Gabby's POV

We returned from the call to find Naia on the couch, asleep, with a book in her hand.

"She must have fallen asleep while reading," Brett whispered next to me. "Is she staying all night?"

I nodded. "Chief said she could stay for the night but only for today."

I walked over to her and gently pried the book out of her hands.

"Independence Day." I read the title. "No wonder she fell asleep, this book would make anybody fall asleep."

Brett took the blanket that Naia was using before and draped it over her. This made her stir a little bit but she didn't wake up.

"She's so sweet," Brett said as we both took a seat at the table.

I nodded, "I'm hoping she'll talk soon, but so far, nothing."

"What about Matt? Does she talk to Matt?" Brett asked me.

I shook my head, "Not that I know of."

Naia started whimpering in her sleep and Brett and I immediately looked over. She squirmed underneath the blanket but it wasn't until she started crying that Brett and I stepped in.

"Naia," I said as I shook her gently, "It's just a dream sweetie, wake up."

I shook her again and Naia's blue eyes opened. She looked terrified but relaxed a little bit when she saw Brett and me.

Brett smoothed back the sweaty hair on Naia's forehead.

"It was just a nightmare, you're safe here." She told the little girl.

"Do you want to tell us what it was about?" I asked her. I felt as she tensed up and I was ready to step in just in case she decided to flee like last time.

Naia shook her head and turned away from us. Brett and I exchanged glances but I shrugged it off. She was probably exhaustive and just wanted to sleep.

"Okay, sleep well Naia," I said and Brett and I left her.

There wasn't a single call after that. In the morning, Matt woke Naia up and told her to start getting ready for school. That's when I realized that I didn't bring Naia a change of clothes.

"Hey Brett, can we take a ride?" I asked, "I forgot to pack Naia some clothes and she has to go to school today."

Brett nodded, "Yeah, of course."

We hopped into the ambo and drove to the apartment. I told Brett to wait and that I would be really fast before hurrying into the apartment and up to the floor. Once in the actual apartment, I headed into Naia's room and started rummaging around for something she could wear.

It was now that I realized that Naia didn't have much.

I managed to find a pair of jeans that didn't look too worn down and a sweater that only had a couple of holes.

"You know, I really have to Naia shopping soon," I said as I hopped back into the ambo.

"Why?" Brett asked, starting the engine.

I pulled the clothes out of the little bag I had shoved them into along with a toothbrush and hairbrush, "She has practically nothing and the stuff that she does have has definitely seen better days."

"Oh, you know, that sounds like a fun bonding experience between you two!" Brett commented optimistically.

I agreed and soon we were back at the firehouse.

I thanked Brett for coming along for the ride and headed into the common room where Matt was sitting on the couch. I smiled and went to take a seat next to him.

"All ready?" Matt asked as Naia entered the room. Naia nodded and both of us stood up.

"Do you want us to walk with you to school?" I asked, totally up for it.

Naia shook her head and grabbed her backpack. I sensed that she was about to take off so I stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Remember, you have to take it easy. I told the school yesterday about your accident and that you're not to be exerting yourself. No running." I reminded her.

Naia smiled and nodded before walking in an over-exaggerated way. She waved as she turned the corner and out of sight.

"She's so sweet," Matt said from next to me.

Firetruck 81, Squad 3, Ambo 61, multiple house fire at 590 Kelsie Street

"Yeah, she really is," I said before springing into action.

"That was an interesting way to end the shift," Brett said as we walked out of the firehouse. I laughed and nodded in agreement.

"Definitely."

Brett stopped before getting into her car, "When are we going to have a girl's night? You, me and Stella?"

"Now that I have Naia, I'm not sure," I responded honestly.

Brett shook her head, "Who said Naia couldn't come with us?"

I laughed, "Naia's eleven. She's not allowed in a bar. Even if I own part of it."

"Well, who said it had to be at Molly's. Have it at one of our apartments, put on a movie, bond, all that jazz." Brett said and nodded. It sounded like fun.

"Maybe this weekend. I'll talk to Naia about it." I promised as Matt walked up next to me.

I linked arms with him and used the other arm to wave bye to Brett.

"Ready?" Matt asked me and I nodded. On our way home, I thought about what Naia was doing now. Handing in the homework she did last night? Sitting out of gym class? Learning prime factorization?

"I'm sure Naia's doing fine right now," Matt said as if reading my mind.

I gave a short laugh, "How did you know I was thinking about her?" Matt didn't answer for a moment as we turned the corner of the block.

"You always have a look on your face when you're thinking about her." He said finally.

I took this as a moment to joke around. "Is it a funny look?"

Matt shook his head, "No, it's a loving look."