Naia's POV

This couldn't be happening. I've always dreamed about having someone adopt me but that was when I lived with the Samuals. Even though I haven't been with Matt and Gabby for very long, I loved living with them and being able to see the people at Firehouse 51 so often.

"Congratulation!" Stella said from her spot at the counter, but I didn't say anything back.

Should I be happy? I should be happy. I'd finally have a home, a family, but I wasn't. In fact, I was actually sad.

"Oh." Was all I could muster. Beside me, Shay placed a hand on my knee.

"You can come visit anytime you want." She said and Sylvie nodded her agreement.

Gabby came over and I stood up to give her a hug.

"I'll miss you so much." She whispered into my ear.

I started crying now. I didn't want to leave.

Tomorrow came rather fast. Right after Gabby had told me I was being adopted, a call came in, something about a car accident. Nobody was hurt which was a good thing but that call gave me some time alone to think about things.

"Are you ready?" Matt asked me. We were getting ready to leave since Matt and Gabby's shift was over. I nodded and Gabby took my hand.

"Where are we meeting him?" I asked. "James right, his name is James?"

Gabby nodded, "Yes, James. Do you know the cafe at the corner of Nelson and Hutch?" I shook my head no. "Oh, well, we're meeting him there."

"Will I go with him today?" I inquired.

"Probably, Mandy called last night and said she would be there so I'm guessing." Gabby told me and I bit lip to hold back a flood of tears.

We all got into Gabby's car and the whole drive home was silent. Completely silent. As soon as we got into the apartment, Gabby's phone rung and she picked up.

"Hello, Gabby speaking." She said in a monotone voice. "Oh, hi Mandy."

I would have wanted to punch Mandy if she wasn't so nice. Instead though, I listened in on their conversation.

"Oh really? Yes, I'll be sure to tell her. I'll see you soon, bye." Gabby let out a frustrated noise and hung up.

Matt and I exchanged concerned looks. "Is something wrong?" Matt asked and Gabby shook her head.

"No, no. James has decided that he wants to adopt Naia." Gabby said, putting her stuff down. "He's coming here at around 2:30 to pick her up."

None of us spoke for a second.

"He wants to adopt her before he even meets Naia?" Matt asked, a bit taken back.

Gabby nodded, "Apparently he says that it doesn't really matter because he'll love her no matter what."

"That's good." Matt said but he didn't sound like he really meant it.

I didn't want to go but then I felt like I would be disappointing Matt and Gabby if I told them so I kept my mouth shut.

When 2:30 came, Gabby called me out from my room and I came, lugging a duffel bag containing all of my items.

"Sweetie come here." Gabby said and opened her arms. I dropped the bag and ran into Gabby's arms. I tried my best not to cry but a few tears slipped. Matt joined the hug, wrapping his arms around us.

I could have stayed there forever but a knock on the door interrupted us. I thought my heart was going to burst from sadness. Matt went and opened the door.

"Hi, you must be James, I'm Matt." Matt introduced himself as he opened the door. He and James shook hands, "Come in." I saw that Mandy was also there. Gabby and Matt said hi to her as well.

James walked in and we made eye contact. I quickly looked at his shoes.

Matt, Gabby, Mandy and James talked for a good half an hour and I didn't listen to a single word about what they were saying. At last, the dreaded moment came and James signed the adoption papers.

"Do you want me to carry your bag?" He offered, holding out his hand.

I shook my head, "Thank you but I'll be okay." I looked at Gabby who was talking to Mandy. When she saw me looking, she gave me a sad smile.

"Well, I think it's time. I mean, technically I haven't adopted you until we go to court, but I plan on doing that." James said, smiling at me. He seemed like a nice person.

I looked at him for the first time, "Can I say bye to them?"

He nodded, "Of course."

"Thank you." I whispered to Matt and Gabby as I gave them a hug. They hugged me back.

"No, thank you Naia." Gabby said. Matt just gave me a noogie on the head.

We held onto each other for some time and it was actually Mandy who finally pulled us apart.

I gave them one last look before following James out of the apartment.