Andy's whole world was spinning. She was sure she had lost her mind. Why would he do that? Still the bigger question, how could she have returned the kiss?

She stood in the hallway, her mind racing with thoughts. She needs clarity and even tho now wasn't the right time, she needed it. So against her better judgement she went straight back out on the roof.

Robert in the meantime was feeling quite chirpy. This was now his chance; He could win her over and that kiss proved it. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard as he thought.

He heard the door open and he saw her, tears streaking down her face as she walked to him.

Her eyes now met his while she spoke "Why? Why'd you do that?" her voice now breaking. She knew guys his type and he'd only bring her pain, yet whatever happened between them made her want more.

Both looking at each other as if their life depended on it. Robert finally spoke "I think you know why. I'm intrigued by you and..."

He was cut off by a loud ring from Andy's phone that startled them both. She reached in her pocket, quickly answering seeing the name on the screen while motioning at Robert to wait.

"Hey Dad"

"Hey Andy. It's Snuffy. Kiddo, something's happened and your dad is in the hospital."

Andy froze, she couldn't be hearing this right. This had to be a joke.

"Which one is he at?"

Robert was curious about what was happening. She wasn't okay before but after that call she was wrecked. She was a mess.

"Ok I'm on my way" he heard her say.

"Can we talk about this tomorrow. I've gotta go" she said running off. The pain clear in her voice. Whatever she heard, had her on the verge of a breakdown, Robert thought.

He decided to follow her down this time.

She ran to her bunk and only grabbed her purse. She came back out from her room and headed straight outside, jumped in her car and took off.

He wondered what could make her leave in such a rush and he doubts anyone knows where she went. He decided he would wait up a while to see if she would return.

Andy was lost, she can't lose her dad. Not now, this would break her. She hasn't even graduated the academy yet. She looked at the time and it was 9pm she still had an hour left to get to Seattle.

The crazy driving skills she put on brought her to Seattle soon. She made her way to the hospital and rushed inside.

"Looking for Pruitt Herrera" she said as she reached the reception area.

"Room 205"

She ran frantically through the halls looking for 205. She made a sudden halt once she spotted the room. She could see him, so fragile laying in bed.

She went in and stood beside the bed. She then ran her hand against his face. "Dad, you promised you'd be okay. I'm not ready yet. I can't lose you too." She was crying so hard she didn't realize that Pruitt had waken up.

"Andrea"

"Papi, you're okay." she said while hugging him as tight as she could.

"I'm okay mija, just a little bump in the road. How'd you know.."

"Snuffy called and I left the academy and cane straight here."

Pruitt chuckled. "I should've known. Where's the old guy?"

"I'm right here probie." Snuffy spoke as he walked in.

The entire time Snuffy was standing at the window. He wanted to give them some time together before he interrupted.

"Thanks for getting her. I need to talk to Andrea. Give me a few minutes"

Snuffy nodded and walked out.

Pruitt knew he was on his last leg, he really wasn't feeling well but he needed to make sure Andy would be okay. She also didn't need to know he was sick.

He beckoned her to move closer and sit beside him. "You know I love you right?"

"Ofc Dad. I mean I'm the best daughter in the world."

He laughed. "I want you to be happy Andrea. Soar and go after your goals. Don't let anyone make you feel inferior, I raised you to be strong and resilient. I want you to promise me something"

"Okay dad, what is it?"

"Don't let anyone who runs the station not treat everyone likes family" Andy chuckled.

"You're in the hospital and you're still thinking about work."

"Also, promise me that whatever happens, you'll still be the Andrea I know. The one who faces her fears, a strong willed woman and that you'll find happiness."

"I promise. I love you Dad" she said as she rests her head on his chest crying and he soothed her by rubbing her back to calm her down.

"Love you too mija"

Andy stayed like that, just that feeling of comfort from her Dad. It was soon interrupted by the loud beeping of the machines.

She felt his hand fall from her and she looked up only to see him crashing.

"I need some help in here!" She shouted throughout the room.

"Dad you can't go yet. We still need more time. I-I can't lose you now" she spoke while sobbing as she held on to him not letting go.

Dr Bailey came in and made of the nurses take her out so they could try to save Pruitt.

"I'm not going, he needs me beside him"

"Andy, we can't stay" Snuffy said while leading her out.

"But he needs me, we were just talking" she let out as she started crying uncontrollably.

Dr. Bailey and her team had started compressions and were doing all they could to bring Pruitt back.

They did all they could but they all heard the flatline and they knew that was it.

Andy ran off not being able to deal with the loss and them telling her those 7 words 'We're sorry, we did everything we could'. She saw it and knew it happened but those words would make it a reality.

While running she collided with someone. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she said while helping the doctor take up whatever files just scattered on the floor.

"It's okay. Do you need somewhere to take a breather?" The doctor asked

"No, I'm good. Just going to head outside." Andy then quickly rushed off and sat in her car.

'This can't be happening.' The phrase that she echoed over and over in an attempt to let it all not be real. After 15 mins it clicked to her that she had no idea what happened to her dad. One minute she hears he's in the hospital and the next he's dead. They must've done something wrong.

She made her way back inside to at least get some closure.

Robert back at the academy was starting to worry. He's pretty sure she hasn't left like this and he's not sure what to do. He kept thinking why would she bolt like that at that hour of the night.

It was almost 11pm and she hadn't been back yet. He paced around running through his mind where she went. Then he remembered her saying 'Hey Dad'. He wondered what her dad told her that could have her running off like that.

He didn't even have her number so he could check up on her. 'Damn it!' he yelled. It was frustration from worrying, he didn't get why he was worrying. Andy didn't mean anything to him, it was just a game to him in trying to break her.

He decided to go to bed since he didn't see her. Maybe she's staying with her Dad for the night. He also couldn't handle being worried, it wouldn't have added to his ego.

Andy walked into the hospital for the 2nd time. "Dr Bailey, what was wrong with my Dad?"

"You might want to sit down sweetie"

Andy looked at her puzzled, but sat down anyways.

"So your Dad recently found out that he had Stage 4 lung cancer. It had started to spread and there wasn't much we could do...He was on a call today and he risked his life to save a mom and her child. When he got out he collapsed and..." Dr Bailey cut what she was about to say short when she looked at Andy struggling to breathe.

"Andy I need you to breathe. We don't want anything happening to you, so breathe."

A shocked Andy wasn't able to speak. She wanted to but just couldn't vocalize her thoughts that very moment. She tried following Dr Baileys voice and let it pull her out of whatever state of panic she was in so she could breathe.

"Thank you. I've gotta go now" Andy barely spoke as she got up.

"Are you sure?"

Andy shook her head. "Yea, I've gotta get back. I came from the fire academy. They're probably wondering where I am"

Andy left and met Snuffy at the front of the hospital. "I'm sorry kid." He said while embracing her with a hug.

"Yea me too uncle Snuffy...I've gotta go okay. You stay strong"

Andy waved him goodbye and she drove off. Not having the strength to go back to the academy she went home.

Everything reminded her of him. Their house had so many memories. She grabbed an old album and as she skimmed through each page, she let out a sob. What was she supposed to do? She was now an orphan who had no one.

By the time she had finished all the albums, it was 2:30. She went to her room and decided to freshen up since she wasn't looking good. That way once she got to the academy she could just change and try to get through the day.

She grabbed her dads cap and made her way out. She took on the long journey, not looking forward to the day ahead of her.

••••••

"Hey Andy, you ready for our run?" Maya asked as she and Vic reached her door.

They opened the door and walked in. "Hey Andy, where ya at?"

They both looked at each other wondering where she was.

Both girls searched but no sign of her. They called her phone but no answer. They found it strange. Where could she be?

"There's one person who is always keeping track of her, he might know" Vic suggested.

"Yea let's go" Maya spoke.

They came to a stop at Robert's door. After the first knock he quickly opened the door. "What?!"

"Jeez, you're not a morning person" Vic blurted.

"We're looking for Andy. You're always watching her. Where would she go to hide out?"

Robert's expression changed quickly. "She's not in her room?"

"Think we'd be here if she was?" Vic responded. Maya grabbed her suggesting she calm down.

"Well I don't know where she is, sorry. Now that you've waked me I gotta go"

He couldn't believe she hadn't been back yet. He went to the bathroom and then shortly after he decided to check out the roof.

Once he got there, he saw her. He sighed in relief, closed the door behind him and bolted it. It was still very early, just minutes after 5 so it was still dark. He didn't anyone walking in and presuming anything.

"You have your friends in a panic frenzy downstairs."

"Shit. Forgot we had to run this morning." She uttered, her back facing Robert.

Andy quickly sent a message telling them she's okay. She just went out to clear her head.

"So are we going to talk now?" Robert asked.

"Why, so you can make up lies and tell me? I know you feel nothing for me and this is all an act so just cut it. What, you thought I'd crumble in pieces and laud you? I have enough to deal with as it is, I don't need you to complicate things for me."

She was angry and sad and whatever negative feelings she had, he was there so she'd take it out on him.

"Damn Herrera. Looks like you woke up on the wrong side this morning."

"You have no idea"

Robert walked closer to her. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"No. Just leave me alone"

"Andrea, you know it's good to let people in"

After those words she turned to face him. He now sees her red swollen eyes and the tear streaks rolling down her face. Suggesting she had been crying for a good while.

"Let people in" She chuckled "That's the last thing on my agenda. I don't need anyone. Thinking about it, it's the best thing for me, that way I'm never left alone again"

Robert was confused. Who left her alone?

"I'm gonna go now" Andy barely spoke.

Before she could move, Robert grabbed her and brought her to sit in a chair that they left the night before.

As he sat her down, he knelt before her and wiped her tears. "You may not like me or even want to talk to me now, but you don't wanna go down looking like this. I'm the only one who gets to tease you"

Andy's head was all over the place and now he was giving her mixed emotions. She meant what she said but his soft side only kept fighting against her better judgment.

She looked at him, "You know you talk too much, it only gets me irritated" she said as she brought her lips to his. It was her way to distract herself. 'I shouldn't be doing this' she kept repeating in her head but she still wouldn't allow herself to stop.

"Andrea, you know you can't take advantage of me like this" Robert whispered in her ear.

"I need this okay. You're a good distraction right now."

She kissed him more passionately and within seconds he was lifting her up, her legs wrapped around him as he now sat on the chair with her in his lap.

She eventually pulled away catching her breath. "You're not a bad kisser Robert Sullivan. I'm leaving now, I've gotta go freshen up and ensure the girls know I'm not dead."

She left him hazed. She was his conquest but at the looks of things, it seems she was slowly pulling him on a string.

Andy quickly took another shower and went to go find Vic and Maya. She went in Maya's room where she saw them.

"Well look what the cat dragged in. You've finally decided to show yourself." Vic commented

"I know. I'm sorry. Had a rough night, rough can't even describe it" she said while falling to the floor as she broke down.

"Hey, Hey. Andy what happened?"

"My-my Dad"

May and Vic looked at each other. "You said he was okay yesterday, what happened?"

"Turns out he hasn't been."

"What?!" Maya gasped.

"He's been sick and he didn't tell me."

"How'd you find out?" Vic asked while rubbing her back as Andy cried in her arms.

"Because...well...he Umm, he died last night"

Both girls shocked, unable to move. "He died?" Vic asked as the tears ran down her face.

"Yes, I was there..."

"Andy,"

"I saw him leave me all alone in this world. He won't even see me graduate"

Maya joined Vic on the floor hugging and providing whatever comfort they can to Andy. Her whole world just got turned upside down and she was a mess.

It took some time but they eventually got ready to grab breakfast and then start training.

Andy barely ate and the girls were concerned about how she would hold up. They weren't the only one; Robert too had been keeping an eye on her. He found her behavior odd and with signs of her crying for long periods, he was curious about what was happening.

It was now time for training and all the recruits made their way to the Auditorium. The trainers were grouped together having a discussion but they left all looking worried.

"Morning recruits. Today we'll be doing ladder training. We'll meet outside in 10 mins. Get your gear and bring your A-game"

Everyone nodded and made their way off. "Herrera, a word" the trainer spoke as Andy was about to leave.

Everyone started gossiping and made assumptions.

Two trainers brought Andy to the office and closed the door. "Have you heard from your father recently?"

She knew where this was going and it put immense pressure on her to not have a breakdown.

She closed her eyes hoping it would make things easier. "Yes, I spoke to him yesterday"

The trainers each looked at each other. The female trainer took the lead in speaking "Andrea, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but we just got news that your Dad passed last night."

Andy could feel the burst of tears coming. She tried with everything she could to hold it back. She opened her eyes, now red and filled with water. The only words she managed to let out "Thanks. Can I go?"

They could see she was in pain and was struggling. "The Chief is coming by today to speak with you about funeral arrangements. After that you can go home to make any necessary plans for the funeral on Sunday."

"Ok sir" Andy got up and left. She was very brittle and she didn't know how long she could hold out for.

She ran to get her gear so she could drown herself in work.

As she put on her turnouts, she looked up only to see Robert closing the door, "You're everywhere"

"Well I have to keep an eye on you. Were you crying again?"

"Still don't wanna talk. You'll hear about it soon either way." She said as she walked towards him.

She needed a distraction and he was perfect for it. She pulled him by his coat and pushed him against the stall. Now tipping on her toes, she brought his lips to hers. It was a soft kiss but it was filled with pain, she needed something to make the pain go away.

"You know at some point, you'll need to stop using me." Robert chuckled.

"We're both using each other, win win. Just stop talking"

The kiss intensified as they fought for dominance. Robert now lifted Andy and her back was now against the stall. She's sure she can feel the shock of love or whatever running through her veins but it didn't matter. She was forgetting everything else and that's all she needed.

He started trailing kisses along her neck and while she loved it, she felt empty when his lips left hers so she brought him back.

Both caught up in their own world didn't realize the door had opened. "Andy you here?" Vic called out.

She walked in looking for Andy but was shocked at what she saw before her eyes.

"Am I interrupting?" Vic spoke loudly as she looked at them.

A frightened Andy eased herself off Robert as they both acted like teenagers getting caught. Vic looked at Robert with disappointed eyes while she dragged Andy off.

"What the hell was that?"

"Nothing. He's my coping method"

Vic shook her head "Coping?!?! You know what, We'll finish this convo later."