Author's note: Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews. I know the last two chapters were not really positive, but I told you a few days ago that I had a scene idea in my mind since the beginning of this story and I needed to build a story to achieve it. So here is the chapter with that scene. Hope you'll like or even love it! ;)
I apologize for some grammatical errors or conjugations, I do my best.
I wish you a great weekend! Have a good read!
MATT'S POV
I have no idea where Gabby is right now, so I told Cruz to drive towards our apartment. I'm so angry right now; angry with her and most of all, angry with me for failing to see how bad she was. I know she was a little depressed, but not about to run out.
When we arrive in front of our apartment, I jump off the truck and go to the front door by running. Hermann follows me, as well as all the boys.
Once inside, I find a really quiet apartment. Gabby is not here. I went to our bedroom and our closet and I see that some of her clothes are not here anymore.
"She's gone…" I whisper, coming back to the living room. Otis is sitting on the couch; he's watching Gabby's laptop which was still on the coffee table.
"Lieutenant, she seems to have booked a flight for tonight…" He says to me.
"WHAT?" I look at him with big eyes.
"Yes, according to this page web, she has booked a ticket for the Chicago-Miami flight…" Otis answers, not really knowing what to say anymore.
"What time her plane is due to take off?" I ask him.
"7pm, lieutenant." Hermann answers. I look at my watch, the one Gabby has offered me for our six months together, and it's almost 5.45pm. "We must hurry if we want to stop her! Let's go back to the truck, and we're going to O'Hare RIGHT NOW! With the horns on, if it's necessary. I don't care!" I say, leaving the apartment.
On our way to O'Hare airport, I take my phone and I try to call Gabby, but she never answers me. So I go the United Airlines' website and try to book a plane ticket to be able to going through security at the airport and find Gabby before it's too late.
GABBY'S POV
Due to my injury and my crutches, I had access to a priority check-in upon my arrival at the airport. So, I'm already waiting at the departure gate. I'm sitting in an armchair, giving onto the large frontal window provides by which we see the landing and take-off strips.
It's almost 6pm, and the boarding only in start in 40 minutes. So I stay here, in total silence, lost in my thoughts, watching the planes taking off or landing.
I'm not capable to answer my phone which never stops ringing. I figure that Sylvie hasn't kept my secret. Thus, I take my phone, see the numerous calls in absence from Matt and some other boys of the Firehouse, and decide to switch it off.
MATT'S POV
The traffic is crazy at this hour of the day, but with the sirens of the truck, we manage to sneak quickly a path. We arrive at the airport 30 minutes later.
The truck is not even completely parked that my feet have already touched the ground. I prepare my e-ticket and go to the security checks, meanwhile Hermann left inquiring about the boarding gate of the flight to Miami.
The minutes are counted.
When I arrive at the security checks, the line is immense and I have the impression that it doesn't move forward. I get impatient, and try to cross people in front of me.
"What are you doing, Sir?" An old Indian lady asks.
"Are you out of your mind?! You're waiting in line as everybody!" Another passenger shouts loudly, drawing the attention of one of the security officers.
"What's happening here?" the security agent asks with a loud voice.
"This man tries to go past us." The passenger answers.
"I'm sorry… It's just…" I say with a desperate voice and a defeated look.
"It's just what?" the nice lady asks me, compassionate.
"I don't want you to feel obligated…" I say to her. "It's just, my fiancée… My fiancée is somewhere in this airport, leaving without telling me… And I really need to stop her!" I explain her with tears building into my eyes. "We're not separated or anything, but she had a big accident a few months ago and she feels insecure… So she's leaving for having a better chance for recovery, but I really need to speak with her before it's too late… I don't want your compassion... But I would appreciate a little gesture; her flight is due to take off in… Oh my god… In less than 30 minutes…" I continue to explain, out of breath.
I see the old lady look at the security agent: "Please, let this young man take the security checks quickly… Love doesn't wait".
The security agent looks at me really skeptical, and finally tells me, compassionate: "Ok, sir, follow me please."
I turn around to face the old lady and take her in my arms: "Thank you so much, I will never forget this."
"Young man, I understand you're engaged, so just remember one thing: don't let days go by where you don't smile and hug each other. Making dumb jokes and cuddling together over a beer or a movie, or doing whatever you both love together, is one of the best parts of marriage. Don't ever take that for granted. It's an Indian marriage advice. Good luck!" she says, giving me a blink eye.
"You're my guardian angel!" I tell her, leaving quickly with the security officer.
I quickly cross the security checks, and the agent gives me the boarding gate for the flight to Miami. Hermann also sent me the number by SMS. The flight to Miami leaves in about twenty minutes.
I enter the departures terminal, I run to find the departure gate B11, hoping to find Gabby in time.
GABBY'S POV
"Your attention, please. Here's an announcement for all passengers on United Airlines flight 1760 to Miami. All passengers should prepare to board." Announce the stewardess.
This is my flight and while the term becomes closer, I feel the anxiety grow into me and my tears misted my eyes. I have no strength to get up right now. I let everybody go to the boarding counter with their tickets, and remain seated; staring into space.
MATT'S POV
"Flight 1760, nonstop service to Miami is now ready for boarding at gate B11." This announcement panics me.
My mind is focused on finding gate B11 and I really need to hurry. B16. B15. B14. B13. B12.
And finally, here is the gate B11. I stop a moment, catching my breath. I watch everything all around me trying to find Gabby. I watch towards the boarding's counter, she's not here. I watch the seats of the departure lounge, there are all empty, the boarding closing soon.
I'm totally lost, until the moment when I notice a shadowy figure that I'd recognize anywhere. It's Gabby. She's still sitting in an armchair in front of a big plate glass window, probably watching the airplanes.
Another announcement wakes me up quickly: "Your attention, please. The boarding for the flight 1760 to Miami at gate B11 is almost over."
Gabby remains sit. It gives me hope. I'm walking towards her.
While I get closer to her, I see her moving just a little. She must have perceived me in the plate glass window, but she doesn't turn around. I then put my hand on her shoulder: "Gabby" I say softly.
She has not turned around yet, but I can see that she cries. I by-pass the armchair, and I am going to kneel down in front of her, paying attention on her right leg: "Gabby, baby, what are you doing?" I ask her, not mad at all.
"Brett told you, right?" she asks, sobbing.
"Yes, but only under duress." I answer, with a small smile, taking her hands in mines. "You can't leave, Gabby. You're lost; you're upset, you're sad, you're angry… I get it, but you can't leave. You can't… You can't leave me; you can't leave your family and your friends. I need you, I desperately need you." I tell her.
She looks at me, without answering; so I continue: "What I am going to do without you? You are the hot presence my body likes squeezing. You are my other half without which I'll lose the reason." I feel some tears flowing on my cheeks.
"I love you Gabby, you're the love of my life. I need you with me, injured or not, happy or mad… I don't care, I just need you! I need to marry you as soon as possible and to spend my whole life with you." I say, taking her face in my hands to force her to look at me.
« I'm mad Matt, I'm really mad. I don't know what to do anymore. I just want to get better, and really quick. I do this for us, Matt, FOR US. Once I will get better, we'll able to enjoy our life together, to finally get married…" she tells me, crying.
"Gabby! Baby! Look at me. You are not obligated to leave for recovery, and you know it. You have to stay with me and I'll stand by you. I promise. I won't let anybody hurt you. We will find a new therapist, a new rehabilitation center; I will take a leave of absence… I will do everything! EVERYTHING! " I try to convince her to stay. She fell into my arms and I kiss her on her favorite spot on her neck.
I feel Gabby relaxing in my arms and I hear a little moan escapes her mouth. I look at her, smiling, and she tells me: "What?! Nobody could be immune to your neck kiss." I smile and we kiss again.
GABBY'S POV
The stewardess interrupts us: "Excuse-me Miss, this is the final call for the United Airlines' flight to Miami. The boarding will be over in less than five minutes."
I look at her, before returning my attention to Matt: "To repair my body is also going to help me to repair my spirit, you know. And the faster it will be done, fastest we can live our life completely, Matt."
I keep looking him straight in the eyes, squeezing his hands.
The air hostess reaches out towards me: "Miss, Do you plan to board the plane?" she asks me, insistent.
I begin to get up, not leaving Matt of the look. I love him so much; I cannot resolve to leave him.
"Why don't you come to Miami with me?" I ask him. He looks at me with surprised eyes. "You just told me, you were ready to take a leave of absence from the firehouse. It will allow us to combine pleasure with practicality: I follow one of the best physical therapy of the country; the man I love is here with me and we both enjoy some quality time far from home and under the sun… What do you think?"
Matt looks at me surprised and confused: "Are you serious?! I have no clothes, I planned nothing and I'm actually on shift..."
"And so what? I saw you have a plane ticket for this flight and… and, well, you have me. We just need each other, right?" I answer him, emotionally.
The flight attendant came to us one last time: "Miss, this is now or never. One more minute and I close the boarding."
We both look at her. I turn to Matt: "So? Are you in? If you don't want to, it will change nothing between us, I can promise you that…"
"Well, I don't see that I have much choice!" he answers me teasingly, smiling before kisses me like it was the first time, passionately; a kiss full of love and passion.
We look at the air hostess: "We are both boarding, right now!" I tell her, with a big smile on my face. In order to save time, Matt carries me to the boarding gate and to the plane while the stewardess takes my bag and my crutches.
MATT'S POV
As we are making our way to the boarding gate, Gabby in my arms; I see the old Indian lady further down. She looks at us with a big smile and gives me a little nod. I look back at her, smiling, so grateful to have crossed her path.
I'm whispering in the ear of Gabby "A person that truly loves you will never let you go, no matter how hard the situation is. I love you so much".
As we sit on the plane, I take my phone and send a text to Hermann. I don't know how chief will react, but honestly, I don't really care. I have all I need right beside me. It's time for a new adventure for the two of us.
"WHEN YOU'RE STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS, AND DON'T KNOW WHICH PATH TO CHOOSE, LET ME COME ALONG 'CAUSE EVEN IF YOU'RE WRONG, I'LL STAND BY YOU" – The Pretenders
Author's note: Since the beginning I wanted to do the Dawsey's reconciliation in an airport scene, but instead I choose the Molly's scene. I still wanted to do an airport scene with them, so I hope you liked it and you're not disappointed. See you soon in Miami! And don't forget, it's just a fiction!