The Next Day
Naia's POV
I woke up extremely sore from yesterday. We went rock climbing and let me just say, I prefer running. I realized now how much I lacked arm strength.
"Happy Birthday!" Gabby and Matt said at the same time when they walked into my room. I smiled at them but didn't make an effort to get up. Today was my birthday. The first birthday I'd spend without Ellie.
"Thanks." I said, putting my arms behind my head.
Gabby sat down by my feet, "You need to get up. We need to get to the firehouse so we're on time for our shift."
"Okay, I'll be ready." I replied, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.
"You're twelve today kiddo!" Matt told me as we approached the firehouse.
I nodded, "Doesn't feel very different from eleven to be honest."
"Nothing? No difference from yesterday?" Gabby asked me and I laughed.
"Well, I'm much more sore than I was yesterday."
Matt and Gabby laughed. I noticed that nobody was outside the firehouse. It was rather chilly outside although it was still strange that nobody was washing any of the firetrucks or drilling something. Gabby opened the side door and I walked in, followed by Matt.
"Happy Birthday!"
The lights turned on to reveal everybody apart of Firehouse 51 standing in a semi circle. I'll admit, I jumped a little but nobody noticed.
"Aww, you didn't have to do this." I said, looking around at the balloons and decorations that were put up. "How long did this take?"
Herrmann shook his head, "A few of us came before shift and blew up some balloons, it's not a big deal."
"Technically, you're party isn't until later but we thought we'd surprise you when you first came." Jimmy added.
Foster nodded her head, "It isn't everyday you turn twelve!"
"Alright everybody! Gather around! It's present time!" Gabby said and everybody shuffled closer to the table I was sitting at. Today so far was an awesome day. About half an hour ago, Dr. Manning and Dr. Choi showed up. Boy did they look happy when I said hi to them.
"Open mine first!" Shay said, pushing a wrapped gift towards me. Tentatively, I tore apart the wrapping and revealed a cardboard box. Unsure, I looked up at Shay who nodded.
"Go on, I promise it's not a prank." Shay said, making me giggle a little bit. I finally opened the box to reveal a necklace that had my name, Naia, hanging from it.
"Oh, thank you!" I said as I put it on, "I love it!" I got up and gave Shay a hug.
She ruffled my hair, "No problem squirt."
It took a while but I got through all of my presents and loved every single one.
"Thank you so much." I said to everyone.
Cruz gave me a wink, "You don't have to say it but I know who's gift you liked the best.
"Not so fast Cruz," Matt said, looking over at Gabby who nodded at him, "Gabby and I haven't given Naia her gift yet."
I shook my head, "You guys gave me a new life, that's already enough."
"Well, it's a bit late now." Gabby joked, "Come on in guys!"
I wasn't sure what to expect but it wasn't this. Ellie came running in, followed by Shane and Thomas and then their new foster parents.
"Ellie!" I screamed and ran to her. We hugged and I felt two thuds as Shane and Thomas joined us. I started bawling and I knew Ellie was too. "You came!" I said between my sobs.
Ellie laughed shakily, "Of course I came. I've spent all of you birthdays with you, I wasn't going to stop now."
"I thought I would never see you guys again." I whispered.
Shane laughed, "You can't get rid of us that easily."
Apparently, I couldn't.