O.K., which she assured them she was.

The fire fighters entered her kitchen where the flames were getting larger and larger, and proceeded to extinguish the fire.

Approximately 45 minutes later the fire was extinguished, leaving the kitchen, dining and lounge rooms saturated in water and foam. Fortunately there was not too much damage to the structure of the apartment, Bette would have to get the kitchen remodeled, but otherwise everything else was relatively unscathed.

As 3 of the fire fighters were packing up the equipment, the 4th one approached Bette to ascertain what happened and let her know the extent of the damage.

The fire fighter still had on the oxygen tank and mask and was removing it while approaching Bette.

Bette was just staring at her apartment thinking to herself, what the *uck have I done? I am never cooking again! EVER!!! when someone lightly tapped her shoulder.

Fire Fighter: Excuse me are you Ms Porter the one who rang 911?
Bette: YeahIm Ms Porter, Bette Porter Bette replied as she turned around to see who was speaking to her.

At that moment Bettes eyes fixed on the fire fighters eyes. Bette immediately focused all her attention on those eyes. There was something about those eyes that seemed so..soulful.

Both of them, without realizing stood there for a moment just staring at each other.
The fire fighter was the first to break the gaze.

Fire Fighter: UhmIm Chief Kennard, Tina Kennard, LA Fire Department.

( Tina felt something too and was feeling a little flustered about the moment she just shared with this woman. She thought to herself, Just give her the info. and go home. You can figure out what the ***** that was later.)

Tina: Ms Porter the situation is the fire is completely extinguished. We were able to put out the flames before they spread to far, but your kitchen is pretty much ruined, otherwise the apartment is safe now to re- enter, however I suggest you stay with a friend or relative tonight and survey the damage in the morning.

Bette: ( still looking Tina in the eyes ) Thank you.I am glad.

Tina was a little uncomfortable with this feeling she was experiencing looking at Bette, so she thought better to get on with it. Tina cut Bette off Ms Porter, I just need to know how the fire startedfor the report, and we will be on our way.

Bette was in awe of this womans eyes, she couldnt seem to look away. Even though Tina had her yellow fire fighter coat on and looked a little worse for wear ( well she did just extinguish a fire) Bette still seemed drawn to this womans eyes, and thought to herself there was something about Tina Kennard that was ..breathtaking!.

Tina: Ms Porter..Hellooooo. Did you hear me?

Bette: Sorry Please call me Bette and What was the question?

Tina: O.K. Bette,. How did the fire start?

Bette: Well Bette proceeded to tell Tina about the events of the evening adding at the conclusion and that being said I swear I will never attempt to cook again!

Tina took down the details of Bettes story and with a slight chuckle, Thanks Bette, thats all I need, if you dont have any further questions we will be on our way

Bette was racking her brain trying to think of any excuse for Tina to stay for a little while longer What is it about her, Get a grip Porter.

Bette: I really appreciate you coming to rescue my apartment for me, maybe one day I could return the favor?
Tina was thinking, Is she flirting with me? No, Im just high on adrenaline from the fire ordeal, but what is it about this woman? She is..breathtaking. Get a grip Kennard..

Before Tina could answer her eyes met Bettes once again and both women just gazed at each other, neither one wanting to break their contact.

Unit 411 we need urgent assistance at a motor vehicle accident scene on route 10, please respond, over? Tinas 2 way radio screeched and immediately Tina broke the gaze.

Tina: Roger that were on our way, ETA 10 minutes, over

Tina: Gotta go it was nice to meet you Bette Porter

Before Bette could respond Tina jumped into the fire truck, sirens blaring and she was gone.